CHECK INSIDE FOR:

The Town CrierInforming Middleville and Thornapple Township Residents

~ Spring 2020 Edition ~

• Village InformationPage 2

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• Township InformationPage 3

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• Community PicturesPage 4

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• Department of Public Works• Election Information

Page 5

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• 2020 Riverbank Music Series Concert Lineup

• Downtown ParkingPage 6

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• 2020 Community EventsPage 7

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• Emergency ServicesPage 8

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• Property Tax UpdateWhere Do My Tax Dollars Go?

Page 9

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• Joint Planning• Wellhead Protection Guide

Page 10

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• Community Garden• Middleville Market

• U.S. Census InformationPage 11

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• Paul Henry Thornapple Trail • Parks & Rec Update

• Cemetery UpdatePage 12

THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

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Green Space Development (112 E. Main St.)A.j. Veneklasen was selected from 3 very qualified

candidates for their proposed development for 112 E. Main St. located on the green space next to the Village Hall in Downtown Middleville. The winning proposal envisions a three-story mixed-use building containing approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail space on the Main Street ground level and 10-12 one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,000 sq. ft. to 1,240 sq. ft. on the upper level. The building will provide seven private residential garage parking spaces located in the lowest level of the building with access from the public parking lot south of the building. The building itself will utilize exterior building materials consistent with the streetscape and offer a level of transparency on the ground level for valuable commercial space. The placement of the building will create an attractive alleyway located between its east wall and Champs Bar & Grill, and a purposeful green space between the western wall and the Village Hall. The project will “fill the void” with an unprecedented infill development not experienced for many decades in small towns such as Middleville.

The 112 E. Main St. project has been the recipient of invaluable assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the award of grant dollars directed towards pre-development such as

site showcasing, formulation of Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and architectural allowances for engineering, design and other development costs. A.j. Veneklasen is also seeking assistance from the MEDC for Community Revitalization Program funding, Community Development Block Grants and potential credits from power companies for energy efficient building practices. The project is slated to begin construction in the summer of 2020, with completion in spring/summer of 2021. Once 112 E. Main St. is complete, the transformation and revitalization of the Village of Middleville will be showcased for everyone to enjoy. The village couldn’t be prouder of all the hard work and effort placed towards 112 E. Main St. and anticipates the growth in downtown and Village-wide to continue throughout the decade.

My Middleville DDA is excited to collaborate with the Village of Middleville on the installation of a brand-new restroom facility, to be located between the Community Pavilion and the DDA Amphitheater in Sesquicentennial park. Construction started on the restrooms in January, and the anticipated completion date is early March (weather permitting) -- just in time for our spring and summer activities to kick-off! The new facility includes two family-style restrooms, a storage & maintenance room, and drinking fountain.

a.j. Veneklasen rendering

New Restroom Facilities

Change is constant. Positive change happens with good planning, open dialog and a willingness to work together. This is evident by the good changes we experienced in 2019. These changes included the renovation of a 150-year-old building in downtown Middleville, in dire need of a new face and a new purpose. The reinvestment in downtown did not stop there, we saw the addition of an innovative shared workspace and a well-established business relocating to downtown.

The Village also saw a positive change with the addition of 50 residential units and the continued investment from Bradford White Corporation in their facility which will also bring job growth.

The amphitheater construction through the Downtown Development Authority was completed in 2019 and will be ready for families to enjoy in the spring of 2020. Construction has already started on additional public restrooms, along the Paul Henry Trail just north of the Community Pavilion, to be ready for use in June of 2020. We will see construction beginning in late spring of a multi-story mixed-use building in the green space, where the St. James Hotel was once located. Completion of this project is expected in 2021.

Hurray! We have news of the MDOT approval of the long-awaited traffic signal at M-37 and Crane Road. M-37 has been scheduled for resurfacing from the southern village line to the Kent County line. This project will begin in mid-June with ADA ramp improvements and resurfacing beginning in early July and completion by Labor Day.

This year we welcome our new Village Clerk, Glorimar Ayala, as we say good-bye to Elaine Denton who has served the Village of Middleville since 2008. Glorimar began working for the Village in 2017 as our Administrative Assistant and Deputy Clerk. She and Elaine have been working closely over the past year for a smooth transition in the Clerk’s office.

I believe the changes that occurred in 2019, as well as the projected changes, will make the Village of Middleville a better place to live, work and spend time with family and friends.Sincerely,Duane WeeksManager, Village of Middleville

From theVillage Manager's Desk

MEET THE STAFF – V ILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLE

100 E. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333

Hours: Mon-Fri from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Phone: (269) 795-3385

Website: www.villageofmiddleville.org

Middleville Village Hall

Village Council

Charles PullenPresident

Amanda FiskTrustee

Ed SchellingerTrustee

Mike CramerTrustee

Mike LytleTrustee

Phil Van NoordTrustee

Sherry RonningPresident Pro-Tempore

Village Staff

From left to right: Jim Hilton, Keith Winchester,Alec Belson, Dusty Moma, Charlie Miller, Rob Simons

Alec BelsonDPW Director

Duane WeeksVillage Manager

Glorimar AyalaVillage Clerk

Jennifer JonesGardener

Bethany StrimbackAssistant Gardener

Nichole LykeDDA Director

Tim StevensSheriff's Dept.

Middleville UnitAlexandra Longstreet

Finance Director

Robert PerglerCode Enforcement Off.

Brian UrquhartAsst. Village Manager

Planner-Zoning Admin.

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TownshipElected Offi cials

Cindy WillshireClerk

Deb BuckowingTreasurer

Mike BremerSupervisor

MEET THE STAFF – THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP

Township Staff

Brad WilliamsEnforcement Offi cer

Laura BouchardDeputy Treasurer

Catherine GettyPlanning/Zoning Adm.

Royal ShiltonFirefi ghter/Paramedic

Chad KlutmanCaptain

Sandra EglestonFirefi ghter/Paramedic

ChiefRandy Eaton

Denise PieringOffi ce Coordinator

Dan ScheuermanAssessor

Amy BrownDeputy Clerk

Greetings and welcome to the second decade of the 21st Century! The past ten years have been fraught with growth, change and challenge. I would love to hear Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin’s take on the state of our nation they helped to found. I wonder if we’ve moved in the direction they anticipated. Change is good…to a point. Thornapple Township officials and our Planning Commission are working hard on maintaining that “change-vs-no-change” dilemma. How do we grow and stay the same? How do we keep that rural flare that draws people to our community when, “they come, they see, they stay”? That is a challenge that those of us here at Thornapple Township, embrace! Check out the article regarding Planning and Zoning and our Joint Planning work with the Village.

Township officials continue to explore options regarding the relocation of our emergency services operation. As our community continues to grow and change – especially along the banks of our beautiful Thornapple River – it becomes increasingly more challenging to get ambulances and fire trucks in and out of our facility along High Street. We’ll keep you posted. A reminder that our Township Emergency Services Millage has expired and will be coming before you to be renewed. Your past decisions to have local fire and ambulance availability has served our community well. Stay tuned for further information regarding an Emergency Services Millage renewal in 2020.

The roads in Thornapple Township are in overall good condition but not in the condition they could or should be. Our Township roads currently need over $2 million to bring them all up to “almost new” shape. Ten years from now that amount will be closer to $10 million or more! The Governor’s, “fix the d_ _ _ roads,” formula does NOT include Noffke Dr. or Garbow Rd. or Parmelee Rd. The County’s focus and funding is on our “primary” roads. There is no help from the Feds or the State for our Township’s “secondary” roads. There are very few options. Had Thornapple Township residents said, “Yes,” to a road millage ten (10) years ago, I would not be sharing this message with you and our roads would be in great condition with long, productive lives. But, because there isn’t enough funding to appropriately maintain our black top roads, they continue to deteriorate. Historically, statistics show that NO municipality has passed a road millage until the roads in their respective communities were in such bad condition that the residents were disgusted enough to demand/approve a millage. By that time, many of the roads needed much more than simple resurfacing…many must be totally rebuilt…VERY expensive! The statistics and research have proven this to be true in Thornapple Township. Because the roads in Thornapple Township give the illusion that they are in good condition, our residents have turned down three (3) road millage requests in the past fifteen years. A millage/special assessment that might raise $2 million today or a special assessment/millage to raise $10 million when the roads all need to be rebuilt? Stay tuned, Township officials are exploring options.

The offices of the Treasurer, Clerk, Supervisor, Planning and Zoning, Assessing and Emergency Services at the Township have a very good working relationship and you can be assured that you – the residents of Thornapple Township – influence literally EVERY decision they face. You have been blessed with hard working officials that care. The Planning Commissions of the Township and the Village continue to work together to help our greater community grow and prosper yet maintain that small, hometown feel. This is most assuredly the perfect place to call home!

As this will be my last “official” set of thoughts for our Town Crier, I want to thank you all for allowing me to represent you here at the foundation of our nation’s elective system of government. It has been my honor to serve you to the best of my ability as your Thornapple Township Supervisor. I am confident that you will continue to display patient support for your local elected officials and their respective staffs. Peace,Mike Bremer,Thornapple Township Supervisor

Township Thoughts 2020

Curt CampbellTrustee

Ross DeMaagdTrustee

Jake JelsemaTrustee

200 E. Main StreetMiddleville, MI 49333

Hours: Mon-Thurs from9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

(Fridays by appointment only)

Phone: (269) 795-7202

Website:www.thornapple-twp.org

ThornappleTownship Hall

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Sandy RairighTrustee

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FRIENDS AND FUN IN OUR COMMUNITY

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THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

2020 ELECTIONS

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Annual Spring Clean-Up Day is drawing near! As an annual service to residents, the Village of Middleville has arranged with Republic Services for a one-day pick-up of household items, rolled carpet, furniture, and other large and bulky objects that have outlived their usefulness.

Village residents may begin placing items at the edge of a Village street abutting their own residence on April 11, 2020. All items must be placed at the curb by 9:00 p.m. on April 17, 2020. The private hauler will make only one sweep through the Village beginning at 7:00 a.m. on April 18, 2020. The pick up will be one day only April 18, 2020.

The private hauler will not pick up the following: petroleum-based products, toxic chemicals, paint, motor vehicle parts, building demolition or construction materials (including concrete), batteries, food wastes,

animal wastes, and carcasses and any other materials deemed to be hazardous. (See below)

Refrigerators and other appliances will be picked up but must have all airtight doors completely detached for safety reasons.

The annual Spring Clean-Up Day is financed by Village property taxes and is only for Village residents and property owners. Any Village resident allowing Spring Clean-Up items from outside the Village will forfeit their pickup. If unauthorized waste items are mixed in with authorized waste items, the result will be that no items will be collected from that residence.

If items are placed out at the curb after the waste hauler has made the scheduled one sweep of the Village, the resident will be responsible for disposing of those items and any expense related to that disposal.

Annual Spring Clean-Up – One Day Only – April 18, 2020

Election Information

Resources for Hazardous Waste and Building Material Disposal

Hazardous Waste may be taken to the Expo Center, Barry County Fairgrounds, 1350 N. M-37 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058, on Saturday, May 9, 2020 and Saturday, September 26, 2020 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. Visit their website at www.barryeatonhealth.org for more information.

Waste Building Materials and other non-hazardous waste items may be taken by residents at their own expense to Waste Management Hastings Landfill (269) 945-2260 ext. 2, 1899 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 12 Noon, Saturday. A minimum fee of roughly $53 will be charged per Waste Management for a pick-up truck sized load that is brought to their location. The Kent County Landfill on 100th St. in Caledonia (616-877-4092) is another possibility if the location is closer for a resident. Call ahead for rates and hours of operation.

This Vactor sewer truck, recently purchased by the Village of Middleville, will provide a huge cost-savings and added efficiency for the Public Works Department.

2020 is gearing up to be a busy year for elections. We will have a special election on May 5th with a proposal for Caledonia Schools followed by August 4th for the Primary and November 3rd for the General election. Dual applications were sent out to residents on the Absentee Voter Permanent list for the March 10 election where you had the option to request a March and November ballot or just a March ballot. For those who requested just March, you will receive a new application in November. You will receive new applications for each of the May and August elections also.

Would you like to work at the election polls? We are always looking for election workers. Visit or call the

Thornapple Township Clerk’s office to request an application prior to any

Election, request to be placed on the permanent list, or if you have any

questions about the process.

Did you know?You can skip the lines on

Election Day and vote by mail? Voting has never been easier! With the passage of Proposal 18-3 in 2018, new changes are available for Michigan voters. One of the biggest changes is that ALL eligible registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. You can also request to be placed on the permanent absentee voter list to save a step in the future.

EASY, SAFE, SECUREYour Payment Options

Brought to you by:

2

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Our electronic billing and payment service has more features than before. What does that mean for you? A user-friendly online system and

convenient options to view and pay your utility bill.

NEW & IMPROVED UTILITY BILL PAY SERVICE

Go to the payment portal and locate your bill.

Enter your payment information. Review andsubmit your payment.

Receive an email confirmation of yourpayment amount and payment date.

PAY ONLINE

PAY BY PHONECheck your balance or make a payment 24/7.

PAY BY TEXTGet text notifications about your bill or make a payment 24/7.

Go to www.villageofmiddleville.org/services to get started.

www.villageofmiddleville.org/services

Visit the website today to get started.

855-925-1663

More features. More convenience.

• Fully certified with highest-level of data security

• Access and pay your bills electronically, at your convenience

• Go paperless - receive bills, reminders and receipts via email

• Set it & forget it - save time and avoid late payments with AutoPay

• Need a reminder? Our RemindMe feature adds an alert to your calendar

A service fee of $2.95-$3.95 applies

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2020 RIVERBANK CONCERT SERIES

June 5: Justin Kolean

Spiritual & Christian Rock

June 12: Chameleon

Rock & Roll Variety

June 19: Delilah DeWylde

Rockabilly

June 26: Adams Family Band

Acoustic Folk Rock

July 3: Tony Fields & Doug Decker

R&B, Soul & Funk

July 10: Out of Favor Boys

Blues, Rock, & Soul

July 17: Allie Garland & Awesome Sauce

Country Rock/Pop

2020 Riverbank Concert Series Every Friday @ The DDA Amphitheater from 6:30pm-8:30pm

HOLD FOR VILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLE

PARKING INFO AND MAP

July 24: The Mickey's

Indie & Americana

July 31: The Skeletone’s

R&B Dance Band

August 7: Fat Animals

Hippie Soul & Rock

August 14: Kari Lynch Band

Country, Americana & Pop Rock

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Make sure to visit the Middleville Market (previously the Middleville Market on Main)

under the Pavilion from 3:00pm-7:00pm!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

VILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLE PARKING INFORMATION AND MAPVILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLEPARKING LOTS MAP

E - 135 Ellis St (27 spaces)F - 215 W Main St (10 spacesG - Across street from 39 State St (132 spaces)

Free on-street parking Downtown Village of Middleville from 6 am to 2 amFor more information visit our website: www.villageofmiddleville.org

Legend:A - 150 River St (79 spaces)B - 101 E Main St (18 spaces)C - 100 E Main St (64 spaces)D - 115 N High St (8 spaces)

VILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLEPARKING LOTS MAP

E - 135 Ellis St (27 spaces)F - 215 W Main St (10 spacesG - Across street from 39 State St (132 spaces)

Free on-street parking Downtown Village of Middleville from 6 am to 2 amFor more information visit our website: www.villageofmiddleville.org

Legend:A - 150 River St (79 spaces)B - 101 E Main St (18 spaces)C - 100 E Main St (64 spaces)D - 115 N High St (8 spaces)

VILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLEPARKING LOTS MAP

E - 135 Ellis St (27 spaces)F - 215 W Main St (10 spacesG - Across street from 39 State St (132 spaces)

Free on-street parking Downtown Village of Middleville from 6 am to 2 amFor more information visit our website: www.villageofmiddleville.org

Legend:A - 150 River St (79 spaces)B - 101 E Main St (18 spaces)C - 100 E Main St (64 spaces)D - 115 N High St (8 spaces)

An interactive downtown parking

map is availableon the Village

website atwww.villageofmiddleville.org

Clicking on any of the lots will show the

number of parking spaces and directions to each lot. This is a

great addition for residents and visitors

alike who may be confused on where available parking is located. A total of 206 spaces are

located in downtown parking lots plus 132

spaces in a lot on State Street just four

blocks away. Approximately

seventy free on-street parking spaces are

available between the hours of 6:00 a.m.

and 2:00 a.m.

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2020 MIDDLEVILLE COMMUNITY EVENTS

2020 MIDDLEVILLE COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

SPRING TRAIL TOUR May 13 from 11:00am-3:00pm - Rain Date: May 14

Enjoy a FREE golf cart ride down the Paul Henry Trail! Brought to you by the Village of Middleville

COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALES

May 15 & 16 from 9:00am-5:00pm Visit Middleville Garage Sales on Facebook for more information!

Sponsored by My Middleville DDA

MIDDLEVILLE LIONS CLUB MEMORIAL DAY PARADE May 25 @ 10:30am

Route: TVC Parking lot to Larkin St., to W. Main St., down to Mt. Hope Cemetery

TROLLEY AROUND TOWN June -August, every Wednesday from 6:00pm-9:00pm

Throughout the Village; downtown location behind Village Hall (100 E. Main St.) Brought to you by the Barry County Transit Authority

NATIONAL 24-HOUR CHALLENGE

June 19, 20, & 21 Rotary Spaghetti Dinner: June 19 @ 5:00pm

Community Breakfast: June 20 from 6:00am-8:30am; Race Kick-Off: June 20 @ 8:00am Race Ends: June 21 @ 8:00am; Closing Ceremonies after the Race

Brought to you by the 24-Hour Bike Challenge, Middleville United Methodist Church, and the Middleville Rotary Club

LIONS CLUB INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 4 from 6:00pm-Dusk Location: AYSO Soccer fields behind TK Middle School

Brought to you by the Middleville Lions Club & sponsored My Middleville DDA

MIDDLEVILLE LIONS CLUB “TASTE OF MIDDLEVILLE” Exact date and time to be determined.

Location: Middleville Community Pavilion, Downtown

PATRIOT DAY COMMEMORATION CEREMONY September 11 at 12:00pm

Location: Middleville Community Pavilion, Downtown Brought to you by Thornapple Township, American Legion Post 140,

and the Village of Middleville

FALL COLOR TOUR October 14 from 11:00am-3:00pm - Rain Date: October 15

Enjoy a FREE golf cart ride down the Paul Henry Trail! Brought to you by the Village of Middleville

COMMUNITY VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

10:00am on November 11 @ TKHS Gymnasium Brought to you by TK Schools

MIDDLEVILLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST

Registration Deadline: November 30 Sign-up for free on Facebook @ Middleville Lighting Contest!

Voting takes place in early December. Winners announced at Holly Trolley Night! Sponsored by My Middleville DDA

BUSINESS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & MKP REINDEER NIGHT

December 10 from 5:00pm-8:00pm Visit local businesses for fun activities, holiday events, and more!

Brought to you by MKP CPA

MIDDLEVILLE LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARADE December 12 @ 5:00pm Parade Lineup: 4:30pm Parade Start: 5:00pm

Route: TVC Parking lot, to Larkin St., to W. Main St., down to Mt. Hope Cemetery

HOLLY TROLLEY NIGHT December 17 from 5:00pm-8:00pm

Pre-Sale tickets: 4:30pm Rides Start: 5:00pm

Location: United Methodist Church (111 Church St., Middleville) Brought to you by the Middleville United Methodist Church & sponsored by My Middleville DDA

MY MIDDLEVILLE DDA EVENTS WOODPECKER FESTIVAL

April 25 from 7:00am-11:00am Location: Middleville Village Hall & along the Paul Henry Trail

MIDDLEVILLE MARKET

Every Friday, May-October from 3:00pm-7:00pm Location: Middleville Community Pavilion, Downtown

Fresh produce, baked goods, honey, syrup, artisan goods, and handmade crafts! Visit https://mymiddlevilledda.com/market-on-main/ for more information.

RIVERBANK MUSIC SERIES

June 5-August 14 Every Friday from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Location: DDA Amphitheater at the Lions Sesquicentennial Park The full lineup can be found on page 6 of the Town Crier or online at

www.mymiddlevilledda.com or www.facebook.com/MyMiddlevilleDDA

OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIE SERIES JUNE 20, JULY 11, AUGUST 15, & SEPTEMBER 12

8:30PM-10:30PM Location: DDA Amphitheater at the Lions Sesquicentennial Park

FREE TO ATTEND! The full line-up will be available shortly!

For more information, visit www.mymiddlevilledda.com or www.facebook.com/MyMiddlevilleDDA/

The Outdoor Summer Movie Series is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation. For more information on the TAEF grant

program visit https://www.thornapplefoundation.org/grants/

MIDDLEVILLE HERITAGE DAYS August 14, 15, & 16

Featuring live music, cruise-in, kids activities, 5K race, pie contest, an outdoor movie, parade, Middleville Market & Craft Fair, food, fun, and more!

The full schedule of events can be found at mymiddlevilledda.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiddlevilleHeritageDays

FALL FESTIVAL

October 10 from 1:00pm-4:00pm Location: Stagecoach Park, Downtown Middleville

Featuring live music, pumpkin patch, carriage rides, petting zoo, donuts & cider, costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, trick-or-treating, and more!

For more information, visit www.mymiddlevilledda.com or www.facebook.com/MyMiddlevilleDDA

MIDDLEVILLE HOLIDAY MARKET

December 12 from 1:00pm-6:00pm Location: Middleville Community Pavilion, Downtown

Featuring artisan goods, handmade gifts, baked goods, syrup, and honey as well as a petting zoo, carriage rides, Santa Claus, and more!

Jason Parks-Farm Bureau Insurance Derek Saunders-Allstate Insurance

Thornapple Credit Union Mix Coworking Studio

Highpoint Community Bank Trumble Agency

MKP CPA Duncan Creek Farm, LLC

Community West Credit Union Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation

Advanced Stone & Tile Fabrications

TK Schools Village of Middleville Thornapple Township Newmyer Chiropractic

DesignWear Thorn-Barry Apartments

Middleville Lions Club Middleville Rotary Club

Middleville Family Practice Pharmacy Care

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DDA PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANY OF THESE EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

MY MIDDLEVILLE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) 269-241-1170 - MYMIDDLEVILLE@GMAIL.COM

THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

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TTES 2019Thornapple Township Emergency Services responded to 1067 calls this past year. This was an increase of 102 calls from the previous year. Of our total call volume, about 75 percent were for ambulance services. As our community continues to grow with residential and commercial construction, we expect those numbers to continue to increase in the years to come. Community Paramedic Program.Thornapple Township Emergency Services continues to work toward a Community Paramedic Program. TTES received a grant from the State of Michigan for the education of four paramedics. The Community Paramedic Program is designed to address health care costs by bridging the gap between physicians and the patients’ needs at home to help avoid readmittance to the emergency room/hospital for patients. This is relatively new to Michigan, and TTES is working on entering this program on the ground floor. We are working with Spectrum Health Pennock to set-up clinical times and are hopeful this can start in the spring of 2020. Spectrum Health Pennock has addressed the areas of highest patient needs and those will be the focus areas of the program.

Decline in Firefighters across the Country Fire Departments across the country and in the State of Michigan are seeing declining numbers of firefighters, and Barry County is no different. Here are a few reasons for the decline. Many community members work their regular job outside the area, in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, etc. (In years past, departments would have a few members that worked their regular jobs within their community and could leave the business to respond to a call.) Families are busy with several activities including their kids’ school programs, sports, community activities, etc. The commitment and training time required also plays a factor. TTES was successful this last spring when we were able to get four new fire recruits via Facebook. These recruits are about half-way through the current Firefighter I & II class.

Thank you A special thank you to the community for the support of Thornapple Township Emergency Services (Fire/Ambulance) over the years. We are truly fortunate to have an ambulance based in Thornapple Township. The members of TTES are honored to be able to provide this service for our residents in their time of need. Without a community-based ambulance, residents could be waiting for 20 to 40 minutes for an ambulance to come from as far away as Grand Rapids.

Fundraising/Donations TTES hosted a pancake breakfast this last fall and we had a great turnout by the community. With the money that was raised, along with the donation from the TK Football “Salute to Service” game, we were able to purchase new CPR mannequins which gives feedback as to how well you are performing CPR. We feel the CPR mannequins are a great tool for our staff and community education. Thank you for your donations and thank you to Firefighter Offringa for spearheading the pancake breakfast event. Watch for our 2nd Annual TTES Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! This is a great opportunity to enjoy good food and fellowship with your neighbors and have some awesome “firefighter & EMS” pancakes!

August ElectionOur Emergency Services Millage renewal will be included on the August 2020 ballot. More details on this in the coming months.

Thornapple Ambulance Partnership Program (TAPP)The TAPP membership program has been in place for many years. TAPP is designed to help protect you and your household against additional “out of pocket” ambulance costs after your deductible has been met. TAPP membership helps cover the balance you owe, when your insurance companies (Medicare, BCBS, Priority Health, etc.) do not pay the full amount billed for the service. TAPP membership currently costs $45.00 per household per calendar year. If you’re interested, you can get an application at the Township Hall or on the Township’s website, thornapple-twp.org. Simply complete and return the application to the Township along with your payment of $45.00.

Fire PreventionWe are looking forward to fire prevention, career day and other events with the Thornapple Kellogg elementary schools. This last fall we covered fire prevention for nearly 400 TK students.

Burn PermitsResidents within the TTES coverage area (Thornapple Township, parts of Irving Township) can burn yard waste (leaves, branches) with a permit. Residents requiring a burn permit should call the fire station (269-795-3350). You will be asked for your name, address, phone number and the material that you’re burning. There is no cost for a burn permit, however, burning without a permit could lead to fines, especially if it becomes an incident. We recommend smaller burning piles (5-6 feet diameter, about 3 feet tall), and feed those piles as needed. Over-sized piles draw attention from neighbors and pose additional safety concerns. A burn permit is NOT required for campfires for cooking. However, please use good judgment and safety precautions with any open fire. Any items that release black smoke (plastics, tires, upholstered items, etc.) are not permitted to be burned and would be in violation of the fire ordinance. If the DNR or Barry County Emergency Management Department issues a burning ban, then NO permits will be issued for the day. If the burning ban happens after you have your permit for that day, you will be contacted and asked to put your fire out to comply with the burning ban. Residents in the Village of Middleville are NOT allowed to burn yard waste per the Village ordinance. Please contact the Village for yard waste pick-up dates.

Employment / paid on call – part-timeWe are always looking for paid on call firefighters within our service area, with a high focus on individuals that live in the Village of Middleville and are interested in becoming a firefighter (or if you are already trained). It’s very rewarding to be able to give back to your community when they need it most. As a firefighter you will respond to vehicle fires and accidents, wildland and structure fires, wires down, storm damage and other calls for service. You will be paid by the hour per your call response. Turnout gear and uniforms are provided. The Township pays the cost of the fire training, which is done through the Barry County Fire Association. We also have opportunities for licensed EMTs or Paramedics for those having experience and interest working on the ambulance side of TTES. We currently have three full time firefighter/paramedics that work 24-hour shifts. Our part-time EMT/Paramedics work part-time in 12-hour shifts to cover the ambulance.

If you are interested in helping your neighbors and community on their worst day, please contact us at 269-795-3350. You can download an application from the Thornapple Township website or email chief@thornapple-twp.org.

Thank you,Chief Randy Eaton

Thornapple Township Emergency Services (TTES)

In recognition of your valuable, lifesaving contributions to the

Village of Middleville and Thornapple Township

Thornapple Township Board of Trustees and Staff

Village of Middleville Council and Staff

THANK YOU!!THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP EMERGENCY SERVICES (TTES)

ANDBARRY COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT — MIDDLEVILLE UNIT

THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

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Property Taxes are billed at the following times: (*)Summer Tax bills: Issued July 1st for payment by September 14thVillage Tax bills: Issued July 1st for payment by September 14th

Winter Tax Bills: Issued December 1st for payment by the last day of February(*) If the typical last day to pay taxes falls on a weekend, the due date

moves to the next business day.

The main statutory duty of a municipal treasurer is the collection of property taxes. We would like to provide you with updated information for Tax Year 2019 as to “Where Do My Tax Dollars Go?”.

Thornapple Township is the collection agent for seven entities: State of Michigan, Barry County, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), Thornapple Kellogg Schools, Caledonia Community Schools, and Thornapple Township. A portion of the Township, County, and GRCC tax dollars are “captured” by and paid to the Village’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) for improvements in those districts. While most folks know we are charged with the responsibility of collecting those tax dollars, the misconception is that all those $12 million dollars are kept and spent by the township. Instead, we are charged with properly collecting and redistributing, those funds. Approximately 8% of the tax dollars collected remain at Thornapple Township, and the remaining portion is redistributed to the entities listed above.

In the Village of Middleville, the tax dollars collected each year remain in the Village, and are distributed between General Operating, Police, Department of Public Works (DPW), and Roads.

An application for deferment of Summer Taxes can be obtained from your local township treasurer and is also available on our website https://thornapple-twp.org/application-for-deferrment-treasurer-ofc-3/. You must return your completed deferment form to the township treasurer before September 15, or before the date your summer taxes are due, whichever is later. A “Summer Tax Deferment” is a request to the treasurer to defer the due date of summer taxes on the property, without penalty or interest, until February 14. Refer to the Township’s website for qualification requirements. Note that only the “Summer” taxes issued by the Township are eligible for deferment; the Village taxes cannot be deferred.

Where Do MyTax Dollars Go?

Do I Qualify To“Defer” My Summer Taxes?

EntityTax Dollars

Caledonia Schools 113,001$ GRCC 516,057$ Thornapple Township $ 1,021,424 KISD 1,765,704$ State Education 1,873,100$

Barry County 2,321,941$

TK Schools 4,126,491$

DDA Capture $ 85,738

LDFA Capture 116,716$

Total $11,940,171

Caledonia Schools1%

GRCC4%

Thornapple Township

8%

KISD15% State Education

16% Barry County19%

TK Schools35%DDA Capture

1%

LDFA Capture 1%

2019 Property TaxesThornapple Township

EntityTax Dollars

Caledonia Schools 113,001$ GRCC 516,057$ Thornapple Township $ 1,021,424 KISD 1,765,704$ State Education 1,873,100$

Barry County 2,321,941$

TK Schools 4,126,491$

DDA Capture $ 85,738

LDFA Capture 116,716$

Total $11,940,171

Caledonia Schools1%

GRCC4%

Thornapple Township

8%

KISD15% State Education

16% Barry County19%

TK Schools35%DDA Capture

1%

LDFA Capture 1%

2019 Property TaxesThornapple Township

Department Tax DollarsGeneral Operating $ 378,000 Police $ 308,000 Dept. of Public Works (DPW) $ 490,000 Roads $ 224,000

$1,400,000

General Operating

27%

Police 22%

D.P.W.35%

Roads16%

Village of Middleville2019 Property Taxes

Department Tax DollarsGeneral Operating $ 378,000 Police $ 308,000 Dept. of Public Works (DPW) $ 490,000 Roads $ 224,000

$1,400,000

General Operating

27%

Police 22%

D.P.W.35%

Roads16%

Village of Middleville2019 Property Taxes

Entity Tax DollarsGeneral Operating $ 270,454

Admin. Fees $ 117,949 Emergency Services (voted) $ 530,829 EMS Equipment (voted) $ 101,555

DDA Capture $ 19,842

LDFA Capture $ 12,045

TOTAL $ 1,052,674

General Operating

26%

Admin. Fees11% Emergency

Services (voted)50%

EMS Equip 10%

DDA Capture2%

LDFA Capture1%

Thornapple TownshipBreakdown of Township Portion for 2019

Entity Tax DollarsGeneral Operating $ 270,454

Admin. Fees $ 117,949 Emergency Services (voted) $ 530,829 EMS Equipment (voted) $ 101,555

DDA Capture $ 19,842

LDFA Capture $ 12,045

TOTAL $ 1,052,674

General Operating

26%

Admin. Fees11% Emergency

Services (voted)50%

EMS Equip 10%

DDA Capture2%

LDFA Capture1%

Thornapple TownshipBreakdown of Township Portion for 2019

In certain circumstances there are opportunities available to provide property tax exemptions, as determined by the State of Michigan General Property Tax Act. These applications or forms, plus many others, are available on our website www.thornapple-twp.org; click the “Forms” tab.

Principle Residence Exemption (PRE): Exempts a homeowner from paying the local school operating millage. This form is typically completed upon purchasing a home and the exemption is in place until the resident no longer owns or occupies the home. Exemptions do not apply to “vacation” homes, rentals, etc.

Hardship Exemption: Exempts homeowner from that year’s property taxes; income and asset based to determine poverty qualification. Must file annually.

Disabled American Veteran: Exempts permanently disabled and unemployable (as determined by the VA) veteran or surviving spouse from that year’s property taxes. Must file annually.

If you require additional information about any of these exemptions, please contact the Township office or visit our website.

A resident wishing to review or pay their tax bill, obtain a receipt, or simply look up their property details and tax history may register for a free account that enables you to all these things at any time. A first-time user to the site must “register” for an account, and then all this information will be available to you 24/7, free of charge. Note that utility, zoning, and other payments can also be made online.

Online Tax Payments:(fees may differ for “utility” payments)

www.thornapple-twp.org www.villageofmiddleville.orgE-checks: flat fee of $1.50 E-checks flat fee of $2.95Debit & Credit cards: 2.8% Debit & Credit cards: 3.5%

Do I Qualify for aProperty Tax Exemption?

How Can I Look up and/orPay My Taxes Online?

Treasury Office Hours:Thornapple Township Village of MiddlevilleDebra K. Buckowing, Treasurer Alexandra Longstreet, Finance DirectorLaura Bouchard, Deputy Treasurer Office: (269)795-3385Office: (269)795-7202 Email: longstreeta@villageofmiddleville.orgCell: (269)953-3373 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pmEmail: treasurer@thornapple-twp.orgMonday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm* Open till 5:00 pm on the following dates:Sept. 14, 2020; Dec. 30, 2020; March 2, 2021

Holiday Closures: Township offices will be closed on July 2nd, Village offices will be closed on July 3rd for Independence Day. Both offices will be closed Monday, September 7th for Labor Day. Any future dates for closures or additional hours of operation will be posted on our respective websites, as well as the Township’s Facebook page.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute community news! Below are the links for both Thornapple Township and Thornapple Township EMS Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/ThornappleTownship/https://www.facebook.com/ThornappleEMS/

Thornapple Township (includes Village):- 3,640 parcels (3,565 billed, 75 exempt)

- Taxable Value (TV) for 2019: $315,689,888- State Equalized Value (SEV): $391,551,102- Tax dollars generated: Approx. $12 million

Village of Middleville:- 1,412 parcels (1,358 billed, 54 exempt)

- Taxable Value (TV) for 2019: $112,162,099- State Equalized Value (SEV): $127,604,200- Tax dollars generated: Approx. $1.4 Million

KISD15%

ThornappleTownship

8%

State Education16%

TK Schools35%DDA Capture

1%

GRCC 4%

Caledonia Schools1%

Barry County19%

LDFA Capture1%

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GROWTH AND HOUSING IN MIDDLEVILLE / JOINT PLANNING

WELLHEAD PROTECTION GUIDE FOR V ILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

Wellhead Protection Program Benefits

• Proactive response for potential contamination issues.

• Enhanced intergovernmental cooperation. • Groundwater is the only source of drinking

water in our area. • Wellhead Protection provides a means to

safeguard our drinking water. • Protection of the community investment in the

water supply system. Prevention of groundwater contamination is much less expensive than groundwater cleanup.

• A clean and reliable source of drinking water is a positive aspect of any community. It is a major selling point in attracting new businesses and industries.

What is Wellhead Protection?

Wellhead protection is a groundwater management program that observes the relationship between land use activities and the long term quality of our groundwater. Groundwater is the only source of drinking water in our area, and it is easily contaminated. Since most of the private wells in the area use the same groundwater as the Village, protection of this resource is paramount to the community and the residences of the Township. The Village of Middleville and Thornapple Township have created a Wellhead Protection Program to protect the area groundwater supply from present and future potential sources of contamination. The success of this program relies on effective planning, management and public education. To that end, educating our citizens about groundwater protection and protecting our groundwater are the critical goals of this program.

Properly maintain your private water well Private wells are the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Have your water tested regularly for bacteria and nitrates.

• Keep the area around your well neat and tidy. Don’t use chemicals or sprays near your well.

• Set a regular maintenance schedule for your pump and well and keep up to date records.

Properly plug abandoned wells on your property These wells threaten groundwater because contaminants can directly enter the aquifer through the well. Abandoned wells that are open at the surface or have a deteriorated seal or casing below the surface are of particular concern.

Proper pesticide use The first and most important step is selecting the correct pesticide for the correctly identified pest. The next step is to follow directions and application amounts to prevent waste and to prevent contamination. Don’t spray chemicals near your well.

Properly maintain your septic system Proper septic system maintenance helps prevent bacteria and nitrates from entering groundwater. The following are some things you can do to extend the life of your septic system: • Pump your septic tank every 3-5 years • Avoid planting trees near your absorption field • Do not drive on the absorption field • Divert drainage away from absorption field

Give away or properly dispose of unused chemical products

• Give unused products to a neighbor, church, or local organization.

• Household hazardous waste can be dropped off at the Barry County Expo Center in May and September (www.barryexpocenter.com).

Be Proactive Talk to your neighbors about Wellhead Protection!

How can YOU help protect our groundwater supply?

Village of Middleville Water Sources The Village of Middleville water system is supplied from groundwater withdrawn from four water supply wells. The wellhead protection area is the area where the Village water wells derive groundwater over a 10-year period (see map below). This combined area covers approximately five square miles, and is the primary focus of our groundwater protection efforts.

Did you know?Property mapping and info. for all Barry County properties is located online!

Visit www.barrycounty.org and click on “Property Search” to access the ”FetchGIS” mapping program.

Both Village and Township officials recognize development pressure is occurring and realize the time is now to put policy into action that will continue to make Middleville a great place to live, work and raise a family.

The Village and Township have established a Joint Planning Committee tasked with cooperative land use planning in areas where development is anticipated. The Committee is an advisory body composed of representatives from both the Village and Township. The goal of the Committee is to establish clear standards and processes for guiding development within the Joint Planning Area.

The proposed boundaries of the Joint Planning Area roughly encompass a circle around the exterior boundary of the Village and include lands within the Township. The Joint Planning Area is the area in which urban and suburban density land uses will most likely occur due to increased growth pressure, availability of land, and proximity to existing public utilities and infrastructure.

Village and Township residents consistently prioritize the preservation of our small town and rural character when asked about planning for future growth in the community. Local officials believe that the policy decisions that are implemented in the next 5, 10, and 20 years will preserve our community’s quality of life for generations to come.

The Joint Planning Committee held an Open House to share a new Joint Planning Area Development Guide and their recommendations for changes to the Future Land Use Map within the Joint Planning Area. The open house was well attended with over fifty residents attending. Notice of the event was mailed to all property owners and residents within the proposed Joint Planning Area as well as published in the Sun & News and on social media.

