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Georgetown Charter Township
1515 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428

Township Board Meeting Agenda

Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:00 PM
 
 

1.

Call to Order

2.

Prayer for Guidance

2.I.

Amy Grasman

3.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

4.

Roll Call

5.

Approval of Agenda

6.

Communications, Letters, and Reports Received for Information

6.I.

Services Committee Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2026

Documents:
  1. SC260126minutes.pdf
6.II.

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2026

Documents:
  1. FC260216.pdf
6.III.

Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Report - January 2026

6.IV.

Fire Department Reports - January 2026

6.V.

GVMC LGROW 2025 Annual Report

6.VI.

Jenison Historical Association 2025 Annual Report

7.

Public Hearings

7.I.

(REZ2601) (Ordinance 2026-01): To change from Agricultural (AG) to Low Density Residential (LDR) the parcels of land described as P.P. #70-14-07-100-003 and P.P. #70-14-07-100-014 located at 4577 Bauer Rd. and 4471 Bauer Rd., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan


Motion: To open the public hearing. 


Opportunity for public comments. 


Motion: To close the public hearing. 


Motion: To approve the following resolution as recommended by the Planning Commission: 


RESOLUTION for REZ2601 (Ordinance No. 2026-01)

 

 

Georgetown Charter Township Ottawa County, Michigan (Ordinance No. 2026-01)

 

At a regular meeting of the Georgetown Charter Township Board held at the Township offices on February 23, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Township Board Member ___________________made a motion to adopt this Ordinance because the proposed zoning designation is consistent with the Master plan and the Future Land Use Map for the area; the area is capable of sustaining the uses within the LDR district without additional public funds; the uses allowed within the LDR district are compatible with the neighboring uses and to adopt the staff report as finding of fact, which motion was seconded by Township Board Member  ___________________:

 

AN AMENDMENT  TO  THE GEORGETOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, AND MAP

 

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GEORGETOWN (the “Township”) ORDAINS:

 

ARTICLE 1. The map of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

(REZ2601) (Ordinance 2026-01): To change from Agricultural (AG) to Low Density Residential (LDR) parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-07-100-003 and P.P. # 70-14-07-100-014, located 4577 Bauer Rd. and 4471 Bauer Rd., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan.

 

Except as expressly modified by the above, the balance of the Zoning Map of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 2. Severability.  In the event that any one or more sections, provisions, phrases, or words of this Ordinance shall be found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity or the enforceability of the remaining sections, provisions, phrases, or other words of this Ordinance.

Except as specified above, the balance of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, and map shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 3. Effective Date.  The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect upon the expiration of seven (7) days from the date of publication of this Ordinance or a summary of its provisions in accordance with the law.

The vote in favor of adopting this Ordinance was as follows:

Yeas:               

Nays:               

Absent:            

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

 

CERTIFICATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION

 

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an Ordinance adopted by Georgetown Charter Township Board at the time, date, and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures.

 

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an Ordinance adopted by Georgetown Charter Township Board at the time, date, and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures.  

 

I hereby certify that notice of this ordinance was published in the Grand Rapids Press on November 4, 2025 and on                                     .  (Fill in the 2 dates of publication)

 

I further certify that the votes for adoption of the foregoing resolution were as follows:

 

Yeas:               

Nays:               

Absent:            

Abstained:       

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

By:   Dated:                                                 

Jim Wierenga, Georgetown Charter Township Supervisor

 

 

By:   Dated:                                                 

Kelly Kuiper, Georgetown Charter Township Clerk

7.II.

(REZ2602) (Ordinance 2026-02): To change from Rural Residential (RR) to Low Density Residential (LDR) the parcels of land described as P.P. #70-14-09-100-006, P.P. #70-14-09-200-001, and a portion of P.P. #70-14-09-200-002 located at 2769 Bauer Rd. and 2721 Bauer Rd., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan


Motion: To open the public hearing. 


Opportunity for public comments. 


Motion: To close the public hearing. 


Motion: To approve the following resolution as recommended by the Planning Commission: 


Georgetown Charter Township Ottawa County, Michigan (Ordinance No. 2026-02)

 

At a regular meeting of the Georgetown Charter Township Board held at the Township offices on February 23, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Township Board Member ___________________made a motion to adopt this Ordinance because the proposed zoning designation is consistent with the Master plan and the Future Land Use Map for the area; the area is capable of sustaining the uses within the LDR district without additional public funds; the uses allowed within the LDR district are compatible with the neighboring uses and to adopt the staff report as finding of fact, which motion was seconded by Township Board Member  ___________________:

 

AN AMENDMENT  TO  THE GEORGETOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, AND MAP

 

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GEORGETOWN (the “Township”) ORDAINS:

 

ARTICLE 1. The map of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

(REZ2602) (Ordinance 2026-02): To change from Rural Residential (RR) to Low Density Residential (LDR) parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-09-100-006, 70-14-09-200-001 and a portion of P.P. # 70-14-09-200-002, located 2769 Bauer Rd. and 2721 Bauer Rd., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan.

 

Except as expressly modified by the above, the balance of the Zoning Map of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 2. Severability.  In the event that any one or more sections, provisions, phrases, or words of this Ordinance shall be found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity or the enforceability of the remaining sections, provisions, phrases, or other words of this Ordinance.

Except as specified above, the balance of the Georgetown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, and map shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 3. Effective Date.  The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect upon the expiration of seven (7) days from the date of publication of this Ordinance or a summary of its provisions in accordance with the law.

The vote in favor of adopting this Ordinance was as follows:

Yeas:               

Nays:               

Absent:            

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

 

CERTIFICATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION

 

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an Ordinance adopted by Georgetown Charter Township Board at the time, date, and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures.

 

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an Ordinance adopted by Georgetown Charter Township Board at the time, date, and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures.  

 

I hereby certify that notice of this ordinance was published in the Grand Rapids Press on  ______________and on                                             .  (Fill in the 2 dates of publication)

 

I further certify that the votes for adoption of the foregoing resolution were as follows:

 

Yeas:               

Nays:               

Absent:            

Abstained:       

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

By:   Dated:                                                 

Jim Wierenga, Georgetown Charter Township Supervisor

 

 

By:   Dated:                                                 

Kelly Kuiper, Georgetown Charter Township Clerk

8.

Public Comments for action items remaining on the agenda (maximum of three minutes per person)

9.

Consent Agenda

9.I.

Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting

Documents:
  1. TB260126.pdf
9.II.

Approval of the bills for February 9, 2026

9.III.

Approval of the bills for February 23, 2026

10.

Requesting Final Preliminary Plat Approval of Lowing Woods No. 15 on the following parcels of land that are zoned PUD: P.P. #70-14-05-400-050, P.P. #70-14-05-400-052, P.P. #70-14-05-400-053, and part of P.P. #70-14-05-400-022 located north of Taylor St., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan


Motion: To approve the Final Preliminary Plat of Lowing Woods No. 15 on the following parcels of land that are zoned PUD: P.P. # 70-14-05-400-050, P.P. # 70-14-05-400-052, P.P. # 70-14-05-400-053, and part of P.P. # 70-14-05-400-022 located north of Taylor St., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan.

11.

Saturday Slip N’ Slide Event


Motion: To approve the 2026 Slip N' Slide Event Agreement, as recommended by the Services Committee.

12.

Township Sign


Motion: To approve the purchase of a new Township sign with a Mission Oak wood grain finish and a silver, backlit logo from Universal Sign Systems, as recommended by the Services Committee.

13.

Addendum to Fertilizing Contracts for 2026-2028 with Priest Enterprises, LLC


Motion: To approve the addendum to the fertilizing contracts with Priest Enterprises, LLC, as recommended by the Finance Committee.

14.

Bank Signature Requests - West Michigan Community Bank


Motion: To approve the addition of Township Superintendent, Justin Stadt, and Township Assistant Superintendent, Andy Rienstra, as signers for West Michigan Community Bank, as recommended by the Finance Committee.

15.

Fire Department Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual


Motion: To approve the Fire Department Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as recommended by the Finance Committee.

16.

Resolution to Commit Funds to the Ottawa Co. Agri. Land Preservation Program


Motion: To approve a resolution authorizing Georgetown Charter Township to commit funds to the Ottawa County Agricultural Land Preservation Program as recommended by the Finance Committee as follows: 


GEORGETOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
 OTTAWA COUNTY, Michigan

(Resolution No. ______)

 

At a _______ meeting of the Township Board for the Charter Township of Georgetown held at the Township offices on ____________, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., this Resolution was offered for adoption by Township Board Member ______________and was seconded by Township Board Member _______________:

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GEORGETOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP TO COMMIT FUNDS TO THE OTTAWA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Georgetown Charter Township (the “Township”) has previously adopted a resolution authorizing its participation in the Ottawa County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program (the “PDR Program”), through Ottawa County’s Farmland Preservation Ordinance (i.e., Ottawa County Code, Section 200.5.1, et seq.) (the “County Ordinance”); 

 

WHEREAS, Georgetown Charter Township intends to continue its cooperation with Ottawa County for farmland preservation efforts, pursuant to the County Ordinance, and to commit certain funding from the Township in furtherance of the same;

 

WHEREAS, Georgetown Charter Township seeks to preserve viable agricultural lands within Georgetown Charter Township, by acquiring agricultural conservation easements; 

 

WHEREAS, Georgetown Charter Township does not intend to approve agricultural lands, which are or will become subject to a preservation easement under the PDR Program, to be used for battery storage, wind energy, solar energy, or other similar development purposes;

 

WHEREAS, Georgetown Charter Township recognizes the importance of agriculture to the economy, heritage, and quality of life in Georgetown Charter Township.

 

RESOLUTION

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:  

 

  1. The Recitals above are hereby incorporated into this Resolution as if restated verbatim. 

 

  1. Georgetown Charter Township appropriates and certifies that certain Township funds may be used and committed exclusively for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements in accordance with the Ottawa County PDR Program and applicable State law, including providing matching dollars for the acquisition of such easements pursuant to Sections 200.5.6.4 and 200.5.12.2 of the County Ordinance. Any actual expenditure(s) or commitment(s) of Township funds shall be subject to further Township Board approval. 

 

  1. Georgetown Charter Township reiterates its participation in the Ottawa County PDR Program, directs Ottawa County to continue to administer the PDR Program with the Township’s cooperation, and requests that any application(s) for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements for property located in the Township be forwarded to the Township for consideration and possible approval, in accordance with Section 200.5.5.2 of the County Ordinance.   

 

  1. All funds (and any interest earned thereupon) having been approved and/or appropriated by the Township Board, will be used for the sole purpose of agricultural land preservation within Georgetown Charter Township. 

 

  1. This Resolution is effective immediately and it shall supersede any prior inconsistent resolutions of the Board.

 

The vote to adopt this Resolution was as follows: 

 

YEAS: ____________________________________________________________

                        ____________________________________________________________

NAYS:____________________________________________________________

ABSENT:________________________________________________                                                                                      

ABSTAIN:________________________________________________ 


            RESOLUTION IS HEREBY DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Township Board for Georgetown Charter Township at the time, date and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures. 

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

By:   __________________________

Kelly Kuiper

                                                                                            Georgetown Charter Township Clerk

17.

Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 2026-03, Temporary Moratorium


Motion: To approve the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-03, Temporary Moratorium, as recommended by the Finance Committee. 


GEORGETOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
 OTTAWA COUNTY, MICHIGAN

(Ordinance No. 2026-03)

 

At a regular meeting of the Township Board for Georgetown Charter Township held at the Township offices on February 23, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., the following Ordinance was offered for adoption by Township Board Member ___________, and was seconded by Township Board Member _____________:

AN ORDINANCE TO IMPOSE A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OR GRANTING OF ANY ZONING APPROVALS, REZONINGS, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS, SITE CONDOMINIUMS, PLATS, DEVELOPMENT (SITE) PLANS, PERMITS, LICENSES AND CERTAIN OTHER ZONING APPROVALS, AS WELL AS THE COMMENCEMENT OR EXPANSION OF VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS OR PROJECTS.

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GEORGETOWN (the “Township”) ORDAINS:

Section 1. Intent and Findings.  

  1. The provisions of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan regarding various matters have not kept pace with development patterns, population increases and other matters in the Township. 
  2. The Township Board for Georgetown Charter Township desires to revise and update the regulations and provisions within the Township’s Zoning Ordinance regarding rezonings, planned unit developments (“PUDs”), site condominiums, plats/subdivisions, development (site) plans and similar zoning matters (all collectively hereafter, referred to as a “Development Project” or in the plural as “Development Projects”).
  3. The Township and its officials have substantial concerns about the following matters which should potentially be addressed by amendments to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance as well as the enactment or amendment of other Township ordinances: 
    1. Whether the public water system in various portions of the Township has sufficient capacity to handle further development and growth, and if so, how or where such growth should occur. The pending Wyoming Water Reliability Study is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026 and is expected to influence future growth and development within the Township. The current public water system can have its capacity exceeded during peak demand days. The Township must evaluate whether additional water storage tanks and other facilities are necessary to ensure an adequate and reliable public water supply for the community, which will impact Township planning for future growth.
    2. Concerns about the capacity and ability of the Georgetown Charter Township Fire Department to provide adequate firefighting, emergency rescue and other services as population and development grows within the Township and in various portions thereof. Emergency services are transitioning from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department to the Georgetown Township Fire Department. At this time, the Township has not yet established the anticipated response time requirements necessary to effectively serve the community under the new service model. The Township will conduct a formal evaluation of response time performance, service coverage, staffing levels, and resource deployment to determine whether adjustments are required to ensure adequate emergency service delivery to the community, both for now and in the future.  A Township water pressure evaluation also needs to be completed in the fall of 2026 to determine future tanks and pumps needs.
    3. Whether the electrical grid and electric service providers in different portions of the Township will be overburdened by future growth and, if so, how that problem can be addressed. 
    4. The impact of increased traffic on public safety, traffic patterns and related matters. 
    5. The impact of anticipated future population growth within various areas of the Township. 
  4. Imposing a moratorium, on a limited temporary basis, is reasonable and necessary in order to allow time for the review of potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (and potentially other ordinances) regarding Development Projects. 
  5. During the time of this moratorium, the Township Board and the Planning Commission will work diligently regarding potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (and potentially other ordinances) regarding Development Projects.  
  6. During this moratorium period, the Township Board and Planning Commission will investigate potential modifications to the Zoning Ordinance (and potentially other ordinances) that may establish new or prevised reasonable regulations regarding Development Projects. 
  7. On March 19, 2025, the Township’s Planning Commission formally initiated the Master Plan review process. On April 28, 2025, the Township Board approved a contract with Williams and Works for a professional planning contract for the Master Plan review. The Planning Commission and Township Board continue to work diligently to review the Master Plan by holding, planning and scheduling more meetings for discussion on the Master Plan review and to complete the process. This moratorium is also necessary to allow sufficient time for the Master Plan to be revised or replaced. 

Section 2. Administrative Action.  A moratorium is hereby imposed upon the issuance of any Township permit, license, zoning approval, development (site) plan, rezoning, PUD, variance, or similar approval for any new or expanded Development Project. During the moratorium term specified in this Ordinance, no Township official, employee, body, board, commission or agent shall issue or approve any such permit, zoning approval, development (site) plan, rezoning, license, PUD, variance or other approval for a Development Project. 

Section 3 No Development Project.  Except for an existing development or project that can proceed under Section 4 hereof, no Development Project shall be developed, expand or proceed to construction during this moratorium. 

Section 4. Status of a Development Project. This moratorium shall not apply to any approved Development Project that has all of the following as of the effective date of this Ordinance: 

  1. All Township zoning and land use approvals were obtained and are still valid and in effect.
  2. Has a valid Township approved development (site) plan which is still in effect. 
  3. The project is under substantial construction. 

*   *   *

As for plats, this moratorium shall not apply to an approved overall preliminary plat and subsequent phases to a previously approved overall preliminary plat when such approvals occurred before this Ordinance became effective.  This moratorium shall not apply to final preliminary plat approval or final plat approval for plats that have previously obtained preliminary plat approval when such approvals occurred before this Ordinance became effective.

*   *   *

In addition, this moratorium shall not apply to any of the following: 

  1. Additions to lawfully existing houses and other buildings. Such exemption also includes decks, swimming pools and similar accessory structures. 
  2. Non-zoning permits and approvals such as permits under the building codes, solicitation permits, business permits and similar permits. 
  3. Sign permits. 
  4. Any single-family residential housing development that will have a total of five (5) or fewer lots, parcels or site condominiums. 

 

Section 5. Term of This Ordinance.  The moratorium imposed by this Ordinance shall remain in effect for eight (8) months following the effective date of this Ordinance or until amendments to Georgetown Charter Township’s ordinances regarding Development Projects become effective, whichever occurs first.  Prior to the expiration of this moratorium, Georgetown Charter Township may extend the moratorium to allow sufficient time to complete any such amendments to the ordinances and to finish and amend or adopt a new Master Plan.

Section 6. Effective Date.  This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency ordinance and shall become effective the day following its publication (or a summary hereof) in a newspaper of general circulation within the Township.  

The vote in favor of this Ordinance was as follows:

YEAS:            _____________________________________________________________

NAYS:             ___________________________________________________________

ABSENT:        ___________________________________________________________                                                                        

ABSTAIN:       ___________________________________________________________

ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an emergency Ordinance adopted by the Township Board for Georgetown Charter Township at the time, date, and place specified above pursuant to the required statutory procedures.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

By

 

 

 

 

Kelly Kuiper

Georgetown Charter Township Clerk

18.

Second Public Comment (maximum of three minutes per person)

19.

Discussion and General Information

20.

Closed Session for Property Acquisition Under MCL 12.268(D)


Motion: To go to closed session for property acquisition under MCL 12.268(D). (Motion made in Board room). 


Roll call vote. (Needs two-thirds majority vote). 


Roll Call: 

YEAS: 

NAYS: 

ABSENT: 

ABSTAIN: 


Hold the closed session in the small conference room. 


Motion: To go to open session. (Motion made in small conference room). 


Roll call vote.


Roll Call: 

YEAS:

NAYS:

ABSENT: 

ABSTAIN:



21.

Property Acquisitions


Motion: To adopt a resolution authorizing the Township Supervisor and the Township Clerk to execute an offer to purchase real estate and proceed to close on the purchase on behalf of the Township. 

22.

Meeting Adjourned