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.
New Fire/Rescue Chief
Pursuant to State Law, the Grand Haven Charter Township Board approved the recommendation to appoint Captain Shawn Schrader as the new Fire/Rescue Chief for the Township.

Chief Schrader has been with the Township Fire/Rescue Department for about 22 years — moving through the ranks to become the Department′s Captain in 2018.  Since then, Chief Schrader has continued his education and professional growth participating in local leadership training through the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce and attending the National Fire Academy for the Executive Chief Officer training.

Chief Schrader was unanimously recommended for the Fire/Rescue Chief by a Selection Committee that noted his strategic thinking, focus on core values, and understanding of the mission for the department. 
 
Further, the Committee noted that the Fire/Rescue Department is moving through a transitional period related to the population growth of the Township (which is now estimated to exceed 19,000), the rapid growth of emergency calls (which is expected to exceed a record 1,500 calls in 2022), the need to respond to the national shortage of paramedics that is eroding ambulance service, and the requirement for significant investments in labor and capital costs.

As an example of upcoming capital costs, the Township Board recently approved the purchase of property on Ferris Street adjacent to the Township complex that will allow for the construction of the new Fire/Rescue station and the razing of the existing 25-year-old facility.  (The current site of the fire/rescue station is expected to be used as the location of a needed water tower.)

Chief Schrader will be an integral part of the planning and implementation of these and other improvements of local and regional emergency services.
Redistricting and Voter Information Cards
Redistricting for election purposes takes place every 10 years following the Federal Census.  The process to re-align the Township′s voting precincts has been completed and approved.  (See map below that shows both the voting precincts and registered voter numbers in each precinct.)  New voter information cards will be sent to every registered voter in the Township. Cards are expected to arrive beginning June 20th.  The Township is now part of:
  • US Congressional District 3
  • State Senate District 31
  • State Representative District 88
  • County Commissioner District 9
These district changes mean you may be seeing different candidates on your ballot than you have in the past.  If you have any questions, please email Deputy Clerk DeVerney at [email protected] or call 616-604-6343.
Property Assessment Solutions
Property Assessment Solutions (PAS) have been contracted to assist the Assessing Department with state-mandated reviews of properties.  It is expected that PAS will complete a re-assessment of about 20% of the properties within the Township during 2022.

These re-assessments started on the westside of the Township near Buchanan Street, Bluewater Trail and the Garnsey area.
NOWS - Wholesale Water Rate Increase
The rate that the Township pays to the Northwest Ottawa Water System (NOWS) has been increased ↑ from $1.00 per 1,000 gallons to $1.07 – an increase of about 7%.  This increase was unanimously approved by the NOWS Administrative Committee.
The majority of the 7-cent increase (i.e., 6 of the 7-cent increase) is related to operational costs.   The impact of inflation is being felt on nearly all operational cost categories.  

This wholesale cost increase will eventually be passed to the Township water customers – probably in 2023.
Election Security Grants
The State of Michigan offers $1,500 per precinct (i.e., or $10,500 for Grand Haven Charter Township) for capital purchases designed to enhance election security.  The Township will be spending these monies on the following items:

  • A security camera to monitor the ballot drop boxes at the Administrative building; 
  • Seven (7) “swipers” (or touch sliders) to be used for driver’s licenses to verify voter identity; and,
  • Eight (8) new laptops (one for each precinct and one back-up) that will contain all voter identification information.

Additional security enhancements could be added by the Township if any concerns regarding the integrity of the upcoming elections warrant.
Township Questions?
If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to [email protected] .
(616) 842-5988  | [email protected] | www.ght.org