Tim Johnson, co-owner of Main Street Planners of Grand Rapids, was selected as new planning consultant for Watson Township at the board’s Thursday evening meeting.

Johnson succeeds longtime planner Mark Sisson, who now works full-time as planner for Gaines Township.

He and his wife, Janice, are well known to this area for their planning services. Janice had been consultant for the City of Wayland as an employee of Wade Trim and Johnson has been planner for Dorr and Wayland townships and he wrote the master plan for Martin Township.

He and his wife not long ago decided to re-boot Main Street Planners after being with Wade Trim for some time.

Johnson told the Watson Township Board he would offer a free training session for members of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He will charge the township $95 per hour plus mileage, noting a retainer would not be cost effective because Professional Code Inspections performs routine planning services and he would be called in only when needed.

Johnson was recommended for the job by Sisson and Kirk Scharphorn Jr. and Sr. at PCI.

“I talked with (Supervisor) Gleen Leep at Martin Township, and he told me he likes your approach to things,” Supervisor Pam Brown said. “I’m fairly comfortable with hiring Mr. Johnson.”

PHOTO: Tim Johnson