Next Meetings
Township Board
April 9th, 6:30 pm
Community News Blasts
Here are two of several circulating posts.
Good afternoon, fellow residents,
I haven’t sent an update in a while, but tomorrow’s Township Board meeting makes it necessary.
Thursday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m. the Board plans to adopt a revised Civil Infraction Ordinance as an internal “policy and procedure” manual item. They will then direct the Planning Commission to update Zoning Ordinance Article 22 to reference it for enforcement.
This is concerning for two main reasons:
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A CIO public hearing was already held, and the vast majority of residents who spoke raised serious issues that remain unaddressed.
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The new version is being introduced at a daytime “business matters” meeting under a different name, which appears designed to avoid proper public scrutiny.
Even the simplified draft still has several serious shortcomings:
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No clear timeframe between repeated fines
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No appeal process for property owners
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Removes the previous requirement that the Zoning Administrator must investigate without trespassing
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Keeps very high fines at $500 per day
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Skips the need for another public hearing, allowing them to push through whatever they want
The current enforcement process has worked well in the vast majority of cases. We do not need to replace our "rural character" way of life—with its lower level of rules and greater respect for residents’ voices—with stricter, city-style enforcement.
If you share these concerns, please:
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Email the Board members today (emails listed below)
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Attend the meeting tomorrow if possible (online via the Zoom link in the agenda: https://www.whitewatertownshipmi.gov/uploads/2/1/9/6/21966412/03.26.2026_board_meeting_agenda.pdf)
Township Board emails:
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Supervisor Linda Slopsema: supervisor@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
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Clerk Wendy Hoeksema: clerk@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
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Treasurer Jill Koester: treasurer@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
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Trustee Randy Mielnik: trustee01@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
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Trustee/Deputy Supervisor Tim Arends: trustee02@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
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Zoning Administrator Deb Graber: zoning@whitewatertownshipmi.gov
Let’s respectfully but clearly ask them not to proceed with this change at this time.
Thank you
Hey folks, Quick WWTS Update
The Thursday March 26th, 9am meeting agenda includes the following items:
Installing Civil Infraction as the method of all ordinance enforcement. This
time they are skipping the detailed ordinance and just changing the enforcement policy manual. This will have NO public hearing. It contains no details like start of fine, end of fine, timelines, or an appeals process, but it does
include $500 a day, every day, until you comply. Page 31-40 (proposed and existing text)
Removing the policy requirement that the ZA investigate without trespassing. Page 33 "note" (proposed) - Page 39 section IX.3.b (existing)
A proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment that would be forwarded to the PC for processing. This amendment would change how our Zoning Ordinance is enforced from Criminal (with a trial) to Civil Infraction ($500 a day). The ZO amendment will require a public hearing but after that, the pc is required to send it to the board. The board can then pass the ZO even if the PC recommends against it. Page 41-42 (proposed and existing)
The elimination of Zoom in favor of only providing a live screen
option. No tape, no record, no way to stay involved if you still work
for a living, have another appointment, or travel. Page 77-78
And finally, there is also a "closed session" to review some information from
the township attorney, topic unknown, and some additional business items to review.
I know (and they know) that 9am is not doable for most folks but make it if you
can. If it just isn't an option, make your presence and concern felt by
logging on to zoom. Even if you can't watch, log in and let it run. They always
take a count.
Anyway, this is provided to keep you informed. This link should take you directly to the township website agenda page. 03.26.2026_board_meeting_agenda.pdf Every effort has been taken to ensure that this is all factual information, not just rumors.
Please share and pass this on to any friends and neighbors that you think should know about it.
See you there.
Please note: A second version of the agenda packet was release late Wednesday evening. Page numbers in many text or emails will be about 25 pages off. CIO information will start on page 31 of original packet and page 56 of updated packet. Packet link above.
Please be patient.
This site is facilitated by volunteer friends and neighbors. It is constantly changing. We would appreciate a note if you found anything incorrect or not functioning.
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Thank You.