Governments

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 2025

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, in the township board room.

Members Present: Todd Dunham, Supervisor; Andrea Anderson, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Becklin, Jim Fichtel, David Henry; David Markgraf
Members Absent: none

At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 15- residents; 2- employees; 0- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; DPW Director Steve Biesiada.

The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by David Henry, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 24, 2025 as presented.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Parks Commissioner, Travis Nadeau, shared that the final plans for the concession/restroom building at Sheringer Soccer Park are headed to the Planning Commission for approval.
2. Brian Michelli reported that the Police Department is losing a full-time officer and will need to fill the vacancy; the transition of a part-time officer to full-time will fill the recently approved addition.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
25-017 Public Hearing: Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction
The agreement for the conditional transfer of jurisdiction between Fruitport Township and the City of Muskegon is for the purpose of an economic development project and will result in shared taxes and revenues.
(a.) The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to open the Public Hearing at 7:08pm.
Comments: none
(b.) The motion by Todd Dunham, supported by David Henry, was carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:09pm and return to open session.
Todd Dunham moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the proposed Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction, between Fruitport Charter Township and the City of Muskegon, as received from the City Attorney to the Township Attorney in an email dated February 10, 2025, and to authorize the Township Supervisor and the Township Clerk to execute that proposed Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction. However, this approval will not take effect, and the Township Supervisor and the Township Clerk will not execute the document, unless no request for a referendum vote on the Contract for Conditional Transfer of Jurisdiction is properly made and timely received pursuant to Section 5 of Michigan Public Act 425 of 1984.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none

25-018 2025/26 FY Budget Discussion
Discussion occurred.

25-019 Approval for Installation of Access Control System
The addition of the front doors of town hall is quoted for $1,795.00; $145 over the “not-to-exceed $11,000.00” motion made at the February 24th board meeting for the entire project.
Rose Dillon moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the addition of the front door access control at the quoted amount.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none

NEW BUSINESS:
25-020 Hardship Policy
Several changes were made to the existing policy, giving the Board of Review more tools to use in decision making.
Todd Dunham moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt the township Hardship Policy as presented.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none

25-021 POLC Labor Agreement
Todd Dunham moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the POLC Labor Agreement as presented.
Ayes: Henry, Becklin, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none

25-022 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $1,684.98
• Public Safety $43,174.89
• Water $62,774.12
• Sewer $650.51
• Trust & Agency $4,034.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $112,318.50
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Becklin, Henry
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
1. The Supervisor reported that Costco is on track for a late fall opening; board meeting times will be adjusted going into the next fiscal year.
2. The Clerk shared an update of the status of the cemetery scatter garden.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Heidi Jones of 6037 Johnson shared frustrations over deteriorating road conditions on Farr and Johnson.
2. Randy Lanore of 5383 Farr also shared concerns around road conditions.
3. Many other commenters shared similar sentiments.
4. Ken Hulka, Muskegon County Road Commission Director, addressed concerns and shared history, funding sources, and processes surrounding road repair.
5. Susan Franklin shared information on the 0-mil increase bond proposal and encouraged voters to support it.

The motion by Andrea Anderson, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:17pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2025

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 10, 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: Ron Becklin, excused

At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 1- residents; 12- employees; 1- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by David Henry, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of January 27, 2025 as presented.

The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
Brian Michelli reported that the Police Department is working on filling shifts while one officer is out with an injury; he is working with an architect on repairs and remodeling of the public safety buildings.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:
25-011 Approval to Begin Hiring Process for Police and Fire Staff
The current recruit, Kaylee Cherney, will finish the academy in May 2025. The Public Safety Committee recommends the hire of one additional Police Officer and one Fire Fighter. The Police Officer position will be posted externally and the Fire Fighter position will begin with an internal posting due to the number of current part-time staff in each department.
Rose Dillon moved, Jim Fichtel seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to begin the hiring process for one Police Officer and one Fire Fighter.
Ayes: Fichtel, Markgraf, Anderson, Dunham, Dillon, Henry
Nays: none

25-012 Payment of Bills
David Markgraf moved, David Henry seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $46,692.28
• Public Safety $61,895.53
• Water $161,807.87
• Sewer $2,463.58
• Trust & Agency $5,390.00
• Streetlights $0.00
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $278,249.26
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf, Fichtel
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS:
The Treasurer shared that taxes are due February 14th.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
Bryan Rypstra thanked the board for their approval to move forward with increasing the staffing in both the Police and Fire Departments.

The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by David Markgraf was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:12pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 24, 2025

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, February 24, 2025, in the township board room.

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

At 7:00pm, Todd Dunham opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Also Present: 0- residents; 0- employees; 0- guests; Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.

The motion by David Henry, seconded by David Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 10, 2025 as presented.

The motion by David Markgraf, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented, with the following addition:

Item 8-C: Approval for Installation of Access Control System

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
1. Brian Michelli shared that the Zeller family made a donation to the Fire Department in honor of Thomas Zeller Sr.; Community Day Slip ‘n Slide dates will be coming soon; the Police Department is posting for a full-time officer position; the cadet is doing very well in the academy.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

25-013 Fruitport District Library Board Appointment
The FDL has one vacancy on the Board. The Library Board recommends the appointment of Pat Walstra to a two-year term, served February 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Todd Dunham, was carried unanimously, to appoint Pat Walstra to the Fruitport District Library Board for a two-year term ending December 31, 2026.

25-014 Budget Discussion
The 2025/26 budget was discussed.

25-015 Approval for Installation of Access Control System
The Clerk has presented a quote for the installation of an access control system at town hall for increased building security. The quote for $9,350.00 is from Novotny Electronics, who currently provides the building with fire alarm management. The funds for this project will come from a 2024 elections grant from the Institute for Responsive Government covering the planning and operations of secure elections, among other things.
The quote includes all doors beyond the public area. The Board would like the Clerk to acquire a quote to include the front door as well.
Todd Dunham moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the access control system project, not to exceed $11,000.00.
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf
Nays: none

25-016 Payment of Bills
Andrea Anderson moved, David Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts:
• General Fund $41,618.13
• Public Safety $48,540.29
• Water $32,062.54
• Sewer $20,504.43
• Trust & Agency $40,585.00
• Streetlights $17,079.22
• Revolving Road $0.00
Totaling: $200,389.61
Ayes: Henry, Dillon, Dunham, Anderson, Markgraf
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II: none

The motion by David Henry, seconded by Rose Dillon was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 7:27pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK
TODD DUNHAM, SUPERVISOR

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce: General Election

Now is the time – make sure your business voice is heard: complete an absentee ballot or head to the polls on Tuesday, November 5 – Every vote counts!

An educated and involved electorate will make the right decisions for our community!

Your Chamber has created a webpage with information about who is running and a link to their campaign page. All candidates were contacted to fill out a questionnaire, responses are linked below. Utilize this tool to be an informed voter!

Meet the Candidates

All Candidate Questionnaire Responses