A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 5:30pm on Monday, December 8, 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: none
At 6:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 10- residents; 2- employees; 1 guest; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
The motion by David Henry, seconded by Rose Dillon was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of November 10, 2025 as presented.
The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by David Henry was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Brian Michelli shared that both departments have been very busy with weather related calls; the Police and Fire Departments will deliver Santa to the park for Old Fashioned Christmas this weekend.
2. Supervisor Dunham introduce the interim Finance Director, Brook Schiller.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
25-137 Public Hearing: Roll and Confirmation of Cress Creek Dr Road Improvement Special Assessment District No. 2025-3
(a.) The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Jim Fichtel, was carried unanimously, to open the Public Hearing at 6:04pm.
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced that this hearing is to hear objections to the assessments to be levied and to correct any errors on the roll of the Cress Creek Dr Road Improvement Special Assessment District No. 2025-3. The assessment amount will be divided and assessed per parcel per the request of the residents, totaling $1,962.50 per parcel. The residents would have the option of paying up front or having the amount added in equal installments to their tax bill at 6% interest for 10 years.
Comments:
Robert Nichols was looking for confirmation that nothing has changed from the proposal and asked if a chip seal would happen after paving.
There were no written objections received. An attendance list of residents present during the public hearing will be kept on file.
(c.) The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 6:06 pm and return to open session.
25-138 Resolution: Confirmation of the Roll for Special Assessment District No. 2025-3 Cress Creek Dr
David Henry moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the Resolution to approve the assessment roll and confirm the rate of installments of the special assessment district for Cress Creek Dr road improvements.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none
Full text of said resolution can be found on file in the Clerk’s office. Filed with documentation on SAD 2025-3.
25-139 Muskegon County Road Commission Contract – Cress Creek Dr
A contract with the MCRC for Cress Creek Dr from Sheridan Rd to the dead end: approximately 0.210 miles with a 2” overlay and restore small gravel shoulders 1-2’ width.
• Total Project estimate: $47,000.00 Road
• Commission share: $11,750.00
Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the contract and authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to execute the document.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Henry
Nays: none
NEW BUSINESS:
25-140 Trustee Candidate Review/Appointment
Trustee, Ron Becklin, sadly passed away on November 22, 2025. Ron will be remembered for his contributions to our community with time well served.
Letters of interest were received from Greg Hulka, Jeff Johnson, Lela Miller, Mike Rublein, Daniel Taber, Lori VanDonkelaar, and Mike Wolffis for the open board seat. Jeff Johnson and Lela Miller rescinded their letters. Each candidate was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer any questions from the Board.
The motion by Todd Dunham, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to TABLE the appointment of a new Trustee until the next meeting.
25-141 Senior Services Funding Allocation
The Township is expected to receive approximately $60,640.00 from the Senior Services Millage for 2026. The recommendation for allocation is as follows:
• AgeWell Services: $19,000.00 (meals, exercise opportunities, transportation, etc)
• Safe Seniors: $19,000.00 (legal services)
• Living Word Services: $18,000.00 (Lawn mowing and snowplowing)
• Dancing into Sunset: $1,000.00
• Senior Power of Produce: $2,990.00
• Zumba: $650.00
If additional funds are received over $60,640.00, it will be used for Senior Power of Produce.
Rose Dillon moved, Andrea Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the recommendations for Senior Services Millage funds allocations.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none
25-142 Completion of Development and TIF Agreement- Harmony Lake LLC
This agreement confirms that the developer has fully completed the Development and TIF Agreement, fulfilling its responsibilities and obligations under the agreement, thus terminating the agreement.
Todd Dunham moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve and execute the agreement.
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
25-143 Performance and Indemnification Resolution – Muskegon County Road Commission
This resolution allows the DPW department to conduct construction work within the road right-of-way.
David Henry moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none
25-144 Brycer Advisory Group Contract – Fire Department
The Public Safety Director requests approval to enter into a three-year contract with Brycer Advisory Group for business life safety systems compliance. Brycer Group will coordinate, report, and make notification, as well as documentation storage of all life safety systems for businesses in the jurisdiction of the Fruitport Fire Department. There is no cost to this program.
David Henry moved, Todd Dunham seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to enter into the agreement with Brycer Advisory Group.
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none
25-145 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $34,315.80
• Public Safety $60,417.18
• Water $151,990.78
• Sewer $11,096.22
• Trust & Agency $5,382.87
• Streetlights $14,891.73
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $278,094.58
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The Supervisor shared that the Lions are seeking more participation in the Christmas Parade; he thanked the public safety departments for their work during the recent winter storms.
2. The Clerk shared that a recent election audit went very well.
3. The Treasurer shared that there are two Library Board seats expiring December 31st that will need to be appointed by the Township Board, they are two-year terms.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
Colleen Fichtel shared her gratitude for the Road Commission for keeping the roads plowed.
The motion by David Henry, seconded by David Markgraf was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:09pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR
