A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 12, 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 7:05pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 27– residents; 7– employees; 3- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 22, 2017 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition to New Business requested by Brian Michelli:
Item #8-F: Approval to renew copy machine lease for Police Department.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Ron Langlois reported that the DPW repaired a hole in a water main at Bridge St. and Brooks Rd. on Sunday. The cause of the hole is being investigated.
2. Ron Langlois reported that the DPW is installing water service stubs for the Chandy Acres East development.
3. Brian Michelli shared that the Fruitport Fire and Police Departments partnered with The Lakes Church for their Night to Shine event. Several members of the departments volunteered and the event was a success.
4. Brian Michelli let the board know that information from Muskegon County Central Dispatch regarding a 911 surcharge will be coming soon.
5. Brian Michelli shared that Firefighters Dave Clark and Tim Doctor have completed an application for a FEMA grant for Firefighter assistance.
6. Brian Michelli shared that Police Officer Andy Hunt was successful in writing a grant to provide funding to help with the purchase of an electronic traffic speed sign. Thank you, Officer Hunt!
7. Andrea Anderson shared that the street light at Parkland/Walker is installed and that the Weigle family shared their thanks.
8. Greg Hulka made mention that the County Drain Commissioner’s Kuis drain project was denied bonding from Muskegon County and in turn the terms will be shorter and interest rates will be higher than originally projected.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti inquired as to what is being built at Sternberg/Quarterline.
2. Muskegon County Treasurer, Tony Moulatsiotis, shared his support for trustee candidate Terry Knoll.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18–013 Employee handbook
Several topics of the handbook were discussed including the social media policy, lunch breaks, and hiring/firing. Once requested changes have been passed on for attorney approval, the employee handbook will come to the board for approval.
18–014 Resolution for Land use fees
Andrea Anderson gave an update. The resolution was TABLED while further information is gathered to ensure the most accurate schedule of fees.
18–015 Trustee appointment
Each member of the board voiced their top three candidate choices for Trustee in no particular order. After narrowing the nominations by most nominations received, Todd Dunham, Terry Knoll, and Paul Lindale were the most mentioned names of the nine candidates.
Rose Dillon moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, to appoint Terry Knoll to the open Trustee position.
Ayes: Dillon, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: Hulka, Winebarger, Tice
Greg Hulka moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to appoint Todd Dunham to the open Trustee position.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: Jacobs
18–016 Swearing in new trustee
Todd Dunham was sworn into his position as Trustee by the Clerk. He then took his seat among the board. Congratulations Todd.
NEW BUSINESS:
18–017 Swearing in new Firefighters
Lonnie Morren and Kyle Morrow were sworn into their positions as Firefighters by the Clerk and badges presented accordingly. Congratulations Lonnie and Kyle.
18–018 Extrication demonstration and discussion
Brian Michelli shared that Fruitport Fire Department’s current extrication equipment that is 35 years old and does not function effectively with late model vehicles that are built using stronger metals. He shared that the replacement of this equipment was included in the 2017-2018 budget. Carl from Hurst Tools shared facts regarding the current equipment we have and the equipment being demonstrated tonight. The new Hurst cutter and combination tools are battery operated, each come with 2 batteries, are made in the USA, and can be available to the department in approximately 8 weeks at a cost of $22,400. Replacement batteries are $600.
Members of the board and meeting attendees stepped outside to watch Firefighters demonstrate the old and new equipment as they cut the doors off of a vehicle, which the use of was donated by Baxter’s Towing.
Greg Hulka moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize Brian Michelli to purchase the Hurst cutter and combination tools demonstrated tonight at a cost of $22,400.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18–019 Police Department vacancy
Brian Michelli staffing options with the board. With the recent vacancy in the Police Department, the department can work short staffed, continue to fill with part-time staff/full-time staff on overtime, or post the position to hire one full-time officer.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to fill the full- time Police Officer vacancy in the Fruitport Police Department.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18–013 Quarterline Rd water main approval
Fruitport DPW requested the water main be upsized and brought down Quarterline Rd to service the new hotel developments rather than service coming off of Sternberg. The cost to the Township would be in the form of reduced trunkage fees to the developer, therefore no out-of-pocket expense would occur. This would provide 25% of the water main needed to eventually extend from Sternberg south to Mt. Garfield Rd.
Rose Dillon moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the DPW Director to move forward with the Quarterline water main project as presented.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18–014 2018-2019 Budget discussion
The proposed parks and Supervisor budgets were discussed. A $50,000 increase was noted in the proposed Parks budget as well as revenue from a cell tower located at Pine Park. Options for how the Parks Department can request additional funds for projects was discussed.
Additional budgets will come to the Board for discussion at the next meeting.
18–015 Copy machine lease
Brian Michelli recommended a renewal of a 5 year lease for the Police Department copy machine.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to enter into the requested lease.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18–016 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $2,561.43; Public Safety $9,576.91; Water $5,798.12; Sewer $1,226.65; T&A $705.00
Totaling: $19,868.11
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Heidi Tice shared that there will be a representative from BS&A at the next meeting to inform the board on a software program that will be beneficial with rental registrations and planning commission functions. The cost of the software is approximately $20,000.
2. Rose Dillon introduced Nathan Petersen who is a Life Scout from Troop 1127 and a freshman at Fruitport High School. He entered the Boy Scout program in second grade and is currently working on citizenship in the community so he came to observe a public meeting. His goal is to become an Eagle Scout.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Linda Corinti shared her liking for the democratic process that happens on the board. She also inquired with Brian Michelli as to if a dummy is used during typical extrication training in order to provide a more real experience and ensure caution is used in the process; Brian shared the different ways the department ensures a realistic process.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Heidi Tice was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR