A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Becklin, Jim Fichtel, David Henry; David Markgraf
Members Absent: none
At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 15- residents; 2- employees; 0- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; DPW Director Steve Biesiada.
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by David Henry, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 24, 2025 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Parks Commissioner, Travis Nadeau, shared that the final plans for the concession/restroom building at Sheringer Soccer Park are headed to the Planning Commission for approval.
2. Brian Michelli reported that the Police Department is losing a full-time officer and will need to fill the vacancy; the transition of a part-time officer to full-time will fill the recently approved addition.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
25-017 Public Hearing: Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction
The agreement for the conditional transfer of jurisdiction between Fruitport Township and the City of Muskegon is for the purpose of an economic development project and will result in shared taxes and revenues.
(a.) The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to open the Public Hearing at 7:08pm.
Comments: none
(b.) The motion by Todd Dunham, supported by David Henry, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:09pm and return to open session.
Todd Dunham moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the proposed Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction, between Fruitport Charter Township and the City of Muskegon, as received from the City Attorney to the Township Attorney in an email dated February 10, 2025, and to authorize the Township Supervisor and the Township Clerk to execute that proposed Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction. However, this approval will not take effect, and the Township Supervisor and the Township Clerk will not execute the document, unless no request for a referendum vote on the Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction is properly made and timely received pursuant to Section 5 of Michigan Public Act 425 of 1984.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
25-018 2025/26 FY Budget Discussion
Discussion occurred.
25-019 Approval for Installation of Access Control System
The addition of the front doors of town hall is quoted for $1,795.00; $145 over the “not-to-exceed $11,000.00” motion made at the February 24th board meeting for the entire project.
Rose Dillon moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the addition of the front door access control at the quoted amount.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
NEW BUSINESS:
25-020 Hardship Policy
Several changes were made to the existing policy, giving the Board of Review more tools to use in decision making.
Todd Dunham moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the township Hardship Policy as presented.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
25-021 POLC Labor Agreement
Todd Dunham moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the POLC Labor Agreement as presented.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
25-022 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $1,684.98
• Public Safety $43,174.89
• Water $62,774.12
• Sewer $650.51
• Trust & Agency $4,034.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $112,318.50
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Becklin, Henry
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The Supervisor reported that Costco is on track for a late fall opening; board meeting times will be adjusted going into the next fiscal year.
2. The Clerk shared an update of the status of the cemetery scatter garden.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Heidi Jones of 6037 Johnson shared frustrations over deteriorating road conditions on Farr and Johnson.
2. Randy Lanore of 5383 Farr also shared concerns around road conditions.
3. Many other commenters shared similar sentiments.
4. Ken Hulka, Muskegon County Road Commission Director, addressed concerns and shared history, funding sources, and processes surrounding road repair.
5. Susan Franklin shared information on the 0-mil increase bond proposal and encouraged voters to support it.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:17pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR