A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 10, 2020, in the township board room.
Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jeff Jacobs, Terry Knoll, Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Greg Hulka, excused
At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.
Also Present: 1- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 27, 2020 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 7-D: Letter from Spruce Street resident regarding Special Assessment.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Steve Biesiada reported that that valve has been installed in the Smiley water tower to help control the chlorine residuals; the DPW has a large inventory of fittings containing lead that will be recycled.
2. Brian Michelli shared that he received a letter from Fruitport Community Schools sharing how pleased they are with the School Resource Officer; there are 4 new part-time Firefighters going through the Fire Academy; Night to Shine was well represented by the Public Safety departments; the No More Sidelines charity basketball game with be on February 28, 2020.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
20-016 Street light at Park ‘n Ride
Consumers Energy can only light public roadways so they are not able to turn the requested light into the Park ‘n Ride lot owned by MDOT or place a light further into the lot. The Board would still like to see a light be placed at the entrance of the Park ‘n Ride.
Andrea Anderson moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the requested light pole at the entrance of the Park ‘n Ride on Farr Road into the Fruitport Charter Township Lighting District.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: none
20-017 Letter from Spruce Street resident regarding Special Assessment
The Township has received another letter of appeal from Mrs. Ferrier in regards to costs associated with changing a special assessment on Spruce Street. The Board’s opinion remains the same, agreeing that the costs are the responsibility of Mrs. Ferrier. The invoice will be re-sent.
NEW BUSINESS:
20-018 Steve Biesiada annual review and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of the DPW Director, Steve Biesiada.
Requested changes include a 2% salary increase and 15 gallons/week fuel expense.
Jeff Jacobs moved, supported by Heidi Tice, MOTION CARRIED, to increase the salary of the DPW Director, Steve Biesiada, 2% to $71,400, include 15 gallons of fuel/week, and extend his contract with changes as presented for one year.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: None
20-019 Brian Michelli annual review and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
Requested changes include a 3% salary increase and changes in regards to insurance.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item until the next meeting.
20-020 Water service tap fee increase
The DPW Committee has recommended an increase in the water service tap fee from $1,200 to $1,500 to cover increased costs to the Township.
Jeff Jacobs moved, supported by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the sixteenth revised water rate resolution to increase the water service tap fee to $1,500.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none
20-021 Water Interconnection Contract
The DPW Committee recommends the authorization of the Township Supervisor to sign the updated water connection agreement. This agreement is an updated version laying out procedures that must be followed for maintenance and operation should there be an emergency requiring a municipality to use another municipality to feed it water.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, seconded by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to authorize the Supervisor to sign the agreement as presented.
20-022 2020/21 Budget discussion
Discussion and review of the DPW budget.
Terry Knoll moved, Jeff Jacobs seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the DPW budget as presented.
Ayes: Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: none
Other budgets were presented and reviewed.
20-023 Payment of bills
Terry Knoll moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $2,365.40; Public Safety $4,842.14; Water $64,404.81; Sewer $314.66
Totaling: $71,927.01
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
The motion by Heidi Tice, supported by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR