Hudsonville Hometown newsGood PeoPle. Good livinG.

City launCHes uPdated website offerinG new featuresThe City of Hudsonville’s website received a much needed update this winter, and the results are more than just aesthetic. The vision for the updated website started in the City Commission’s 2011-2016 Strategic Plan and focused on making the website a tool that residents and visitors alike could use to not only find answers to their questions, but also to interact

more efficiently with city staff and elected officials. This article aims to assist residents in learning about the new features on the website that they can utilize.

The first thing users will notice when they visit the city’s new website is a completely redesigned graphic interface that is designed to be much more intuitive. Almost every piece of informa-tion that one is seeking should be available to them within three clicks of the mouse.

The next thing users will notice is that we’ve added a Help Center panel that gives users four

new intuitive options; Report A Concern, Notify Me, Online Payments, and Minutes and Agendas. By clicking on Report A Concern, users now have the ability to e-notify the city of issues such as potholes, burnt out street lights, damaged street signs, property code or nuisance violations, stray animals, etc. The Notify Me link allows users to sign up to automatically receive public information from the city, such as meeting notifications, job openings, law enforcement releases, library programs, city events, etc. These alerts are fully customizable so at any time you can choose to add new alerts or be removed from future alerts. The Online Payments link allows residents to make bill payments from the comfort of home. And the Minutes and Agendas link provides users with information relating to both past and upcoming public meetings, such as the City Commission meetings.

We hope that you take the opportunity to explore the city’s new website (www.hudsonville.org), and that you find it to be a useful and helpful tool for you. As with any new technology, we expect that there may be a few “bugs” with the new site after its launch. If you have any complications or questions with the city’s new website, please let us know and we will address them immediately.

Winter, 2013

see tHe website for yourself at www.Hudsonville.orG

good people good living

Other Features OFFered On the new website:• Community Events Calendar: In addition to being able to

view a sortable events calendar with all of the city meetings & events, community groups will now be able to suggest events for a community calendar.

• Increased Transparency: Stay in the loop about what is going on in the community through the plans and maps section and the downtown development section of the website. The improved interface makes it significantly easier for economic development plans to be shared.

• Library Section: We know that the residents really enjoy the Gary Byker Memorial Library and would like to stay engaged. New features like a ‘book review’ section will be available on the website, allowing you easy access to more great content from your local librarians.

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fraud information from tHe ottawa County sHeriff’s offiCeThis information is intended to give members of the public some information about identity fraud, cons, and scams. Most of the information is common-sense precautions to protect you from these types of activities. You can find more information about these topics at the Ottawa County website (miottawa.org). Also, you can pick up a booklet about keeping safe from fraud, scams, and other hazards from the Ottawa County Sheriff ’s Office, located in City Hall.

• To help avoid scams and other I.D. theft, it is very important for you to trust your instincts.

• If someone contacts you and is requesting personal information, never give it out!

• If someone calls you for any reason stating they need your account number, bank card number, credit card number, or social security number, do not give it out.

• A major way to avoid problems is to not talk with any telemarketers. In addition, use a caller I.D. and do not open any spam or junk email that you don’t know the sender or have a reason to be getting an email from them. Don’t fall for those words, “pay now to win”. Do not give out your bank information so some unknown person can deposit money into your account. This is not going to happen and your account will be defrauded.

• If you do become a victim of a fraud or scam you can report it to the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060 or contact the Ottawa County Sheriff ’s Office at 1-800-249-0911 to investigate the fraud. However, often these investigations are not able to recover any of the stolen money because the money has been sent or deposited into accounts in foreign countries. Remember, trust your instincts.

This information was obtained from the Senior Adult Safety and Crime Prevention packet. Copies available at City Hall. ~Sgt. Mike Bagladi

tOp 12 COns and sCams!! 1. Business Schemes: Mail order “Work-at-Home” jobs

usually cost more than you profit.

2. Home Repairs: “free inspections or estimates” that have hidden costs on repairs that do not exist.

3. Utility Inspector: False accusation of breaking utility regulations and offers to find a quick fix when there is really nothing wrong.

4. Phony Charities: Solicitations from groups pretending to be a charity. Make your own contact to donate.

5. Property Scams: Fictitious “investment deals”. Check out property/owner before purchasing. Be very cautious about craigslist or other internet listings. Don’t send money to other countries/states and expect to get what you paid for.

6. Debt consolidation: Services offering to consolidate bills with hidden high interest rates.

7. Bank Scams: You’re asked to with withdraw money to

help with an undercover investigation, or someone you met on an internet dating service now needs money fast and wants it sent western union.

8. Investment scams/pyramid schemes: “Get Rich” offers that promise little or no risk, have your attorney check out any investment.

9. Free prize offers: A prize for your credit card number, after a purchase, or for attending a sales pitch, which usually costs more than the prize.

10.Vacation packages: Low-cost trips that never take place or have hidden expenses.

11.Foreign/domestic lottery schemes: You’re told that you have inherited or won a large sum of money; however, you have to pay a fee upfront to get your money.

12.Corner Street Panhandlers: Be cautious about giving money or goods to beggars standing on the corner. Often the money will be used for drugs and alcohol.

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winter weatHer reminders

ParkinG reminder: Between the dates of November 1 and April 1, parking is prohibited on all city streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please make arrangements to move your vehicle off the street during these hours or a Civil Infraction Notice (ie: ticket) will be issued to the owner of the vehicle.

mailbox rePlaCement PoliCy: Snowplowing of streets is an essential service that sometimes results in physical damage to private property. The City has a general policy to repair or replace a mailbox tht has been physi-cally struck by a City vehicle; the city will not pay for damage due to snow being thrown against the mailbox. Please report damaged property within 24 hours so a site visit can be scheduled by the Public Works Superintendent.

snow reminders: Please keep hydrants & sidealks clear of snow/ice and do not shovel or blow snow into the streets. Also, do not pile snow so that it obstructs driveway or street vision.

For more details on any winter weather reminders, please visit www.hudsonville.org or stop by City Hall.

How muCH do you know about loCal Government finanCe?Here is a little quiz to help you find out. Circle the correct answer, and check page 7 to see how well you scored.

1. When buying a new house, it is _________ responsibility to file your Property Transfer Affidavit. a) the buyer’s b) the seller’s c) the bank’s d) the title company’s

2. If your Property Transfer Affidavit is not filed within 45 days of purchase, how much is the maximum fine? a) $100 b) $200 c) $500 d) $1000

3. How many homes can one person have simultaneously exempted from the 18 mill school operating tax? a) 0 b) 1 c) 2 d) 3

4. The assessed value of your home is ________ of its true market value. a) 50% b) 75% c) 100% d) 150%

5. Homeowners could see their taxes go up for replacing their old roof or furnace. a)True b)False

featured PHoto Hudsonville Holiday Parade

The Hudsonville Holiday Parade was held on November 17, 2012 and drew a huge crowd of Hudsonville area residents.

This is just one of the great photographs of some of the community’s parade attendees!

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library ProGrams

tHe Gary byker memorial library of Hudsonville is Pleased to offer our 2013 Hudsonville “History mystery” Calendar.

Each month features a historic picture from our local history collection. Below each picture are three questions to answer about the picture, with postcards included for your answers. If you guess correctly, and we pull your name, you’ll win that month’s prize! Each month is sponsored by a local business and include things like free banana smoothies, pizza, or haircuts! At the end of the year we’ll pull a grand prize winner—a $50 Gemmen’s Gift certificate.

As an added bonus for the younger set, we’ve hidden a small picture of Homer Hudson, founder of Hudsonville,

in each picture. We encourage asking others for help, including friends, relatives and neighbors! Old and young, new-comer, or old-timer, it will be a lot of fun! The center of the calendar features the colorful 1907 map of Hudsonville, drawn by native Robert Cory.

Please order your copy of the calendar or map by calling the

library at 669-1255 or visiting our website at www.hudsonville.org/library. Calendars cost $12 each or 5 for $55. Prints of the map are available, thanks to the expertise of McConomy Photography, and range from $20 to $38 for the full 15” x 40” size.

otHer uPCominG ProGrams

Author Visit: Tracy Groot on “Flame of Resistance” Tuesday, February 12 7:00 pm to 8:30 pmCouponing and Shopping Tips 101 Tuesday, February 19 7:00 pm to 8:30 pmCreating a Stockpile and Bulk Cooking Tips Tuesday, March 19 7:00 pm to 8:00 pmYoga/Pilates (Beginners) - $5/class Mondays 10:15 am to 11:15 amYoga/Pilates (Continuing Students) - $5/class Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 6:30 pmYoga/Pilates (Beginners) - $5/class Wednesdays 6:45 pm to 7:45 pmZumba Gold - $3/class Mondays/Thursdays 5:30 pm to 6:30 pmZumba Gold - $3/class Wednesdays 10:30 am to 11:30 am

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loCal PHotoGraPHers CaPture tHe Heart of HudsonvilleLocal photographers submitted photos in four categories during the month of October as part of the City’s first Heart of Hudsonville photography contest. The categories were People, Places, Community, and Digitally Altered. There was both an adult and a youth category.

Congratulations to the winners of the contest, who will have their photos on display throughout 2013 as artwork in City Hall. Photographers interested in participating in the 2013 contest should visit www.hudsonville.org for more information.

Digitally Altered Winner, Norman Unema

People Winner, Deb Grasman

Places Winner, Rachel BontjePeople Winner, Youth Division, Marlo Scholten

Places Winner, Youth Division, Alex Maldonado

Community Winner, Roger Swieringa

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an eveninG winter Hike

Ever wonder what it would be like to be in the snowy woods at night? On Saturday, January 26 at 7:00 in the evening you can find out.

Join Master Naturalist Craig Elston for a casual hike in the woods, under the full moon. It is possible to hear owls calling or see other nocturnal wildlife. Or come just enjoy a quiet walk in the snow seeing how the moon casts shadows of the trees in the woods. If there is enough snow, snowshoes are welcome, but not necessary, to traverse the trails.

The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.

Participants should for come dressed for the weather and to be outside for approximately an hour.

uPCominG Hikes• Sunday January 13, 2:00 pm - Winter Nature Hike

• Saturday January 26, 7:00 pm - Winter Evening Hike

• Sunday February 10, 2:00 pm - Late Winter Hike

• Sunday March 17, 2:00 pm - Signs of Spring

• Sunday April 21, 2:00 pm - Early Spring Wildflower and Nature Hike

• Sunday May 5, 2:00 pm - Spring Wildflowers

• Tuesday May 7, 10:00 am - Spring Wildflowers

• Monday May 13, 6:00 pm - Spring Wildflowers and Birds

For complete descriptions of the hikes, or to learn more about Craig Elston, Master Naturalist, please visit www.hudsonville.org.

notiCe: marCH board of review

This upcoming February the Finance Department will be mailing out notices to inform property owners of their assessed and taxable values for 2013. If you have concerns after reviewing the notice, please contact our office to review your assessment. If your questions or concerns cannot be resolved you are entitled to make your case to the Board of Review, a panel of three citizens who will meet to examine the assessment roll and consider taxpayer protests. This year the Board will begin hearing appeals on March 11th, and additional dates will be scheduled as required. Please contact the Finance Department with any questions.

sPeCial winter library ProGramsChocolate Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, February 9th at 10:30 am for kids age 8-11. How good are you at recognizing your chocolates? There will be taste tests, chocolate quizzes, and chocolate pretzel making. Register beginning Monday, January 28th. Mmm good!

Winter Story Time at the Gary Byker Memorial Library will be “Let it Snow!”, featuring stories about penguins, polar bears, and other winter themes. Sign-up will begin Wednesday January 2nd. The session will run for 8 weeks beginning January 14th. Story time for “independent” 3 ½ to 6 years olds will be offered Monday mornings from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm.

The Wee Wigglers will also be participating in “Let it Snow!” (sign-up as above). This eight week program for toddlers 18 months to 3 ½ years (accompanied by an adult lap) is offered on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings from 10:15 to 11:00 am.

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students visit City HallThis school year, several local elementary classes took field trips to City Hall to learn firsthand about their local government. In total, there were approximately 215 second grade students representing South Elementary, Forest Grove Elementary, Jamestown Elementary, and Hudsonville Christian Elementary schools. In addition, we had 20 foreign exchange students (grades 9-12) visit, as well as 20 children from the local Boy Scout and Cub Scout clubs.

These field trips are wonderful experiences for children, and they create memories that will last a lifetime. Our very own Mayor Don Van Doeselaar ushers the students in, and spends time with them explaining the role of the local government.

After the Mayor’s presentation, the children are allowed to sit in the City Commissioner’s seats in the meeting chambers. Then, the groups are given a tour of City Hall and demonstrations on the city’s emergency vehicles and equipment by the Ottawa County Sheriff ’s Department and Fire Department personnel.

finanCe Quiz answers

1. A. The buyer. Often a title company mails the forms in, but if something happens and they don’t arrive on time the new homeowner is on the hook. No big deal? See answer number two.

2. B. After 45 days have passed, a $5 fine is accrued daily, up to $200.

3. C. Usually one. BUT SOMETIMES TWO! If you picked b, don’t feel bad, but the answer is c. If you buy a new home in Michigan but have your old principal residence for sale you may qualify for a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on your new home and a Conditional Rescission on your listed home (see assessor for details, there is necessary paperwork.)

4. A. 50%.

5. B. False. The Mathieu-Gast Act instructs assessors to not change assessed values based on normal maintenance like replacing a roof, replacing wiring, or re-painting.

The City of Hudsonville thanks

Sue Dykema, the face of Hudsonville, for 20 years of service and wishes her a

wonderful retirement!

If you would be interested in

scheduling a field trip to Hudsonville City Hall, please contact

Clerk Jan Wiersum at 616-669-0200.

your City Commissioners & staffMayor Don Van Doeselaar 669.8045 dvandoes@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 John O’Brien 669.2670 jobrien@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 Kelly Ten Harmsel 669.7451 ktenharmsel@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Steven Zuiderveen 669.5037 szuiderveen@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Norman Unema 669.9509 nunema@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Philip Leerar 662.1520 pleerar@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Larry Brandsen 669.3365 lbrandsen@hudsonville.orgCity Manager Patrick Waterman 669.0200 x 418 pwaterman@hudsonville.orgCity Clerk Jan Wiersum 669.0200 x 412 jwiersum@hudsonville.orgAssessor/Finance Director Jan Sal 669.0200 x 413 jsal@hudsonville.orgPlanning/Zoning Director Dan Strikwerda 669.0200 x 414 dstrikwe@hudsonville.orgMarketing Coordinator Michelle Fare 669.0200 x 411 mfare@hudsonville.orgSheriff Sergeant Mike Bagladi 669.0200 x 428Fire Chief Dick Mohr 669.0200 x 429 dmohr@hudsonville.orgPublic Works Director Dutch Besteman 669.0200 x 424 huddpw@hudsonville.orgLibrary Director Melissa Huisman 669.1255 hudmh@llcoop.orgEmergency Services Director Dave Dahl 669.0200 x 404 ddahl@hudsonville.org

good people good living

The City of Hudsonville3275 Central Blvd.Hudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.669.0200 Fax: 616.669.2330www.hudsonville.orgHours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The City of Hudsonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: City Manager, City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville MI 49426. 616.669.0200 x 418.