A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, April 23, 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 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 4– residents; 11– employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of April 9, 2018 as presented.
The motion by Todd Dunham, supported by Jeff Jacobs, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of April 16, 2018 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following additions:
ADD: Swearing-in of new Police Officer, Brett Holmes, as item A in Unfinished Business. Move other items down sequentially.
ADD: Cancellation of regular meeting that falls on Memorial Day as item D in New Business.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Ron Langlois shared the results of a DEQ report of Fruitport Township’s water system. The DEQ commended Fruitport on the management of its water system.
2. Joan Stark is retiring after employment with the Township for 24 years. There will be a celebration on Friday, April 27 from 12:30-2:00pm.
3. Heidi Tice shared that there will be an MTA meeting April 30, 2018, 7:00pm, at Fruitport Township Hall.
4. Heidi Tice shared a letter from NutriGro regarding the application of biosolids on parcel # 61-15-029-100-0014-00 and # 61-15-029-300-0002-00.
5. Brian Michelli shared that the new extrication tools came in. Many members of the Fire Department went through a 5 hour training with a representative from the company.
6. Brian Michelli reported that it was a busy weekend for fires within the Township.
7. Brian Michelli shared that the speed sign has been ordered and that he has approached the Village regarding sharing the cost.
8. Brian Michelli reported that the Police Department will soon receive a lein audit.
9. Heidi Tice shared that the United Way is hosting an Open House on April 25, 2018, from 1:30-3:30pm.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18-061 Deliver Oath of Office to new officer
Brett Holmes was sworn in by the Clerk as a Police Officer with Fruitport Township.
18-062 Closed session to discuss pending litigation and discuss collective bargaining for IAFF labor agreement
Heidi Tice moved, seconded by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 7:17pm to discuss pending litigation and collective bargaining for the IAFF labor agreement.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to return to open session at 8:08pm.
18-063 Approval of Fire Department union labor agreement
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to ratify the IAFF labor agreement as presented.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
18-064 Floyd Peplinski, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
Floyd Peplinski informed the Board that the 457 pension plan with Lord Abbett is being discontinued through Edward Jones. He shared his research and recommendation to switch to Aspire Smart Retirement Solutions 457 Pension Plan. Floyd has met with all employees who will be affected by this change.
18-065 Resolution to approve new 457 plan
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Heidi Tice, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to remove Lord Abbett and appoint Aspire Smart Retirement Solutions as a Fruitport Township pension plan effective May 1, 2018.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18-066 SEIU backpay
Attorney, Ron Bultje, shared the Public Employment Relations Act that states that parties to a collective bargaining agreement shall not agree to any retroactive wages; therefore no action was taken.
18-067 Memorial Day meeting cancelation
The motion by Heidi Tice, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to cancel the regular board meeting scheduled for May 28, 2018, due to the Memorial Day holiday.
18-068 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $38,537.48; Public Safety $20,999.90; Water $226,964.34; Sewer $1,169.24; Street Lights $13,484.82; T&A $660.00
Totaling: $301,815.78
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Brian Michelli shared that $3,500 was raised by the charity basketball game in which Fruitport Public Safety was a participant.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR