A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, August 9, 2021, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 3- residents; 3- employees; 1- guests; Battalion Fire Chief, Dave Mayette; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Andrea Anderson was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of July 12, 2021 as presented with the following change:
Per the Treasurer, it is the desire of Shelby Bank that the authorized signers be mentioned in the motions for the purchase of a police vehicle and fire vehicle-
21-056 add to motion “and to authorize the treasurer and public safety director to execute the necessary paperwork regarding the financial transaction with Shelby Bank.”
21-057 add to motion “and to authorize the treasurer and public safety director to execute the necessary paperwork regarding the financial transaction with Shelby Bank.”
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition requested by the Supervisor:
Add item 8-E: Sale of township owned property on Dangl Rd.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Steve Biesiada gave an update on the hiring process for the Administrative Assistant position, the applicants have been narrowed down to 3 that will go through a 2nd interview.
2. Dave Mayette shared that the July Community Day slip & slide was very successful and another will be held on August 28th from 11am-2pm.
3. Heidi Tice shared that the Lion’s Club approved the purchase of the food for the August Community Day event and the youth football club will purchase the cakes; the Senior Power of Produce program that gives seniors $8/week for produce at the farmer’s market had seen a successful turnout this summer.
4. Andrea Anderson reported that Ron Becklin submitted a resignation letter for his position on the Board of Review; shared election results and Election Day turnout report.
5. Rose Dillon reported that Fruitport Township received 100% success on the AMAR testing; shared the recent flag fund donations.
6. Karen Johnson of the Parks Commission asked that the board review the draft 5 year rec plan and submit any questions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
21-061 Approval to Hire Kyle Morrow as Full-Time Fire Fighter
Captain Rick Lifer has retired effective August 8, 2021. Five current part-time Fire Fighters were interviewed. Kyle Morrow was selected for the full-time position.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to hire Kyle Morrow as full-time Fire Fighter.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-062 Performance and Indemnification Resolution
It was brought to the board’s attention that the attorney recommended that the board not adopt this resolution the last time it was presented to them in December 2019. It is the board’s request that this item wait until the attorney is present at the next meeting.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to table this item until the next meeting when the attorney is present.
21-063 Development and TIF Agreement with Harmony Lake
The agreement was drafted by the township’s attorney and pertains to water and sewer extensions and the development of the Harmony Lake apartment community.
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to accept the Development and TIF agreement with Harmony Lake.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: Hulka
21-064 MERS 457 Pension Plan
The Treasurer shared that recent changes to the POLC agreement that allows for an employee 3% contribution with at 3% employer match will require an amendment to the current agreement to include the employers 3% match.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the amended MERS 457 Participation Agreement and to have Treasurer Dillon execute all necessary documents.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
21-065 Sale of Township Owned Property on Dangl Rd.
A neighbor at 3976 Dangl Rd. would like to purchase the 33’x198’ unbuildable strip of land owned by the township. Parcel 61-15-112-300-0006-00 is leftover land from the Dangl Brook Condos development.
Greg Hulka moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the sale of parcel 61-15-112-300-0006-00 to Michael Niva for a purchase price of $500.00 along with the Register of Deeds fees, and contingent upon Mr. Niva combining the piece with his property.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
Mr. Niva is aware of the drain assessment that is attached to that property and that he must combine the property with his existing.
21-066 Payment of Bills
Greg Hulka moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $102,251.83; Public Safety $33,520.54; Water $284,138.33; Sewer $17,588.01; Trust & Agency $2,275.00
Totaling: $439,773.71
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
Greg Hulka requested that the Treasurer check on the amount charged for private road maintenance and ensure it is being paid for by the assessment from the residents.
ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Matt Farrar thanked the board for completing the Harmony Lake Development and TIF Agreement as it is a small step toward important development.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:43pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR