Fire Board
GRAAFSCHAP FIRE BOARD
4534 60th STREET
HOLLAND, MI 49423
SERVING LAKETOWN AND FILLMORE TOWNSHIPS
November 13, 2025
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Jim Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Yonker (Fillmore), Mark Geurink (Fillmore), Jim Johnson (Laketown)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Koeman (Laketown)
STAFF PRESENT: Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker; Deputy Chief Mike Capel; Captain Dave Grumney; Laketown Manager Stephanie Fox; Laketown Township Public Information Coordinator Jim Hayden
OTHERS PRESENT: Fillmore Township Supervisor John Yonker
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Yonker, second by Geurink, to approve the minutes from Aug. 7, 2025. Johnson called for a vote. APPROVED 3-0. VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
III. UPDATE FROM CHIEF
DenBleyker explained the proposal before the board: Fillmore Township is offering to contribute a total of $80,000 to the department in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Of that, $50,000 is non-matching. The remaining $30,000 will be matched by Laketown Township using the formula of 27.09 percent from Fillmore to 72.91 percent from Laketown, meaning Laketown will contribute $80,750. The total contribution to the department from both entities will be $110,750.
DenBleyker said Fillmore’s $80,000 will be used to purchase turnout gear, boots and hood, a truck topper and extended bed, thermal imaging camera, ventilation fan and ground monitor.
IV. OLD BUSINESS — None
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Plan for ARPA funds from Fillmore
The board discussed the proposal as presented.
Motion by Johnson, second by Yonker, that the Graafschap Fire Department graciously accept the $80,000 in ARPA funds from Fillmore Township. Because federal guidelines require that ARPA funds be spent by the end of this calendar year, I further move that the Laketown
Township manager be authorized to approve the expenditure of these funds, working in coordination with the fire chief, according to the following prioritized list until all funds are expended:
1. Firefighter turnout gear, boots and protective hoods
2. Truck topper and extend-a-bed for Unit 735
3. Thermal imaging camera
4. Ventilation fan
5. Ground monitor
Johnson called for a vote. APPROVED 3-0. VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
Motion by Johnson, second by Geurink, that we approve the Funding Scenario, “Attachment A,” as presented and previously approved by Fillmore Township, and recommend that, when Laketown Township funds become available, they contribute the suggested $80,750 to the Capital Fund Balance of the Graafschap Fire Department. Johnson called for a vote. APPROVED 3-0. VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Opened at 12:23 p.m.
No comments
Closed at 12:23 p.m.
VII.ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Johnson, second by Geurink, to adjourn at 12:23 p.m. Johnson called for a vote. APPROVED 3-0. VOICE VOTE. MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
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GRAAFSCHAP FIRE BOARD
4534 60TH STREET
HOLLAND, MI 49423
(616) 335-3050
SERVING LAKETOWN AND FILLMORE TOWNSHIPS
August 7, 2025
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Jim Johnson called the meeting to order at 8 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Yonker (Fillmore), Mark Geurink (Fillmore), Jim Johnson (Laketown), Mike Koeman (Laketown)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker; Captain Dave Grumney; Firefighter Ben Draper; Firefighter Jacob Infante; Laketown Township Public Information Coordinator Jim Hayden
OTHERS PRESENT: John Yonker, Fillmore Township supervisor
II. APROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Yonker, seconded by Koeman, to approve the minutes of March 6, 2025, as submitted. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
III. UPDATE FROM CHIEF
Chief DenBleyker said five department members are taking EMT classes. He recapped the passage of the fire millage on Aug. 5. He said the total staff, including three full-time members, is 17 people.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
a. Turnout Gear
Chief DenBleyker said boots will be replaced first and he plans to budget $8,500 for 17 pairs in the 2026-2027 budget. Other turnout gear to replace will cost $3,500 to $4,000 per set. That will be put in the 2027-2028 budget. The turnout gear replacement is due to deteriorating stitching, Velcro closures failures and wear holes in the current gear. NFPA standards put a 10-year life span on this personal protective equipment.
b. Leasing Company
Chief DenBleyker explained the leasing option with Community Leasing Partners to pay for the new trucks. A 15-year rate of 5.5 percent is available. The agreement would pay for the new chassis that will be delivered in fall of 2025 which would otherwise cost $8,500 in interest charges if it was not paid in full upon delivery.
Motion by Yonker, second by Geurink, to proceed with Community Leasing Partners not to exceed $1.2 million. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
c. 740 Progress
Chief DenBleyker and others are going to see the new chassis in South Haven today. Delivery expected in mid-September
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. 710 Engine
Chief DenBleyker said a broker wants to list the vehicle, not buy it as originally planned. The fire board came to the consensus to authorize the chief to sell the vehicle for the best possible price. The chief will get the board’s approval before a final sale.
b. New Chassis
Chief DenBleyker said the new chassis for the second pumper/tanker should be in by December.
c. MABAS agreement
Chief DenBleyker explained that being a member of the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System would mean the Graafschap Fire Department could receive support from departments far out the area in the event of a major catastrophe. This agreement does not impact current mutual aid agreements. Graafschap would also have the option to help other areas around the state as needed. No cost for membership. No obligation to assist if it’s not feasible. Chairman Johnson will sign the agreement.
VI. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Start: 8:33 a.m.
John Yonker of Fillmore Township discussed the concern over the dry weather and where hydrants are located in and near the Macatawa area. End: 8:36 a.m.
Koeman said the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission should speak with the Graafschap Fire Department to make sure paths and stairs at the beach will be wide enough to accommodate fire department equipment. Chief DenBleyker said the department is looking at areas to access Lake Michigan.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:43 a.m.
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GRAAFSCHAP FIRE BOARD
4534 60TH STREET
HOLLAND, MI 49423
(616) 335-3050
SERVING LAKETOWN AND FILLMORE TOWNSHIPS
March 6, 2025
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Jim Johnson called the meeting to order at 8 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Yonker (Fillmore), Mark Geurink (Fillmore), Jim Johnson (Laketown), Mike Koeman (Laketown)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker; Deputy Chief Mike Capel; Captain Dave Grumney; Firefighter Ben Draper; Firefighter Jacob Infante; Laketown Township Public Information Coordinator Jim Hayden
OTHERS PRESENT: John Yonker, Fillmore Township supervisor
II. APROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Yonker, seconded by Geurink, to approve the minutes of February 6, 2025, as submitted. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
III. UPDATE FROM CHIEF
Chief DenBleyker received an application for a paid-on-call position and will meet with the applicant. Chief DenBleyker noted the purchase of a battery powered fan, battery and ground monitor with money already in the budget. The board came to the consensus to spend the money.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
a. Budget 2025/2026
Chief DenBleyker presented an updated budget with a 12 percent increase in health insurance and a 2.5 percent administration fee. Capital outlay was lowered by $5,000.
Motion by Yonker, second by Geurink, to approve the revised budget for submission to the Laketown Township and Fillmore Township boards as presented. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
b. Apparatus Replacement
Chief DenBleyker presented a leasing quote for the current apparatus build. plans for replacement of apparatus. The first payment of $42,543 for the new truck (chassis in the station already) will be in next year’s budget and take 18 years to pay off unless extra payments are made in the future.
Planning is underway for a new pumper/tanker to be delivered in 2028. Staff is currently looking at options and getting quotes.
Motion by Yonker, second by Geurink, to recommend to the Laketown Township and Fillmore Township boards to place an order for a new pumper/tanker not to exceed $650,000. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
c. Staffing
Chief DenBleyker said staffing is not improving and the department needs to move to full-time staffing with three more full-time people. Each new full-time person is expected to cost $100,000 including pay and benefits for a total cost of about $300,000. The department needs 6 to 9 months to get everything in place for hiring.
Yonker said he supports the staffing but would like to see a slow transition, not hiring all three at once due to costs.
Johnson agreed it would be better to start with one then add the other two hires later.
Koeman agreed with a slow transition to hiring and to do more studying on how to pay for three new hires.
Geurink supported a slow transition as well.
Chief DenBleyker said he will put a plan together and have it ready for the June fire board meeting.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Turnout Gear 2026/2027 budget
Chief DenBleyker discussed purchasing new turnout gear – pants, coats, boots, hoods — for $75,000. Funds from Capital Outlay and the sale of the old fire truck could cover the purchase.
VI. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Start: 9:03 a.m.
No comments End: 9:03 a.m.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Yonker, seconded by Geurink, to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 a.m. Johnson called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE – MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
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02/06/2025 Minutes
Graafschap Fire Board
4534 60th Street
Holland, Michigan 49423
616-396-4060
Serving Fillmore and Laketown Township
0800 – Call to order by Chief DenBleyker
Members present: Bob Yonker, Mark Geurink, Jim Johnson, Mike Koeman
Staff/Public present: Chief Doug DenBleyker, Deputy Chief Mike Capel,
Captain Dave Grumney, FF Ben Draper, FF Jacob Infante, Fillmore Supervisor John Yonker.
0801 – Motion by Yonker, 2nd by Koeman to appoint Jim Johnson as board chair. Approved 4-0.
0802 – Motion by Yonker to approve minutes from 11/14/2024 meeting. 2nd by Johnson. Appr. 4-0
0805 – Chief’s Update
See attachment #1 dated 12/31/2024. Updates were given on staffing issues. Questions from Johnson and Geurink were answered. Pumper/Tanker Update. Anticipated delivery is in early fall. 1 change order was completed for a cost of $1,000. Full-time staffing update – 1 FF per 24/hour shift. Approximately $100,000 each, including benefits. Koeman asked about pancake breakfast funds and if any township money was used to fund it. The chief answered no, that it was a separate account from the townships. Profits are used to purchase extra items not in the budget, plus donations are made to different charities and there is seed money for next year’s breakfast. Johnson asked about current recruitment. Discussion and explanations followed. The chief addressed requirements for full-time will be FF 1&2, EMT, Pump proficiency test, physical agility test, and other requirements yet to be determined. The chief stated he will be seeking approval for full-time firefighters in the 2026-2027 budget.
0820 – Budget Proposal
The chief stated this was his first budget proposal that he had prepared. The previous Laketown manager had always set the budget. See fund # 206 (attachments #2) for details. Summary – Paid-on-call staff have not seen a raise since 2022. In the future, he proposes raises will be every year and based on the “COLA”. (Cost of living allowance). Johnson asked what the current hourly rate was for the paid-on-call. The chief answered with $16 or $17 for training and a graduated scale for emergency responses from $21 up to $34, based on level of training. It is an incentive to train-up and provide better service for the residents. Johnson asked why the telephone bill dropped. The chief answered the new budgeted amount was closer to actual costs. The chief explained that the proposed overall budget is lower than current year due to the new pumper/tanker chassis (cash payment) noted in the capital outlay. The chief explained that the administration line came down to actual cost based on costs for neighboring fire departments have for their administrative services. The chief then explained the formula used to determine percentages of budget financial responsibility for each township, that has been in use since 1999. The breakdown for 2025/2026 is 22.09% for Fillmore and 72.91% for Laketown. This is up slightly for Fillmore due to an increase in emergency responses in their township. Yonker asked what the capital outlay line was used for. The chief explained it was to purchase items for the new truck, including a battery-operated ventilation fan, nozzles and other loose equipment. DC Capel also commented the new truck will need brackets, etc. for tool mounting. Much of the equipment from the decommissioned truck will be used on the new truck saving residents nearly $80,000. Yonker asked when the SCBAs would be due for replacement. The chief said they were not due to be replaced until 2033, however the brand we own are not made anymore and repair parts may become a problem. The chief explained the new line, Operational Fund Balance (Attachment #3) as monetary set-aside for future large capital purchases to avoid or reduce the financing needed.
0833 – Motion by Jonker to approve the budget, 2nd by Johnson. Passed 4-0.
0835 – Accelerated Debt Reduction Plan
See attachment #4 for details. This plan is outside of the approved budget.
0839 – Apparatus Replacement Plan
The chief introduced the plan with different leasing options for new apparatus and turnout gear. He favors an 18-year lease with the turnout gear getting paid off in 5 years, thus lowering the payment. Johnson asked is a 30% per year cost increase for a truck sustainable. The chief answered no that something had to change. He then asked board members to take this plan home and digest it. He would like to schedule another meeting in March to discuss future apparatus purchases.
0854- Hypothetical Budget
The chief presented a hypothetical budget for 2026 – 2032 with the addition of 3 full-time firefighters and a new leasing plan.
0902 – Citizen comments – None.
0903 – Next meeting set for March 6 at 0800 in the training room at the fire station.
0904 – Motion to adjourn by Yonker, 2nd by Geurink. Approved 4-0.
Minutes
May 30, 2024
I. CALL TO ORDER
Patrick Dietrich called the meeting to order at 7:57 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Yonker, Patrick Dietrich, Jim Johnson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tim Hofman
STAFF PRESENT: Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker; Captain Dave Grumney; Laketown Township Public Information Coordinator Jim Hayden
II. APROVAL OF MINUTES
The board reviewed the minutes of the Jan. 11, 2023, meeting. A motion was made by Johnson, second by Dietrich to approve the minutes as submitted. Dietrich called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 3-0.
III. UPDATE FROM CHIEF
New person hired as a paid on-call position, starts June 1. With the new hire, the department will have 13 paid on-call and three full-time positions for 16 total.
IV. OLD BUSINESS — None
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Fire Board Chair Discussion
Motion by Yonker, second by Johnson, to name Patrick Dietrich chairperson of the fire board. Dietrich called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE – MOTION APPROVED 3-0.
b. Staffing discussion
Johnson asked for an overview of benefits discussion over the last few months. The board recapped earlier discussions.
The board discussed funding options for future vehicles and equipment.
1. Benefits Comparison
The chief presented comparisons of benefits from other area departments.
2. Capital Improvement Debt Reduction Plan
Chief noted earlier discussion. Board continued discussion of setting money aside for future purchases.
VI. CITIZENS COMMENTS
No comments
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Johnson, second by Yonker, to name adjourn the meeting at 9:07 a.m. Chairperson Dietrich called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE – MOTION APPROVED 3-0.
Minutes from 1/14/25 meeting:
Approved MINUTES
GRAAFSCHAP FIRE BOARD
4534 60TH STREET
HOLLAND, MI 49423
(616) 335-3050
SERVING LAKETOWN AND FILLMORE TOWNSHIPS
January 11, 2024
- CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Bob Yonker called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Yonker, Tim Hofman, Patrick Dietrich, Jim Johnson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker, Deputy Chief Mike Capel, Captain Dave Grumney; Laketown Township Manager Al Meshkin, Laketown Township Public Information Coordinator Jim Hayden
- APROVAL OF MINUTES
The board reviewed the minutes of the Sept. 6, 2023, meeting. A motion was made by Hofman, second by Dietrich to approve the minutes as submitted. Chair Yonker called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE– MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
- UPDATE FROM CHIEF
- 2023 stats
DenBleyker explained year-end statistics, noting a total number of calls at 774, which is a drop of 129 calls from the previous year.
- Pumper/tanker
DenBleyker said the chassis is ordered. The department has not yet chosen the paint color.
- OLD BUSINESS — None
- NEW BUSINESS
- Budget proposal
The board discussed the proposed 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, agreeing to add $10,000 to the “Maintenance” category for a total of $40,000, and adding $10,000 to the “Building Maintenance” category for a total of $40,000.
Motion by Johnson, second by Dietrich, to recommend to each township board the approval of the Graafschap Fire Department proposed budget fiscal year 2024-2025 as amended. Chair Yonker called for a vote on the motion. UNANIMOUS DECISION VOICE VOTE – MOTION APPROVED 4-0.
- Fire board work shops
DenBleyker will email board members to set up workshops.
- CITIZENS COMMENTS
No comments
Yonker adjourned the meeting
Next Meeting will be at 0800, 5/30/2024 at the firehouse.