Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, May 13, 2019, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustee Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Greg Hulka, Jeff Jacobs, and Terry Knoll, excused

At 7:01pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

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

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of April 22, 2019 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:

Item 8-C: Resolution for Ron Langlois

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli shared that the 911 surcharge passed in last week’s election and will help eliminate many dead radio areas in Fruitport; The Public Safety departments are gearing up for Fruitport Old Fashioned Days.
2. Ron Langlois shared that the Smiley water tower is scheduled to be cleaned between May 18 and 21, weather dependent; The new DPW Director will begin training on May 20th.
3. Heidi Tice shared events that are coming soon to Fruitport, including Dancing into the Sunset and Fruitport Old Fashioned Days; Central Dispatch Director, Shawn Grabinski will be retiring in July; periodicles regarding state and local topics are available at Town Hall that have been provided by Senator Jon Bumstead and Representative Greg VanWoerkom; 2-1-1 would like to use the Township’s webpage to assist in providing services.
4. Andrea Anderson reported a dividend of $1,619.16 received from Michigan Township Participating Plan; Election turnout was low with an average of 16.35%.
5. Rose Dillon shared that Fruitport’s 50 year time capsule has been opened and artifacts will be on display at the Village Pharmacy and on the Fruitport Historical Society website; On June 22, 2019 the public is invited to witness the placement of the new 50 year capsule that will be unearthed in 2069.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-067 Approve appointment of Russell Stressman to the ZBA
At the end of his term, John Winskas stepped down as a member of the ZBA.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the Supervisor’s appoint of Russell Stressman to a three year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. His term will end January 1, 2022.

19-068 Police Special Assessment discussion
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this topic until the June 24th meeting.

19-069 Discussion of foreclosure property
Discussion occurred. The Township chooses to have no interest in the Hts. Ravenna property.

NEW BUSINESS:

19-070 Public Hearing: Special Assessment Roll for Spruce St road maintenance

(a.) Andrea Anderson moved, supported by Rose Dillon MOTION CARRIED, to open the Public Hearing at 7:22pm.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

Brenda and Wayne Ferrier, property owners at 3509 S. Sheridan Dr. (corner of Sheridan and Spruce) have requested that the roll be split per parcel rather than by percentage of road frontage. The property was vacant when the assessment was created to pay for road maintenance on Spruce Street. The property owners have built a home that is solely accessed from Sheridan Dr.

Comments:
1. Brenda Ferrier presented a petition signed by 100% of property owners in the above mentioned Special Assessment District in favor of a per parcel split.
2. Dave Sims, White St, inquired if the White St Special Assessment District could become strictly snow plowing without the grading and brining services.

(b.) The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:32pm and return to open session.

Andrea Anderson moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the proposed roll for Spruce St. road maintenance Special Assessment District, splitting the costs by parcel.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

19-071 Discussion regarding letter from Bureau of Indian Affairs
Discussion of the impacts a casino would have on the community. The Supervisor asked to send any other opinions to her in the next week.

19-072 Resolution for Ron Langlois
Rose Dillon read a resolution to honor the public service of Ron Langlois in his 18 years with Fruitport Township.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adopt the presented resolution.

19-073 Payment of bills
Andrea Anderson moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $31,711.79; Public Safety $35,881.97; Water $109,080.39; Sewer $17,640.84; T&A $1,535.00; Street Lights $15,147.93
Totaling: $210,997.92
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Brian Michelli has an upcoming meeting to evaluate potential cost savings of having an on-site fueling station, he will bring information back to the Board.
2. Heidi tice shared that the June Community Day will be June 7th from 3:30-5:30pm at Town Hall.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:56pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR