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.
Thank You to the Voters:
The Grand Haven Charter Township Fire Operating millage renewal was approved by 75.3% of the voters.  The vote was 2,241 Yes votes approving the Fire/Rescue millage and 736 No votes.
This is the largest margin of victory for any school or fire ballot question in West Michigan for Tuesday′s election.

Kudos to the Fire/Rescue Department for the great service that they provide.  Being the only ALS certified (i.e., paramedic) department in this region is appreciated by the voters.

Thank You to the voters for the confidence that they have shown the Fire/Rescue Department.
Assistant Manager / HR Director Hired
Karen Sherwood, Ph.D. has been hired as the Grand Haven Charter Township Assistant Manager/Human Resources Director.  Sherwood will begin her career with the Township on Wednesday, June 1st. 

Sherwood is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources for the Holland Public Schools and brings an exceptional managerial background, all the preferred HR certifications, and a tremendous amount of experience in the public realm.

The Township has been searching since January for the best qualified candidate to fill the Assistant Manager / HR Director vacancy.  There were 44 candidates that applied for this position and five that went through an extensive interview process while searching for a candidate with very specific knowledge and skills.
Sherwood was the unanimous choice of the Selection Committee members and her references spoke highly of Sherwood′s interpersonal skills, team building, and proven leadership.  Some of the attributes considered when selecting the Sherwood included:

12 years′ experience in administration at the local level with numerous examples of successful project management.
Exceptional public speaking, listening and communication skills.

A strong and diverse educational background and an ability to solve complex problems and make difficult decisions.

A Professional Certificate in Human Resources and Talent Management from Michigan State University and membership in both the Society for Human Resources Management and the Michigan Negotiators Association.

A collaborative leadership style with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain the trust and respect with staff, elected leaders and residents.
The most important resource for Grand Haven Charter Township is the employees, and Sherwood will serve as the link between management and its staff.  Sherwood will be responsible to oversee and manage all aspects of hiring, training, and retaining staff, including managing the pay and benefits provided. 

Some of the immediate hiring needs of the Township include a new Fire/Rescue Chief and filling newly created positions in both the Public Services Department and the Fire/Rescue Department.

“I am excited and honored to be part of the Grand Haven Township Team as the new Assistant Manager / HR Director,” Sherwood said.   "I look forward to building solid relationships with township staff, working on projects and supporting the Township and its residents,” Sherwood noted. 

The Township hires smart people with great attitudes and is confident that Sherwood will be able to resolve any issue with which she is confronted and to improve upon the strong HR foundation provided by previous staff.


Ribbon Cutting - Pottawattomie Park Waterfront
The Township has completed a Coastal Zone Management Grant project to re-imagine the waterfront at Pottawattomie Park.  The $491k project eliminated portions of a waterfront boardwalk, added a kayak launch, moved, and re-constructed the floating fishing platform, replaced sections of sidewalk, and planted specialized native plants to mitigate erosion that was occurring.

Interpretive signs, which should be delivered shortly, will be installed along the waterfront explaining the project and “best practices” for waterfront properties.

The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Tuesday, May 24th at 10:00AM.
Groundbreaking - Schmidt Heritage Park
The Township held a well-attended groundbreaking ceremony on April 12th for the Schmidt Heritage Park. 
 
Phase I construction has begun with the Grand Opening planned for June of 2023.


Clean FY2021 Financial Audit
The Township’s FY2021 Financial Audit was recently completed by an audit team led by Doug Vredeveld, CPA.  As expected, the financial audit was “clean” with no findings.

The FY2021 Financial Audit will be presented to the full Board on Monday, May 23rd.

Kudos are offered to Finance Director Sandoval and her team for another year of exceptional service. 


Lakeshore Pathway - Resurfacing
Bids were received from five (5) construction firms to re-surface the Lakeshore Drive pathway between Ferris Street and Lincoln Street. 
 
The low bid was about $12k under↓ the budgeted construction cost of $600k.

This project will occur over the Spring and Summer months and should be completed before the end of October. 
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