Boards & Commissions
Township Board
Formed in 1858, Laketown is a general law township. Its five-member board consists of a supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and two trustees — all elected officials with four-year terms. Laketown Township also has a township manager.
All regular Township Board meetings are at 6:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Laketown Township Office, unless otherwise noted.
All Board workshops are the first Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.

Meet the Board
Linda Howell | Supervisor | linda@laketowntwp.org | |
Gary Dewey | Treasurer | gary@laketowntwp.org | Visit Treasurer Page |
Amber Davis | Clerk | amber@laketowntwp.org | Visit Elections Page |
Jim Johnson | Trustee | jim@laketowntwp.org | Visit Planning Commission Tab Above |
Jim Delaney | Trustee | jamesd@laketowntwp.org | Visit Zoning Board Tab Above |
Meeting and Minutes
January 4, 2023 – Workshop Agenda / Minutes
January 11, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
February 1, 2023 – Workshop Agenda / Minutes
February 8, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
March 8, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
Proposed Retail Water Agreement
April 5, 2023 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
April 12, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
May 3, 2023 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 5, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 10, 2022 – Special Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 12, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
February 2, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
February 9, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 2, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
March 9, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
April 6, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
April 13, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
May 4, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
May 11, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
June 1, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
June 8, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
July 6, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
July 13, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
August 3, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
August 10, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
September 7, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
September 14, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
September 22, 2022 – Special Notice / Minutes
October 5, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
October 12, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
November 2, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
November 9, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
December 7, 2022 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 14, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
January 6, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 13, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
February 3, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
February 10, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
March 3, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
March 10, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
April 7, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
April 14, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
May 5, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
May 12, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
June 2, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
June 9, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
July 7, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
July 14, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
August 4, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
August 11, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
September 1, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
September 8, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
October 6, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
October 13, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
November 3, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
November 10, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
November 29, 2021 – Special Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 1, 2021 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 8, 2021 – Special Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 8, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
January 6, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 8, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
February 5, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
February 12, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
March 4, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
March 11, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
April 1, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
April 8, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
April 29, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
May 6, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
May 13, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
June 3, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
June 10, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
July 1, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
July 8, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
August 5, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
August 12, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
September 2, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
September 9, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
October 7, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
October 14, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
November 4, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
November 11, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
December 2, 2020 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 9, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
January 2, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 3, 2019 – Special Notice / Minutes
January 9, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
February 6, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
February 13, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 6, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
March 11, 2019 – Special Notice / Minutes
March 13, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
April 3, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
April 10, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
April 17, 2019 – Special Notice / Minutes
May 1, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
May 8, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
June 3, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
June 10, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
July 3, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
July 10, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
August 7, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
August 14, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
September 4, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
September 11, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
October 2, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
October 9, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
October 28, 2019 – Special Agenda / Minutes
November 6, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
November 13, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
December 4, 2019 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 11, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
January 3, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
January 10, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
February 7, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
February 14, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 7, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
March 14, 2018 – Agenda / Annual Meeting
March 14, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
April 4, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
April 11, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
May 2, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
May 9, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
June 6, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
June 13, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
July 4, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes / Cancellation
July 11, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
August 1, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
August 8, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
September 5, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
September 12, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
October 3, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
October 10, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
November 7, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
November 13, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
December 5, 2018 – Workshop Notice / Minutes
December 12, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
Looking for agendas & minutes from meetings held prior to 2018? Contact us!
Planning Commission

The basic function of a township planning commission is to make and adopt a plan for the township’s land use development. In addition to private land use, the planning commission considers the general location of major streets, water and sewer systems and other public utilities and structures, and rehabilitation of blighted areas, location of public buildings, and flood prevention.
The planning commission is required to review any plats or subdivisions and make a recommendation prior to township board action. It also does site plan reviews and makes decisions on applications for special use permits and planned unit developments.
The township board decides on rezoning issues and amendments to the zoning ordinances after review and recommendation of the planning commission.
On November 11, 2020 the Laketown Township Board approved the 2020 township master plan. The master plan is the culmination of nearly three years of work by the Laketown Township Planning Commission.
The 2020 master plan can be viewed by clicking here.
For a copy of the 1991 Master Plan, click here.
For a copy of the 2005 Master Plan Update, click here.
For a copy of the 2005 Future Land Use Update, click here.
For a copy of the 2008 Laketown SubArea Plan, click here.
View the zoning map by clicking here.
View a map of the streets in the township by clicking here.
The Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the township office. Planning Commission members are Randy Becksvoort – Chair, Jim Johnson – Trustee, Dick Becker – Vice Chair, Marcia Perry, and Chad Nienhuis
Meetings and Minutes
January 4, 2023 – Cancelation notice
February 1, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
March 1, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes / Amended
April 5, 2023 – Cancelation Notice
May 3, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
June 7, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
January 5, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
February 2, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 2, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
April 6, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
May 4, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
June 1, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
July 6, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
August 3, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
September 7, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
October 5, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
November 2, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
December 7, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 6, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
February 2, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 2, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
April 7, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
May 5, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
June 2, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
July 7, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
August 4, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
September 1, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
October 6, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
November 3, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
December 1, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
January 7, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
February 5, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
March 4, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
April 1, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
May 6, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
June 3, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
July 1, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
August 5, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
September 2, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
October 7, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
November 4, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
December 2, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
January 2, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
January 14, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
February 6, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 4, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
March 6, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
April 3, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
April 8, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
May 1, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
May 6, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
June 3, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
June 5, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
July 3, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
August 7, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
September 9, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
October 2, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
October 14, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
November 6, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
December 4, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 3, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
February 7, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
March 7, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
March 14, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
April 4, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
April 12, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
May 2, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
May 17, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
June 6, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
July 3, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
August 1, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
September 5, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
October 3, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
October 22, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
November 7, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
November 26, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
December 5, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
Parks Commission

Laketown Township is fortunate to have many parks, seven owned by the township, one by the State (DNR), several on Allegan County Road Commission rights-of-way and some preserves maintained by nonprofit groups. The Parks Commission is made up of five elected commissioners. It meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the township hall.
Mission Statement: The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission through its Board of Commissioners, staff, programs, services and facilities seeks to enhance the quality of life and the environment, to acquire, conserve and protect natural resources, and to provide quality leisure time opportunities for the benefit of the community.
Members of the Parks Commission: Jeremy Van Hoven – Chair, Karen Simmons – Vice Chair, Dick Becker – Treasurer, and Anne Brand. One position remains unfilled.
Find a park with the Parks Map
Master Plan Update
The parks commission is now working on its Five-Year Master Plan which was last updated in 2018. The master plan helps guide the commission in planning and projects. It also assists in securing state grants.
Four public meetings are planned so residents can express their views on what should be in the plan. The meetings are:
Thursday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.
Saturday, June 10, at 9 a.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.
Thursday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.
Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.
A parks commissioner will be present at each meeting.
Parks Reservation Information
What type of events require a Park Use Permit?
A Park Permit is needed when one or more of the following criteria applies to your event or activity:
- 20 or more people expected at the event or activity
- live musical entertainment
- fee collection on township property (donations, admissions, concession, or merchandise sales)
- use of temporary structures or facilities, such as, tents, shade structures, stages, booths, amusement devices (such as, bounce house, dunking booth), etc.
- the general public is invited or notified by the media
- animals on display, for show, or for rides
- hot air balloons or any apparatus for aviation ascent or descent into a park
- any wedding held at a park location
- use of the shelter or park is in a manner other than their specified recreational use
When do I need to submit my Park Use Application?
It is recommended that applications be submitted to the township office at least eight (8) weeks prior to your event. Applicants desiring to hold major events, especially those that are publicly advertised, should submit their application at least 90 days in advance, as a pre-event meeting with township staff may be required. Applications submitted less than 4 weeks in advance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What if my event is an annual event? Will I get the same date and location every year?
Reservations can be made up to 364 days in advance and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Event planners may request the same date for the following year if they turn in a completed Park Use Application. Multiple events will not be allowed to be hosted on trails during the same day.
Can I have amplified sound at my event?
Amplified music is permitted, but must be kept to a reasonable level so as not to disturb the peace, quiet or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants. Amplified sound shall not exceed the distance of 100 feet from the building, structure or outdoor area in which the device is located.
Absolutely no profanity or profane lyrics are allowed in the selection of music that is played for the event. If such music is heard by park staff or if complaints are received from other park users, it will be grounds for shutting down the event and a prohibition on any future events by the sponsor.
Meetings and Minutes
January 18, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
February 15, 2023 – Cancelation Notice
March 15, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
April 19, 2023 – Agenda / Cancelation Notice
May 17, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
June 21, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
January 19, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
February 16, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 16, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
April 13, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
April 20, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
May 18, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
June 15, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
July 20, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
August 17, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
September 21, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
October 19, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
November 16, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes
December 21, 2022 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 20, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
February 17, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
March 17, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
April 21, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
May 19, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
June 16, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
July 21, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
August 18, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
September 15, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
October 20, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
November 17, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes
December 15, 2021 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 15, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
February 19, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
March 18, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
April 15, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
May 20, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
June 17, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
July 15, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
August 19, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
September 16, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
October 21, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes
November 18, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
December 16, 2020 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 16, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
February 20, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
March 20, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
April 17, 2029 – Agenda / Minutes
May 15, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
June 19, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
July 17, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
August 21, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
September 18, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
October 16, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
November 20, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes
December 18, 2019 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
January 17, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
February 21, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
March 21, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
April 18, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
May 16, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
June 20, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
July 18, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
August 15, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
September 19, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
October 17, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
November 28, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes
December 19, 2018 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation
Building Authority
The township Building Authority is appointed by the Township Board and authorized to acquire, furnish, equip, own, improve, enlarge, operate and maintain buildings, automobile parking lots or structures, recreational facilities, and any other properties and facilities used for any public purpose. You may contact the Building Authority by calling the Township office, (616) 335-3050.
Members are Chairperson Tom Shuff, Robert Schaftenaar and Township Manager Al Meshkin. The township clerk and treasurer are ex-officio members meaning they can participate in discussion but not vote.
2023 Meeting Agenda and Minutes
May 1, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
2022 Meeting Agendas and Minutes
April 18, 2022 Agenda / Minutes
July 20, 2022 Agenda / Minutes
Dec 21, 2022 Agenda / Minutes
Zoning Board of Appeals
The ZBA meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Township office.
The ZBA hears and decides all zoning ordinance appeals. It may grant variances from the strict letter of the zoning ordinance if practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship would result in conforming with the ordinance, provided the spirit of the ordinance is observed, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. The hardship should not be self-created and some unique circumstances involving the property in question should be evident to support a variance.
An appeal may be filed by any individual aggrieved or by an officer, department, board or bureau of the township, county or state. The reasons for any ZBA decision shall be stated in full and made a part of the meeting records.
The proper use of a zoning board of appeals within the limits of its jurisdiction can prevent a zoning ordinance from becoming a rigid or unjust document.
Zoning Board of Appeals members are: Casey Kimes – Chair, Marcia Perry – Vice Chair, Jim Delaney, Barb Hibiske and Bob Slikkers. Alternates are Charles Martin “Marty” Hysen and Stephen Penfield.
Forms and Applications
Meetings and Minutes
January 25, 2023 – Cancellation Notice
February 22 2023 – Cancellation Notice
March 22, 2023 – Cancellation Notice
April 26, 2023 – Agenda / Notice / Minutes
May 24, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes / Cancellation Notice
June 28, 2023 – Agenda / Minutes
Graafschap Fire Department Board
The fire board for Laketown and Fillmore townships is a joint fire board with two members from each participating governmental unit.
Two members from Laketown: Gary Dewey and Linda Howell
Two members from Fillmore: Bob Yonker and Tim Hofman
The Fire Chief, Doug DenBleyker serves as a non-voting member. Two additional fire department members serve as non-voting members as well.
The fire board is required to submit an annual budget for review, modification, and approval by the township board.
The Graafschap Fire Board meets quarterly.
Minutes and Meetings
Downtown Development Authority
On June 13, 2007, the Township Board of Laketown Township in Allegan County, Michigan created the Laketown Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA). At that time the DDA was given all of the powers and duties prescribed for a Downtown Development Authority pursuant to Act 197 of Public Acts of 1975, M.C.L.A. §§ 125.1651 et seq., as amended by the State of Michigan. A nine-member DDA Board was appointed to represent the Township and its downtown business interests. The Township Board also designated the boundaries of the downtown district within which the DDA may legally operate.
The overall goal of the Development Plan is to undertake public improvements that will provide the framework for future development of the commercial parcels along Blue Star Highway. Implementation of this plan will result in a variety of economic benefits including employment, greater retail activity, and funding for improvements.
The goals of this plan are to:
- Create a physical environment, image, and “sense of place” which will encourage a vital mix of land uses and activities in the district
- Create a physical environment that works in concert with the natural environment
- Capitalize on the existing seasonal tourist market and create new opportunities for expanding the tourist market and attracting new markets
- Create a visual cohesiveness and unity for the uses along Blue Star Highway through onsite and streetscape enhancements
- Encourage additional private investment in the district
- Improve shared use ways and promote multi-purpose circulation in the district
- Protect the residential areas within and adjacent to the district through sensitive site design
Forms and Applications
The township board also appoints residents to area boards and commissions, including:
Holland Aquatic Center: Sara Giesler
Holland District Library: Gary Dewey