Work Session
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Work Session
February 12, 2013 7:00pm
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $165,182.77 for the week ending February 12, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 5, 2013 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Administration:
Discussion of Extending Jackson Avenue South of Lincoln Way to Southway
Trustee Laubacher stated that at the Stark County Township Association this past month, Jeff Dutton discussed some of the proposed improvements to the highway system in Stark County that are planned for the next five (5) to twenty (20) years. Trustee Laubacher stated that he asked about the possibility of finishing Jackson Avenue south of Lincoln Way to Southway and was told that in order to get the project on the docket someone needed to send a letter to the Stark County Engineer, Keith Bennett, requesting the project. It could take five (5) to ten (10) years to even get the project started. Trustee Laubacher stated that he felt with the problems the Township experienced with Genoa Avenue being closed and not being able to get to certain parts of the Township he would like to be able to send a letter to expressing an interest in backing the project idea and assist in looking for state and federal money to help fund the road extension and widening. Trustee Laubacher stated that he did speak briefly with Mayor Catazaro about this project idea and she stated that is something that she would be interested in. Both entities could send letters to Mr. Bennett asking that the project be put on the agenda. Trustee Laubacher stated that he is asking for the support of his fellow Board members before he moves forward.
Trustee Haines inquired how much say Perry Township would even have in this project being that only a small portion of the extension would be located in the Township. Trustee Laubacher stated that Perry Township doesn’t have a whole lot of a say but if it doesn’t get on the agenda they are going to look everywhere else instead. Trustee Laubacher stated that he talked to Mr. Bennett who advised him to get a letter to him requesting the project. Trustee Haines inquired if this project has been discussed before. Trustee Laubacher stated that they have talked about this project previously.
Trustee Chessler stated that the last time this project was considered it was met with swift and decisive disapproval. This project would entail taking people’s land. Trustee Haines inquired if it would entail taking people’s land and homes. Trustee Laubacher stated that it would probably require taking both because the current roadway is just about sixteen (16) feet wide and the roadway would need to be widened as well as extended. Mr. Hall stated that there are two (2) problems that go along with the extension itself; one being the topography and second the rail road tracks. Trustee Chessler stated that he also believed there to be an issue with soil suitability for the roadway. Back when they extended what is known as “Woodlawn Avenue” north of Hills and Dales it took forever because the soils there were terrible. Trustee Chessler stated that if you have a County Engineer looking at a map it is easy for them to see the streets that can easily be connected and all is good with that. But when you are talking about taking people’s land, Trustee Chessler stated that he does not want his name associated with that right now. There is a whole lot that is involved with this and the County Engineer or the City of Massillon has a lot more at stake with this project. Trustee Chessler inquired when the last time this project was even discussed. Mr. Hall stated probably ten (10) to twelve (12) years ago. Trustee Chessler inquired if the County Engineer or the City of Massillon is interested in pursuing this. Trustee Laubacher stated that he wasn’t sure yet and that he only talked to Mayor Catazaro about sending a letter to the County Engineer to get the project on the agenda.
Trustee Haines stated that he prefers to see the City of Massillon pushing for this project rather than the Township. Trustee Chessler inquired who wants to walk out of this thunderstorm with a lightening rod in their hand. Trustee Haines stated that as a resident of Perry Township the extension could have some benefits to it. Trustee Chessler stated that if the Fire Chief were present he would probably state that the extension would affect response times favorably. Trustee Haines stated that there are positive benefits for Perry Township but the land just isn’t in Perry Township. Trustee Laubacher stated that the land is on the edge of Perry Township. Trustee Chessler stated that from a practical stand point and by looking at a map he could see how people would think that this is a practical and logical good idea. But when you look at the reality of going in there where people have lived in those homes for a long time you have to be cautious of the impact. Trustee Laubacher showed the Board a map of there area. Trustee Haines stated that there is only one small section of Perry Township in this area where the extension would take place. None of the houses that would be affected are located in the Township. Trustee Chessler suggested getting in touch with the property owners in Perry Township that would be affected and get their thoughts on the matter being that it is such a small portion at stake. Trustee Laubacher stated that he’ll find out who the owner is, get in touch with them and bring that information back to the Board.
Public Hearings/ Invited Guests:
David Held, Executive Director- Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District
Trustee Chessler stated that Perry Township has been looking at ways to become more efficient by bettering services yet lowering costs in places where that can be done. The Perry Township Recycling Center is currently an ongoing operation that has changed since its inception. It was a profitable thing to do when it was first started. The Township has utilized the services of people who have been sentenced for misdemeanor crimes to assist at the recycling center and that has led to a series of problems. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board is looking at the whole notion of being in this business. The Board has looked at having a commercial enterprise take over and it was suggested that Stark-Tusc-Wayne may be interested. Trustee Chessler stated that he and Mr. Held has had some discussions and it seems as though Stark-Tusc-Wayne may be able to help the Township in taking over this operation and eliminate some of the things that are not wanted or needed yet provide the Township residents with the same level of services.
Mr. Held stated that Stark-Tusc-Wayne has a number of recycling drop offs where the residents come and it is open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The residents open up the bins and they put their recyclables in the containers. It works out really well. Mr. Held stated that they have over four hundred (400), six (6) yard bins in Stark and Wayne Counties alone. Usually, these sites will have any where from ten (10) to twenty (20) of the six (6) yard bins. For example, in Plain Township there are four (4) or five (5) drop off locations and their largest drop off has approximately twenty (20) bins. The positive end is that it is at no charge to the community and it is open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, whereas, right now the recycling center is an expense and has limited hours. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Township loses money every year on recycling. Trustee Haines stated that one thing that the Board had discussed was putting bins in more than one area in the Township. There is a vacant lot right next to Township Hall so that could be a potential location. Another potential location for the southern part of the Township could be outside the Road Department. The Township could also still maintain a drop off location at the current recycling center. The Township could start with maintaining the location that is currently in place to see how it grows.
Trustee Haines stated that one of the recycling center’s biggest competitions is the restricted hours that it is open when there are other places that is non-restrictive and are open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Right now the hours of operation is during the day which caters to senior citizens and people who don’t work which is good but having a drop off location that is open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week could be a win/win. Mr. Held agreed and stated that this would not really increase Stark-Tusc-Wayne’s costs because they have bins available and their trucks are already out and about picking up recyclables. Trustee Haines inquired who maintains the bins. Mr. Held explained that Stark-Tusc-Wayne has four (4) full-time recycling drivers. The district will provide the bins and the collection. The advantages from the Township perspective is that clearly residents can drop off their materials twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Therefore, the hours would be expanded and reduce the Township’s costs. Mr. Schlegel stated that last year the Township lost $96,000.00 on recycling. Mr. Held stated that the Township would be able to save $96,000.00 a year while providing a twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week service to the Township residents. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Township wouldn’t be saving the full $96,000.00 because there are employees that do both recycling and parks but it would definitely be a savings.
Mr. Hall inquired how the bins at the drop off locations are policed or if there are problems with people dumping at these locations. Mr. Held stated that usually depends on the location and if the bins are located in an isolated place. Mr. Hall inquired if this is a major problem. Mr. Held stated that it is an issue but it isn’t something that can’t be overcome. Mr. Held stated that they have a pickup truck that drives around to the different sites and they clean that stuff up. At the same time, depending on the host community, some of them are really active in keeping their drop off locations clean themselves. If you have the resources or personnel it is much easier to just clean it up. Mr. Hall inquired if there was a draft or proposed contract that would have to be in place between Stark-Tusc-Wayne and the Township. Mr. Held stated no because most communities that are interested in doing this invite Stark-Tusc-Wayne into their municipality. The communities that want the drop off sites find a way to make it work. There are between 450-500 bins throughout Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties. Mr. Held stated that he really likes the idea of adding more drop off sites because then it is closer and more convenient for the residents. Trustee Haines stated that he really likes the idea of using the vacant lot next to Township Hall as an additional drop off site because the only thing that it is currently used for is some Fire Department training practices.
Trustee Haines inquired where the recyclables are dumped after they are picked up from the drop off sites. Mr. Held stated that currently the paper is taken to Slesnicks who buys the paper from Stark-Tusc-Wayne. The money doesn’t cover the costs of the services provided by Stark-Tusc-Wayne. The co-mingled recyclables (plastic, glass, aluminum) are collected by Kimble. Trustee Haines inquired if that is taken to their Stow facility. Mr. Held stated that was correct. Stark-Tusc-Wayne takes the co-mingled recyclables to the transfer station which is located on Bolivar Avenue and then they sort/haul it to Stow. Mr. Held stated that he could set up a tour for anyone interested because it is an impressive facility. Mr. Hall inquired if the District is on a one (1) or two (2) year funding schedule. Mr. Held stated that the District is on an annual funding schedule and it is pretty solid. Out of fifty-two (52) Districts, Stark-Tusc- Wayne is one of the wealthier ones because of the two (2) landfills in Stark County and another one in Tuscarawas County. Trustee Chessler inquired if that was from tipping fees. Mr. Held stated that is correct and tipping fees come from when there is a ton of trash that is dumped at the landfill the District collect $1.00-$2.00. Mr. Hall stated that he just wanted to ask the question because if the Board decides to move in this direction he didn’t want the District coming back in a year saying that they are bankrupt and the Township would have to start over again. Mr. Held stated that he doesn’t anticipate that.
Trustee Laubacher inquired if the Township would still be able to receive funding from the District for yard waste. Mr. Held stated that yard waste collection is expensive because of equipment and man power. Back in 2004, the District’s revenue was about six (6) million dollars. Last year, the Districts revenue was 2.9 million which is a drop of more than fifty percent (50%). Due to budget cuts the District only provides the services that the State requires them to provide. The two (2) areas that were cut were; hazardous waste collection and yard waste. Earth and Wood collects yard waste at no charge. The District was charged $26.00 a ton which cost over $600,000.00 per year and the tonnage kept growing every year. Once the District decided not to accept yard waste anymore they did arrange an agreement with Earth and Wood to give them all the sites in Stark County but they had to collect at no cost. Mr. Held stated that the short answer is that the District does not have the funding to pay the Township for yard waste and this more than likely will not change. Trustee Laubacher inquired if there were any other grants available for that. Mr. Held stated no.
Trustee Haines stated that if the Board would decide to go in this direction the current recycling station has an inventory list of equipment that would no longer be needed and inquired if the District would be interested in purchasing this equipment or if there was another suggested avenue the Township could go. Mr. Hall stated that a lot of the equipment was purchased through State and Federal grants so the Township would have to see if there are any legal requirements or if they are obsolete. Trustee Haines stated that the Township would still need the truck and stuff like that but the Road Department may be able to use those types of things. Mr. Held stated that a lot of that equipment was probably in one way or another purchased with the funds that the Township received from the District. The District doesn’t have a need for the equipment. Mr. Held stated that recently they repainted all of their bins which prevented them from buying new bins.
Trustee Haines inquired how quickly the Township could do this. Mr. Held stated that it could be done in thirty (30) days. One of the challenges is making sure that the drop off locations have easy access in and out for the trucks collecting the recyclables. Trustee Haines stated that the Board still has some things to consider before moving forward such as personnel issues, etc. Mr. Held stated that the Township needs to give the District thirty (30) days notice. Trustee Haines inquired if the District determines how many bins are at each located for each type of recyclable. Mr. Held stated that is correct and if the Township is going to have multiple sites then there can be fewer bins at each site. Trustee Haines stated he would like to start with two (2) sites and inquired if there would be any issues using the vacant lot next to the Township Hall. Mr. Held stated that the pavement at the sites has to be strong enough to hold the weight of the trucks. Mr. Hall stated that the pavement at the current recycling station is based to handle the weight of the trucks but is not sure about the pavement at the vacant lot. Trustee Laubacher stated that the pavement holds the fire trucks when the lot is being used for training. Mr. Hall stated that having a fire truck on the pavement occasionally is different than having heavy trucks driving on the lot repeatedly. Mr. Held stated that another thing to consider is that some of the bins get picked up as early as 5:30 in the morning. Sometimes if the drop off location is real close to a residential area and the recyclables are being picked up early it causes a problem. Mr. Hall stated that the vacant lot is surrounded by the Township Hall, school and the old hospital. Mr. Held stated that shouldn’t be a problem then.
Trustee Haines stated that he would like to see the Township pursue two (2) sites to start. Mr. Held stated that he thinks that will be great and if for some reason it doesn’t work out the bins can always be removed. There has only been one (1) area in Stark County that has been a problem which is located at a school in Plain Township. When the trucks would come in the morning to pick up the recyclables at this location the truck lights would shine into the residence across the street which caused a problem. Therefore, the bins were moved to another spot in the parking lot. But then the pavement in that area of the parking lot was weak so the bins were moved to another area in the lot which seems to be working out a lot better. Mr. Held stated that this is no cost to the Township and the District puts the bins in. The focus is the expansion of services by making it more accessible to the residents. Statistics show that residents are more likely to recycle if there is a drop off location within 2.5 miles. Trustee Haines stated that he doesn’t have any thoughts in mind but inquired what would happen if there were businesses interested in placing bins in their parking lots just in case there is an area that the Township would like to place bins but there is no Township land. Mr. Held stated that is a good idea and there are locations like that. Trustee Laubacher inquired if there are any drop off locations around Lohr Elementary School or Bethlehem Township. Mr. Held stated that there is a drop off location in Navarre. Trustee Laubacher suggested that maybe the Township could work out something with the school so that they can be used as a drop off location. Trustee Haines stated that may be a possibility. Trustee Laubacher stated that there are a lot of residents down in that area and this might be a super way to get them more involved with recycling. Trustee Haines inquired who would provide those bins. Mr. Held stated that the District would provide those bins as well. A private company comes and collects the paper and they give grants to the schools. The paper has a value but there is still an expense to the District for collection services. The private company has managed to collect the paper and make a profit and give grant funds to the schools. The problem is when the paper prices are high it is profitable and when the paper prices drop it is not and they will stop collecting it. The District however is required to collect the paper regardless of the paper prices. The District works with the private companies to get credit for the tonnage. Mr. Held stated that this is a simple process and doesn’t anticipate much of a problem.
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board would have to decide: locations, what to do with existing equipment, personnel issues, educating/ re-educating the public and logistics. Mr. Held stated that once the bins are in the District will assist with promoting the new drop off locations. The District does have funding to send out a newsletter to all Perry Township residents. Trustee Chessler inquired how the Board should move forward. Trustee Haines stated that the first thing the Board needs to handle is the personnel issues and after that the rest should fall into place. Trustee Laubacher agreed because the equipment doesn’t have to be dealt with right away. Trustee Chessler inquired when the Township auction is held. Trustee Haines stated that the auction can be done on the Township website now. Mr. Hall stated that some of the bins are starting to rust out so it may be more of a salvage value rather than resale value. Mr. Held stated that some of the waste companies may be interested in the bins. Trustee Chessler stated that he will begin working with Mr. Hall on the personnel issues. Trustee Laubacher stated that he will start looking into locations and expressed an interest in trying to keep the yard waste collection open. Trustee Laubacher inquired if the Township is able to auction the existing equipment. Mr. Hall stated that he would have to look into the State and Federal grants but it shouldn’t be a problem. The Board thanked Mr. Held for attending the meeting and providing information.
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:
December 2012 Statistics
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
A. Perry Township’s Bicentennial Planning Meeting- Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00pm- Perry Township Administration Office- 3111 Hilton Street NW, Massillon- Volunteer Registration available at www.perrytwp.com.
B. Perry Township business Exchange Meeting- Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 7:30am to 8:30am at the Township Hall.
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board adjourn into an Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) consider hiring to include the Board, Fiscal Officer and Law Director; Seconded by Trustee Chessler. No action to be taken.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 8:04pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 8:35pm
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Doug Haines, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer