A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, November 9, 2020, in the township board room.
This meeting was also held virtually via Webex due to COVID-19 and gathering limitations.
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: 8- residents; 0- employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the minutes of October 26, 2020 as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
Heidi Tice moved, Rose Dillon 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 Covid-19 cases are on the rise and encouraged practicing safety measures.
2. Steve Biesiada shared that the DPW is working to winterize hydrants; 2005 Chevy 2500 DPW truck has been sold by closed bid.
3. Heidi Tice shared a letter received from a resident on Sheridan Rd. regarding a storm water problem; Shared a letter from Fruitport Community Schools stating that the School Board has opted out of participation in the DDA; Shared that she sent the letter of support for the casino project; Gave update on the Safe Routes to School Project- stalled by Covid, few people willing to give easement; Reported that there was an emergency culvert replacement on Brooks Rd. costing approximately $4,500.00.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Ron Cooper of Fruitport in regards to the DDA he feels that water and sewer extensions should be paid for by hookup fees; does not want tax payer money to be used for development.
2. Denny Cherete of Grand Haven stated that the advantages of a DDA would not be exclusive to his property.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
20-115 Second Reading and Adoption: Downtown Development Authority Ordinance
The Supervisor gave an update from the Muskegon County Commissioners’ meeting that they have not opted out at this time. The Supervisor also strongly encouraged the in-coming Board to adopt a plan with a 15 year term in order to work to align with the County’s wishes. The Board was in favor of a 10-15 year plan. It was made clear that the DDA plan must be approved by the Township Board and that the DDA cannot use funds for things outside of the plan.
Terry Knoll moved, Heidi Tice seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the Downtown Development Authority Ordinance, as presented to the Board with the boundary of the District as described in Exhibit A.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 822.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon
Nays: Winebarger, Hulka
20-116 Second Reading and Adoption: Zone Change Amendment Ordinance- Hts. Ravenna
Andrea Anderson moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt ordinance #823 to amend the Township’s zoning map by changing the zoning classification from R-4 Residential-Agricultural District to B-2 General Business District for parcel number 61-15-112-100-0026-00 or 3523 Hts. Ravenna Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 as recommended by the Planning Commission.
At a public hearing on October 20, 2020, the Planning Commission gave the following reasons supporting the zone change:
1. The requested rezoning will not result in spot zoning.
2. The requested rezoning will not be inconsistent with the surrounding property.
3. The property does not have to be rezoned in order to be reasonably used.
4. The requested rezoning would be consistent with the general trend of future building and population growth in the area.
5. The requested rezoning would be consistent with the Master Plan.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Amendment Ordinance No. 823.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
20-117 Resolution Appointing a Designated Assessor
The Township must appoint a designated Assessor every 5 years.
Denise Winebarger moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to appoint Donna VanderVries as the designated Assessor.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
20-118 Speed Limit Sign Request- Trailside
A resident has requested that the Township provide a speed limit sign be placed in Trailside subdivision.
No motion was made.
20-119 Approval to Increase Assistant Assessor Pay Per Contract
Heidi Tice moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the pay increase of the Assistant Assessor per the collective bargaining agreement once she completes the required assessing classes.
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
20-120 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $6,824.89; Public Safety $1,734.96; Water $279,891.71; Sewer $980.01; Trust & Agency $1,695.00
Totaling: $297,126.57
Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Anderson, Jacobs, Knoll
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Denise Winebarger asked for an update on the truck route signs. Heidi Tice replied that they are on order.
2. Heidi Tice shared that a bid for new “Welcome to Fruitport” signs will be coming.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adjourn the meeting at 7:41pm.
Ayes: Knoll, Jacobs, Anderson, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR