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 25, 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: 1- residents; 1- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; Attorney, Ron Bultje.
David Markgraf moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the minutes of January 11, 2021 as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Brian Michelli shared that collective bargaining with the POLC is in progress.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
21-007 Appointments to the Fruitport District Library Board
The Fruitport District Library Board has recommended that the Township Board reappoint:
Mary Weimer, Secretary- Term December 31, 2020- December 31, 2022
Angela Johnston, Trustee- Term December 31, 2020- December 31, 2022
Andrea Anderson moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to reappoint Mary Weimer and Angela Johnston to the Fruitport District Library Board with terms ending December 31, 2022 as recommended by the Library Board.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-008 DPW Director Evaluation and Contract Renewal
Requested changes include a 2% salary increase and procedural date changes as recommended by the DPW Committee.
Rose Dillon moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, approve the contract, increasing the salary of the DPW Director, Steve Biesiada, 2% to $72,828.00 and extend his contract one year.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-009 Deputy Police Chief Contract Renewal
Requested changes include a wage increase from $27.05/hr to $27.87/hr and procedural date changes as recommended by the Public Safety Committee. Jeff Whelan has not had a wage increase since June of 2017 and works 56 hours bi-weekly. The Public Safety Director reports that Jeff is doing a great job.
Rose Dillon moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the contract, increasing the hourly wage of the Deputy Police Chief, Jeff Whelan, to $27.87 and extend his contract one year.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-010 Payment of bills
Todd Dunham moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $7,112.90; Public Safety $6,821.55; Water $68,628.25; Sewer $2,268.13; Trust & Agency $3,396.60; Street Lights $13,972.07
Totaling: $102,199.50
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Todd Dunham shared that he is working to move forward with the DDA.
2. Andrea Anderson shared that the township completed a ballot retrieval for the state-wide Risk Limiting Audit of the November 3, 2020 election.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
Terry Knoll moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adjourn the meeting at 7:18pm.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR