Fruitport Charter Township Board Of Trustees Meeting Minutes – January 22, 2018
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, January 22, 2018, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 25– residents; 4– employees; 3- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; and Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 8, 2017 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Jeff Jacobs, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the removal of item 8-A, swearing in new Firefighters. Remaining items will moved up. This item will be moved to the February 12, 2018 agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Ron Langlois summarized 2017 water use. The DPW installed 65 new water services. Water usage was reported to be 412,912,000 gallons or 1.2 million gallons per day; this is an increase of 3.5% from 2016.
2. Ron Langlois reported that Chandy Acres East has begun the final phase which will include 28 homes in total.
3. Brian Michelli shared that The Lakes Church, 5873 Kendra Rd, is hosting a Night to Shine event for special needs individuals to experience a formal dance. The event will be February 9, 2018. Members of the fire department will be volunteering and offering medical services for the event.
4. Heidi Tice shared that the Fruitport Lions will be having a pancake dinner February 9, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at Fruitport high school. Tickets are $5 adults/$3 kids. Proceeds benefit the National Honor Society.
5. Heidi Tice shared that after completion of a survey, the University of Michigan rated Fruitport Charter Township as a 5 star community. The survey focused on how the community relates to entrepreneurship, economic development, and job growth.
6. Heidi Tice shared that Michigan Township’s Association will be having its next meeting at Dalton Township on January 29, 2018 at 7:00pm.
7. Heidi reported that proposed budgets will be coming to the board for discussion beginning at the first meeting in February.
8. Several members of the Thunderhoofs 4H club were in attendance and were recognized by the board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti, 6th Street, inquired on if the annual water report is available.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18-005 LED lighting for town hall
Previous discussions regarding converting town hall to a more energy efficient LED lighting were had October 9, 2017. Due to the opportunity for rebates was ending soon, the topic was put on hold. New rebates are now available and an updated quote produced.
Rose Dillon moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, to approve the conversion to LED lighting and to have the clerk confirm the quoted price and for budget amendments to move funds between Building and Grounds line items.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: none
Jeff Jacobs requested that the project be stretched toward the expiration of the quote in order to be closer to the end of the fiscal year and ensure the funds won’t be needed elsewhere.
18-006 Conservation Club lease
After review, the lease was determined admissible, however the value of the $1,000,000 insurance will decrease by the end of the lease, therefore it was requested that the insurance limits be indexed appropriately over the years.
Jeff Jacobs moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, to approve the lease drafted January 17, 2018 with insurance limits indexed appropriately. The supervisor and clerk are authorized to execute the lease.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: none
18-007 Resolution for land use fees
This topic was TABLED until the next meeting when an updated list of costs can be presented.
18-008 Employee handbook
Ron Bultje will send sample language for examples as requested. Heidi will email a revised copy of the handbook leaving ample time for review before the next meeting.
18-009 Trustee candidate interviews
Nine letters of interest were received for the open board seat. A panel interview with six questions took place for each of the nine candidates. A candidate will be selected at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
18-010 Property & liability insurance
With insurance rates on the rise, the board recommended to seek RFP’s for property & liability insurance.
The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to authorize the clerk to seek RFP’s for property & liability insurance.
18-011 Closed session per employee request for personnel matters
A. Rose Dillon moved, supported by Denise Winebarger, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 8:33pm per Section 8A of the Open Meetings Act, per employee’s request to discuss specific personnel matters.
Ayes: Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
B. The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously to go back into open session at 10:22pm.
18-012 Closed session continued
Jeff Jacobs moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the recommendation of the Public Safety administration made in closed session.
Ayes: Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18-012 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $9,954.23; Public Safety $20,483.04; Water $137,285.76; Sewer $4,389.55; Street lights $13,251.43
Totaling: $185,364.01
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
Eli Cooper, 5967 Airline Rd, provided handouts regarding a tenant’s right to refuse inspection. He also shared opportunities of escrow for renters who make safety complaints regarding their place of residence.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 10:41pm.
_______________________________
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
______________________________
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR