administers the Oath of Office to city officials and members of city boards, commissions and committees.
administers all elections held within the City; assuring compliance with all State, Federal and City laws. The office serves as the voter registration authority for City residents and works cooperatively with other jurisdictions in the maintenance of voter registration records throughout the State of Michigan. The City Clerk is the Chair of the City's Elections Commission.
serves as the insurance administrator for the City, determining the City's risk management activities, directing the overall insurance program for all departments, advising and making recommendations to the City Council, and facilitating and making decisions and recommendations regarding claims and compliance.
is also responsible for issuing absent voter ballots, delivering and setting up of voting equipment, and processing of ballots in compliance with federal and state election laws and maintaining voter registration files.
serves as the cemetery records and lot administrator, issuing deeds and determining ownership through the legal process.
Business License Administration
A business license is considered smart business for a community of any size. It puts into place a record of value that our community considers important if a business is going to operate and be successful. Ensuring that product safety has been met, building codes adhered to, and that zoning restrictions have been enforced are components of a well-thought out business license.
According to Chapter 804 of the City of Coopersville Ordinances; "No person shall engage in any trade, business or profession without first applying for, paying a fee and obtaining a license from the Clerk or other duly authorized issuing authority.”
You need a Business License if you have a physical presence in the City of Coopersville whether it is a commercial location or a business operated out of your home.
You may review the Business Regulations and Taxation Code in its entirety by going to our City Ordinances. You may download the Business License application or you may pick up the application at the City Clerk’s Office. (Business License Application and Home Occupation Permit Application )
All businesses will need to contact the Michigan Department of Treasury for further requirements in regards to conducting business, visit their web site at www.michigan.gov/treasury.
Peddler/Solicitor Licenses
According to Chapter 860 of the City Ordinances; “No person shall engage in the business of hawking, peddling or vending any goods, wares, merchandise, fruits, vegetables, foodstuffs or services from door to door, or from or upon the streets, alleys and public places, or from any hotel or rooming house, either by sample or by taking orders, or otherwise, for delivery then or in the future, without first having obtained a license therefore as provided in the chapter.”
You may download the Peddlers License Application or you may pickup the application at the City Clerk’s Office. Complete the form and return it to the City Clerk's Office.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a Michigan Statue that gives the public the right to documents regarding the affairs of government, public officials and public employees. Under the Act, a person has the right to inspect, copy or receive copies of "public records" of a "public body".
To make a Freedom of Information request, please contact Stephanie L. Pelkey, Coopersville City Clerk, at 997-9731. The form must be filled out as the formal request. There are also charges that are associated with the Freedom of Information requests.
Rates, Fees and Charges
The fee schedule may be found here.
Cemetery
Maps, brochures and fees are available at the Coopersville City Hall Administrative offices.
Industrial Facilities Tax Abatements (IFT)
Plant Rehabilitation and Industrial Development Districts
Act 198 of 1974
Provides for the establishment of plant rehabilitation districts and industrial development districts in local governmental units; to provide for the exemption from certain taxes; to levy and collect a specific tax upon the owners of certain facilities; to impose and provide for the disposition of an administrative fee; to provide for the disposition of the tax; to provide for the obtaining and transferring of an exemption certificate and to prescribe the contents of those certificates; to prescribe the powers and duties of the state tax commission and certain officers of local governmental units; and to provide penalties.
To obtain an Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Abatement Packet click on the link below http://www.michigan.gov/documents/1012_packet
Charter
Ordinances
Notary Public Services
The Clerk’s Office provides notary services to residents free of charge.
A Notary is actually witnessing you sign a document and not verifying the accurateness of the document being signed.
DO NOT PRE-SIGN your documents before coming into the office. If you need a "True Certified Copy" of a document, you need to go to the place of origin to obtain it. A notary cannot certify a true copy of a document.
If you have any questions, please call (616) 997-9731
Notary Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Notary Public?
A responsible person appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.
Why are documents notarized?
To deter fraud. An impartial witness (the Notary) ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
May any document be notarized?
For a document to be notarized, it must contain: 1) text committing the signer in some way, 2) an original signature (not a photocopy) of the document signer, 3) a notarial "certificate" which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment. The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, and then applies his or her seal to complete the notarization.
Is notarization required by law?
For many documents, yes. Certain affidavits, real estate deeds and other documents may not be legally binding unless they are properly notarized.
How does a Notary identify a signer?
Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document that has a photograph, physical description and a signature. A driver's license, military ID or passport will usually be acceptable.
Does notarization mean that a document is "true" or "legal"?
No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
May a Notary give legal advice or draft legal documents?
Absolutely not. A Notary is forbidden from preparing legal documents for others or acting as a legal advisor unless he or she is also an attorney.
May a Notary notarize or prepare immigration papers?
Only a few immigration forms need to be notarized, such as the Affidavit of Support (I-134), but U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regulations state that no one may prepare or file another person's immigration papers unless he or she is an attorney or a U.S. Justice Department-approved "accredited representative." Non-attorneys can provide clerical, secretarial or translating assistance with INS forms, as long as no advice is given. However, courts have held that even the selection of which forms to complete can constitute the practice of law, since the filing of INS forms creates legal consequences having a substantial impact on the applicant.
May a Notary refuse to serve people?
Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer's identity, willingness or general competence, or has a good reason to suspect fraud. Notaries should not refuse to serve anyone because of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, or because the person is not a client or customer. Discrimination on any basis is not a suitable policy for a public official.
Election Information
Election Workers Needed
The City of Coopersville is accepting applications for Election Inspectors. Serving as an election inspector at the polling site is a great way to participate in the democratic process. On Election Day, we count on civic-minded individuals to report to work at the designated time, prepare the polling place for voting, set up the voting equipment, process the voters, demonstrate voting procedures to the voters, and close the polling place at 8:00 P.M.
You must be:
18 years of age or older;
A registered voter;
A resident of Ottawa County; and
Able to serve from 6:30 AM until about 9:00 PM when all closing duties are complete.
Inspectors are paid for their time spent in training and working. You will be trained in election law and procedures and are required to work on election days at the Coopersville City Hall/Fire Station where elections are conducted. Election Inspectors must declare their party as a balance of party members must be maintained during elections.
Click here for an application. Completed applications should be mailed to the Clerk's Office, City of Coopersville 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404 or they can be faxed to 616-997-6679. You will be contacted when your application is approved and training classes are available.
Election Changes
Secretary of State outlines voter identification policies
Beginning with the Nov. 6 election, voters will be asked to show a photo ID - or sign a form stating that they don't have one - before receiving a ballot. The requirements are the result of a 1996 law recently determined to be enforceable by the Michigan Supreme Court.
Election workers will ask voters to show a photo ID as part of the usual ballot application process at the polls. Voters can satisfy the requirement by showing a Michigan driver's license or Michigan personal identification card.
Voters who do not possess either document can show any of the following forms of picture ID as long as the documents are current:
Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
Federal or state government-issued photo identification
U.S. passport
Military ID with photo
Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
Tribal identification card with photo
The ID must include the person's photo and name. It does not have to include a residential address.
Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID can still vote. They merely sign a brief form stating that they are not in possession of identification. Their ballots are included with all others and are counted on Election Day.
"We must not only exercise our sacred right to vote but protect it as well," said Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. "Michigan's voter ID law adds another layer of security that ensures the integrity of our elections."
Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about Michigan elections.
City Election Precincts
The City of Coopersville now has two election precincts. The State of Michigan mandates “when the registration in a precinct using voting machines exceeds 2,999, the precinct shall be divided or rearranged.” The City of Coopersville has split our precinct due to the fact that the total number of registered voters was nearing the maximum number allowed per precinct. Our single precinct has been divided into two precincts, which will be called Precinct 1 and Precinct 2.
Precinct 1
Everyone north of I-96 and west of 48th Avenue . 48th Avenue south of the city limits and west to East Street . The east side of East Street south to Main Street . The south side of Main Street west to Eastmanville Street . The east side of Eastmanville Street south the W. Randall Street . The south side of W. Randall Street west to the city limits.
Precinct 2
Everyone west of East Street from the northern city limits south to Main Street . The north side of Main Street west to Eastmanville Street . The west side of Eastmanville Street south to W. Randall Street . The north side of W. Randall Street west and north to the city limits.
*P.A. 116 of 1954 168.659, allows the City to consolidate these precincts for certain election.
Polling locations
Polling Place - A place where elections are held.
Those living in Precinct 1 will be required to vote at the Precinct 1 polling location only and those living in Precinct 2 will be required to vote at Precinct 2 polling location only. It has been decided that both precinct polling locations will be located at the Coopersville Fire Station. We will be dividing the station into two sections to accommodate two precincts. We are hoping that this will alleviate any confusion and as long as the space is large enough we will keep both precincts at the same location.
Register to vote
To register to vote you must be:
a U.S. citizen;
at least 18 years of age by election day;
a resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.
You can register to vote for federal, state, and local elections by mail; at your county or city clerk’s office; or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office.
In addition, specified agencies providing services through the Family Independence Agency, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Career Development offer voter registration services to their clients. Military recruitment centers also provide voter registration services.
You must register at least 30 days before the election. This gives the clerk time to process the forms and send you a Voter Identification Card.
Whenever you move to a new city or township, you must re-register to vote.
If you move within a city or township, you must update your address. This can be handled through your local clerk, at a Secretary of State branch office, by mail or at any other location where voter registrations are accepted. Michigan voters must use the same residential address for voter registration and driver’s license purposes. Consequently, if you submit a driver’s license address change, it will be applied to your voter registration. Similarly, if you submit a voter registration address change, it will be applied to your driver’s license.
First-time voter: If you have never voted in Michigan and register by mail, you must appear in person to vote in the first election in which you wish to participate. This requirement does not apply if (1) you or another person hand delivers the mail registration form to your county, city or township clerk’s office instead of mailing the form; (2) you are 60 years of age or more; (3) you are disabled; or (4) you are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
If you have never voted in Michigan and register by mail, you may also be subject to a new identification requirement provided under federal law. The identification requirement is explained on the mail-in registration form.
Outside the U.S.: If you are temporarily outside the U.S., you may use a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) form to register. The FPCA forms are distributed through U.S. embassies and military bases. A Michigan resident who moves and registers out of state may not re-register to vote in Michigan until he or she reestablishes residency here.
You may also register at the same time you renew your driver’s license by mail. Eligible drivers receive a voter registration application in the mail with their driver’s license renewal information.
www.michigan.gov/documents/MIVoterRegistration
Absentee Voting
What You Need to Know About Absentee Voting:
Absent voter ballots are available for all elections. They provide voters with a convenient method for casting a ballot when they are unable to attend the polls on election day.
As a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot if you are:
age 60 years old or older unable to vote without assistance at the polls
expecting to be out of town on election day
in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.
A person who registers to vote by mail must vote in person in the first election in which he or she participates. The restriction does not apply to overseas voters, voters who are handicapped or voters who are 60 years of age or older. (Voting in person on one governmental level clears the restriction on the other levels. For example, if a voter subject to the restriction votes in person at a school election, the voter would be free to obtain an absentee ballot for the first state election in which he or she wishes to participate.)
Requesting an Absent Voter Ballot
Your request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to the city clerk’s office. Your request must include one of the six statutory reasons stated above and your signature. You may request an absent voter ballot with a letter or post card, or you can obtain a pre-printed application form at the clerk’s office. Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by the clerk no later than 2 P.M. the Saturday before the election.
Once your request is received by the clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. Requests for absent voter ballots are processed immediately. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city of residence.
After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 P.M. on election day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to the clerk’s office.
If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on election day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absent voter ballots has passed but before 4 P.M. on election day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absent voter ballot. Your clerk will have more information about emergency absent voter ballots.
Voting is one of the most cherished and fundamental rights in our country. If you are eligible to obtain an absent voter ballot and cannot attend the polls on election day, use of the absent voter ballot is encouraged.
Precinct Inspectors
Have You Considered Working as a Precinct Inspector?
If you have ever wondered how to become more active in government, there’s plenty of opportunities for you that do not involve running for elected office.
Precinct inspectors are people who are paid to assist voters at the polls on election day. Registered voters interested in serving as election inspectors must submit an election inspector application to the city clerk. In addition to their name, address and date of birth, they must include their political party preference and qualifications to fill the position such as education or experience.
In order to work as an inspector You must be:
18 Years of age or older
A registered voter
A resident of Ottawa County
Able to serve from 6:30 A.M. until about 9:00 P.M. when all closing duties are complete.
You cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate’s immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers. Anyone convicted of a felony or an elections crime may not serve.
Why not consider helping your community and becoming more politically active by becoming a precinct inspector?
Click here for an application.
Information for Candidates
The election of all City officers (Council and Mayor) shall be on a nonpartisan basis. The Primary Election shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in August in each year in which a General City Election is to be held. The General City Elections are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November in each odd numbered year.
If you are interested in running for an elected office in the City of Coopersville you must complete the following three items:
Affidavit of Identity and Receipt of Filing
All candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity in duplicate when filing for office. Affidavit of Identity forms can be obtained from any county clerk or from the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections in Lansing. Candidates who fail to comply with the requirement are ineligible to appear on the ballot.
Public Act 217 of 1999 requires any candidate filing an Affidavit of Identity to state on the form that at the date the affidavit was executed, “all statements, reports, late filing fees and fines required of the candidate or any candidate committee organized to support the candidate’s election under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act … have been filed or paid.” A candidate filing an Affidavit of Identity which does not contain the campaign finance compliance statement must file a Supplementary Affidavit of Identity with the standard Affidavit of Identity form. The Supplementary Affidavit of Identity is available through any filing official. The campaign finance compliance statement is not required of U.S. House or precinct delegate candidates.
www.michigan.gov/documents/ED104_Aff
Statement of Organization for Organization for Candidate Committee
Post-Election Campaign Finance Compliance Statement
Public Act 217 of 1999 requires any candidate elected to office on the state, county or local level to file an affidavit prior to assuming office which states that at the date the affidavit was executed “all statements, reports, late filing fees, and fines required of the candidate or any candidate committee organized to support the candidate’s election under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act … have been filed or paid.” The affidavit is not required of an elected candidate who (1) is exempt from the filing requirements of Michigan’s Campaign Finance Act; (2) did not receive or expend more than $1,000.00 during the election cycle; or (3) is elected to an office which is not certified on the county or state level. A form developed for distribution to candidates who must comply with the filing requirement (“Post-Election Campaign Finance Compliance Statement”) is available through any filing official. An elected candidate who is required to file the statement who fails to submit the form is guilty of a misdemeanor.
www.michigan.gov/documents/PAC
Nominating Petitions/Signatures
Instructions for Preparing, Circulating, and filing Petitions for Public Office www.michigan.gov/documents/ED-24_83709_7
Introducing Michigan’s new Voter Information Center (MVIC)
The new Michigan Voter Information Center web site is now up and running! It provides residents with information regarding their voter registration status, upcoming elections, clerk information and how to use the voting equipment chosen by their county.
MVIC is designed to perform two types of voter searches:
By Name
By Drivers License Number
The information provided includes registration status and a map and address for the voter’s polling location. The application also provides the name, address, phone number an email address of the voter’s clerk.
www.michigan.gov/vote |
