Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Vanderstelt at 5:00 p.m.

Roll Call:
Council present: Jeff Guiles, Chris LeFaive, Bill Overkamp, Carl Rothenberger, and Roger Vanderstelt.
Staff Present: Amy Haack, Clerk; and Jacob Griffis, DPW Supervisor.
Public Present: Bruce Gaultney representing the Fruitport Lions Club and Tracy LeFaive, 281 Elm Street.

Consent Agenda:
The consent agenda includes the January 19, 2026 Council Meeting Agenda, December 15, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes, and Payment of Bills. Motion made by Guiles and supported by LeFaive to approve the consent agenda.
Roll call vote
Yes: Guiles, LeFaive, Overkamp, Rothenberger, and Vanderstelt.
No: none.
Motion carried.

Public Comment:
Gaultney spoke about upcoming Fruitport Lions Club activities in Pomona Park. Haack shared a use request letter received from the Lions Club while Gaultney spoke. An agenda item for the Lions Club to utilize Pomona Park for an Easter egg hunt will be placed on the February council meeting agenda.

Report from Clerk:
Haack stated projects she is working on.

Reports from Officers:
a. LeFaive, planning commission liaison, stated a planning commission meeting will be held on February 10, 2026.
b. Vanderstelt reported on equipment and maintenance matters.
c. Rothenberger, personnel committee chairperson, stated the DPW team is doing a great job.
d. Overkamp, library board liaison, reported on maintenance needs of the library due to current handyperson retiring, current library board members and new board chair, and renewing of lease contract, etc. Discussion ensued about village DPW team continuing to assist the library with outdoor maintenance of grounds.

Flags:
Motion by Rothenberger and supported by Guiles to approve the quote from americanflags.com for the purchase of 60 American flags and mounting accessories to replace current flags that are beginning to show wear in the amount of $4,676.40.
Roll call vote
Yes: Guiles, LeFaive, Overkamp, Rothenberger, and Vanderstelt.
No: none.
Motion carried.

Library:
Motion by Rothenberger and supported by Vanderstelt to reappoint Overkamp as the Village council liaison to the library board as requested by the library board beginning January 1, 2026 and to expire on December 31.
Roll call vote
Yes: Guiles, LeFaive, Overkamp, Rothenberger, and Vanderstelt.
No: none.
Motion carried.

Schedule Budget Meetings:
Motion by Rothenberger and supported by Overkamp to schedule the following dates and times for council budget meetings (February 16 @4pm, March 9 @5pm, March 30 @4pm, with a budget hearing on March 30 @5pm to coincide with scheduled council meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Park Reservation Procedure:
Motion by Rothenberger and supported by Guiles to allow for a one reservation per day system for park amenities (picnic shelter, kitchen, etc.) at a fee schedule of $100 per amenity for village residents and $150 for non-residents with cleanup deposits of $100 for village residents and $150 for non-residents. Non-profits will remain at no reservation fee charge ($150 deposit will be charged) and the motion included to track number and names of nonprofits reserving the facility for future fee decision making.
Roll call vote
Yes: Guiles, LeFaive, Overkamp, Rothenberger, and Vanderstelt.
No: none.
Motion carried.

New Park Property Project:
Haack stated she has been in contact with Westshore Engineering regarding being the prime professional for the MDNR grant project and they are agreeable and progress has been made on cost and schedule estimates. Haack stated she is monitoring the progress of the federal grant and will report more on both at February meeting.

Public Comment:
Tracy LeFaive stated she is pleased with the work of the DPW team.

Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Amy Haack, Clerk