Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of September 27, 2021

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, September 27, 2021, in the township board room.

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: Rose Dillon, excused

At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 17- residents; 0- employees; 4- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney, Ron Bultje.

The motion by Jim Fichtel, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 13, 2021 as presented.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

  1. Steve Biesiada reported that annual hydrant flushing is almost complete; the backhoe transmission needs repair but will be covered under warranty.
  2. Brian Michelli shared that a house has been offered to the fire department for training; the departments are experiencing extended response times from ambulance companies.
  3. Andrea Anderson shared a report from the Treasurer stating that the township’s TCF accounts will officially become Huntington accounts.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

21-082 Second Reading: Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinance
Andrea Anderson moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the Floodplain Management Provisions of the State Construction Code Amendment Ordinance.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 825.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

NEW BUSINESS:

21-083 Eagle Scout Project Presentation: Christopher & Jacob Kotkowicz
Jacob’s project includes painting and making minor repairs to the garage building and installing a Veteran’s honor roll.
Christopher’s project includes the installation of signs at the cemetery entrances to post rules and contact information along with a map to be included by the Veteran’s wall.
Jacob and Christopher have discussed the projects and made adjustments with the cemetery Sexton and Clerk prior to presenting to the board.
The projects will be funded by fundraising done by the individual scouts.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Todd Dunham was carried unanimously, to support both projects presented by Jacob and Christopher Kotkowicz.

21-084 Public Hearing: 2021 Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan
(a.) The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to open the Public Hearing at 7:14pm.
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced the purpose of the public hearing was to hear public comment in regard to the DDA Plan and TIF Plan.

Comments:

  1. Larry Hall, 333 Washington Ave, Grand Haven is the DDA Chair and shared that the plan will set the rules and design of the DDA.

(c.) The motion by Terry Knoll, supported by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:18pm and return to open session.

21-085 First Reading: Ordinance for Adoption of the 2021 Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan of the Downtown Development Authority for the Charter Township of Fruitport, Michigan
This ordinance would adopt the 2021 DDA Plan and TIF Plan of the DDA for the Charter Township of Fruitport, MI.
This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on October 11, 2021.

21-086 Payment of Bills
Jim Fichtel moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $34,031.18; Public Safety $35,371.81; Water $12,963.45; Sewer $41,373.50; Trust & Agency $30,651.00; Street Lights $3,993.57
Totaling: $158,384.51
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

  1. Todd Dunham shared an article from the Tribune about the Community Day Slip ‘n Slide; a letter was shared from Health West praising Officer Rob Atkinson for his positive assistance on a call; Todd praised the treasurer, department heads, and other staff for a successful audit and for working to stay on budget and build the general fund.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:

  1. Floyd Dodd, 3207 Raffie, asked if any appeals have been filed for the Kuis Drain since the Board of Determination deemed the recent petitions unnecessary. He also asked if the issue of senior millage funding was investigated to see if there are any more funds left for this year.

The motion by Jim Fichtel, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR