Public Services
Public Services includes (1) the operation of a municipal water distribution system; (2) the operation of wastewater collection system; (3) the operation and maintenance of an extensive parks and recreation system, which includes over 22 miles of non-motorized pathway; (4) the operation and maintenance of two cemeteries; and, (5) the operation and maintenance of a local area computer network (LAN) and communications.
Public Services Director
Mark VerBerkmoes
(616) 604-6313
Assistant Director
Dan Tlachac
(616) 604-6318
Other operations such as streets and roads, storm water, and trash disposal, which are normally included under the category of public works, are only indirectly affected by the Township. Although the Township is involved in paving and re-paving projects, all statutory responsibility and authority with regard to streets and roads is through the Ottawa County Road Commission. Similarly, although the Township funds storm drainage improvement projects, the legal responsibility and authority for these functions lies with the Ottawa County Drain Commissioner. The service of waste disposal, except some limited yard waste collection, is controlled indirectly through the Township’s licensing powers with private companies.
The Department of Public Services consists of a director, an assistant director and seven full-time staff. In addition, the department hires three seasonal employees during the summer months.
