Fruitport Charter Township Michigan Official Website

                                  FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
                                           MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2009


A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14, 2009, in the township board room.

Members Present:  Brian Werschem, Supervisor; Rose Dillon, Treasurer;  Carol Hulka, Clerk;  Trustees:   Ron Becklin, David Markgraf, Marjorie Nash, and Chuck Whitlow.  Members Absent:  None

At 7:00 p.m., Supervisor Werschem opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

Also Present: 4-township residents and 3-employees,

The meeting minutes for November 23, 2009 board meeting, were approved, as presented.

The motion by Dave Markgraf , seconded by Chuck Whitlow, was carried unanimously, to amend the board meeting agenda of December 14, 2009, as follows: Delete- the presentation on High School Service Learning  and Add- the Resolution confirming the Township’s acceptance of the bid by Judith Burke for the five acre parcel at 6344 East Pontaluna Road.


CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS  
Muskegon Area District Library—meeting minutes of October 21st and agenda for December 16th

Public Works Report dated December 7, 2009, was received.

Resignation of Dean Six from the Fruitport Township Parks & Recreation Board was received.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission received an application from Wesco, 3231 Heights Ravenna for a new Specially Designated Distributor (SDD) License to be held in conjunction with existing Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) License.

A message was received from Township employees thanking the Board for the Christmas dinner and to Chuck Whitlow for hosting the dinner at his restaurant.


 PUBLIC COMMENTS  none received


UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
09-158  Public Hearing for Private Road Maintenance—on Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road
(a.)    The motion by Ron Becklin, seconded by Dave Markgraf , was carried unanimously, to open the public hearing at 7:10  p.m. in order to hear any objections to the private road maintenance and to the special assessment district proposed.

There were no residents living on Spruce Street or at 3485 Sheridan Road in attendance.
             
(b.)    The motion by Dave Markgraf, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to close the public hearing at 7: 12  p.m. for private road maintenance on Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road.


09-159  Resolution #3—Setting up Special Assessment District on Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road
 Dave Markgraf  moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt Resolution #3, which authorizes procedure to set up a special assessment district for private road maintenance on Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road.

Ayes: Markgraf, Dillon, Nash, Becklin, Whitlow, Hulka, Werschem       Nays:  None                                                              


09-160  Resolution #4—Hearing Date for Private Road Maintenance on Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road
Dave Markgraf moved, Chuck Whitlow seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to adopt Resolution #4, which sets the hearing date for confirmation of the special assessment district for Spruce Street and 3485 Sheridan Road.  The hearing date is January 11 , 2010.

Ayes: Dillon, Hulka, Markgraf, Whitlow, Becklin, Nash, Werschem   Nays:  None


09-161  Reappointment of Bill Hagen to Board of Appeals
The motion by Chuck Whitlow, seconded by Marjorie Nash, was carried unanimously, to reappoint Bill Hagen to another three year term on Board of Appeals.


09-162  Appointment of John Winskas as Alternate on Board of Appeals
The motion by Chuck Whitlow, seconded by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to appoint John Winskas to a three year term as an alternate member on Board of Appeals.


09-163 Appointment of Joe DeMarco from Alternate to Member on Board of Appeals
The motion by Chuck Whitlow, seconded by Dave Markgraf , was carried unanimously, to appoint Joe DeMarco from alternate member to a member on Board of Appeals.


09-164  Appointment of Jack Curtis to Parks Commission
The motion by Chuck Whitlow, seconded by Dave Markgraf, was carried unanimously, to appoint Jack Curtis for the remaining term (until November 2012) on Parks Commisson.   Parks Commission made the recommendation.  Mr. Curtis is replacing Dean Six.


09-165 Escrow Agreement with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
 The motion by Chuck Whitlow, seconded by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously,  to adopt an Escrow Agreement with Little River Band of  Ottawa Indians, as presented.


09-166  Muskegon Heights 2010 Rate Increase Litigation
Brian Werschem moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize litigation against the City of Muskegon Height’s 2010 adopted water rate and  authorize the Supervisor, Utility Director, and Clerk to sign all appropriate documents required, and  further  to approve up to $10,000 from the existing budget appropriation.  The recommendation was made by DPW Committee.

Ayes: Werschem, Dillon, Becklin, Markgraf, Hulka, Nash, Whitlow              Nays: None

09-167  Sale of the Dwelling, Barn and Five Acres at 6344 East Pontaluna Road
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Carol Hulka, was carried unanimously, to adopt a Resolution confirming acceptance of the bid by Judith Burke for the five acre parcel at 6344 East Pontaluna Road, and authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to sign all pertaining documents.

Ayes:  Dillon, Hulka, Markgraf, Whitlow, Becklin, Nash, Werschem        Nays:  None


09-168    Payment of Bills
Dave Markgraf  moved, Carol Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills for payment in the following amounts:  General Fund $8,550.37;  Public Safety $27,777.77;  Water $48,407.34;  Sewer $11,355.28;  Parks $592.47        Totaling $96,683.23

Ayes: Markgraf, Hulka, Werschem, Dillon, Nash, Whitlow, Becklin            Nays: None  


PUBLIC COMMENTS / REPORTS
Fire Chief Doctor reported on the issue of consolidation of services that has been in the media lately. The City of Muskegon has been voicing their stand on this issue.  Chief Doctor stated that Fruitport Township Fire Department is operating and has been operating in a functional consolidation  capacity in a joint effort with Muskegon Township, Norton Shores, and North Muskegon.


Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.



CAROL HULKA, CLERK                              BRIAN WERSCHEM, SUPERVISOR