Welcome to the electronic newsletter from
Grand Haven Charter Township!

Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more!

You can always find more information on our website or Facebook .
Fire/Rescure - 2018 Was a Record Year
2018 was another record year for the Fire/Rescue Department in terms of emergency responses – with a total of 1,255. This is a 4.7% increase↑ over the previous record from 2017.
Proposal 3 - Changes for Township Voters
During the November election, voters statewide approved Ballot Proposal 3, which changes some of the laws around voter registration and voting absentee.

Passed by the legislature and signed by former Governor Snyder before the New Year, the implementation process for these changes has begun. Below is a breakdown of recent legislation and what it means for voters in Grand Haven Charter Township.

  Voter Registration
  •  Voters may register to vote by mail, online, or in person until the 15th day prior to any election (was 30 days prior to an election). First-time voters may need to show an ID or proof of residency, before being issued a ballot.

  • On the 14th day, and continuing through Election Day, voters may register to vote in person at the Township Clerk's office where they reside ONLY (voters, who register to vote by mail; online; in person with the Secretary of State, County or a local City, Township or Village where they don't reside, will be registered to vote in the next upcoming election). Residency requirements still apply.

Absentee Voting
  • Local Clerks must receive a request to provide an absentee ballot by mail no later than 5pm on the Friday before the election.

  •  Local Clerks cannot issue an AV ballot to a registered voter after 4:00 p.m. on the Monday before the election.

  •  Local Clerks can issue an AV ballot to a voter who is registering to vote at the Clerk's office until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

  • Registered voters no longer need to have a reason to receive an "absentee" ballot. Grand Haven Charter Township maintains a permanent list of voters who wish to receive an application for an absentee ballot for each election. Any registered voter in the Township may be on the list. To join our Permanent Absentee Voter list, please contact the Clerk’s office by phone at 616-604-6343, or by email at kdeverney@ght.org .

Additional Hours / Locations for Receiving AV Ballots
  • Clerks must be available in their offices to issue and receive AV ballots for at least 8 hours on the Saturday or Sunday immediately before an election.

Please contact the Township Clerk's office at 616-604-6343, or by email at kdeverney@ght.org if you have any questions regarding these changes or if you would like to be placed on the Permanent Absentee Voter list.

Supplemental Appropriations Bill
The massive supplemental appropriations bill passed in late December by the Michigan “lame duck” Legislature and approved by Governor Synder included $2.5 million for the headworks portion of the Grand Haven/Spring Lake Sewer Authority plant renovation project

The monies will flow through Spring Lake Township; but, the appropriation will reduce↓ Grand Haven Charter Township’s portion of the headworks project from the current estimate of $518,400 to between $393,400 to $268,400 … a savings of between $125k to $250k depending upon how the monies are divided among the Sewer Authority member units. 
Christmas Tree Drop Off
Christmas Trees can be dropped off at the Township Hall until January 24 th.

The area is located behind the Fire/Rescue Building near the Ferris Street entrance…just look for the signs!

PLEASE limit this to natural Christmas trees only. All lights and hardware must be removed.

Millhouse Bayou Boardwalk Closed
The boardwalk over Millhouse Bayou was severely damaged, after it was struck by a car whose driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The vehicle broke a large section of the structural support timbers, which will require extensive repairs that are time-consuming and costly. The repair ( i.e., estimated at about $18,000) will likely require a lane closure and heavy equipment.

The Township submitted a claim to the driver’s insurance carrier for reimbursement. 
E-Commerce Transaction & Child Custody Exchange Zone
The Township Board has established a zone in the parking lot between the Fire/Rescue building and the Township Administrative building for e-commerce transactions and child custody exchanges. 

The zone encompasses a few parking spaces within the lot where area residents can meet to do business (e.g., sell or purchase used goods and materials from on-line websites – such as Craig’s List ) or exchange children pursuant to child custody agreements.
This is an area that Sheriff Deputies frequent, where Fire/Rescue Personnel reside, and has two security cameras that can record activity within the zone. 
Taken together – this is an area where people can feel “safer” as they conduct these activities. Also, people can use the Township Administrative building lobby for these exchanges during normal business hours.


(616) 842-5988   | info@ght.org | www.ght.org