A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, July 9, 2018, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Todd Dunham, Jeff Jacobs, Denise Winebarger, and Greg Hulka
Members Absent: none
At 7:00 pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 7- residents; 0- employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of June 11, 2018 as presented with the following change noted:
Item 18-084: removed “Chair” from the language, appointing Mike Michelli to the Planning Commission rather than appointing him as “Chair to the PC.”
The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Heidi Tice shared that our Slip ‘n Slide Community Day will be July 21, 2018 in Pomona Park. She also shared a listing of free community events hosted by Fruitport Area Churches. More information can be found posted on the front door and also on our Facebook page.
2. Rose Dillon shared an OPEB notice reporting that none of Fruitport’s retirement systems meet the definition of underfunded status. Jeff Jacobs still suggests action be taken to fund retirement/OPEB.
3. Heidi Tice shared the Muskegon County Road Commission’s list of chip sealing operations for 2018.
4. Heidi Tice shared the Muskegon County Waste Water’s newsletter.
5. Brian Michelli that new part-time officers are on the road for training. The Fire Department is now trained in airway assistance and administering epi, expanding the level of care they are able to give. A new cruiser has been ordered for the Police Department.
6. Ron Langlois reported that a new altitude valve has been installed in the smiley water tower to assist in fluctuating the water levels, keeping fresh water in both towers.
7. Heidi Tice shared that she attended a grant writing class.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18-086 Closed session to discuss pending Muskegon Heights water litigation with attorney and discuss collective bargaining for POLC labor agreement; exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 7:17pm to discuss pending Muskegon Heights water litigation and collective bargaining for the POLC labor agreement.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to return to open session at 8:34pm.
18-087 Resolution for Muskegon Heights water dispute
Rose Dillon moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to TABLE this topic.
Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
18-088 Street light request
Fruitport resident, Chuck Whitlow, has requested the placement of a street light at the corner of Mt. Garfield and Maple Island.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to request that the clerk contact Consumers Energy for a quote for the placement of a light at the requested location and bring the information back to the board for approval.
18-089 Zoning enforcement discussion
The topic of whether to bring zoning/ordinance enforcement in house was discussed. The concept of bringing on an additional Fire Fighter and having zoning/ordinance enforcement done through the Fire Department was introduced.
18-090 Business registration discussion
The benefits of enforcing a business registration were discussed. Future discussions will occur.
18-091 Payment of bills
Denise Winebarger moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $29,039.54; Public Safety $43,484.63; Water $108,199.18; Sewer $19,840.40; T&A $12,806.00; Street lights $14,639.06
Totaling: $228,008.81
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The conversion to LED lighting has been completed in Town Hall and the rebate (approx. $1,600.00) has been processed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Ron Cooper, 4491 E. Pontaluna, wished to bring to the board’s attention that an individual not employed by the township has been given a key to town hall and has been granted access to a township computer in which she was able to insert a flash drive. He shared his concerns on this matter. After discussion, Supervisor Tice confirmed it was she who gave her friend a key to the building and access to a computer to aid her in her work as an attorney. It was requested that the key be given back, to which Heidi said she would comply.
The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:25pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR