VILLAGE OF FRUITPORT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 20th, 2019
1. Call to Order
President Roger Vanderstelt called the meeting to order at 6:59pm
2. Pledge
3. Prayer
4. Roll call
Present: Roger Vanderstelt, Amy Haack, Carl Rothenberger, Bill Overkamp, Jay Bolt, Donna Pope, Jeff Guiles and Ann LaCroix.
5. Approve the agenda for the May 20th Council meeting
Motion made by Amy to approve the May 20th agenda, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
6. Approval of the Council meeting minutes
Motion made by Jay to approve the April 23rd special meeting minutes, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote, the motion carried.
7. Public Comment
Heid Tice, Fruitport Township Supervisor commented on an invoice for the Township’s attorney bill that was submitted to the Village and denied by council at a previous meeting.
8. Correspondence (Ann)
Ann advised that the off-year audit has been completed. The OFD insurance and permits have been received. Garbage bills will be sent out for the upcoming year cycle.
Ann read a letter from DPW worker Ron Brondyke regarding dog waste in the Park. A discussion took place and the topic will be addressed at the next Park and Recreation Group meeting.
9. Reports from Officers
Roger advised that a No-Wake sign has been donated to the Village and it will be placed near the boat launch.
Donna advised that the library flooded last night.
Jeff advised he will work on reviewing sidewalks.
Amy gave an update on the Community Development position. Jay, Bill, Roger and Amy interviewed 4 people. All were highly impressive and skilled. The candidates lacked experience in Community Recreation Master Plan and Master Plan work. The interview team discussed other options at their meeting including checking with WMSRDC for assistance. Amy reported that she works for WMSRDC and that they do not compete with consultants. After talking with representatives at WMSRDC they would be willing to work with the Village as a gesture of good will on the Community Recreation Plan at a cost of $5000.00. It would be a 6-month time frame which will meet the deadline of February 2020. Motion made by Bill to contract WMSRDC, supported by Jay.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt
NAYES: None
ABSTAINED: Haack
Jay also added that the candidates had much experience including grant writing. The position may be discussed later.
Carl advised that the Personnel Committee met and discussed wage increases, holidays, boot allowance and a floating holiday for employees working on Memorial Day. Carl made a motion to increase the wages as discussed and that they are retroactive to April 1, 2019, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
Carl made a motion to add the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to the paid holidays, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
Carl made a motion to add a floating holiday for the 2 full-time employees that are required to work on Memorial Day and that they cannot be scheduled off at the same time, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
Carl made a motion to reinstate a boot allowance in the Personnel Policy. Full-time employees will have a $200 maximum allowance for boot purchases every 2 years.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt, Guiles and Vanderstelt.
NAYES: None
Bill advised that the contents of the time capsule have been dropped off at the Pharmacy for display. The bike racks are in place in front of the pharmacy and the park. Flowers have been placed in the new containers in front of the pharmacy. Bill thanks the DPW crew for their help.
Jay will report under agenda item 13.
10. Rental Unit Registration
Roger discussed rental unit registration. An ordinance will be drafted for the next council meeting.
11. 2020 3rd Avenue Project
Roger introduced Matt Hulst from Prein and Newhof. Matt explained the possibility of adding curbs and gutters to the resurfacing project.
Roger excused himself at 7:55pm from the meeting and asked that Carl run the meeting.
12. Auto Flush
Item tabled until the next council meeting so that Roger could present the information.
13. Planning Commission Report
Jay reviewed the Planning Commission Report that was distributed to the council. He discussed multiple items including a new Zoning Map.
14. Request for an Exotic Animal Event at Pomona Park
Dillon Grimm from Tipping the Scales addressed the council about holding an event at Pomona Park in October. He would like to have exotic animals on display and vendors that sell items for exotic animals. He distributed information about his business. He advised that the animal do not need any additional license or permits. The council asked questions and will table this until the next council meeting after discussing with the Village attorney.
15. Drain at Oak & 4th Avenue
Two bids were reviewed. Motion made by Jay to accept the $7064.00 bid from Tiles Excavating Inc and that any changes to the bid must be in writing prior to any work being done, supported by Amy.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt and Guiles
NAYES: None
16. Public Comment
Eli Cooper, 129 E Beech St, shared his tax bill with the council stating that he already pays extra taxes on his rental homes.
17. Warrants
Carl made a motion to approve the warrants, supported by Jeff.
Roll call AYES: Pope, Haack, Rothenberger, Overkamp, Bolt and Guiles
NAYES: None
18. Adjournment
Motion made by Donna to adjourn at 8:39pm, supported by Carl. With a unanimous vote the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by,
Ann LaCroix
Clerk