A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, David Henry; David Markgraf
Members Absent: Ron Becklin, excused
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 1- residents; 12- employees; 1- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by David Henry, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 27, 2025 as presented.
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
Brian Michelli reported that the Police Department is working on filling shifts while one officer is out with an injury; he is working with an architect on repairs and remodeling of the public safety buildings.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
25-011 Approval to Begin Hiring Process for Police and Fire Staff
The current recruit, Kaylee Cherney, will finish the academy in May 2025. The Public Safety Committee recommends the hire of one additional Police Officer and one Fire Fighter. The Police Officer position will be posted externally and the Fire Fighter position will begin with an internal posting due to the number of current part-time staff in each department.
Rose Dillon moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to begin the hiring process for one Police Officer and one Fire Fighter.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none
25-012 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $46,692.28
• Public Safety $61,895.53
• Water $161,807.87
• Sewer $2,463.58
• Trust & Agency $5,390.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $278,249.26
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
The Treasurer shared that taxes are due February 14th.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
Bryan Rypstra thanked the board for their approval to move forward with increasing the staffing in both the Police and Fire Departments.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by David Markgraf was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:12pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR