Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of April 25, 2022

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 28, 2022, in the township board room.

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

At 7:00pm, Terry Knoll opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 6- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; Attorney, Ron Bultje.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Jim Fichtel was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of March 28, 2022.

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

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:

  1. Steve Biesiada shared that the DPW is going to bid for brass, copper, and iron supplies.
  2. Brian Michelli reported that two police cruisers were damaged while parked while on scene of a call; the new Deputy Police Chief is doing a great job; both departments are preparing for Old Fashioned Days; a fire truck was damaged by a propane tank explosion while on scene of the El Royal Party Store fire on Easter morning, no injuries; Trinkets and Treasures sale proceeds will benefit the fire department with the purchase of a rescue manikin; the new fire truck is in progress.
  3. Andrea Anderson reported that the Township received a vehicle insurance rebate of $6,800; 9 solicitor permits have been issued this month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

22-040 Fruitport District Library Trustee Appointments
The FDL Board recommends the appointment of Anna Dudas to fill the remaining term of one vacant Trustee position. The term will begin immediately and will expire December 31, 2022.
Jim Fichtel moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to appoint Anna Dudas to fill a partial term on the Fruitport District Library Board to end December 31, 2022.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none

22-041 Senior Millage Funding Report
$3,219.00 that was allocated for snow plowing remains unused and will be put toward lawn care.

22-042 Resolution: Support Emergency Operations Plan
The five year Muskegon County Emergency Operations Plan and Emergency Action Guidelines is being updated.
Terry Knoll moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to update the plan with the current administration’s names.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none

22-043 Social Security Policy
The Township lacks a Social Security Policy. The purpose of the proposed policy is to safeguard information.
Terry Knoll moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the Social Security Policy as Written.
Ayes: Knoll, Anderson, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: none

22-044 Performance Resolution for Municipalities: MDOT
The resolution allows the local unit of government to construct, operate, use and/or maintain utilities or other facilities, or to conduct other activities, on, over, and under State Highway Right of Way.
The Attorney stated that a contractor must include indemnification of the State of Michigan and also name the State of Michigan on the insurance.
Rose Dillon moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the Performance Resolution for Municipalities for MDOT.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: none

22-045 First Reading: Zone Change Amendment Ordinance- Sheringer Rd.
On April 19, 2022, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the Township Board to approve the zone change from R-4 Residential-Agricultural District to the R-1 Single Family Residential District for parcel number #61-15-112-100-0043-00 or 3496 Sheringer Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. The change would be consistent with the Master Plan. This constitutes the first reading. Final action will take place at the next regular scheduled board meeting on May 9, 2022.

22-046 Approval to Fill Fire Department Vacancy
The Fire Department has a vacancy to fill due to the resignation of a full-time firefighter.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to grant the Public Safety Director permission to fill the position.

22-047 Payment of Bills
Andrea Anderson moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $39,057.34; Public Safety $44,408.03; Water $12,716.88; Sewer $19,718.23; Trust & Agency $36,797.00; Street Lights $0.00
Totaling: $152,697.38
Ayes: Knoll, Anderson, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: None

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:

  1. The assistant to the Treasurer submitted her resignation and the position will be posted internally until May 2nd.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:

  1. Leroy Chandonnet inquired about repairs for Kendra Rd. and about the proposed completion date for the hotels turned apartments.
  2. Floyd Dodd inquired about the hotels turned apartments.
  3. Jason Kolkema of Fruitport introduced himself as candidate for Judge.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR