A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 5:30pm on Monday, February 23, 2026, in the township board room.
Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Trustees Greg Hulka, David Henry
Members Absent: David Markgraf, Jim Fichtel, and Rose Dillon, all excused
At 6:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Also Present: 3- residents; 5- employees; 2 -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 9, 2026 as presented.
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by David Henry, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented with the following addition: Item 8-G: Authorization to Move Forward with an In-Depth Audit
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Dale Lee shared that the sewer project is waiting for warmer weather.
2. Brian Michelli shared that construction is moving along at both stations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
26-014 SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement
Todd Dunham moved, seconded by Andrea Anderson, MOTION CARRIED, to approve and ratify the SEIU labor agreement as presented, with the stipulation that the $1,500.00 stipend is clarified to be offered to employees covered by the Township’s health care plan.
Ayes: Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-015 IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement
The motion by David Henry, seconded by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to TABLE the IAFF labor agreement until the agreement is ready to be presented to the Board.
26-016 Proposed Zone Change Ordinance – 3130 Farr Rd.
Realtor Dave Medendorp shared that the re-sale value of the property would be decreased in the event the buyer is not able to conduct business at the property. The current property owner has grandfathered abilities to continue current use of the property.
The Planning Commission recommends denial of this zone change request due to spot zoning and other reasons explained in the Planning Commission minutes of January 20, 2026.
Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by David Henry, MOTION CARRIED, to follow the Planning Commission recommendation to deny this request.
Ayes: Henry, Hulka, Dunham, Anderson
Nays: none
26-017 Township Phone Policy
The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by David Henry was carried unanimously, to TABLE the Township Phone Policy for further revision.
26-018 Resolution Establishing Trustee Compensation
After discussion, it was agreed upon that two excused absences would be payable.
Andrea Anderson moved, seconded by Todd Dunham, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the resolution as presented with the addition of two excused, paid meetings per fiscal year.
Ayes: Anderson, Dunham, Henry, Hulka
Nays: None
26-019 2026/27 Budget Review
Discussion occurred. Further review will take place at the next meeting.
26-020 Authorization to Move Forward with an In-Depth Audit
David Henry moved, seconded by Andrea Anderson, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to enter into an agreement for an in-depth audit with the lowest qualified offer, not to exceed $75,000.00.
Ayes: Henry, Dunham, Anderson
Nays: Hulka
26-021 Payment of Bills
Todd Dunham moved Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $88,451.95
• Public Safety $104,936.07
• Water $35,034.36
• Sewer $15,506.38
• Trust & Agency $1,795.46
• Streetlights $15,125.79
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $260,850.01
Ayes: Henry, Anderson, Dunham, Hulka
Nays: none
ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The Clerk reported that a lower bid came in from Northwind Insulating Systems for the town hall insulation project and work will begin in March.
2. The Supervisor shared that the High School wrestling team has done very well and the Polar Plunge will be March 7th.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Rich Houtteman shared updates from Consumers Energy.
2. Lela Miller thanked the Board for approving the SEIU agreement.
3. Heidi Tice shared support for the denial of the proposed zone change at 3130 Farr Rd for reasons including the road not being built to support commercial/business traffic.
The motion by David Henry, seconded by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 6:48pm.
ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR