A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, April 12, 2021, in the township board room.
Members Present: Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: Todd Dunham, excused
At 7:00pm, Rose Dillon opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 1- residents; 1- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of March 22, 2021 as presented.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Rose Dillon was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:
Item 7-B: Second Reading and Adoption: Zone Change- Hts. Ravenna
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
- Brian Michelli shared that Officer Atkinson saved a dog on a recent shift; the Police Department has been busy with vehicle break-ins, he gave reminders to lock your vehicles; the Fire Department had a house fire on Easter and the crew did a great job; an ISO rating audit was completed and rated Fruitport at ISO class 4 and 10, which is the lowest that we can realistically achieve; the Lions Club is still pushing forward with Old Fashioned Days although he advises against it.
- The Parks Department shared that they are working with youth clubs on following COVID guidelines.
- Andrea Anderson shared that the township is seeking donations for the flag fund to replace the roadway flags.
- Rose Dillon shared that the township received approval to use a computerized tax roll for another 3 years.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
- Dave Henry asked if the board will be sharing an opinion on the County’s succession attempt.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
21-036 Approval of POLC Collective Bargaining Agreement
The agreement was negotiated by the Public Safety Committee.
Changes are to be made to sections 9.2, 12.6, 15.1, Article 30 will be flipped around, and Appendix A will exclude all except #5.
Andrea Anderson moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to ratify the proposed POLC labor agreement with the proposed changes.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
20-137 Second Reading and Adoption: Zone Change Amendment Ordinance- Hts. Ravenna
Andrea Anderson moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt ordinance #825 to amend the Township’s zoning map by changing the zoning classification from B-2 General Business District to R-2 Single Family Residential/Duplex District for parcel number 61-15-101-300-0013-60 or vacant land on Hts. Ravenna Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 as recommended by the Planning Commission.
At a public hearing on March 16, 2021, the Planning Commission gave the following reasons supporting the zone change:
- The requested rezoning will not result in spot zoning.
- The requested rezoning will not be inconsistent with the surrounding property.
- The property does not have to be rezoned in order to be reasonably used.
- The requested rezoning would be consistent with the general trend of future building and population growth in the area.
- The requested rezoning would be consistent with the Master Plan.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Amendment Ordinance No. 825.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS:
21-038 Discussion on County Commissioners’ Succession Attempt
A motion to remove Fruitport Township from Muskegon County was supported by Zach Lahring who represents Fruitport Township. This concept had not been discussed by or presented to the township board.
Discussion occurred and the board is unanimously against this action. Terry Knoll offered to present the thoughts of the board to the county board of commissioners.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to have the board members submit their opinions and comments to be presented to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
21-039 Senior Services Revenue Discussion
The Treasurer shared that the township will receive $43,987 in funding from the senior millage this year. She hopes to bring Kris Collee from Agewell Services and an option for snow plowing to a meeting to discuss service options. If there are any other thoughts or ideas Rose would like to hear.
21-040 Agreement to Share Tax Increment Financing Revenue from Muskegon County Millage
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor to sign the agreement on behalf of the Township.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-041 Payment of bills
Rose Dillon moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $61,163.22; Public Safety $87,761.38; Water $93,813.75; Sewer $71,434.67; Trust & Agency $2,360.00; Street Lights $15,181.37
Totaling: $331,714.39
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
- Todd Dunham called WZZM13 to do a story on the abandoned hotels.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:37pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR