This meeting was held virtually via Zoom.com due to COVID-19.
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, January 11, 2021, via Zoom electronic meeting.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf (All members participating remotely from Fruitport, Michigan)
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 3- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the minutes of December 14, 2020 as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
Andrea Anderson moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agenda as presented with the following change requested by the Treasurer:
Remove item 8-D: Poverty Exemption Policy and Guidelines Amendment
This topic will return to the agenda at a later date once upcoming changes are clear.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
- Todd Dunham shared that the Big Boy restaurant on Sternberg Rd. will be opening this weekend.
- Brian Michelli shared that despite the inability to hold the traditional Shop with a Hero due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police and Fire Departments were able to gather funds to use to help community members in need this Christmas; A large retail theft occurred and suspects were apprehended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
- Heidi Tice shared that Ogema Larry Romanelli would like to be on the DDA Board; the Fruitport Lions Club has taken the Christmas trees down in Pomona Park; The current blight ordinance does not address buildings, rather vehicles only.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
21-001 Second Reading: Anti-Blight and Junk Vehicles Ordinance
Discussion occurred regarding potential changes to the proposed ordinance.
Andrea Anderson moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the Anti-Blight and Junk Vehicles Ordinance, as presented to the Board with the addition of the words “more than 1” to section 7-3 (b) (1) in regards to inoperable motor vehicles.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 824.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: Hulka, Dillon, Markgraf
21-002 DDA Board and Citizen’s Council
In addition of himself, the Supervisor has appointed the following individuals to serve on the DDA Board:
Larry Hall- Fruitport Golf Course
Jason Bronhold- Booyahs Bar & Grill
Dr. Tim Reily- Great Lakes Dental
Dr. Mark Campbell- My Auto Import Center
Gary Smith- Platinum Pines Apartments
Randy Klingle- Property Owner
Ogema Larry Romanelli- Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Heidi Tice- Citizen
Todd Dunham moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the Supervisor’s appointments to the DDA Board as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
The Citizen’s Council will come to the Board at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS:
21-003 Sale of Township Assets: Police Cruisers
The Public Safety Director reported that the Police Department will be going from a 6 car rotation to a 5 car rotation upon the advice of Emergency Services’ Fleet Vehicle Replacement Plan. With new cruisers coming into the rotation, the Public Safety Director requests permission to sell used cruisers to Emergency Services for $5,000 each.
Rose Dillon moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to work with Emergency Services for the sale of two cruisers.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-004 Discussion of Cost Recovery Ordinance for Fire Services
The Public Safety Director brought to the Board’s attention that the Fire Department responded to 111 calls to Chestnut Fields in 2020. He hopes to build a cost recovery ordinance to recover the cost of overused services.
21-005 Amendment to COVID-19 Policy
The township adopted a COVID-19 policy in June 2020 upon the reopening of town hall. Given the fluidity of the pandemic it is suggested that a paragraph be added that would allow the in-house officials to use the most current guidelines for the operation of the office/staff.
Rose Dillon moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan with the added paragraph.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-006 Payment of bills
Todd Dunham moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $16,993.56; Public Safety $36,905.35; Water $10,897.82; Sewer $18,506.00; Trust & Agency $24,769.45; Street Lights $14,076.38
Totaling: $122,148.56
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
- Rose Dillon reported that funding from the senior millage for 2021 will be similar to 2020. She would like to have Kris Collee from AgeWell Services come to the Board to discuss a plan.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
- Heidi Tice shared that the option of snow removal for seniors is needed.
- Dave Henry commented that Chestnut Fields has individual apartments.
Terry Knoll moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50pm.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR