A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, December 9, 2019, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Greg Hulka, Jeff Jacobs, Terry Knoll, Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 11- residents; 0- employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
The motion by Heidi Tice, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of November 25, 2019 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada shared that the water main on Beach Street is being monitored closely during these times of erosion and that permanent solutions are being researched.
2. Brian Michelli reported that arrests continue to be made in connection to unlawful vehicle entries; the Trees for Tots sale went well and is sold out of trees, funds will be used to purchase cold weather gear for students at Fruitport Schools; Shop with a Hero will be happening the next two Tuesdays; December 14th the Fire Department will be hosing the Santa Open House from 12-2pm.
3. Heidi Tice shared information on a potential change to farm market zoning requirements; the Fruitport Education Foundation held a raffle for which the winners won a ride on the fire truck while escorting Santa and Mrs. Clause to Old Fashioned Christmas; Veteran’s homes are expanding in Grand Rapids.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Daniel Taber shared support for the proposed Truck Route Ordinance; shared concern for the condition of Kendra Rd. and who will pay to fix it; shared that experts expect Lake Michigan to rise 12-18 inches in the spring.
2. Ralph Kotecki, E. Ellis Rd., shared that the road is in poor condition due to semi-trucks that tear up the road and shake their homes; he and the majority of his neighbors would not want the road paved in the future; he also read a letter from another resident who couldn’t be present.
3. Greg Gerdes from Metal Arc offered his support for the Truck Route Ordinance, stating that he does his best to direct the truck traffic from his business to the paved portion of Ellis Rd, and suggested additional directional signs in the intersections approaching Ellis Rd that Metal Arc would be willing to pay for.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
19-146 Public Hearing: Mt. Garfield Rd. special assessment district for gravel upgrade
(a.) Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to open the Public Hearing at 7:45pm.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced that this hearing is to hear public comment and accept written objections regarding the setting of a special assessment district for road improvements on Mt. Garfield Rd. The assessment amount would be divided equally and assessed per parcel per the request of the residents, totaling $2,637 per parcel. The residents would have the option of paying up front or having the amount added in equal installments to their tax bill over 10 years at 6% interest.
Comments:
1. Darleen Whitlow, 6727 E. Mt. Garfield Rd. expressed her support.
There were no written objections received by the board.
(c.) Terry Knoll moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to close the Public Hearing at 7:48pm and return to open session.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none
Andrea Anderson moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt Resolution to authorize procedures to set up a special assessment district for Mt. Garfield Road improvements and schedule the public hearing for January 13, 2020 on the setting of the assessment roll for Mt. Garfield road improvement special assessment district No. 2019-1.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none
Full text of said resolution can be found on file in the Clerk’s office. Filed with documentation on SAD 2019-1
19-147 Second Reading: Truck Route Ordinance
Much discussion regarding the need and enforceability occurred.
The motion by Heidi Tice, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried 5 aye/2 nay, to table the adoption until January 13, 2020 in order to give the Police Department time to gather data.
19-148 Second Reading: Charge in Lieu of Assessment Ordinance
Heidi Tice moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt Ordinance 814, the Charge in Lieu of Assessment Ordinance. Said ordinance will create a charge in lieu of a special assessment for a property that has been divided after the assessment is in place within Fruitport Township.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 815.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
19-149 Muskegon County Road Commission Performance and Indemnification Resolution
The motion by Heidi Tice, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to table until further information is gathered and the Township Attorney approves.
19-150 Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
The Supervisor is looking for direction from the Board on if the Township shall join the Chamber of Commerce. The topic will come to the next meeting for a decision so the membership fee can be budgeted for in the coming fiscal year.
19-151 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $64,784.66; Public Safety $6,240.62; Water $86,751.33; Sewer $18,280.78; street lights $10.13; Trust & Agency $2,921.00
Totaling: $178,988.52
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Clayton Stressman felt that the Truck Route Ordinance should not be delayed.
2. Daniel Taber was disappointed that the Truck Route Ordinance did not get adopted tonight and felt it to be a waste of money to use resources to gather the information to determine if the Truck Route Ordinance is necessary; he thanked the Supervisor for getting requested ordinances to him.
3. Rick Tice seconded an idea to put up signs to help control truck traffic; he suggested that if the Truck Route Ordinance is adopted the information should be shared with GPS companies in order for them to update maps to prohibit trucking on the particular roads.
The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR