A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 26, 2018, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Todd Dunham, Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none
At 7:02pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 7– residents; 3– employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; and Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2018 as presented with the following change in wording:
Correspondence/Reports #8:
WAS: 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.
NOW: Greg Hulka made mention that the County Drain Commissioner’s Kuis drain project was denied bonding from Muskegon County and in turn the terms may be shorter and interest rates may be higher than originally projected.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the addition of item C under New Business requested by Brian Michelli: Police Officer hiring.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli shared a video of moments from the Night to Shine event as well as information on local support and donations that were received for the event.
2. Brian Michelli reported that Officer Thompson made a large drug bust in Walmart’s parking lot as a result of an improperly parked vehicle.
3. Ron Langlois reported that Chany Acres East water main is complete. Sanitary sewer is yet to be completed. 28 service stubs to be installed beginning next week.
4. Ron Langlois reported that sewer for Holiday Inn is being installed and inspections are underway.
5. Ron Langlois reported that the Township’s engineering firm is investigating how to protect the Bridge St water main from further intrusions.
6. Ron Langlois shared that the Muskegon County Road Commission is predicting another 2 weeks to have Farr Road repaired. Greg Hulka suggested that the Township set up an emergency fund for such repairs that may occur in areas that the Township would be responsible for funding.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti requested a copy of the proposed budget. Heidi will get it to her once it is put together.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18-017 Land use fees resolution
Andrea Anderson shared where changes will be seen on the fee schedule as well as how the fees were calculated to include the Township’s out-of-pocket costs. Jeff Jacobs explained the removal of subdivision and plat applications. Attorney Ron Bultje suggested a wording change to the proposed resolution removing publication and mailing fees from the items covered by escrow accounts.
Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution for land use fees with the stated changes.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18-018 2018-2019 Budget discussion
The proposed Public Safety budgets were discussed. Heidi predicts the union contracts to be finished with negotiations and will be ready to present to the board at the next meeting. Approval of the contracts will allow for more accurate budgeting. Jeff Jacobs inquired as to when the rest of the proposed budgets will be presented; Heidi stated that they will come to the Board for discussion at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
18-019 Spring clean-up
The Supervisor shared information on when the County is offering a free dump day. Fruitport’s Spring Clean-Up opportunity was discussed.
The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to offer Fruitport Township’s Spring Clean-Up Days on May 4th & 5th and apply for the free dump day offered by the County on May 5th.
18-020 Office vacancy
The Supervisor shared that there will be an office position vacancy created by a retirement and a lateral movement. She is requesting the authority to post the position externally in the event it is not filled internally.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor to fill the vacancy from outside of the township in the event there are no internal applicants.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18-021 Police Officer hiring
Brian Michelli shared that the Police Department has received a low number of applicants for the open full-time officer position. He shared that qualified potential applicants are hesitant to apply due to a pending grievance. Brian has requested that the positon be absorbed in the event that another officer returns to work pending the outcome of a grievance. He states that absorbing the Officer in that case will reduce overtime on other Officers and reduce the use of part-time Officers.
Todd Dunham moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to re-confirm the posting of full-time Police Officer position indicating the position will be absorbed if required based on an arbitrator’s ruling per pending grievance.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none
18-022 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $6,809.68; Public Safety $21,088.70; Water $70,021.32; Sewer $21,639.73; T&A $660.00; Street lights $13,321.92
Totaling: $133,541.35
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Andrea Anderson shared regarding an Unemployment scam that many people are currently experiencing in which individuals are receiving notices of filed Unemployment Insurance Agency claims when in fact no legitimate claim has been made by the individual.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Andy O’Riley introduced himself as a Democratic candidate for the 91st district for the State of Michigan. He shared his background, his support for Muskegon County and for protecting public education.
2. Jeff Jacobs requested that the work sessions begin promptly at 6:30pm and the meeting at 7:00pm as posted.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:31pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR