This meeting was held virtually via Webex due to COVID-19.
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 28, 2020, via Webex electronic meeting.
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: 0- residents; 1- employees; 7- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director or Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney, Ron Bultje.
Rose Dillon moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the minutes of September 14, 2020 as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
Terry Knoll moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli reported that the new cruisers should be arriving soon.
2. Heidi Tice shared about a letter and donation received by the Fire Department; the Muskegon County recycling and tire events have been cancelled; she shared a newsletter from West Michigan Regional Development Commission; gave a report on the senior survey that was distributed in tax bills.
3. Steve Biesiada reported that the current hydrant flushing will be complete soon; an employee of the DPW will be retiring soon.
4. Andrea Anderson shared that an elections grant was applied for and awarded $5,000 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. The Clerk shared a written comment received from Ron Cooper regarding his disagreement with the proposed DDA, the size of the district, and that things shouldn’t be voted on in virtual meetings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
20-094 Reappointment of Jason Franklin to Planning Commission
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the Supervisor’s reappointment of Jason Franklin to the Planning Commission.
Jason’s three year term will expire September 2023.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: none
20-095 DDA Discussion
• Heidi Tice shared a letter from Fruitport Community Schools’ Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak.
• Heidi Tice shared an opinion letter from Attorney Ron Bultje in response to Mr. Szymoniak’s letter on the proper process to follow when establishing a DDA.
• None of the taxing authorities will lose what tax revenue they are currently receiving.
• If the board wished to make the district smaller, a public hearing would not be necessary.
• A DDA would not capture state, local, or intermediate school tax revenue.
• The attorney advised that there is not a conflict of interest regarding a trustee being a lessee/business owner in the proposed district or a trustee being an employee of the County that would cause one to abstain from voting on the DDA.
The ordinance for the creation of the DDA will come to the Board for a vote on October 26th.
NEW BUSINESS:
20-096 Property Assessment Administration Contract Discussion
The new proposed contract shows an increase in fees to $94,000/year. It was mentioned that Fruitport Township has the heaviest load of permits, new house starts, and tax tribunals in the County. The County would likely be willing to increment the increase allowing for easier payment. The cost of hiring an in-house Assessor would likely cost the Township more than contracting with the County. The contract will be voted on at the next meeting.
20-097 Water/Sewer Penalties/Late Fees
The Township chose to withhold penalties for late water/sewer payments during the COVID shutdown. It is requested that those resume as normal. Water shut-offs will continue to follow current executive orders.
Heidi Tice moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to return to assessing late fees and penalties as of October 1, 2020.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
20-098 Michigan Public Safety Communications System Member Subscriber Agreement
This agreement is for the use of the new 800mh radio system and related services.
Rose Dillon moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to enter into the provided Michigan Public Safety communications System Member Subscriber Agreement.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
20-099 Payment of bills
Greg Hulka moved, Denise Winebarger seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $27,319.50; Public Safety $27,498.40; Water $9,029.33; Sewer $17,269.21; Trust & Agency $641.40
Totaling: $81,757.84
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Heidi Tice shared that the Fruitport Lion’s Club has cancelled the Old Fashioned Christmas Event, however there will be trees decorated in the park.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by Heidi Tice, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR