Meeting Minutes: Georgetown Twp. pushes for J.H. Campbell plant to remain in operation

The Georgetown Township Board of Trustees met for the second time in August on Monday night, and discussed several issues:

The issue

Two resolutions were referred to the board by the Utilities Committee and were approved by the board: One requesting that the J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant remain open, and another declaring the intent to join a committee dedicated to buying Consumers Energy’s interest in the Campbell plant and forming an electric co-op.

What we know

The two resolutions were initially proposed by Joseph McCarter, coordinator of the Save the Campbell initiative. The board altered the wording of the second resolution to be about "exploring the potential" of buying the Campbell plant and approved both resolutions. Trustee Gene DeWitt voted yes on the first resolution, but against forming the exploratory committee. 

What's next

Trustee Gary Veldink will join McCarter’s committee to explore forming an electric cooperative with the assistance of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. They will also investigate the potential for funding from the federal government, or selling electricity to “an AI data center.”

The issue

A sidewalk ordinance change revising where paved, eight-foot-wide paths are required to be constructed along roads. The change includes Fillmore Street from 22nd Avenue to 28th Avenue and 36th Avenue to 48th Avenue. It also removes 48th Avenue.

What we know

The Georgetown Township Board approved the ordinance change unanimously, saying it creates a workaround for portions of the Idema Explorers Trail that don’t have access to be along the Grand River.

What's next

As developers build along those portions of Fillmore Street, they are required to install and maintain paved, non-motorized trails alongside the street for public use.

The issue

The Georgetown Township server room is outdated, extending the labor costs of servicing. The emergency power supply is also inadequate to ensure the security of township data in the event of a power failure.

What we know

The Georgetown Township Board approved a quote from Fusion IT for $34,027.10 in new equipment, $29,361.45 in labor, for a total of $64,616.54, including materials and shipping.

What's next

Fusion IT will clean up cabling, move all the equipment into network racks in the upstairs township library server room, install the new equipment and remove any unused equipment.

The issue

Township trustees spoke about the need to remodel the township office lobby for greater security of the employees and better flow of traffic during early voting periods.

What we know

Security concerns and long lines during early voting in 2024 have prompted township officials to consider this remodel.

What's next

The township board unanimously approved a $139,458 contract with Lakewood Construction to replace the transaction window and aluminum storefront system and surroundings.

The issue

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department is no longer providing paramedic-level response service in Georgetown Township. Emergency response will continue, but the emergency medical certification level will be decreasing.

What we know

The Georgetown Township Board has heard proposals from Georgetown Township Fire Department about expanding the full-time staff, and from LIFE EMS about adding Basic Life Support first response units to the area. Both options come with considerable expense. Several members of the GTFD were present at the meeting and spoke during public comment in favor of expanding the department.

What's next

The board has to decide whether to accept one of the proposals already given, find another option, or accept a lower level of emergency response than before. They have not declared a date for their decision. 

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Georgetown Township Board of Trustees is at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 in the board chamber at 1515 Baldwin St. in Jenison. Agendas are posted on the township's website in advance.

— Joshua Vissers covers communities in eastern Ottawa County. Contact him at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.