A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, August 12, 2024, in thetownship board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, Terry Knoll
Members Absent: David Markgraf, excused
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 2- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; DPW Director, Steve Biesiada; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of July 22, 2024 as presented.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Andrea Anderson was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition:
Add item 8-D: Lions Club Mint Sales
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
- Steve Biesiada shared that the DPW has been busy with an abundance of Miss-Digs for the Frontier
project. - Brian Michelli shared that there will be a Community Day slip ‘n slide on August 24th, 11:00am-2:00pm; he shared that the community supported and passed the public safety millage on the August 6th ballot.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
24-079 Approval to Hire Aaron Rose, DPW
James Farrar declined his employment offer. Aaron Rose has an S2 license and a number of years of experience.
Rose Dillon moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the request to hire Aaron Rose to fill the vacancy in the DPW.
Ayes: Fichtel, Hulka, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Knoll
Nays: None
24-080 Easement Agreement Between Fruitport Township and Cherette Group, LLC
After discussion, this item was TABLED until the next meeting.
24-081 Cemetery Scatter Garden Project Approval
The Pine Hill Cemetery is nearing a sold-out status with no room for expansion. A scatter garden would provide an area for families to scatter ashes on the edge of the heavily wooded ravine and place the name of the deceased on a memorial wall. This would include a concrete patio with necessary reinforcements and a walkway from the roadway. This project was planned for in the current budget.
Todd Dunham moved, Terry Knoll seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the project with the cost not to exceed $25,000.00 as budgeted.
Ayes: Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: none
24-082 Lions Club Mint Sales
The Lion’s Club has requested permission to have their street corner fundraiser on September 13 &14 at the corners of Dangl/Sternberg and Shettler/Sheridan.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Terry Knoll, was carried unanimously, to allow the Lion’s Club to sell fundraising items at the designated intersections.
24-083 Payment of Bills
Andrea Anderson moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $49,909.30; Public Safety $38,047.53; Water $210,163.37; Sewer $18,928.49; Trust & Agency $1,360.00; Streetlights $17,273.90; Revolving Road $0.00 Totaling: $335,682.59
Ayes: Knoll, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka, Fichtel
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
- Andrea Anderson shared an election turnout report for the August 6th primary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
- Dave Henry of 2017 Shettler shared gratitude for the public’s support of the public safety millage and he hopes that the positions are filled as soon as possible.
- Heidi Tice shared ideas of how to incorporate the scatter garden with the Find-a-Grave website.
The motion by Terry Knoll, seconded by Rose Dillon was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:18pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR