A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 5:30pm on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka
Members Absent: David Markgraf, excused
At 6:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 2- residents; 2- employees; 5 -guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; DPW Director, Dale Lee; Interim Finance Director, Brook Schiller.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Todd Dunham was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 26, 2026 as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition: Item 8-F: Purchase of Drone for Township
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS: none
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
26-008 Senior Millage Funding Updates
Kris VanderStelt of AgeWell services shared about the services that are being provided with the Township’s senior millage funding. Kris introduced several staff members and the Prosecutor working with Safe Seniors. Chris Cross reported on the snow plowing services that have benefitted our community.
26-009 Library Board Appointments
Board members Rose Dillon and Junella Rule have terms that expired on December 31, 2025 and do not wish to continue on the Board. The Library Board recommends the appointment of Alison Anderson and Teressa Folkmier to each serve a two-year term from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Andrea Anderson, MOTION CARRIED, to appoint Alison Anderson and Teressa Folkmier for Library Board terms that expire December 31, 2027.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-010 Purchase of Police Cruisers
Due to delays in sourcing cruisers from Ford and delays in production for outfitting the vehicles, the Public Safety Director has requested approval to order four police cruisers in advance of the expected rotation schedule. One vehicle will be a replacement for a recently totaled cruiser, while three others will be rotation replacements. The cost to purchase four cruisers is expected to be $200,000.00, with an additional equipment cost of $45,000.00. The funds would come from Public Safety restricted funds and insurance revenue. This purchase is recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Jim Fichtel, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of police cruisers as requested.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-011 Drone Purchase for Public Safety
The Public Safety Director has requested the purchase of a drone for use by both Police and Fire departments. The total cost of $12,740.00 would come from Public Safety restricted funds. This purchase is recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by David Henry, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of one drone for $12,740.00.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-012 Drone Purchase for Township
The Supervisor has requested the purchase of a drone for use by the township for the purposes of assessing, sewer/water utilities, among other things.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Greg Hulka, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the purchase of one drone for $12,740.00
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-013 Town Hall Building Insulation Repair
The town hall building has experienced significant ice buildup along the roof, despite past efforts to add insulation and install an attic fan. One quote to add adequate insulation shows a cost of $26,495.07 and the Clerk would like to obtain an additional quote.
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the insulation project not to exceed $26,500.00 and for the project to be funded from the general fund.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-013 Payment of Bills
David Henry moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $3,370.35
• Public Safety $27,729.20
• Water $80,214.60
• Sewer $18,531.54
• Trust & Agency $53,000.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $182,845.69
Ayes: Fichtel, Henry, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Hulka
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. Brook Schiller shared financial reports and encouraged the board to contact the department heads with any questions.
2. Rose Dillon shared a reminder that winter taxes are due February 17th due to the holiday.
3. Todd Dunham asked the opinion of the board as to if the process of finding a permanent Finance Director should continue with interviews.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
Dave Medendorp spoke about a zone change request for a property on Farr Rd.
The motion by David Henry, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 6:55pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR