Work Session
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Work Session
September 11, 2012 7:00pm
The Board has previously reserved the right to take action at this time.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
Road Department:
Discuss and Consider Authorizing the Road Superintendent to Apply for an OPWC- Ohio Public Works Commission and MWCD- Muskingum Watershed Conservatory District Assistance Program Grants
Mr. Masalko stated that there is a decaying pipe in the area of the Summerdale allotment. Last year the Township did a temporary repair up through the yards with the Stark County Engineers. Mr. Masalko stated that that they want to continue to move forward with the project. The total cost of the project is going to be $1,105,770.00. Mr. Masalko stated that the Road Department is going to apply for the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding in the amount of $545,500.00 and the Township match would be $237,500.00. The Township will have to get a loan in the amount of $272,770.00. Mr. Masalko stated that the Road Department will also be applying for a grant through Muskingum Watershed Conservatory District (MWCD) in the amount of $50,000.00. The deadline for the proposed grant applications are this Friday at noon. Hammontree & Associates have been working very hard to get the final plans prepared for the application. Mr. Oprisch stated that the final plans should be done soon which should be able to get the Township into the scoring category. This is considered Phase I of the Summerdale Allotment project.
Trustee Laubacher stated that he sits on the District 19 Committee and one of the things that helps earn points for the grant is having final project plans and taking out a loan. The loan will be at zero interest and the Township can pay it back over a period of twenty (20) years. Mr. Masalko stated that is correct.
Mr. Schlegel recommended that the Board not take a loan out. Even though the loan is interest free it does take away from the Road Department’s ability to pave. The Board has a lot of options. The Board could take out a twenty (20) year loan interest free or the Township could just use that money and not pave that year. The residents will still see that the Township has done something. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board would have the most options with a twenty (20) year interest free loan. Trustee Laubacher stated that the Township took out a twenty (20) year interest free loan for the Crescent Gardens project which wasn’t needed because the project came in under bid. That may happen again with this project but you just never know until after the application is submitted. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the Township was going to have problems going down through the creek since the property owner was very obstinate. Mr. Masalko stated no because the creek is located within a recorded county easement. Trustee Haines inquired if the $50,000.00 from Muskingum Watershed is already secured. Mr. Masalko stated no and that the Township is applying for that $50,000.00 grant as well. Mr. Oprisch stated that the Muskingum Watershed grant is due in November. Mr. Masalko stated that if the Township does not receive the $50,000.00 grant from Muskingum Watershed then $50,000.00 will have to be added to the loan amount.
Trustee Chessler inquired if there is anyway to make the county a partner in this to the extent that they can consent to the use of their easement. There was a discussion about this previously where the county said they would be happy to partner as long as the Township pays for everything. Mr. Oprisch stated that from his recollection the county wouldn’t mind being a paper partner but you can’t force them to. Trustee Chessler stated that he remembered there being mention of a partnership and normally if there is more than one political subdivision participating then the application is looked at more favorably as far as scoring goes. Mr. Oprisch stated that he did not believe that it would make a difference either way.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the Road Superintendent and/ or Karl Oprisch from Hammontree & Associates to take the steps necessary to file the application for the OPWC/ Muskingum Watershed funding for what is referred to as the Summerdale Phase I Project; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Consider Accepting the 2012 Striping Bid of Various Township Roads
Mr. Masalko stated that the Road Department solicited for the 2012 striping bid of various Township roads. The Road Department received four (4) bids which have been reviewed. The lowest bid was submitted by JD Striping & Surfaces out of Ravenna in the amount of $22,546.04. JD Striping & Surfaces submitted a bond with their bid. Mr. Masalko recommended that the Board award the bid to JD Striping & Surfaces. Trustee Chessler inquired if this project is in the budget. Mr. Schlegel stated that $25,000.00 was budgeted for this project. Mr. Masalko stated that some of the striping has been removed from the project due to the project being performed by Dominion East Ohio. Dominion is waiting to see who the Township awards the bid to for striping because they are going to use the same company. Trustee Chessler inquired what the projected finish date for the Dominion project is. Mr. Masalko stated the projected finish date is October 1, 2012.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the proposal from JD Striping & Surfaces in Ravenna for the 2012 striping of various Township roads at a cost not to exceed $22,546.04; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Communications:
Received Notice to Negotiate from the Perry Township Professional Firefighters IAFF Local #3960
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board of Trustees received the statutory notice to negotiate from the Perry Township Professional Firefighters IAFF Local #3960. Mr. Hall stated that the Board has sixty (60) days to begin the negotiation process. If progress is being made then fact finding can be extended beyond that date. If progress is not being made then neither party will request and then SERB will send it to fact finding for assistance. Mr. Hall stated that he has already spoken with Chief Martin and Deputy Chief Abbott in regards to some edits they would like to see made to the contract. Mr. Hall stated that he is going to ask the Board for a very brief executive session next Tuesday so that some of the parameters can be outlined regarding the economics; benefits, wages and so on. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Hall to provide an outline for the Board prior to the executive session. Mr. Hall stated that he would do that.
Trustee Chessler stated that the negotiations will probably go hand in hand with the discussions of the insurance committee. Mr. Hall stated that he should probably attend the next meeting of the insurance committee as an observer so that he understands the concerns of the unions and employees. Trustee Chessler inquired when the next meeting of the insurance meeting is. Administrator Fetzer stated the next meeting of the insurance committee will be held within the first week of November. Trustee Chessler volunteered to be the Board’s representative during negotiations. Trustee Haines inquired if there is another attorney that has been involved in previous negotiations and if that is something that is normally done. Mr. Hall stated that the last set of negotiations got quite contentious and Attorney Robert Tscholl was brought in to assist. Mr. Hall suggested that the Board proceed and go forward with Trustee Chessler being the primary representative. If the negotiations get to that point then Mr. Hall and Trustee Chessler will come back to the Board for comment and recommendations. Trustee Chessler stated that his concern was and still is that the Township has a Law Director that represents the Board and represents the employees if the Township would be sued. In many instances the Law Director is on the same side as the workers and during negotiations he would be on the opposite side of the table which can lead to distrust. On occasion, outside counsel has been hired for the sole purpose of being the Board’s voice and advocate at the table without having the conflict.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
New Business:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $152,606.77 for the week ending September 11, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Laubacher asked that an edit be made to the minutes of September 4, 2012 on page 3.
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 4, 2012 Regular Meeting with noted correction on page 3; Seconded by Trustees Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Unfinished Business:
Discussion of Ohio Edison Street Lighting
Trustee Laubacher stated that he and Trustee Haines put together a map depicting the lights run by Ohio Edison that the Township is paying for. Trustee Laubacher stated that the lights on Cadberry, Bramblebush and Sedwick were installed by the developers. There is a small area of Bramblebush that does not appear on the billing statement. Trustee Laubacher suggested that the Township ask Ohio Edison to research who is paying for the nine (9) lights. Secondly, the Board should send letters to those residents proposing a lighting district for all three of these streets. Trustee Haines stated that there are twenty-four (24) lights in this area (including the 9 un-billed lights).
Trustee Laubacher stated that there are five (5) lights along Summerdale Avenue at the park. The map only indicates four (4) lights. Trustee Laubacher suggested that the Board keep the light at Summerdale and 12th Street. This light illuminates the intersection as well as the northern section of Summerdale Park. The other four (4) lights should be turned off. At the present time these lights are not working. There are lights at the restrooms and the pavilions which are owned and paid for by the Township. Mr. Schlegel reminded the Board that the purpose of the lights around Summerdale Park were to help with all of the problems that the Township was having in the park at night.
Trustee Laubacher suggested that the lights be kept at Brunnerdale and 12th Street as well as Bunkerhill and Genoa Ave. The light at 12th Street NW and Genoa should be turned off. There is a signal light at the street intersection so there is no need for a street light.
Trustee Laubacher stated that there are (2) lights on a private lane at Oak Manor Trailer Park. These lights should be turned over to trailer park personnel. The address of Oak Manor Trailer Park is 3354 Hilton Street NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646.
Trustee Laubacher stated that the Township is being billed for a light on Greenford but it is not there. All lights on Marion, Hilton and Austin should be turned off after notifying the residents. The four (4) lights on Bailey should also be turned off. The lights on Canford are located on Township property and should be turned off. Lights on the firehouse provide adequate lighting for this area. The Township is being billed for the light on Newport but there is no light.
Trustee Laubacher proposed that the light on Genoa Avenue NW between Hilton and Mollane be kept on and paid for by the Township since there is a bad hill. All of the lights along Genoa Avenue SW should be turned off after letters are sent to the residents. There are twenty (20) lights total. Trustee Laubacher stated that the property owner of 320 Highland should be notified that they can continue paying for this light or it will be turned off.
Trustee Laubacher suggested that all of the twelve (12) lights along 13th Street be turned off because of the lights in Edison’s parking lot, the football parking lot, the front of the high school and the police department. Trustee Laubacher stated that he will contact the school after the Board’s discussion.
Trustee Laubacher suggested that the light at Richville Drive and Navarre Road SW be turned off. A traffic signal exists at the intersection. The four (4) lights at the intersection of State Route 21 and Navarre Road should be turned over to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The light at the NEOMODAL Facility should be turned over to their company or turned off.
Trustee Laubacher provided the Board with a copy of a map of Perry Park depicting the twenty-seven (27) lights in which the Township is currently funding. A number of years ago the Board made a resolution that stated Perry Park would be closed from dusk to dawn. Most of the twenty-seven (27) lights are placed along the walking path. Trustee Laubacher suggested that all but three (3) lights be turned off. The three (3) remaining lights will be used to light the three (3) designated parking lots. Trustee Chessler stated that he would like to keep the light by the pavilion on to help illuminate that area. Mr. Blythe (Tim Blythe 2956 Bridgeton St. NW) suggested that the Township install their own light by the pavilion as there is an electric source nearby and it will be more cost effective. Mr. Schlegel advised the Board that there are night games that take place at the ball fields. Trustee Haines stated that the Baseball/ Softball Association have control of the lights by the fields. Mr. Schlegel stated that he just wanted to make sure the parking lots would be lit up. Trustee Laubacher stated that each parking lot will continue to be lit. Trustee Laubacher suggested turning off the lights located on the equipment buildings located north of the tennis courts and installing Township owned lights which would be more cost efficient. Mr. Blythe asked that the lights that are turned off be removed otherwise it will become and eye sore. Trustee Laubacher inquired what Ohio Edison said in regards to getting rid of the lights. Trustee Haines stated that Ohio Edison leaves the lights there for two (2) years, after two (2) years they take down the lights and bill the Township for the removal. Mr. Schlegel inquired what the billing rate would be. Administrator Fetzer stated that Ohio Edison will bill whatever the current rate is but didn’t know what that would be at this time. Mr. Schlegel stated that even if Ohio Edison would bill for the removal of the lights, in the long run the Township would still be ahead.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize that a letter be prepared to each of the two (2) utility companies that serve Perry Township requesting that certain existing lights be turned off and/or removed forthwith and those lights will be incorporated into an attached exhibit that will be sent to the respective utility companies; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department: None.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s): None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events: None.
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer