A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, October 11, 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: 0- residents; 8- employees; 3- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Todd Dunham was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of September 27, 2021 as presented.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Jim Fichtel was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Steve Biesiada shared that the bond refinancing is on hold due to a rate hike; the new transmission is being put in the backhoe and should be completed by the end of the week; Steve thanked Roosevelt Park for the use of their backhoe while ours was being repaired.
2. Brian Michelli shared a letter of recognition received regarding Sgt. Babinec’s response to a vehicle accident.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
21-087 Second 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
The DDA Citizen’s Council submitted a letter of recommendation to accept the DDA plan as written.
Terry Knoll moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the 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, as written.
This constitutes the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 826.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: Hulka
NEW BUSINESS:
21-088 Auditor presentation of 2020/2021 fiscal year audit
Eric VanDop from Brickley DeLong shared the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.
The Township had a successful audit with a positive change to fund balance, ending the fiscal year with a $100,630.00 surplus in revenue over expenditures.
The Township’s OBEB liability has improved and is currently 55.9% funded.
21-089 IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement
Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to go into closed session at 7:26pm per Section 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act, at the request of the IAFF Union President, to discuss collective bargaining for IAFF labor agreement.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to return to open session at 7:31pm.
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED to ratify the IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement as presented.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: Anderson
21-090 Payment of Bills
Jim Fichtel moved, Dave Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $27,030.13; Public Safety $6,237.83; Water $117,730.20; Sewer $22,129.29; Trust & Agency $0.00; Street Lights $14,542.01
Totaling: $187,669.46
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Rose Dillon shared the Park’s Commission meeting minutes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Troy Lanore thanked the Public Safety Committee and Public Safety Director for negotiating the contract and thanked the Board members who voted in approval.
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:40pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR