Cannon Township Communicator - Spring 2024

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CANNON TOWNSHIP Spring 2024

From The Supervisor

We recently bid farewell to two of Cannon Township’s finest trustees. Joe Gavan, who served with distinction as trustee and chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, played a pivotal role in various initiatives such as the paved trail expansion, the establishment of pickleball courts, and the preservation and expansion of parkland in Cannon Township. However, Joe’s new role as Chief Executive Officer of Cassopolis Family Clinic Network requires his presence in the Cassopolis area, making it challenging for him to devote the necessary attention to township matters. Recognizing his inability to fully commit, Joe graciously stepped aside to allow the Board to find a replacement who could dedicate themself entirely to the responsibilities of a trustee.

In Joe’s stead, the Board selected Todd Olson, a familiar face in Cannon Township. Todd has long been involved in the Parks and Recreation Committee, sharing Joe’s dedication to preserving the Township’s character and playing a key role in establishing the pickleball courts. As a trustee, Todd will assume the committee’s chairmanship, continuing the commendable work initiated under Joe’s leadership. Additionally, Todd’s contributions to the facilities committee will persist as he continues to serve in this capacity.

We also bid farewell to Terry Brod, a distinguished trustee who served for a

decade and represented the board on the Planning Commission. Throughout his tenure, Terry demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the Township’s character by ensuring strict adherence to zoning ordinances while fostering collaboration with developers to advance projects. Although Terry steps down from the board, his dedication to the Township remains unwavering as he continues his involvement in the Planning Commission and the Road Committee.

To fill Terry’s position, the board appointed Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, who has served alongside Terry on the Planning Commission and been actively engaged in the Invasive Species Committee. In her new role as trustee, Jessica will assume Terry’s responsibilities on the Planning Commission and spearhead the publication of the Communicator. (This is her first issue.) Her ongoing contributions to the Invasive Species Committee will continue to benefit the Township.

We extend our gratitude to Joe and Terry for their invaluable service and welcome Jessica and Todd to their new roles.

Steve Grimm Supervisor

Pictured is invasive Garlic Mustard: Just one plant can produce more than 7,000 seeds.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Department, Supervisor, and Clerk have finalized work on the 2024-2025 budget adopted on March 25, 2024. Cannon Township is in an excellent financial position. Additionally, the Treasurer’s Department has balanced and settled with Kent County and others on whose behalf we collect taxes. On March 1, all unpaid 2023 tax obligations were transferred to Kent County. Those with unpaid balances will now need to call the Kent County Treasurer’s office with any questions and to make payment arrangements. They can be reached at (616) 632-7500.

Along with preparing for the Township’s annual audit, the Treasurer’s Department will be preparing the summer 2024 tax bills. The summer tax bills should arrive at your home the first week of July. The final date for the Township to receive your summer tax payment without interest or penalty is Monday, September 16, 2024. Postmarks are not accepted, and we recommend that you allow extra time by mailing your payment at least two weeks in advance. Additionally, allow extra time if you are using your bank’s Bill Pay services.

If your Cannon Township home is your primary residence, we recommend that you review your tax bill to ensure you are receiving the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE). If the PRE is in place, your annual tax savings is approximately 18 mills. There are two places on your tax bill to check to make sure the “PRE” is in place. On your tax bill, you should see: % PRE/MBT:100% and Exempt next to your school district Operating Tax on your bill. If the PRE is not in place, please bring this to the Assessor or Treasurer’s attention, and we will arrange for the proper forms for you to sign.

As always, do not hesitate to contact the Treasurer’s office with any questions or concerns.

Stay In The Loop

Did you know you can subscribe to receive notifications from the Cannon Township website? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Visit www.cannontwp.org and scroll down past the “Departments” section.

• Click on the “Get Meeting Notifications” button.

• Check the box next to the meeting type(s) that you would like to subscribe to.

• Enter your email address.

• Check the box to confirm you are not a robot.

• Click Subscribe. A verification email is sent directly to your inbox.

• Click the link within the verification email to validate your email address.

• Enjoy automatic notices—subscribe once and receive all future notices.

David Spencer Treasurer

Meet The New Trustees

TODD OLSON

Greetings,

Allow me to introduce myself as one of the two recently appointed trustees for Cannon Township. My name is Todd Olson, and I’ve had the pleasure of calling Cannon Township home since 1996, along with my wife Jennifer of 29 years. Together, we’ve raised our children here. Our family has always cherished the privilege of residing in a community as wonderful as this, with its outstanding residents and abundant outdoor activities.

In my professional journey spanning almost 30 years, I’ve held several senior leadership roles in the trucking and transportation sector. Beyond my professional endeavors, in my free time, I’ve devoted over two decades to serving and giving back. Since 1998, I’ve been an active member of Rotary International in Rockford, MI. Additionally, I’ve co-founded several charity events with my friends that raise funds for commendable causes such as The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Hungry for Christ Food Missions, Arbor Circle, Rotary International, and ShelterBox.

As a self-professed lover of the outdoors, I often joke that if it involves an outdoor activity ending in “ing,” chances are I’m passionate about it. Whether it’s camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, or simply walking my 8-pound chihuahua mix adventure dog in the woods, you’ll likely find me enjoying nature’s offerings.

Serving as a trustee for the Township and chairing the Parks and Recreation Committee is something I hold dear and has been a longstanding aspiration

of mine. I’m deeply honored to fulfill this role. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve all the residents of Cannon Township diligently.

I extend my gratitude to the Board for entrusting me with this responsibility and for appointing me as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Having served on the committee for several years, I’ve enjoyed the chance to contribute to enhancing recreational opportunities for our community members. We are currently spearheading several exciting projects aimed at enriching recreational experiences in our Township, and I look forward to sharing them with you in future issues.

I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Joe Gavan, the former trustee and chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, for his dedicated efforts in advancing recreational opportunities in Cannon Township. Joe’s hard work has laid a solid foundation for me to build upon, and while I’ll miss collaborating with him on the committee, I wish him great success in his new endeavors.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time if I can be of assistance. I welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can further enhance recreational opportunities in Cannon Township.

Wishing you a life well-lived in Cannon Township,

Todd Olson Cannon Township Trustee

James & Shirley Balk Family Park

The Kent County Parks Department acquired The James and Shirley Balk Family Park in 2023 through a generous donation by the Balk Family. If you are new to the area, the property was formerly a portion of the Silver Lake Country Club Golf, a golf course that first opened in 1925 and closed in 2019.

The Master Plan for The James and Shirley Balk Family Park was completed by Kent County Parks at the end of last year. Currently, Kent County Parks is collaborating with the Kent County Parks Foundation to develop a fundraising strategy. The estimated total cost for developing the park is between $6 to $7 million. To expedite public access to the park, Kent County Parks plans to approach the development in phases. Currently, their Landscape Architect is working with consultants to design and engineer an entrance to the park, which is a crucial step in obtaining the MDOT permit required for park access.

The Kent County Parks Department will be seeking site plan review from the Township sometime this spring or summer as part of that process. To learn more, check the Kent County Parks Foundation’s website for updates.

Sewer News

As previously communicated, the North Kent Sewer Authority (NKSA), of which we are a member, oversees the wastewater treatment plant serving our community. In compliance with Michigan state discharge permit requirements, the NKSA has detected significant levels of PFAS in water entering the plant. PFAS, a chemical family comprising thousands of different chemicals, is commonly found in household products and is present in wastewater to some extent. Of particular concern is PFOS, which consistently exceeds the permitted limit of 12 parts per trillion. The most recent test indicated 61 parts per trillion in the plant effluent, illustrating the magnitude of the issue.

Our investigations have determined that the NKSA facility itself does not contribute to the contamination. Instead, testing around the collection system reveals that PFAS contamination primarily originates from within the City of Rockford and the northern portion of Plainfield Township. Despite efforts to pinpoint the source, PFAS continues to infiltrate the wastewater system through inflow & infiltration (water leaking into sewer pipes), residential sump pumps, footing drains, and similar sources. While Cannon Township has greatly reduced inflow & infiltration, and all testing shows our water is safe, stopping PFAS from entering the wastewater system remains a challenge for other communities in NKSA.

of wastewater for PFAS. However, PFAS compounds are notoriously difficult to remove through conventional treatment methods, posing a significant challenge. Constructing a treatment plant addition to address the PFAS issue was explored but deemed financially impractical, with an estimated capital cost of $30 million and an annual operational cost of $3 million.

It is evident that the State’s proposed solution is not feasible, as it would unfairly burden innocent NKSA ratepayers with exorbitant costs. As such, the NKSA is actively collaborating with the State to identify a viable solution that does not unduly impact ratepayers. While we navigate this complex issue, it is crucial for citizens to advocate for diligent yet pragmatic solutions to the PFAS problem through engagement with legislators.

Furthermore, we encourage residents to gain insight into the wastewater treatment process by arranging a tour of the treatment plant. If interested, please contact us at (616) 874-6966, and we will facilitate the arrangement with the NKSA.

Your cooperation and support are invaluable as we address this challenge together.

Updated Provided By:

Ben Swazey, Kent County Parks

As part of the NKSA’s discharge operating permit, the State is pushing for the removal of PFAS sources from the collection system or the treatment

Steve Grimm Supervisor

Meet The New Trustees

JESSICA GUTOWSKI-SLAYDON

I am thrilled to serve the amazing people of Cannon Township. I have spent nearly three decades in this wonderful community, enjoying everything from our beautiful lakes and trails to the friendly faces and community businesses. I absolutely LOVE Cannon Township, and I take great pride in living here. I’m sure you feel the same way!

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Terry Brod for taking me under his wing and teaching me so much about the Planning Commission. He is a man of few words, but his knowledge is profound. I am delighted that he will continue to serve on the Planning Commission, as I greatly value his mentorship. Next, I want to thank Joe Gavan for making me feel so welcome and encouraging me to get more involved with the Township. I am excited to take over the Communicator, although I must admit, Joe may have understated how much work it entails. Haha, just kidding - I have a passion for print, and I’m excited to see where we can take this quarterly publication once I have a few issues under my belt.

On a personal note, I’m a mom to three young boys - Blake, aged 10, Dax, aged 7, and Parks, aged 2. My husband, Jake, and I have lived fulltime on Bostwick Lake for the past 10 years. When I moved back to Michigan, I never dreamed how much I would love our community. I truly have the best neighbors.

Professionally, my background is in public relations, sales, and marketing. For the past 10 years, I have been a part of my family’s business, Swift Printing, where I serve as President. Our company is women-owned and B Corp Certified. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Stockbridge Business Association, Vice-President of Events of the Parent Teacher Organization at Lakes Elementary, and last year, I was honored to be selected as part of Crain’s Inaugural Class of 40 under 40.

I live to foster a strong sense of community and enjoy making everyone feel welcome. I believe our Township does an excellent job, and I hope to enhance that by bringing a different perspective to the Board. I am always eager to learn how we can improve. Additionally, I have a deep respect for history and tradition. I want to understand why and how we do things. I am so grateful for the current Board and staff for being so welcoming.

I look forward to connecting with you at some point! Feel free to give me a call on my cell at (616) 915-5370 or send me an email at jslaydon@ cannontwp.org if you have any questions.

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Cannon Township Trustee

Cannon Township Unveils New Fixit Bike Repair Rack

A HUB FOR CYCLISTS OF ALL AGES

Cannon Township is pedaling towards enhanced community cycling experiences with a new Fixit Bike Repair Rack. The latest addition to our recreational amenities elevates the biking culture within the Township, offering a convenient spot for cyclists to fine-tune their rides.

Among the excited users are Archer and Graham Harrison, two young cycling enthusiasts whose enthusiasm

embodies the community’s embrace of this new resource.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, the rack provides a user-friendly platform equipped with essential tools for bike maintenance and repairs. The Fixit Bike Repair Rack is located right along the path adjacent to the new pickleball courts.

No Solicitation without a Permit

Did you know that in Cannon Township, we have an ordinance against solicitation unless you have a permit?

If you encounter someone soliciting at your door, kindly take down their information and send it to Jim Alles

or call the non-emergency phone number. The proper steps will be taken to cite the business if they do not have a permit. However, please keep in mind that political candidates are an exception to this rule.

ELECTIONS RECAP

This past year has been interesting and full of new experiences for me. My first two elections are now history. The KDL and School millage election was a good starter. Not too big, so I got my feet wet slowly. The February Presidential Primary was a bit more hectic and much more complex. Voters had to select a party ballot to vote for in this election, and many people could not remember doing that even though we have done so since 1916 or thereabouts.

The February election was our first with nine days of in-person early voting. I am not sure I would call it a success, but again, it was nice starting out slowly to get to know the process. We had as many as 29 voters in a day and as few as five. In the nine days, we had 192 voters come to cast their ballot. Another first this time was the ability to bring your absent voter ballot to the polls and actually run it through the tabulator. We had a few residents do this, and all went smoothly.

We have three elections for the remainder of this year. May 7th is the Lowell Millage election. Cannon has about 256 voters in the Lowell School district, so this is also a small one for us, but it still requires the polls to open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00

p.m., so it will be a long day. The Clerk is also required to be in the office the Saturday before the election, so we will be available for absentee voters and registration on May 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, remember that for this election only Precinct 1 will vote in-person at the Cannon Township Center.

The State Primary is on August 6th. This is the primary for all state, county, judges, precinct delegates, university boards, and local offices that will be on the ballot in the November 5th general election. There will be nine days of early voting for both state elections. July 27th through August 4th and October 26th through November 3rd. You will hear more about these in the Summer Communicator. Have a safe spring.

Feel free to call 616-884-2207 or email jalles@cannontwp.org.

Invasive Species/Wetland Committee

With the arrival of spring, unfortunately comes the emergence of invasive species in our own backyards. I extend a special thank you to the Kent Conservation District for their efforts this spring on Township property. Their team dedicated time to tackling bittersweet along the trails and surrounding areas of the Township building. This ongoing battle against invasive species will continue to be closely monitored by the Conservation District.

Regrettably, our first volunteer day had to be canceled due to rainy weather. However, we have rescheduled this event for Saturday, July 20 at 9 am, so please mark your calendars! We will convene at the Township building for a hands-on learning session led by the Kent Conservation group. This session will not only cover the removal of invasive species from Township trails but also provide valuable skills for managing them on your own property. Please sign up to learn more here.

Stay tuned to the Cannon Township website for updates, articles, and tips on controlling invasive species.

Wishing everyone a delightful spring season amidst God’s beautiful creation.

Cy Balk Trustee Chair

Jim Alles Clerk

Roads Update

As construction season approaches, expect closures throughout the county. In Cannon Township, construction will be concentrated around the Belding Road Kitson Drive area. Kitson Drive and several streets in the Pines neighborhood on the south side of Belding Road will be affected. Additionally, Young Avenue will undergo improvements from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road. While not all projects are within Cannon, lane closures and slow-moving traffic are expected.

Looking ahead to fall/winter, we assess road conditions and update our threeyear plan for road improvements. This proactive planning allows us to allocate tax dollars efficiently and avoid the need for emergency repairs. If your road requires attention, please reach out, and we will incorporate it into our plan.

Jim Alles Clerk

Business Brief

GALLERY INTERIORS

Gallery Interiors, an interior design and home renovation firm, is located just east of Timbers Inn on Belding Road. Owned by Mary Burns, ASID, the business has been operating in Cannon Township for over 30 years. Gallery is a “home experience” store where builders and consumers can design, renovate, decorate, and furnish their homes all from one convenient location.

Their experienced design team, including Jen Lemmer for interior design and Margaret Farretell for CAD support, along with a number of skilled

artisans, are ready to assist clients with a wide range of services. These services include plan designs and execution, custom kitchen and bath designs, color and surface selection, as well as choosing window treatments, home furnishings, accessories, lamps, and wall art.

Gallery Interiors is committed to assisting clients in creating beautiful spaces that reflect their individual personality, style, and budget.

From The Fire Department

Did you know that Cannon Water Rescue #12 is the only hovercraft utilized by a fire department in Kent County?

Earlier this year, the Cannon Township Fire Department took possession of a new rescue hovercraft to replace the old Water Rescue #12, which had served Cannon Township and neighboring communities for numerous rescues over the past 24 years.

The hovercraft is a unique resource that offers advantages on land, water, ice, and rapidly moving water. It operates on a layer of air between the craft and the surface but can float when needed for search and rescue or recovery operations. This allows us to respond with speed and versatility while maintaining buoyancy when required.

While the hovercraft is an incredible resource for our department, only certified members are qualified to operate it. Certification involves lengthy training and constant practice to ensure safety and deployment efficiency when responding. We plan on having all the necessary training completed for our members by late spring to have the new hovercraft in service for this summer.

We invite you to follow us on Facebook to see some of our training exercises and actual rescues in and around Cannon Township using Cannon Water Rescue #12.

We value resident participation and encourage your involvement

• Township board meetings are held every second and fourth Monday.

• Experience meetings in person or via live stream on YouTube starting at 7 p.m.

James M. Morris Fire Chief, EMT

Cannon Township Communicator

Recreational Vehicles

With spring here and summer shortly around the corner, this is the time of year we begin to see more recreational vehicles stored on properties. The Cannon Township Zoning Ordinance addresses the storage of recreational vehicles on private property.

If storing a recreational vehicle outside, the vehicle must be no closer than 5 ft. to any side or rear property line. Cannon Township allows for recreational vehicles with sleeping accommodations to be used on a property for no more than 48 hours if

Dates To Remember

For

the vehicle is owned by the property owner or is a guest of the property owner. Finally, no recreational vehicle is to be parked on any streets, alleys, or other public places for more than two hours.

Edmund Lockhart Zoning Administrator Assistant Planner

Cannon Township Center

6878 Belding Road, Rockford, MI 49341

Main Office: 616-874-6966

Zoning Administrator: 616-884-2206

• Rockford Area Foundation Rep Here To Serve

Steve Grimm Supervisor

sgrimm@cannontwp.org

• Fire & Law Enforcement

• Sewer

• Communications

• Personnel

• Finance

• Elections

David Spencer Treasurer dspencer@cannontwp.org

• Finance

• Personnel

• Elections

• Facilities

• Parks & Rec

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Trustee

jslaydon@cannontwp.org

• Planning Commission

• Communications

• Invasive Species/Wetlands

Jim Alles Clerk

jalles@cannontwp.org

• Cemetery

• Fire & Law Enforcement

• Personnel

• Parks & Rec

• Facilities

• Elections

• GVMC Rep

Todd Olson Trustee

tolson@cannontwp.org

• Parks & Rec

Henry Betten Trustee

hbetten@cannontwp.org

• Zoning Board of Appeals

• Sewer

Cy Balk Trustee

cbalk@cannontwp.org

• Parks & Rec

• Invasive Species/Wetlands