The land area included within the proposed Joint Planning boundary was reduced by more than half from the previous joint planning area by focusing on a realistic vision for development and the availability of infrastructure to serve new development projects. Residents and property owners left the Open House with the understanding that joint planning seeks to maintain the rural and small-town character of the area, and that orderly expansion of urbanized land is a common goal.

The Joint Planning Committee has no formal authority over development proposals within the Joint Planning Area. Instead, the committee reviews development requests within the Joint Planning Area boundaries to assure consistency with the Future Land Use Plan and will make recommendations to the Village and Township boards.

The Village of Middleville and Thornapple Township anticipate that the relationship between the two communities through joint planning will produce a more desirable community than working independently. Ideally, joint planning efforts will result in successful, incremental development that enhances the quality of life for both Village and Township residents.

Those interested in learning more about the Joint Planning Area can contact the Planning and Zoning Administrators at the Village or Township Halls.

Catherine Getty, Zoning Administrator, Thornapple Township, 269-795-7202, cgetty@thornapple-twp.org

Brian Urquhart, Zoning Administrator and Assistant Village Manager, 269-795-3385, UrquhartB@villageofmiddleville.org

Planning for the future…TOGETHERVillage and Township work together for the common good

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Did you know that Middleville has a community garden with plots available to you? The community garden is located next to Lee Elementary School and Middleville CRC. Follow Sherman Street off of M-37 to the end and you’ll discover a flower and vegetable paradise. This past year saw some improvements to the garden including a small community orchard with apple and peach trees, the addition of chicken wire to our fence, and a new picnic table, all made possible by volunteers from our community. You can find our new Facebook group by searching Middleville Community Garden.

There are 18 plots, each 15x30 feet, available to our community on a first-come, first-serve basis with last year’s gardeners given first pick. If you’d like a plot for the 2020 garden season, please contact Robert and Becky Van Zanen, the Community Garden Managers. You can reach them by email at robertvanzanen@gmail.com or phone at 616-634-0163. The Village Hall also has information and can be reached at 269-795-3385. The fee for reserving your plot is $20 which goes back right back into improving and caring for the garden.

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five

U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail. This will mark the first time that you will be able to respond to the census online.

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

It's also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790.

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding: Online, by phone or by mail. The 2020 Census marks the first time you'll have the option to respond online. You can even respond on your mobile device.

• Medicare, Medicaid, Health Centers• SNAP, WIC and School Lunches• Education

• Infrastructure (highways, roads and bridges)• Housing• Child care, Foster Care

The 2020 Middleville Market season kicks off in May! There are some big changes coming to the Market for 2020, including new hours and waived vendor fees. Middleville’s Community Pavilion will house the market which offers fresh, locally grown vegetables, as well as baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, herbs, flowers and a plethora of hand-made artisan goods! All crafts are handmade and unique. The pavilion provides a shaded venue for vendors and shoppers alike. Middleville’s Farmers Market, now known as the Middleville Market, is now in its 16th year.

NEW HOURS: 3:00 pm-7:00 pm every FridayMay-October (exact dates to be determined)Interested vendors can download an application fromhttps://mymiddlevilledda.com/market-on-main/ and return it to:

My Middleville DDAPO Box 402Middleville, MI 49333

Or, email your completed form to lyken@villageofmiddleville.org.

Please call the My Middleville DDA Office at 269-241-1170 for more information.

Community Garden

What is the U.S. Census?

Why is our population counted?

What are some federal sources that use census datafor distribution?

2020 Middleville Market

It takes YOU to

transform picture

one into picture

two!

THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

U.S . Census In format ion

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THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP & MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333

A highlight of 2019 came in early December with the notification that Thornapple Township had been recommended to receive a $350,000 land acquisition grant from the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund to acquire properties that would connect the Middleville section of the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail (which currently ends at Crane/Finkbeiner Rd.) with the Caledonia section of the Paul Henry Trail at 108th St. (Barry County owns a mile of the former Michigan Central Railroad right-of-way between Simpson Rd. and 108th St.). As of this writing, the State Legislature has not yet put the final stamp of approval on that grant. We do, however, remain optimistic! Our application would not have been possible without “willing to participate” property owners as “eminent domain” has never been an option to consider. A finished trail is still several years out, but bikers and hikers are already lining up to use this soon-to-be fabulous resource! The Township and the Village would like to share our condolences with the family of Jean Lamoreaux, who, with her husband Cal, was a HUGE supporter of trail connectivity.

The Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission (TAPRC) was established on February 23, 2000 by the TK schools, the Village of Middleville and Thornapple Township. The TAPRC focus is to provide area youth, adults and families the opportunity to learn and grow through the enjoyment of recreational activities. Funding for the TAPRC comes from annual contributions from the Village, Township, and TK Schools, the Barry County United Way as well as registration fees and local sponsorships.

TAPRC employs a part-time Program Director and depends primarily on VOLUNTEER coaches, parents, United Way Day of Caring volunteers, and community support to provide recreational opportunities.

TAPRC provides programming for youth baseball & softball. Visit www.taprc.org for more information.

YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL REGISTRATION 10U-14U - Deadline is March 14th6U and 8U - Deadline is April 6th

Register Now at www.taprc.org

Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail 2020

Thornapple Area Parks & Recreation

In Memory of MARY JEAN LAMOREAUX,Former Village Clerk and

Thornapple Trail Enthusiast 1942-2020

Thornapple Township is proud to have dedicated the newest section of Mt. Hope Cemetery named in honor of

Walter R. Eavey. During his time as a Trustee on the Thornapple Township Board, Walt spent much of his time attending seminars on cemetery care and taking pride in the cemetery that is so dear to him. The development

of “The Walter R. Eavey” section is underway andwill be available in the near future.

Please contact the Thornapple Township Clerk’s department with any questions.