Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2019

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, October 14, 2019, in the township board room.

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

At 7:05pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 1- residents; 2- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 23, 2019 as presented.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada reported that hydrant flushing is complete; the Smiley water tower will be going out of service for repair soon.
2. Brian Michelli reported that 3 new part-time Firefighters are going through the Fire Academy; the police cruiser that was ordered is on backorder; Firefighter Adam Morse is away at the State Police Arson Training.
3. Heidi Tice shared that there will be a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 29th from 5-6:30pm at Morea Chiropractic; Trick-or-Treat at the Township Hall will be on October 31st; the Village of Fruitport Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on October 24th regarding the rezoning of 3 parcels; the State of Michigan shared a certificate of proclamation to honor Michigan Manufacturing Week; there will be an anti-bullying workshop coming soon.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

19-117 Approval to hire selected candidate for Assistant Assessor
Supervisor Tice came seeking permission to hire Angela Walachovic to fill the Assistant Assessor vacancy. Angela was one of three applicants interviewed for the position. Her wages will begin as outlined in the SEIU labor agreement, with a review after 6 months.

Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to hire Angela Walachovic to fill the Assistant Assessor vacancy.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-118 Approval of Merle Boes agreement
The township’s Attorney has reviewed the agreement and adjustments have been made.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize execution of the presented contract.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

NEW BUSINESS:

19-119 Appeal from resident regarding attorney invoice
Discussion was requested to continue at the next meeting with the township’s Attorney present.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to table this topic until the next meeting.

19-120 Streetlight request: Kersting Dr/Danglwood Ct
A request was received from Michael Cody, 2986 Danglwood Ct, to place a streetlight on the corner opposite of his property, at Kersting Dr/Danglwood Ct.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll, 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.

19-121 DPW vehicle and equipment purchase
The DPW Director has requested approval to purchase a Boss 8 foot steel straight blade snowplow. Low bid was received from Monroe Truck at $5,200.00.
Also requested is approval to replace the Township’s 2005 Chevy 2500 with a 2020 GMC outfitted with a service box. Todd Wenzel Buick quoted the truck under the Oakland County Michigan Cooperative Purchasing Program at $43,041.00 for the outfitted truck.
Requesting permission to sell the Township’s 2005 Chevy 2500 service truck and 2003 Chevy 2500 truck and plow.
The discussed purchases and sales are recommended by the DPW Committee. Funds from capital outlay will cover the purchases.

Terry Knoll moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of a plow and outfitted truck and to sell the two trucks as discussed.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-122 Consideration of petitions for Mt. Garfield road improvement
Residents along the portion of East Mt. Garfield Road located west of Maple Island Road, between Maple Island Road and continuing west to the dead end have signed petitions requesting a gravel upgrade.

Andrea Anderson moved, Greg Hulka supported, MOTION CARRIED, that the petitions for road improvement on Mt. Garfield Road be received by the Township Board and move forward to schedule a public hearing to create an assessment district.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: None

19-123 Consideration of a Truck Route Ordinance
Supervisor Tice has taken complaints from residents regarding trucking on certain roads. She asked for discussion on creating a truck route ordinance and provided a sample ordinance from the Muskegon County Road Commission. The roads discussed were the following:

Ellis from Airline to Brooks
Stringer from Sternberg to Farr
Kendra from Farr to Sheridan
Cooley from Sternberg to Cline

This topic will come back for further discussion at the next meeting.

19-124 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $25,240.55; Public Safety $15,113.39; Water $4,268.26; Sewer $43,867.35; street lights $14,908.65; Trust & Agency $1,285.00
Totaling: $104,683.20
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Hulka
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR