CASCADE TOWNSHIP RECEIVES HIGH CREDIT RATING

 Cascade Township’s credit rating was confirmed by Standard & Poors to be AA+ /stable in a recent review of the township’s finances.  S&P’s report stated that “The Township’s financial performance remains very strong, due in part to strong levy support and conservative budgeting.”  S&P reviews the township’s financial status every two years.

Cascade Township has reported positive financial operations in the last four fiscal years and continues to provide full service to its residents through sound financial management practices and review by staff and the Township Board.  We have an excellent finance team that works hard to insure our residents receive maximum return on their tax dollars.  Senior Accountant Mildred Pinder, Deputy Treasurer Oxana Sourine and Account Clerk Debbie Amos examine every detail of each transaction to be sure that our funds are being managed properly.  The Township’s Finance Committee, comprised of Trustees Jim Koessel (Chair), Treasurer Ken Pierce and Trustee Goldberg monitor the Township’s financial practices closely to verify their continued excellence.

S&P reported that the stable outlook of the township’s finances reflects their anticipation that the township will maintain its very secure fund balance due to a strong employment   and strong tax base in Cascade.  The fund balance provides a cushion against any unexpected budgetary challenges in the future.  The Township has have been through four ‘down’ years and managed to add to our reserves each year.  We are in great financial condition!

 The complete S&P report can be found on the township’s website:  www.cascadetwp.com

COUSINS TO RETIRE

The time has come for me retire from government service.  I have worked in local government in Michigan since 1989  and have enjoyed every minute!  I have been epsecially fortunate to have worked in Cascade Township for the last five years.  My wife and I plan to stay in our home in the Township after retiring - this is truely a great place to live!!!

I gave my board a lot of notice so they can find a suitable  replacement and have him or her on board before I leave.

My last day with the Township will be January 25, 2013.

HOUSHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE - JULY 14TH

Cascade and Ada Townships are going together to hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection day on Saturday, July 14th at Station #2 of the Cascade Fire Department.  This service will be offered free-of-charge to all Cascade and Ada residents (residential waste only).  The collection point will be in the rear lot of the building, located at 2990 Buttrick from 9am to 1pm.  The following items are typical of what can be dropped off: 

      Weed killer, fertilizer, rodent & bug spray, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, deck sealer & cleaner, oil-based paint and stain (NO LATEX PAINTS), paint thinner, adhesives and glue, antifreeze, motor oil, automotive fluids, gas & oil mix, washer fluid, auto batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers and thermostats, batterise and aerosol cans.  A few items are not accepted such as:  any pills or other drugs, refillable propane tanks, ammunition or fireworks. 

If you are unclear about anything you want to dispose of, call Kent County Recycle at 336-2467 for more information.

FIREWORKS

In my last post, I noted that recreational fires are being discouraged due to the dry conditions.  I need to add the shooting off of fireworks to that list.  We have had a couple of grass fires (resulting from fireworks) in the last few days that could get quite dangerous if not caught and controlled right away.  Please consider your neighbors homes (if not your own), and refrain from shooting off fireworks until we get some rain.

FIRE DANGER IS HIGH!

Due to the extremely dry weather, Cascade Township has discontinued issuing burn permits.  Until we have some significant rain, the safety of our residents dictates that no burning be done in the Township.  We are also asking that residents refrain from igniting recreational fires during this period of dry weather.  If you have any questions, give me a call at 949-1500 x 213.

DUSTY ROADS

Mt grandfather's nickname was "Dusty Rhoads".   Back to the regularly scheduled program............

The gravel roads in Cascade Township are scheduled to be treated to reduce the amount of dust on them starting on July 5th.  this years has been very tough on the gravel roads as there needs to be SOME moisture for the treatment to work.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and help adhere the traetment to the roads to cut down on the dust for the rest of the summer!

Experience the Thornapple River

I have attached a piece (below) from the Thornapple River Expedition that may be of interest to you!  One piece of the river tour goes through Cascade.............  Sounds like a fun river trip!!!

Expedition and Clean Up Planned for the Thornapple River

Contact:  Joanne Barnard (269) 948-8056 or joanne.barnard@mi.nacdnet.net

The Thornapple River Watershed Council is busy this year planning for the first ever Thornapple River Expedition, scheduled for August 6-11, 2012 and for the 17^th Annual Thornapple River Clean Up on September 15, 2012.  Both events are aimed at raising awareness and citizen involvement in water quality issues while promoting local, family-friendly recreation.  Both events offer opportunities for individuals, groups and businesses to get involved to help showcase the river and its surrounding communities.

The Expedition will be a six-day tour of the Thornapple.  Day one will kick off with an opening luncheon and a road tour of water quality improvement projects in the upper portion of the watershed in Eaton County.  Sites include a planned 650 acre wetland restoration, Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program practices at work on farms to protect water quality, and state- and federal-sponsored projects to improve the Thornapple River.  Days two through six will be a paddling trip on the Thornapple River from Vermontville to its confluence with the Grand River in Ada.  Participants may choose to complete the whole expedition or sign up for day, half-day or multi-day trips.  Each day will include educational events focused on history, wildlife and aquatic life, water quality and river restoration projects.  Meals and camp sites are provided for registered participants.  Lunch and evening stops are planned to highlight the Thornapple’s communities and their tourism and recreation attractions.  Over 100 paddlers are expected to complete the Expedition, with dozens of community members joining in for shorter trips.  The Watershed Council is seeking volunteers and sponsors who can help organize and support meals and activities for paddlers when they arrive in each town.  For a full itinerary, registration information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.thornappleriver.org, email TRWC@thornappleriver.org, or phone the Barry Conservation District at (269) 948-8056.  Also look for a link to our Expedition blog starting in late July at www.thornappleriver.org.

The 17^th Annual Thornapple River Clean Up, planned for Saturday, September 17, will stretch from Vermontville to Ada, including portions of the Coldwater River.  This annual event draws approximately 150 volunteers to collect trash from the river.  Each year, nearly 60 cubic yards of trash are removed from the river.  Local liveries, restaurants and businesses provide boats to carry out the clean up and lunch for volunteers after the work is completed, as well as support for waste hauling and recycling. A grant from the Great Lakes Commission to the Barry Conservation District will help defray costs for clean-up supplies and transportation.   This year, teams will start in Vermontville, Nashville, Hastings, Middleville, Alto, Alaska and Ada.  If you are interested in volunteering for the 17^th Annual Thornapple River Clean Up – either to help plan the event or to take part in it - or if you would like to support the event, contact the Watershed Council at TRWC@thornappleriver.org or phone the Barry Conservation District at (269)-948-8056.

The Thornapple River Watershed Council is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and enhancing the quality, aesthetic and recreational value of the Thornapple River Watershed through education, planning and management.