A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 5:30pm on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the township board room.

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Trustees Jim Fichtel, Greg Hulka, David Henry
Members Absent: David Markgraf & Rose Dillon, excused

At 6:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 35- residents; 10- employees; 0 -guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; DPW Director, Dale Lee; Interim Finance Director, Brook Schiller.

The motion by David Henry, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 23, 2026 as presented.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
Brian Michelli shared that Firefighter, Kara O’Brien, has elected to move from full-time to part-time for family reasons, effective March 1, 2026 and the department will be looking to fill the vacancy in the future.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

The Fruitport High School wrestling team was present and was congratulated on their accomplishments, competing at the state level for the first time in 41 years.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
26-022 SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement
There were slight corrections to wage calculations and the $1,500.00 annual stipend remains.
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by David Henry, MOTION CARRIED, to approve and ratify the SEIU labor agreement as presented with the adjustments.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None

26-023 IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by David Henry, MOTION CARRIED, to approve and ratify the IAFF labor agreement as presented.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None

26-024 Township Phone Policy
The Cemetery Sexton was added to the policy.
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Andrea Anderson, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the updated township phone policy.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None

26-025 2026/27 Budget Review
Discussion occurred. The budget public hearing and adoption will take place at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:
26-026 Deliver Oath to Parks Director, Ross Spyke
The Parks Commission has appointed Ross Spyke as the Parks Director. The Clerk delivered the oath.

26-027 Property & Liability Insurance Renewal
The Township is seeing a rate drop of approximately 4% for this year for property and liability insurance.
Andrea Anderson moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to renew the township’s property and liability insurance policy with BHS Insurance and authorize the Clerk to execute the necessary paperwork.
Ayes: Fichtel, Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: none

26-028 Finance Director Employment Contract
Brook Schiller’s contract was presented.
Todd Dunham moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the contract for Brook Schiller as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Henry, Dunham, Anderson, Fichtel
Nays: none

26-029 Hardship Policy
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Andrea Anderson, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the township Hardship Policy as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Henry, Dunham, Anderson, Fichtel
Nays: none

26-030 Payment of Bills
Todd Dunham moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $64,094.36
• Public Safety $223,173.93
• Water $72,368.09
• Sewer $18,843.48
• Trust & Agency $1,960.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $261,743.39
Totaling: $642,183.25
Ayes: Hulka, Henry, Dunham, Anderson, Fichtel
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
Todd Dunham shared that the Polar Plunge went well over the weekend.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by David Henry, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 6:19pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR