FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 25, 2021
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, October 25, 2021, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Terry Knoll, David Markgraf
Members Absent: Greg Hulka, excused
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 6- residents; 0- employees; 4- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Attorney Ron Bultje.
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of October 11, 2021 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition requested by the Treasurer:
Add item 8-E: Report from Chris Cross Regarding Senior Services Yard Care
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
- Steve Biesiada reported that vents are being replaced on the Smiley water tower to comply with EGLE regulations; it is recommended that the paint on the Smiley water tower be evaluated when the tower is inspected; the backhoe is back in service.
- Rose Dillon shared the Parks Commission minutes and that the Parks Commission has a public hearing to hear comments on their proposed 5 year rec plan on October 26, 2021.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
21-091 Resolution for Charitable Gaming License for Fruitport Youth Wrestling
The Fruitport Youth Wrestling organization would like to host a Millionaire Party/poker tournament and is seeking a charitable gaming license. A resolution was presented asking that they be recognized as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining charitable gaming licenses.
Rose Dillon moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED to adopt the resolution and approve the Fruitport Youth Wrestling organization for a charitable gaming license.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
21-092 Resolution to Authorize Issuance of Downtown Development Bonds
The bonds will be used to pay for public infrastructure within the DDA upfront and debt service be paid by tax increments captured by the DDA. The bonds will not exceed what is needed to pay for public improvements, not to exceed $2,210,000. The township’s legal counsel and municipal advisors agree that the township has low risk in issuing the bonds.
Terry Knoll moved, seconded by David Markgraf, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution to authorize the issuance of downtown development bonds.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
21-093 Restated and Revised Development and Funding Agreement
This agreement is a restatement of the prior development agreement approved on August 9, 2021 and has a revision to include a requirement of the developer to provide escrow in an amount equal to the actual interest that accrue on the bonds from the date of issuance through June 30, 2025 and that it be used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds until the construction of the project adds enough new, captured taxable value to the Development Area sufficient to pay the bond debt service.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Jim Fichtel, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agreement as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
21-094 Request to Transfer Parks Employee to Cemetery for Winter
The Clerk has requested permission to transfer the Parks employee to the Cemetery/Building & Grounds department for winter. This will cover the absence of the Cemetery Sexton during a personal leave and avoid laying off the Parks employee.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to retain the employment of Dean Snyder through April 1, 2022, to request a transfer of $8,000 reserved for unemployment from the Parks budget to Cemetery/Building & Grounds to cover part of the employment costs, and for the township to review the budget and use fund balance as necessary to cover the remainder of the employment costs.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: None
21-095 Report from Chris Cross Regarding Senior Services Yard Care
Chris Cross reported that 24 seniors received services over the summer using $5,280 of the allocated funds. He presented options for leaf cleanup and snow removal to use the remaining $8,150 and discuss options for future services for the board to consider when they receive future senior services funding.
21-096 Payment of Bills
Terry Knoll moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $23,880.00; Public Safety $25,864.23; Water $7,415.06; Sewer $18,256.38; Trust & Agency $3,486.00
Totaling: $78,901.67
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: None
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
- Rose Dillon reported that the application for ARPA funds has been completed and the application approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
- Floyd Dodd of 3207 Raffi inquired on how the DDA bonds get paid if the development defaults and also asked about the salary of the employee being transferred to the Cemetery.
- Heidi Tice of 5110 S. Carr reported that Fruitport Township seniors made up 14% off all seniors being served by Senior Power of Produce in Muskegon County and that additional funds from senior services funding would be helpful. She also shared that the Lion’s Club Fruitport Old Fashioned Christmas will be having its event in Pomona Park this December.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:48pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR