Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2018

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 12, 2018, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Todd Dunham, Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Andrea Anderson, excused

At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 3– residents; 7– employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2018 as presented.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Rose Dillon shared a report on the Whitham Drain assessment.
2. Rose Dillon shared that a budget public hearing will be held at the next meeting.
3. Brian Michelli reported a large drug bust in the Township.
4. Brian Michelli shared that interviews for the open Police Officer position will occur on Thursday.
5. Brian Michelli mentioned that the new extrication equipment that was purchased for the Fire Department will be coming in mid-April.
6. Brian Michelli shared information on the traffic speed sign that Ofc. Andy Hunt secured a grant for.
7. Ron Langlois reported that the Muskegon County Road Commission has contracted with JMC for the repair to Farr Rd.
8. Ron Langlois reported that 28 water service stubs have been completed for Chandy Acres East.
9. Heidi Tice shared that Paul Bowman from the MCRC reported that the Road Commission will be replacing a culvert on Stringer Rd, including curb and apron approach. The project will be done as part of the Farr Rd culvert repair and at no cost to the township.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18-023 2018-2019 Budget discussion
Proposed budgets were discussed. Proposed budgets will come to the board for approval at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

18-024 Approval to purchase lawn tractor for Cemetery Department
The Clerk has requested approval to purchase a new lawn tractor for the cemetery. The purchase was approved by the Cemetery Committee and budgeted for.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Clerk to purchase the requested lawn tractor for the Cemetery Department at the cost of $6,348.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-025 Approval to purchase turnout gear for the Fire Department
The Public Safety Director requested authorization to purchase 3 sets of turnout gear for the Fire Department. Total cost to equal approximately $6,000. This purchase was budgeted for.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to purchase the requested gear.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-026 Approval for 2018 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission
The total cost for the program will be $19,581 for 2018.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to participate in the 2018 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

18-027 Adoption of Federal Poverty Guidelines
The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adopt the Federal Poverty Guidelines that are used in the determination of poverty exemptions for 2018.

18-028 Approval of union labor agreements
Proposed labor union agreements were discussed for Police, Fire, and SEIU unions.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to TABLE the labor union contracts.

18-029 DPW Director evaluation and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of the DPW Director, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item.

18-030 Public Safety Director evaluation and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item.

18-031 Parks Department suggestions for improvements
The proposed projects were discussed. The Supervisor will invite the Parks Committee to the next meeting to provide further explanation.

18-032 Letter of support for casino project
It was requested that the current board draft a letter of support for the proposed casino project.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to send a letter of support for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Fruitport casino project.

Jeff Jacobs will send the letter that was presented to Heidi for her to complete and send.

18-033 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $5,021.63; Public Safety $12,957.84; Water $63,780.72; Sewer $222.02
Totaling: $81.982.21

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Rick Tice, 8th Ave, suggested that the Supervisor request the Parks’ minutes be changed if they are incorrect in stating that the Supervisor will get them their normal budget + cell tower funds + $50,000 for improvements, rather than the fact that she will try to make those funds available.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 10:02pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR