Work Session
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Work Session
December 11, 2012 6:00pm
The Board previously reserved the right to take action at this meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Robert Fisher, Huntington Broker- Healthcare Renewal Presentation
Trustee Chessler stated that the Township has convened a Healthcare Benefits Committee that is comprised of a Board representative, two (2) representatives from the Administration Office and representatives from each of the various collective bargaining units. The Township engaged in a process called “Form Fire” to gather all of the information from the body of insured lives to shop the providers in the industry that might to gain Perry Township’s business. This process has been done in years past. The Township has engaged Huntington to help in the process to make sure that there is a comparison of products that are sufficient to satisfy the Board’s obligation to the unions of equal to or better than coverage.
Trustee Chessler stated that the Healthcare Benefits Committee then took on the tedious process of comparing all of the offers to one another and to bring in Aultcare (current provider) to see what their response was to the competing offers. Trustee Chessler stated that the Healthcare Benefits Committee is ready to make their recommendation to the Board. The insurance renewal will become effective on January 1, 2013. Although, healthcare costs continue to rise significantly, the Healthcare Benefits Committee believes that they have negotiated a good offer.
Mr. Fisher stated that he provided the Board with information regarding the progression of the Aultcare renewal rate for 2013. The employees were asked to provide information on their health history through “Form Fire” so that competitive quotes could be obtained. Aultcare’s initial renewal rate came in at 13.01% above the current rate. This would have been an increase to the Township of over $100,000.00. Alternatives quotes were received from SummaCare, Anthem and the Health Plan. The Health Plan only offered a HMO which is not comparable to the Township’s current plan. SummaCare provided a quote that came close to matching the Township’s current plan but uses a completely different network of providers which would cause the employees to change most of their providers.
Mr. Fisher stated that they were able to take all of this information back to Aultcare in an attempt to negotiate the renewal rate down. At first Aultcare came back with a 5% increase. Based on the last Healthcare Benefits Committee meeting, Aultcare was approached a final time for negotiations. Aultcare’s final renewal rate came back at 3.01%. This is the same process that was followed last year. Mr. Fisher stated that the final negotiations get pretty heated and the Township has had several good years. The renewal rates have been good primarily because the usage has gone down. The committee has done a good job of distributing information among the Township employees and has gotten them to understand that the usage affects premium rates. Mr. Fisher indicated that the recommendation of the Healthcare Benefits Committee is to renew with Aultcare at a 3.01% increase.
Trustee Chessler stated that at the last meeting Officer Fisher had inquired if it was a possibility to lock in a figure for two (2) years. Mr. Fisher stated that the proposal could only be for one (1) year primarily because of the unknown future in regards to the Healthcare Reform. Trustee Chessler confirmed that the final information regarding renewal rates received from Mr. Fisher was sent to all of the members of the Healthcare Benefits Committee. Administrator Fetzer stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler stated that the Healthcare Benefits Committee unanimously recommends that the Board renews with Aultcare for the year 2013. Trustee Laubacher inquired if there was any chance of getting a lower renewal rate than 3.01%. Mr. Fisher stated at this point and time, no. Trustee Chessler inquired what the annual experience was or the amount of premiums the Township paid in ratio to what Aultcare paid out. Mr. Fisher stated that they do not give out the actual number. They give out the rating formula which begins with a two (2) year period. Mr. Fisher stated that his best guess is that the Township spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 90% of the premium that was paid in. That includes claim expense and the administrative expense. Looking at that, people may wonder why the Township didn’t get a lower renewal rate than 3.01%. Every year, the cost of healthcare increases. Providers have those escalations built into their contracts. Aultcare expects their costs to increase by 9% next year. Trustee Laubacher thanked the Healthcare Benefits Committee for their work on this because over the past couple of years it has really helped the cost come down. The Committee has gone back to the employees to educate them on usage which has helped cut down on costs. Mr. Fisher stated that another thing that helped the Township was the elimination of one of the high deductible plans and replacing with an HSA option. There was only one employee on the HSA the first year but now in 2012 there are six (6) employees on the HSA option. Mr. Fisher stated that Ms. Brown will be doing the HSA education and hopefully the employees will become educated enough to make the decision to switch to the HSA which will help cut costs even more.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board renew the Township’s employer supplied healthcare coverage with Aultcare based on the latest and lowest figures quoted and renew in the same terms the HSA contributions that the Township had in 2012; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
Trustee Chessler noted that the latest and lowest quote included a renewal rate of 3.01%.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Nick Morris, Fasnacht Farm Park Coordinator
Mr. Morris introduced Paul and Alyssa Bender, the tenant farmers on Fasnacht Farm. The Bender’s have graciously taken on the task of managing the farm project. Mr. Morris stated that as the coordinator it has been nice to see life out on the farm over the past year. Over the past year there have been the following accomplishments; introducing chickens to the farm and produce stand. Trustee Laubacher inquired if there have been any complaints from the neighbors to the south of the farm in regards to the chickens. Mrs. Bender stated that have not received any complaints because the chickens do not wander that far. Mr. Morris stated that 6,000 strawberry plants were established within one acre of the field on the northwest side. Those strawberries will begin producing in the upcoming season. There was also an establishment of the blackberry patch. The additional ten (10) acres that was leased to the Benders was used to plant soybeans which were recently harvested. Mr. Morris stated that there were some educational workshops: meet the farmer, square foot and container gardening, chicken butchering and soybean harvest demonstration.
Mr. Morris stated that as far as he knows rent and credit towards the residential component is all within good standing at this time. Mr. Bender has been sending in his reports in regards to time spent maintaining the farm. Mr. Morris stated that there were some concerns about mowing the farm. Those concerns have been cleared up and no other complaints were brought up. Trustee Laubacher inquired if Mr. Bender is mowing all along the edge of Jackson Avenue. Mr. Morris stated no but he will get to that later on. Trustee Chessler inquired if there is a main contact person for the individuals at the condominium complex. Mr. Morris stated that he met with the home owners association of the condominium complex as well as the president but can not recall his name. The individuals from the home owners association has Mr. Morris’s card and has been instructed to call him if they have any questions. Trustee Haines stated that at one meeting there was a discussion of the mowing plan and there were certain areas around the bank that were not going to be mowed. The home owners association showed interest in doing that on their side of the bank as well. Mr. Morris stated that is correct.
Mr. Morris stated that he had contact Park/ Recycling Superintended Kenny Shreffler about getting in contact with Stark County Park District Natural Resources Supervisor in regards to the removal of the tree of heaven. That tree has not yet been removed. Trustee Haines inquired if this is a good time of year to be pursuing the removal of the tree of heaven. Trustee Chessler stated that it may be a little easier to attack right now. Mr. Morris stated that it may be easier to attack right now but it may not have the same treatment. Mr. Morris stated that he will get in touch with the Natural Resources Supervisor to find out what can be done. Trustee Haines stated that it would be beneficial to find out what the most opportune time is for removal and asked Mr. Morris to explain the process of removal. Mr. Morris stated that you basically cut it and wipe it with high potent herbicide. Trustee Haines asked Mr. Morris to get back to him after he speaks with the Natural Resources Supervisor as to when the most opportune time is to remove the tree of heaven so that he can continue to keep that matter moving forward.
Mr. Morris stated that last year Mr. Bender tilled and set up the gardens. He made very efficient use of the plots by placing them back to back. Covered crop was used again to help out the soil. Mr. Morris stated that neighbor relations were handled as problems or complaints popped up. Mr. Morris stated that he wanted to follow up with the Board regarding the concerns on the southeast corner of the farm. Trustee Haines stated that he believes a letter was sent out to the resident last May. Trustee Laubacher stated that he has not heard anything else from the resident regarding his complaints. Trustee Chessler suggested that the Township do a courtesy follow up to be sure that the resident received the letter and to make sure there are no more concerns. Trustee Haines stated that a gentleman came to the Board requesting to trap on the Fasnacht Farm property and the Board has tabled the matter twice because they are waiting on additional information. Ms. Bender stated that the gentleman had stopped at the house asking if he could trap on the property because Mr. Fasnacht had allowed him to do so in the past. Ms. Bender stated that she told him that Fasnacht Farm is a public park and his permit was only good for private land. Ms. Bender advised the gentleman to contact the Township to seek permission to trap on the farm. Trustee Laubacher suggested that may be the reason why that gentleman hasn’t come back to the Board.
Mr. Morris stated that the plan for 2013 is to continue with the initial plan of 2012 with the addition of a “You Pick” option for the strawberries and blackberries while they are in season. Residents will actually be able to come out and participate in the harvesting of the berries. Those days and times will be advertised appropriately. Mr. Morris stated that they are looking to increase the size of the laying flock. Right now they do not have enough eggs to keep up with the demand. An additional chicken coupe will be built in the same style as the one currently on the property. The chicken coupe will be moved to the other side of the house to preserve the residential view from the roadway. Mr. Morris stated that they plan to use several “hoop housing” structures in the garden which creates a greenhouse affect and allows for earlier planting. Mr. Morris stated that they are looking at introducing some other types of livestock to the farm this coming year such as: Black Poland Pigs or Poland China Pigs. These pigs are a heritage breed that is very traditional to Ohio. The pigs would be located and maintained behind the barn. These types of pigs are a four (4) month commitment. Trustee Chessler inquired what happens to the pigs after four (4) months. Mr. Morris stated that after four (4) months the pigs are processed. Mr. Morris stated that other livestock options would be sheep or goats which would provide a grazing maintenance benefit to the farm. These types of livestock are a year round commitment therefore they would also serve as a visitation attraction for people visiting the farm. Trustee Chessler inquired if the smell and noise from the livestock are easily contained. Mr. Morris stated that he raises pigs and laying hens at his home. The smell from the pigs comes into play at about twenty (20) yards away from the pen or possibly forty (40) yards if down wind. In a well managed system where the waste is managed or composted it should not be an issue.
Mr. Morris stated that he would like to refresh or resurrect the Fasnacht Advisory Committee. Previously it was Trustee Chessler, Administrator Fetzer and Nick Morris that got together to discuss matters regarding Fasnacht Farm. Mr. Morris suggested that Mrs. Bender be included in the committee as well. The committee could have bi-monthly meetings just to sit down and stay on top of how things are going at the farm.
Mr. Morris stated that one of the things discussed early on about the site was regarding public access and the view from the current farm lane onto Jackson Avenue. There doesn’t seem to be an issue with the farmer or gardeners getting in and out but there were concerns that if more educational opportunities were offered and the traffic in and out increased. There was a discussion to move the drive to the south side of the small farm house. Mr. Morris stated that he just wanted to bring this to the Board’s attention to remind them that this is an issue. Mr. Morris encouraged the Board to consider a vegetation buffer for the residents if the drive is moved to the south side of the small farm house.
Mr. Morris stated that the large barn is in rough shape. This barn is the icon of the farm and needs some repair. Pieces of the roof on the northwest side have started to fall off. The gutters have fallen off. The water running down the sides of the barn to the foundation have basically carved out any of the mortar between the stones. Mr. Morris asked for the Board’s permission to move forward and obtain quotes for the repairs to the barn so that they can see the magnitude of what they are looking at so they can begin to seek grants or alternative funding. Trustee Haines stated that he supports that but he knows there isn’t any funding available for that. Mr. Morris stated that he recognizes that but he just wants to do his due diligence to know what needs to be done to protect the barn. Trustee Chessler stated that if nothing else it’s an opportunity to see the scope of work and approximate cost. Mr. Morris stated that if he has the Board’s permission he will move forward with obtaining the quotes. The Board agreed.
Mr. Morris stated that he would like to make water and electric available in the large barn for the Bender’s. If livestock production is going to take place in the barn this is a necessity. Mr. Bender also works on equipment in the large barn and Mr. Morris wants to make sure that he has access to water and electric to work on construction projects. Mr. Morris stated that there had to of been electric there at one time because there is a large light in there. The light may not be hooked up at this time. Mr. Bender stated that the electric there was turned off when the water lines in the large house froze. The breakers probably just need to be turned back on. Trustee Haines inquired if there are any lights on back there at all. Mr. Bender stated that the lights haven’t worked since the breakers were turned off when the pipes froze. Trustee Haines stated that the Township is receiving an $8.00 per month bill for the electric so this should be looked into. Trustee Chessler suggested going ahead and looking into that issue. Mr. Morris inquired about getting water to the large barn. Trustee Haines inquired where the closest access to water is. Mr. Bender stated that the basement of the house has city water. The line from the well to the barn hasn’t been used for a long time. Trustee Haines inquired where the well is located. Mr. Bender stated that the well is located in front of the old house. Trustee Haines inquired if Mr. Shreffler has the water turned off over the winter. Administrator Fetzer stated that the water does get turned off. Trustee Haines stated that the water bill spikes in the summertime due to community gardening which is why the gardeners pay a fee. Mr. Bender stated that they will probably need a new hose for community gardening next year.
Mr. Morris thanked the Board for listening to his presentation and welcomed them to contact him with any questions or concerns. Trustee Chessler thanked Mr. and Mrs. Bender for attending the meeting as well. Trustee Laubacher stated ever since Mr. Morris spoke at Rotary he has been thinking about the produce stand and the liability regarding the entrance into the farm park. Rotary has generously offered the Township $30,000.00 over the next three (3) years to be used towards Fasnacht Farm. The Township itself doesn’t have any money to put towards the farm at this time. Trustee Laubacher stated that back in March of 2011 he and Administrator Fetzer met on site with the County Engineers who indicated that the entrance at the farm park needs to be moved because of sight distance. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the Board is liable if someone injured in an accident since they were aware of the problem. Mr. Hall stated no because the Township is not causing the accident. The Township might get sued but Mr. Hall is comfortable in that the Township will not be held liable. Trustee Chessler stated that Trustee Laubacher’s concern is that the Board is aware so the Township could improve or enhance the safety by increasing the sight distance. Mr. Hall stated that if the Township had the budget and the funding capability he would agree that it would be a good thing but he would not make the improvements out of fear. Trustee Laubacher stated that he and Administrator Fetzer obtained three (3) quotes for an entrance (24’x20’) and a driveway that goes back around. The lane could be called “Rotary Lane” since they donated the money. The bids came in at around $8,000.00- $10,000.00. Trustee Laubacher suggested using the money from Rotary to make the lane as far as they can make it and put in some gravel. There may be the need for a 15” pipe. Mr. Morris stated that he agrees with Mr. Hall in that it could work as is but if there could be an improvement to the aesthetics it would be nice to see. Trustee Laubacher stated that the produce stand could be moved to where it shows on the map, put gravel down up to the house and close off the other entrance. Mr. Morris and Mr. Bender explained that the original entrance would have to remain open so that the oil company could gain access to the well. Trustee Laubacher suggested using the $10,000.00 from Rotary to do this. Trustee Chessler inquired if Rotary would be in favor of the Township using the money for this project. Trustee Laubacher stated that Trustee Haines and Administrator Fetzer have a meeting with the Rotary Board on Thursday morning and once they have an answer they can report back to the Board. Trustee Chessler stated that if Rotary were in favor of this project then the next step would be to scope out the project to see if it can be done with $10,000.00 or if it will need to be a phased project. Mr. Bender stated that he would be leery of doing a project in phases because you don’t want to give the perception of a “road to nowhere.” Trustee Laubacher stated that the first phase would hopefully take a driveway almost back to the community gardens. Trustee Haines stated that if the drive went all the way back to the community gardens then it would create a loop because the driveway wraps around that far from the other side. Mr. Morris suggested sitting down with the original design team to determine what from the original plan needs to be done now. Trustee Chessler suggested that the Fasnacht Advisory Committee sit down at the table and discuss all of prospects and determine where the first $10,000.00 would be best spent. Mr. Morris agreed that would be the best way to go.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $27,488.91 for the week ending December 11, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 4, 2012 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Consider Street Lighting Discontinuation Motion
Trustee Chessler asked the Fiscal Officer and Law Director how the Board should formalize the street lighting discontinuation. Mr. Schlegel stated that he just needs a formal motion. Mr. Hall stated that this has been discussed and reflected in many of the Board’s minutes. Mr. Hall stated that if the Board is comfortable in making the motion to direct the discontinuation of the lights previously discussed then he can get with Miss Dean and Administrator Fetzer to go through the minutes and formalize that into a motion. Trustee Chessler asked that a list be identified with the prepared resolution next week for the Board to approve. Mr. Hall stated that he will have that prepared for next week’s regular meeting.
Consider 2013 Budget Hearings- Beginning at 7:00pm
A. Zoning, Parks/Recycling/ Administration (General Fund)
Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board received copies of the proposed budgets for Zoning, Parks/Recycling and Administration. Mr. Schlegel stated that for Zoning he was able to fund the zoning software, GIS software, education and miscellaneous. Office supplies were not funded. This is the same funding that Zoning received in 2012. Mr. Schlegel stated that when looking at the general fund for 2013 he tried to fund everything at the 2012 levels. Just because it is funded that way doesn’t mean that the Board can’t change it if needed. Due to the last inheritance tax received by the Township the general fund budget will be about as healthy as it was in 2012. The general fund will make it through 2013 but it will not make it through 2014. Trustee Chessler inquired if the money from education was placed into miscellaneous if it would give Mr. Weckbacher more latitude if he doesn’t use the money for educational purposes before the end of the year. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board can change it any way they want to. The 2012 “others” account was $780,000.00. In 2013 the “others” account will be $504,000.00 which includes the carry over. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the software requested is new software. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he budgeted for new software just in case something new comes out. Trustee Laubacher stated that there is a chance the money for software won’t be used. Mr. Weckbacher stated that is correct.
Mr. Schlegel stated that he was able to fund everything that Administrator Fetzer had turned in such as cleaning of the administration building, mowing of the cemetery and indigent burials (as needed). This funding is also funded at the 2012 level. Trustee Haines inquired about funding for Fasnacht Farm. Mr. Schlegel stated that funding is under miscellaneous and is up to the Board’s discretion. Trustee Laubacher inquired about the rebate from OTARMA. Mr. Schlegel stated that first the Township needs to find out how much money they are getting. Trustee Chessler inquired if that money would go back to the general fund. Mr. Schlegel stated that the money will be divided amongst the departments.
Mr. Schlegel stated that he was not able to fund anything that was turned in by Park/Recycling Superintendent Kenny Shreffler. If the Board sees anything on the list that they would like to see funded than it can be done. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the removal and maintenance of the trees is done. Trustee Haines stated that its not that the Township needs to cut down any more trees but there needs to be a maintenance program in place to help keep the trees healthy so that there aren’t additional problems. Mr. Schlegel noted that there are twenty-seven (27) pays in 2013 which means that the salary accounts are going to be 3.85% more. Trustee Laubacher confirmed that there was money for repairs if needed in the Parks/Recycling fund. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the money received in grants covered all of the salaries. Mr. Schlegel stated no and that the Township loses every year on that. Trustee Haines stated that the Township received $29,000.00 in grants in 2012, $23,000.00 in 2011 and $12,000.00 in the first half of 2012. The money from grants is down a considerable amount. Total income for recycling was $78,000.00 in 2011 and $67,000.00 in 2010.
Mr. Schlegel stated that in saying that the Township needs to generate more money for the general fund. The valuation of the Township went down. Previously the Board discussed that a 1.25 mill levy would bring in approximately $654,850.00. Due to the decrease in the Township’s valuation, a 1.25 mill levy will only generate $604,277.50. This will still cost the homeowners the same amount. Mr. Schlegel stated that he believes a 1.25 mill levy will be enough since the Township has been cutting costs in other areas such as street lighting, etc. Mr. Schlegel stated that he spoke to Mr. Hall about an idea of charging internet café’s per machine to help bring money to the general fund but after reading the paper is seems like that is going to opposite way. Mr. Schlegel stated that he is always looking for ways to bring in additional funds. Mr. Hall stated that Representative Schuring shared with him that the house bill will probably not pass through the Senate and is going to go back to the house because there is a strong component arguing for a regulation of licensing. This is not a done deal yet. Mr. Hall suggested that the board implement those fees for 2013 at the organizational meeting. If it goes forward then the Township is good but if internet café’s are put out of business then the fee’s can be rescinded later on. Trustee Laubacher inquired if Mr. Hall could put something together for the Board to review. Mr. Hall stated that he would do so.
Mr. Schlegel stated that the state did cut half of the Township’s undivided local government funds. The other half is still there. Mr. Schlegel stated that he doesn’t like to be held hostage based on what the state may or may not do and recommended that they pretend that the money is gone. If the Board would put a 1.25 mill levy on the ballot it would generate $604,277.50 and would cost a $100,000.00 homeowner $38.29 per year, $2.19 per month or $0.74 per week. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board will need to take action on this at either the next regular meeting or the re-organizational meeting in January. Mr. Hall stated that the deadline to file for the May 2013 primary is February 6, 2013. The Township still needs to make the request to the County Auditor and the County Auditor has ten (10) to get that back to the Township. Mr. Hall also recommended that the Board take action at the next regular meeting or the reorganizational meeting in January otherwise the County Auditor may not have the information back to the Township in time. Mr. Schlegel stated that he spoke with Jackson Township’s Fiscal Officer Randy Gonzales who indicated that their levy may not have done well due to the fact that Stark Park’s had there levy on the ballot and it appeared first. Jackson Township also included the road levy which they feel may have been a mistake. Mr. Schlegel stated that Perry Township needs to go to the people and educate them on the need. Trustee Haines inquired if the levy will be called the park/ general fund levy. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct and that the wording will actually state “general operating expenses.” Trustee Haines inquired if “parks” could be mentioned on there. Mr. Schlegel stated that he didn’t think that you could specifically mention parks because of the statute. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Township needs to get with the organizations that use the parks (baseball, soccer, football) so that they can explain to them why the money is needed. If this levy doesn’t pass the consequences would probably be parks coming to a screeching halt and down the road the Board could sell the land if they wanted to. Mr. Schlegel stated that he is hoping that it doesn’t come to this but the people need to be educated. The Board has already done some things to show cost savings as well.
Tim Blythe- 2956 Bridgeton St. NW. Mr. Blythe inquired how much funding the Township is still going to receive from the state. Mr. Schlegel stated that it is approximately $200,000.00. Mr. Blythe inquired what the Township would do with the money if the state does not take that $200,000.00 away and is receiving levy money. Mr. Schlegel stated that then the Township could begin to develop some of the parks but that would be up to the Board’s discretion. Mr. Blythe stated that if the Township is going to put a levy through you need to tell them this is how much money we need if the state takes the money away but if the state doesn’t take the money away then we’ll to the x-y-z. But then you have to do it. Trustee Chessler stated that what the Board knows right now is that the Township gets $200,000.00 in undivided local government funds but there is a level of uncertainty. After speaking with one legislator, the Governor got the message and doesn’t really have the appetite to take away the rest of the undivided local government funds. Trustee Chessler stated that he believes the Township would look worse by asking the tax payers for more money based on something that didn’t happen. The current numbers are showing a loss of $640,000.00. If you can factor in what the Board can show as cost savings it would be down to around $610,000.00. A 1.25 mill levy would generate $604,000.00 which is just enough to break even. Trustee Chessler stated that he feels better going to the taxpayers and asking for just what the Township needs or a little less than what is needed because the Board is going to do a little more belt tightening. Trustee Laubacher stated that he would like to be able put as much language into the ballot as possible. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board doesn’t have the option it is written in there. Mr. Blythe stated that if the Township doesn’t lose the $200,000.00 then they would only need to ask for $400,000.00. If the Township asks for more money than what they need then the Township can kiss all of the other levies goodbye and all hell will break loose. Mr. Schlegel stated that if the state does take the money away and the levy was only for $400,000.00 then the general fund will be back in the shape that it is already in. These are all of the options that are available. The Township could lose this money again and would have to go back to the voters. Mr. Schlegel stated that if they were going to do it that way then the Township could ask for 1.0 mill which would generate $483,000.00. Mr. Hall stated that there is an option where the Board could ask the County Auditor to certify what millage it would take to generate whatever amount of money the general fund needed. Trustee Chessler inquired if they could do a rough number; for example 1.33. Mr. Schlegel stated that they can do any number they want. Mr. Hall stated that Perry Township has never done that because Mr. Schlegel is capable and competent in what he tells the Board in regards to what the Township needs. Another option would be to go to the County Auditor and find out what millage the Board would need to ask for to generate x amount of dollars. Mr. Schlegel stated that they already know that 1.0 mill will generate $480,000.00. If the Board continues to receive the $200,000.00 from the state then there would only be a deficit of approximately $440,000.00. Trustee Chessler inquired if the purpose behind this levy to make up for the money that was lost from the state. Trustee Haines stated that was correct. Trustee Laubacher stated that is the selling point. Trustee Chessler inquired if it is the preference to work backwards like Mr. Hall suggested and find out how much the Township will be losing and have a millage calculated by the County Auditor. Mr. Schlegel stated that he can get that number pretty easily. The Township is going to lose $440,000.00. Trustee Laubacher stated that the Board could ask for a 1.0 mill levy then. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board could ask for less than that because a 1.0 mill levy would generate 480,000.00. Trustee Haines stated that a .85 mill levy would generate $410,000.00 and a .95 mill levy would generate $459,000.00. Trustee Chessler stated that a 1.0 mill levy is right about what the general fund needs. Mr. Schlegel inquired what .9 would be. Trustee Haines stated .9 would generate $435,000.00. Mr. Schlegel asked the Board if they want him to work off of a 1.0 mill levy or if they would like him to calculate something else. Trustee Haines stated that he felt that a 1.0 mill levy is easy for the population to understand. Trustee Laubacher agreed. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board is aware that they have a decision to make that has to be formalized by either next week or the reorganizational meeting on January 1, 2013.
B. Road Department
Mr. Schlegel stated that as the Board is aware the Road Department has funding from four (4) different sources; 04- Inside Millage, 02- License Plate Fees, 03- Gasoline Tax and 11- Road Levy. When you look at inside millage, the Road Department is going to generate $787,731.26. There is an estimated carry over of $35,000.00. The total in the 04 account for 2013 is $822,731.26. The 04 account is for salaries, insurance and workers compensation. Mr. Schlegel stated that even then the Road Department can not make it through with the salaries without using the 03 account because they need an additional $55,000.00.
Mr. Schlegel stated that he was able to budget everything that Mr. Masalko asked for after moving some line items around. Mr. Schlegel stated that he looked at the trend of what was spent over the past three (3) years. Everything was funded except paving went down. Paving went from $402,822.00 to $282,797.00. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board can move money around if they would like to. Mr. Masalko is aware that he has to come to the Board to seek permission before purchases are made. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Road Department lost $60,000.00 in inside millage due to the drop in the Township’s valuation.
C. Fire Department
Mr. Schlegel stated that the Fire Department account is estimated at $1,954,462.57. The carry over is $1,250,000.00 for a budget total of $3,204,462.57. Mr. Schlegel stated that he can’t praise Chief Martin enough on the knowledge and understanding he has of his budget. Trustee Laubacher inquired why workers compensation keeps going down. Mr. Schlegel stated that claims are down. Mr. Hall stated that employees are working light duty instead of being off completely.
D. Police Department
Mr. Schlegel stated that Chief Pomesky has a thorough knowledge of his budget. The Police Department has been operating off of the same levies for years. Some of the levies have been renewed twice. After two (2) more years, the Police Department will start going into a deficit. After 2014, the Police Department is going to need more money. Mr. Hall stated that the 3.9 mill levy will expire in 2013, last collected in 2014. Trustee Chessler verified that the general fund is the immediate need. Mr. Schlegel stated that the general fund is the immediate fund. The Police Department can go two (2) more years. Trustee Chessler stated that if the Police Department can wait until 2014, he would like to consider doing something for the Road Department because he feels that the Township is doing the residents a disservice by putting down microsurfacing. These decisions don’t have to be made tonight but it is something to think about. Mr. Schlegel stated that he was able to fund everything that Chief Pomesky requested. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the Police Department’s workers compensation has gone down as well. Trustee Haines stated that it is going down. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Police Department also has a couple of other accounts; DARE $34,981.43. Trustee Haines inquired if that money goes to salaries for the DARE Officer. Mr. Schlegel stated that most of it does. Other accounts include: PRIDE account $8,500.00, Drug Fund $5,000.00 and DUI Fund $22,000.00.
Mr. Schlegel stated that the project 2013 Township budget is estimated at $10,623,280.73. These numbers will go up. The estimation of the carry over numbers are always done on the low side. All Department Heads are aware that even though the money is budgeted they have to come before the Board and seek permission before purchases are made in excess of $1,000.00. The Board has the authority to change anything that they would like. Mr. Schlegel stated that he will have the final numbers for the Board in January 2013.
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: 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:
A. Perry Township’s first Bicentennial planning meeting- Monday, December 17 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Perry Township Administration Office- 3111 Hilton Street NW, Massillon- Volunteer registration available at www.perrytwp.com.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adjourn into an Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) concerning Department Head Evaluations to include the Board, Fiscal Officer, Law Director and Department Heads as requested; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 8:23pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 9:55pm
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:55pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer