Regular Meeting
Regular Meetings
The Perry Township Board of Trustees meets in Regular Meeting format on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM.
The meetings are held at the Township Hall located at
3111 Hilton Street NW
in Massillon. Regular Meetings include reports by Department Heads, the Law Director, and the Township Administrator. The public is welcome to offer comments during the Public Speaks portion of the agenda on township related matters.
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
September 17, 2013 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: John Masalko, Road Superintendent ~ Chris Young, Assistant Road Superintendent, here in his absence. Also, Scott Weckbacher, Zoning Inspector
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
~Under Unfinished Business, Discussion of the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding with Hanover House
~Under New Business, Mr. Ray Martinez of First Energy to make introduction to the Board
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Presentation from Richville Firefighters Association to DARE Officer Bill Watson
Trustee Haines stated that there are two special invited guests here this evening. Trustee Haines invited Fred Anania and Mike Turner to please step forward for a special presentation.
Fred Anania requested Officer Bill Watson to please step forward. Mr. Anania stated that on August 25, 2013, the Richville Firefighter’s Association sponsored a car show that had a wonderful turnout and was a very successful event. Fred stated that he and Mike Turner from the Richville Firefighter’s Association would like to present a check for $1,700.00 from the proceeds of the car show to Officer Watson of the DARE Program to use at their discretion. Officer Watson thanked everyone for their support and stated that he would give this check to Chief Pomesky to put this money to good use for the kids of our community.
Consider Accepting the Retirement of Part Time District Chief Tim Gatchell and Presentation to Acknowledge 44 Years of Dedicated Service
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to accept the letter of retirement from part time District Chief Tim Gatchell, effective September 11, 2013. Chief Martin gave a brief summary of District Chief Gatchell’s employment history with the Township starting back in June, 1969.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board of Trustees accept, with great gratitude for his service, District Chief Tim Gatchell’s letter of retirement, effective September 11, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Trustee Haines gave a brief expression of appreciation of District Chief Gatchell’s long and experienced career with the Perry Township Fire Department and stated that he would like to present a commemorative coin that is a Chief’s Award for job excellence and an additional commemorative coin for the ten (10) year anniversary of September 11, 2011. Trustee Haines also presented District Chief Gatchell with a Perry Township Achievement Award in recognition of forty-four (44) years of commitment, dedication and service as a firefighter and emergency medical technician to the Perry Township Fire Department and the community he served along with a Plaque of Service.
Trustee Laubacher presented District Chief Gatchell with a fire helmet honoring his many years of service to the Fire Department with a recollection of serving along side of District Chief Gatchell with the Perry Township Fire Department.
Trustee Chessler presented and read Rules to Live By as An Officer to District Chief Gatchell in recognition of his retirement and forty-four (44) years of dedicated service to the Township.
District Chief Gatchell stated that he would like to thank the citizens of Perry Township for giving him the honor of serving them and for their support of the fire levies for the Fire Department. Mr. Gatchell also stated that he wanted to thank his family, his wife and kids, grandkids and great grandkids for their support over the last forty-four (44) years.
Trustee Haines thanked everyone in the audience for their support and stated that the Board would take a five minute recess. Recess at 7:18 pm. Re-adjourn at 7:24 pm.
Communications:
Board of Trustees Received Invitation to Matthew Jones ~ Eagle Award Ceremony at Otterbein Church on 9-29-13
Trustee Haines stated that last summer, Boy Scout Matthew Jones inquired of the Board in reference to taking on an Eagle Scout project. The Board encouraged him to take on the project of the Lennox Pavilion at Perry Park. Matt re-shingled the roof of the Lennox Pavilion and painted the inside and posts of the Pavilion and had enough money left over from the project for the Road Department to refurbish the nearby grill. Matt has extended an invitation to the Trustees to attend his Eagle Award Ceremony at Otterbein Church on September 29, 2013 from 2-4 pm.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business:
Consider Group Retrospective Rating Resolution
Law Director Hall stated that on September 10, 2013, Andy Frank, Assistant Vice President of Frank Gates Risk Services attended the Board of Trustees meeting, at which time he invited Perry Township to join the “Group Retrospective Rating” program for the calendar year 2014. The Group Retrospective Rating program has been recommended in order to help reduce the Township’s premium (rate). It is a performance based BWC program, and an entity must be invited to participate. Law Director Hall has created a resolution, attached before the Board, for the Board’s consideration authorizing Perry Township to participate in the “Group Retrospective Rating” program for 2014.
Mr. Hall indicated that this is an annual rating so Frank Gates will be making a review on a yearly basis with recommendation as to the Retrospective Rating or Group Rating or some other program that may become available.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the recommendation of our representatives of Frank Gates Risk Services who is the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation independent consultant, that the Board, through its resolution, opts to participate in the Group Retrospective Rating program for the calendar year 2014 and request and authorize the Fiscal Officer to take the steps necessary to do this; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Additional Discussion of BWC Claim 12-850331 as tabled on 9-10-13
Law Director Hall stated that attached before the Board are notifications of an ex parte order referencing the injured employee, David Shetler, dismissing his request for permanent, total disability. Mr. Shetler has filed this notification of withdrawal on September 5, 2013. As a result of this, no action need be taken, however, by doing this, the injured employee has preserved his right to re-file depending on his medical condition.
Discussion of the Finalization of Memorandum of Understanding with Hanover House
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board table this matter until the final signed copy has been accepted; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
New Business:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $53,301.14 for the week ending September 17, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2013 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Trustee Haines stated that Mr. Ray Martinez of First Energy was here this evening to make an introduction to the Board.
Mr. Ray Martinez greeted the Board and stated that he brought a guest with him this evening, Mr. Eric Lipsan. Mr. Martinez stated that Eric is one of their senior dispatchers at the Fairlawn Center. Mr. Martinez also stated that when there is a power outage, nothing is done unless it goes through dispatching. These are the guys that do all the switching orders and make sure that things get done safely. Nothing gets pushed, pulled or grounded until guys like Eric say so. Eric is on the path of development and as part of this path was asked to attend this meeting and is also a Perry Township resident.
Administration:
Acknowledgement of Bicentennial Donations
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Board has received additional Bicentennial donations from Hammontree and Associates in the amount of $200.00; Young Truck Sales in the amount of $500.00; David B. McCoy in the amount of $25.00; The W. L. Jenkins Company in the amount of $500.00; and Red Carpet Car Wash in the amount of $100.00 for a total amount of $1,325.00.
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting the Resignation of Rich Kleinhenz Part Time Firefighter Effective 9-17-13
Consider Accepting the Resignation of Jeffrey Weirich Part time Firefighter EMT-B effective 9-17-13
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to accept the resignation of part-time firefighter Rich Kleinhenz, effective September 17, 2013. Rich has not submitted any letter of resignation; however, he has turned in all of his equipment to the Fire Department.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board of Trustees accepts the resignation of part-time firefighter Rich Kleinhenz effective September 17, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to accept the resignation of part-time firefighter-EMT-B, Jeffery Weirich, effective September 17, 2013.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part-time firefighter-EMT-B, Jeffery Weirich, effective September 17, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s):
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:
~Trustee Haines stated that effective October 15, 2013, five additional recycling bins will be stationed at the Road Department.
~Perry Township Bicentennial Meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each calendar month at the Perry Township Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Don and Sharon Vick, 129 Saratoga Ave. NW, Canton, OH – Mr. Vick stated that he wanted to know if anything could be done regarding speeding issues and not stopping at the stop signs on his street. Mrs. Vick stated that their grandchildren live on Yukon Street and have to cross over Yukon to get to Mr. and Mrs. Vick’s house on Saratoga; she fears for their safety, as well as the other young children in this area.
Police Chief Pomesky stated that he would be happy to assign an officer to patrol these areas and also stated that Mr. and Mrs. Vick are welcome to call the Police Department at any time to report traffic infractions. Chief Pomesky stated that he would also put these areas on the extra patrol list for officers to target these areas.
Trustee Haines verified that the times needed for extra patrol would be between 7:30 – 8 am. Mr. Vick stated that also when the kids would be coming home from school.
Brian Baker, 4151 Shepler Church Ave. SW-Mr. Baker stated that he brought visual aids this evening to show pictures of a drainage pipe that was put in behind the industrial park that is across the street from the Timken Company. Mr. Baker stated that in looking at the pictures, the building that is above the ridge is the Timken Company. Mr. Baker stated that he and his neighbor, Ken Marshall, 4681 Hurless Dr., have property that is adjacent to the drainage pipe that comes down that ridge and veers to the left. A ditch was dug that goes toward their properties and their concern is that they will experience excess run-off from this large pipe. Mr. Baker stated that Spring Realty, Joseph Jeffries and unsure of the property owner, have done this without permits. Mr. Baker also stated that he and his wife have contacted the Perry Township Zoning Department, Joe Underwood, and Julie Berbarri of Stark County Soil and Water Conservation regarding this matter.
Trustee Laubacher inquired to Mr. Baker who put this pipe in. Mr. Baker stated that Joseph Jeffries put the pipe in. Law Director Hall stated that Zoning Inspector Weckbacher had contacted him in reference to this matter and it was deemed that it was not a zoning issue, however this was referred to Joe Underwood, Stark County Subdivision Engineer. Mr. Hall stated that Joe Underwood and Julie Berberri were making an investigation concerning this. Mr. Hall stated that he was unsure if there was any follow-up or result on the county level, but stated that he would work with Zoning Inspector Weckbacher to draft a memo to the Board so that current information on this matter could be obtained and then follow up with Mr. Baker.
More discussion on this matter continued. Mr. Baker inquired if there was any recourse on the Township level concerning this drainage pipe. Trustee Haines stated that the Township governs over road matters and that any off-road issues are directly related to the county level which is why Mr. Baker was referred to the Stark County Subdivision Engineer and the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation.
Trustee Chessler gave Mr. Baker a brief explanation as to the procedures that should have been followed when having work completed such as drainage pipes. Trustee Chessler explained that these steps must be confirmed being completed and if not, the recourse that will be put into place.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 pm; Seconded by Trustee; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Doug Haines, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer