A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, August 27, 2018, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jeff Jacobs, Denise Winebarger, and Greg Hulka
Members Absent: Todd Dunham, excused
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 11- residents; 3- employees; 4- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois; Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of August 13, 2018 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Rose Dillon shared Library minutes.
2. Brian Michelli reported an ongoing problem with vehicle breaking and entering; there was a media release regarding the traffic sign and the grant used to purchase it; new turn out gear has been delivered to the Fire Department; Lowes donated a basketball hoop to the Fire Department; new speed limit signs have been installed in the Village.
3. Ron Langlois reported that the Water Department just completed hydrant painting in district C; hydrant flushing will begin September 17th and will occur between the hours of 5:30pm-10:30pm; completed cleaning of wet wells in the lift stations.
4. The August Community Day Slip ‘n Slide was successful and well attended- Thank you to the Lion’s Club and Fruitport Trojans Youth Football for your partnerships.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Linda Corinti asked if the last year’s Library operating costs were within the projected budget.
2. Jay Bolt of the Village Council made a statement thanking the Public Safety Department for their efforts in community outreach and participation in the events in Pomona Park; must get the word out for residents to support the library; the proposed 2020 project would potentially bring sewer down 3rd St during the road improvement construction.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18-110 Muskegon Heights water settlement bond figures
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Township to expend such amount of Township funds from the water system fund as is necessary to pay the judgment to settle the Muskegon Heights litigation and costs of issuance of judgment bonds over and above an amount of $2,000,000 received for these purposes from the issuance of judgment bonds, with the Township Supervisor and Township Treasurer authorized to approve the final amount of this expenditure; alternatively, if the Township is able to pay off existing County bond with 2 payments left, Township Officers have authority to pay off that County bond and then bond up to 2,431,717.91 to settle the Muskegon Heights lawsuit.
Ayes: Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
18-111 School Resource Officer
Under the proposed agreement, Fruitport School District would contribute $40,000 annually to have a School Resource Officer placed in the school district by Fruitport Township Police Department. The cost of a senior officer would be approximately $87,635 annually. There is the possibility of a grant being available to the Police Department next year for such a position. The Public Safety Director stated that with changes made within the Police Department this fiscal year, there will be enough funds in the current budget to cover the expense of adding this Officer. Upon discussion among the Board and the Township Attorney, 5 changes were proposed to the presented agreement.
Jeff Jacobs moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to sign the agreement after the 5 presented changes occur.
Ayes: Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: Hulka
NEW BUSINESS:
18-112 Presentation of proposed Parks project
Members of the Parks Board were present to request funds for the installation of a crushed concrete sub-structure for an additional driveway and parking lot at the Sheringer Soccer Park. Two bids were presented: (1) Paul Schultz Trucking and Excavating $99,142.00 (2) West Michigan Dirtworks $87,958.36.
The motion by Heidi Tice, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this topic until the next meeting when the Auditor will be giving the annual audit report.
18-113 911 surcharge presentation
Shawn Grabinski, Director of Muskegon Central Dispatch along with Chief Dave Glotzbach of Muskegon Township Fire Department and Board Member of Muskego Central Dispatch gave a presentation to share information on the proposed 911 surcharge that will be on the November 6th ballot. The proposed surcharge would increase the current $0.42 surcharge to $2.75 per phone line.
18-114 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $36,307.82; Public Safety $19,830.56; Water $13,136.53; Sewer $17,329.71; T&A $654.00; Street lights $100.00; Revolving Road $5.95
Totaling: $87,364.57
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Jeff Jacobs confirmed with the Board that all members are still in support of the proposed Little River Casino. The project is moving forward to the next step in their lengthy process.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Jay Bolt asked if there would be a savings of monies paid to interest if the current County bond would be paid early.
The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Heidi Tice was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:31pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR