A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, July 24, 2017, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Becklin, Jeff Jacobs, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Greg Hulka, excused
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Rose Dillon.
Also Present: 4– residents, 0 – employees, 0- guests, Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli, Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois, and Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Jeff Jacobs, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of July 10, 2017 as presented.
The motion by Ron Becklin, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:
Addition of Emergency Services agreement as item 8-B.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1) Michigan Townships Association legislative updates of July 14, 2017.
2) Muskegon County Wastewater and Public Works newsletter
3) Ron Langlois reported that a DPW truck was sold today.
4) Ron Langlois reported that the DPW has been approved for a rebate on the LED lighting that was placed in the DPW shop. The project to transfer the lighting to LED is almost complete.
5) Ron Langlois reported that the Broadway lift station refurbishing is almost complete and is due to be back in service on July 27, 2017.
6) Brian Michelli reported that the new fire hoses and boots have arrived.
7) Brian Michelli reported that the community slip ‘n slide event was very successful and will possibly be repeated in August.
8) Heidi Tice reported that she attended the Training Wheels bike event that focused on the planning and design of community bike paths.
9) Andrea Anderson reported that a very generous donation to the large flag fund came in from the Fruitport Conservation Club with which we are able to purchase 2 new 20’ x 38’ flags. Thank you FCC!
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none received
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
17-109 Police Department Hire
Jeff Jacobs moved, supported by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to hire Police Officer, Ross DeYoung, into a full- time position. Mr. DeYoung started working as a part-time Police Officer for Fruitport Township Police Department on July 27, 2013. In an interview process that took place on July 20, 2017, Ross scored #1 out of 3 candidates. Ross will be filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Rick McCabe. Ross will begin working on July 25, 2017. It was also noted by Brian Michelli that he has received multiple compliments regarding Mr. DeYoung’s conduct in the community in the past.
Ayes: Becklin, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None
17-110 Rental Registration Ordinance
The board reviewed a proposed Rental Unit Registration Restatement Ordinance provided by Attorney Ron Bultje. It was requested that it be amended by Mr. Bultje to include any rental unit, incorporating single family dwellings into the ordinance. A first reading of the proposed ordinance will take place at the next meeting, August 14, 2017.
17-111 Rental Registration Fee
The rental registration fee will be the $10.00 that the state allows for. There will be a non-compliance fee of $50.00 for the first offence and $250.00 for the second offence in accordance with our ordinance infraction fee schedule.
17-112 Downtown Development Authority (DDA) formation
Ron Becklin moved, supported by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to table this item until the next meeting on August 14, 2017.
During the discussion it was noted that a DDA can be dissolved at any time. Also, that the tax dollars are not to be captured until the DDA is formed AND the plan is developed.
Ayes: Becklin, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None
17-113 Public Safety Business District
Example provided by Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli: Walmart is less than 1% of the area of the township, but produces 19% of the Police Department’s call volume, putting a cost to the township of approximately $234,000.00.
The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this topic for further research and discussion at the next meeting on August 14, 2017.
NEW BUSINESS:
17-114 Best Yard in Fruitport
The township received 5 nominations for the 2017 Best Yard in Fruitport contest. The beautiful yards are located at 1812 David, 326 8th Ave, 2549 Shettler, 1901 Pontaluna, and 6788 Beech Creek.
By majority vote, 326 8th Ave received the Best Yard win! They will receive a yard sign to announce their Best Yard win. Thank you to all who participated, we enjoyed viewing all of your hard work!
17-115 Emergency Services Agreement
Rose Dillon moved, supported by Ron Becklin, MOTION CARRIED, to begin an agreement with Emergency Services as of August 1, 2017 with the addition to the agreement to allow the township to terminate the agreement with a 30 day written notice.
Ayes: Becklin, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None
17-116 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund & Parks $17,247.35; Public Safety $49,249.17; Water $105,426.83; Sewer $5,734.66; Street Lights $12,838.83 Totaling: $190,496.84
Ayes: Becklin, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1) Rose Dillon presented the board with first quarter financial reports.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1) Jay Bolt of 294 8th Ave stood to address the board stating that he wishes for his comments and questions to be taken in a positive light.
He inquired about how many other municipalities have a rental registration ordinance: the answer to which is that it is very common and Fruitport is one of the few who do not enforce such an ordinance. He also asked what the benefits are to a DDA.
The motion by Ron Becklin, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR