A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, January 13, 2020, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Jeff Jacobs, excused
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 1- residents; 2- employees; 1- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of December 23, 2019 as presented.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada shared that congratulations are in order for two employees who have obtained higher level water licenses, Saxon Smith obtained an S1 and John Hulka obtained an S2.
2. Heidi Tice reported that the Police Department has seen an increased number of break-ins to commercial buildings and that the Township is checking on the cost to activate the security system at town hall.
3. Rose Dillon reported that the land contract for the property on Porter Road, between Daniel Farhat (purchaser) and Fruitport Township (seller) has been paid-in-full ahead of the extended schedule.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
20-001 Public Hearing: Roll and Confirmation of Mt. Garfield Road Improvement Special Assessment District No. 2019-1
(a.) Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by Terry Knoll MOTION CARRIED, to open the Public Hearing at 7:08pm.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none
Absent: Jacobs
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced that this hearing is to hear objections to the assessments to be levied and to correct any errors on the roll of the Mt. Garfield Road Improvement Special Assessment District No. 2019-1. The assessment amount will 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 at 6% interest for 10 years.
Comments: none
There were no written objections received.
(c.) The motion by Heidi Tice, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:19pm and return to open session.
Each property will receive a letter with the approved roll, amount of assessment, dates of window of opportunity to make payments interest free, when interest will begin, and when payments will be due.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the Resolution to approve the assessment roll and confirm the rate of installments of the special assessment district for Mt. Garfield road improvements contingent upon Sullivan Township’s participation.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none
Absent: Jacobs
20-002 Second Reading: Truck Route Ordinance
The Police Department placed cameras to gather traffic data on the proposed roads. Upon review of the data it was determined that there is enough truck traffic to suspect that they are causing damage to certain roads. The prohibited roads will be reported to the GPS companies. It was suggested that Cline Road be omitted and ask that the garbage company operating on that road be contacted to work out an agreement for slower travel to preserve the road.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt Ordinance 815, the Truck Route Ordinance as presented, but with the omission of Cline Road. Said ordinance will prohibit heavy truck traffic on certain roads within Fruitport Township.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 815.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
20-003 Prosecutor presentation regarding senior services
Prosecutor was not present.
20-004 Reappoint Board of Review members
Heidi Tice moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to reappoint the following positions to the Board of Review:
∙ Dave Jacobs, 2-year term
∙ George Manning, 2-year term
∙ E. David Farhat, 2-year term
∙ Marty Mieras, serving as alternate, 2-year term
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: None
A Board of Review training will now be required by the State of Michigan for all BOR members.
20-005 Street light at Park ‘n Ride
The Clerk has requested that a street light be placed at the entrance of the park ‘n ride at Farr Rd. and Airline Rd.
The Board would like to see a quote for two lights, one at the entrance and one at the rear of the lot.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to request that the clerk contact Consumers Energy for a quote for the placement of two lights at the requested location and bring the information back to the board for approval.
20-006 Approval of Bendzinski & Co. document
It is required that the Township prepares a report for bond holders on the financial position of the Township. The Treasurer recommends that the Township continue to use Bendzinski for this service at a cost of $1,000 annually. This will be a renewal for 5 years.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to retain Bendzinski for reporting services for this task.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none
Absent: Jacobs
20-007 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $7,281.33; Public Safety $24,843.64; Water $11,673.30; Sewer $1,405.36; street lights $14,119.06
Totaling: $59,322.69
Ayes: Knoll, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Heidi Tice shared a report on building permits.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Allen O’Shea from CBS Solar would like the Township to consider some updates to its Solar Ordinance in regards to bi-facial solar panels and storage systems, among other things.
The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Denise Winebarger, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR