FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 23, 2022
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, May 9, 2022, 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: 17- residents; 2- employees; 2- guests; Director of Public Utilities, Steve Biesiada; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Terry Knoll was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of May 9, 2022.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by David Markgraf was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following additions:
Item 8-E: Approval for the Application of a Risk Reduction Grant
Item 8-F: Kendra Road Project
Item 8-G: Consumers Energy Resolution for Odeno Street Lights
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
- Steve Biesiada shared that a DPW employee has left for another township and he will be posting the job opening internally.
- Brian Michelli reported that Old Fashioned Days will be this weekend and 3rd Street will be closed; the Fire Department has been denied a training and recruiting grant through the Michigan Department of Treasury; complaints have been received regarding the delay of clean-up for the El Royal fire site and he has stated that the property has been released back to the owners and clean-up is their responsibility.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
22-054 Oath of Office: Jody Nummerdor, Tim Doctor, and Brian Meister
Jody Nummerdor and Timothy Doctor were sworn in as Fire Captain.
Brian Meister was sworn in as Full-Time Firefighter.
NEW BUSINESS:
22-055 Charter Communications Franchise Renewal Agreement
Charter communications has requested a 10-year franchise renewal. The Attorney has reviewed and gives his approval of the agreement.
Terry Knoll moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the agreement with a franchise fee of 5%.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-056 Approval for Sale of Police Department Assets
The Public Safety Director seeks approval to sell M&P .40 caliber and Sig Sauer P226 .40 caliber sidearms that are out of service. They will be sold to Gary’s Guns Inc. for $400 each.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the sale of the assets.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-057 Fruitport District Library Trustee Appointment
The FDL Board recommends the appointment of Glenn Bo to fill the remaining term of one vacant Trustee position. The term will begin immediately and will expire December 31, 2022.
Andrea Anderson moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to appoint Glenn Bo to fill a partial term on the Fruitport District Library Board to end December 31, 2022.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
22-058 Approval for Purchase of Iron Water Service Material
David Markgraf moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of iron service materials as requested from East Jordan Iron Works for $11,585.41.
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
22-059 Approval for the Application of a Risk Reduction Grant
The Public Safety Director seeks approval of the application for a Risk Reduction Grant through the Michigan Township Participating Plan for use toward the purchase of body-worn cameras for the Police Department.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Jim Fichtel, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to apply for and receive the grant.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-060 Kendra Road Project
Much interest has been shared by the public for the improvement of Kendra Road.
Terry Knoll moved, seconded by Jim Fichtel, MOTION CARRIED, to request the Supervisor to move forward with obtaining an estimate and scheduling.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-061 Consumers Energy Resolution for Odeno Street Lights
On August 23, 2021 the Board moved to accept the eight (8) additional street lights for the Odeno development into the Fruitport Township Lighting District.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Terry Knoll, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the street light resolution and authorize the Clerk to sign the documents.
Ayes: Markgraf, Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Fichtel
Nays: none
22-062 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $36,789.59; Public Safety $40,283.74; Water $7,509.99; Sewer $1,665.15; Trust & Agency $2,102.00; Street Lights $12,672.19
Totaling: $101,022.66
Ayes: Fichtel, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll, Markgraf
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
- Rose Dillon reported that the Township received a dividend of $2,953.20 from the Michigan Participating Plan.
- Andrea Anderson shared that a set of election equipment was purchased in excellent used condition from the City of Norton Shores for $2,500 for the new precinct and that a brand-new set would have cost approximately $11,000.
- Todd Dunham shared that Clean-Up Days was successful and also thanked Connie Smith and her team for their efforts on cleaning up trash in the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
- Matt Kacel introduced himself as a candidate for 14th Circuit Court Judge.
- Christina Achterhoff was representing Senator Jon Bumstead and shared support for the proposed casino.
- Karen Johnson shared that the Parks Commission meeting was moved to the 31st where they will discuss a concession project; an Eagle Scout is working on a sidewalk project at Pine Park.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Andrea Anderson, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR