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
January 21, 2014
Work Session 6:00 pm
Regular Meeting 7:00 pm
WORK SESSION – 6:00 PM
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Nick Morris – Stark Parks
Nick Morris stated that before the Board are copies of the final review from 2013 regarding Fasnacht Farm and the Farm’s plan for the Board’s consideration. Mr. Morris stated that also here this evening is Mr. Paul Bender, Fasnacht Farm Tenant Farmer, to take this opportunity to share how things proceeded for the 2013 growing season and to share what is anticipated for 2014. In addition, Mr. Morris stated that he would also like to introduce Mr. Todd Clarke, the new education manager for the Stark County Park District. Mr. Morris stated that Mr. Clarke will be taking over the role as the new liaison to Perry Township. Mr. Morris added that Mr. Clarke would like to present several things for food for thought as to the Perry Township/Stark Parks partnership.
Paul Bender gave a brief summary from the Fasnacht Farm growing season stating that everything from the 2013 plan was accomplished. Mention was made about the chickens to the introduction of pigs to the farm this year as well as the new crop of strawberries planted and harvested, all successful accomplishments. Mr. Bender stated that as part of the lease agreement and through the outreach program coordinated with Stark Parks, there were four (4) workshops offered this past season as well.
Mr. Bender stated that upcoming plans for 2014 will be similar to the plans made for 2013 but requested the option of raising a few turkeys for the Thanksgiving season. Mr. Bender also requested that the Township consider obtaining some stone gravel for the driveway for easier access as well as possibly being able to utilize a stump grinder for approximately ten (10) stumps throughout the Fasnacht Farm property. Referring to the request for the stump grinder, Trustee Haines stated that the Board would keep this request in mind in the case of some future issues in the parks that would involve using a stump grinder. More discussion followed concerning when the stone gravel would best be needed for the Fasnacht Farm driveway. Trustee Haines thanked Mr. Bender for his time here this evening.
Mr. Morris introduced Mr. Todd Clarke to discuss the Stark Parks/Perry Township relationship. Mr. Clarke gave a brief introduction of his new liaison role with Perry Township as the education manager for the Stark County Park District and stated that he is confident that Fasnacht Farm is moving in the right direction. Mr. Clarke gave a brief summarization regarding this past year’s previous programs at Fasnacht Farm and stated that there are many opportunities and programs that will continue to bring groups and families to this location. Mr. Clarke stated that he looks forward to working with Paul and Lisa Bender to develop additional program ideas.
Law Director Hall inquired of Mr. Clarke if other than tracking sales, there was another way to track public attendance or head count to indicate that the park is being used in revitalization from year to year. Mr. Clarke indicated that yes, for any of the programs that are sponsored, the park district tracks the participants who take part. Mr. Clarke indicated that there were several ways of tracking these and could also devise a number of other ways to indicate participation if needed.
Mr. Morris indicated that another topic he wanted to make mention before the Board is possibly initiating a future meeting regarding Stark Parks requesting a potential temporary use for the large house at Fasnacht Farm. Mr. Morris gave a brief summarization for this potential idea.
Levy Discussion
Trustee Laubacher stated that next on the Agenda is a levy discussion and asked Road Superintendent Masalko to share some information.
Road Superintendent Masalko referred to a 1986 fact sheet when the road levy was first implemented. Several facts:
In 1986, 1 mile of road could be paved for $40,000
In 2013, 1 mile of road can be paved for $78,000
In 1986, asphalt was $16.25/ton (covers 100 sq. ft.)
In 2013, asphalt is $58.00/ton
In 1986, salt was $25.00/ton
In 2013, salt is $48.32/ton
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he is asking the Board for direction regarding a future levy.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel gave a brief description of the current levy information which brings in: $645,393.96. More discussion continued regarding a possible new levy. Law Director Hall discussed the possibility in 2015 of having the option to consider a replacement levy and an additional levy or a renewal and an additional levy. More discussion followed and the Board agreed that more consideration had to be reviewed before a decision on the levy was implemented.
Police Chief Pomesky stated that he would like to request the Board to consider a replacement levy this May to replace the Police Department’s current 1.25 mil levy with a 2.99 mil levy. This would generate an additional $800,000 in funding to maintain the current level of service(s) provided to Perry Township. Chief Pomesky stated that he is asking for the Board’s consideration and direction to place this levy forward.
Law Director Hall stated that the Police Department is facing the same restriction as the Road Department because this levy is last collected in 2014 and last received in 2015. Law Director Hall stated that the statue states that a resolution to renew an existing levy shall not be placed on the ballot unless the question submitted to the general election held during the last year plans to be renewed or replaced or in the year ensuing.
More discussion followed on these breakdown levy amounts.
Trustee Laubacher inquired of Law Director Hall when the Township needs to make the final decision regarding putting the levy forward. Mr. Hall stated that the filing deadline is February 5, 2014. Mr. Hall stated that this is a two step process. The Board has to pass a resolution asking the Auditor to either certify the dollar amount or the millage. Once this is received, the Auditor has ten (10) days to respond. Once the response is received, the Township can put forth the ballot language to the Board of Elections. Mr. Hall indicated that two meetings between now and February 5, 2014 need to take place, this meeting could account for one and then a meeting on February 4, 2014.
Much discussion continued regarding the levy details.
Trustee Haines thanked all the people representing the Police Department here this evening. Trustee Haines stated that being here to represent the passing of this possible levy is an obvious representation of the willingness of the people here to campaign to pass this levy. Trustee Haines stated that the Board very much appreciates this support.
Trustee Laubacher also thanked everyone who was here this evening in support of the levy discussion and stated that the Board would decide on the final levy matter and relay that by the next meeting on February 4, 2014.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the Work Session meeting at 7:00 pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board add to the agenda for consideration at this Regular Meeting a request by the Board of Trustees to the County Auditor to certify certain mill-ages for the Township Road Department and the Township Police Department; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Swearing in Ceremony of Part Time Firefighters
The Fire Department is requesting that the following individuals be hired as part-time employees. All part-time employees shall comply with all Township resolutions, State and Federal Laws relating to total and average hours allowed to work per year. All employees will be required to follow and complete all of the current requirements placed on probationary members. Probationary periods of all employees will be determined by department skill competency evaluations. All employees will be afforded all benefits currently applicable to part-time employees. Hiring date to be effective Tuesday, January 21, 2014.
Trustee Laubacher stated that if the following part-time firefighters would please come forward for swearing in:
- Boyle, Brenda FFII/Paramedic
- Clark, Kelly FFII/Paramedic
- Fach, Taylor FFII/EMT-B
- Geib, Zachary FFII/EMT-B
- Harmon, Michael FFII/EMT-B
- Henkel, Brandon FFII/EMT-B
- Henkel, Logan FFII/EMT-B
- Henkel, Michael FFII/EMT-B
- Lasure, Benjamin FFII/EMT-B
- Luckring, Jacob FFII/EMT-B
- Rair, Timothy FFII/EMT-B
- McCullough, Benjamin FFII/EMT-B
- Ritenour, Nathan FFII/EMT-B
- Schondel, Jonathan FFII/EMT-B
- Shreiner, Jeffrey FFII/EMT-B
- Wilson, Nicholas FFII/EMT-B
Trustee Laubacher welcomed these part time firefighters as a part of the Fire Department and asked all to please raise their right hand for the swearing in.
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5 Minute Recess
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Communications:
Consider Accepting 2014 Road Material Quotes
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that the Township is in receipt of eleven (11) Road Material Quotes, attached before the Board:
- Northstar – Prices North Canton Plant
- National Lime and Stone Company – Canton Yard Price
- D & R Supply, Inc. – Prices at Fulton Road Plant
- Oster Sand & Gravel, Inc. – Prices at Massillon Plant
- Massillon Asphalt Company
- American Sand & Gravel – Prices Plant #4, Massillon
- Roio Sand & Gravel
- Huth Ready Mix & Supply Company
- Central Allied Enterprises – Item/Columbus Road Plant and Item/Plant Massillon Plant
- Tiger Sand & Gravel, LLC
- The Shelly Company – Massillon Aggregates and Alliance Rail Yard Location
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the bids that were timely submitted with the proper accompanying documents all be accepted by the Board of Trustees and further reviewed by the Law Director and Road Superintendent for further recommendations; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Public Speaks on Items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business Requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the Board’s discussion prior to the commencement of this Regular Meeting regarding the Board’s consideration of various accommodations of levy support, makes a motion that the Board of Trustees request the County Auditor to provide to the Board certification of the amount of tax revenue that would be generated by the following: 1. For the Road Department – a levy that would be considered for one (1) additional mill and 2. For the Police Department – an alternate consideration of an additional amount of 2.99 mills and also for 3.49 mills, both of those to be considered as additional millage; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $277,492.93 for the week ending January 14, 2014 and bills only in the amount of $114,952.85 for the week ending January 21, 2014 for a combined total of $392,445.78; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 7, 2014 Regular Reorganizational Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration:
Consider Accepting Bicentennial Donation
Administrator Fetzer stated that on behalf of the Bicentennial Committee, a request to the Board to accept a donation in the amount of $500.00 from the Quickdraft Company to the Perry Township Bicentennial fund. The Quickdraft Company will receive the Captain’s Wall Plaque for their generous donation as sponsorship.
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting the Resignation of Part Time Firefighter Mark Baker
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to accept the resignation of part time Assistant District Chief Mark Baker effective Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Chief Martin stated that Mark has been with the department since 1996 and has recently obtained fulltime employment elsewhere and is unable to dedicate the time needed to the organization. Chief Martin stated that Mark has always been an outstanding employee and will be missed.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the letter of resignation of part time Assistant District Chief Mark Baker, effective Tuesday, January 21, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Authorizing Request to Remount Ambulance Chassis
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the Fire Department the solicitation of bids for the remounting of an existing Life Line Type III Class I Ambulance currently mounted on a Ford E-450 chassis onto a 2014 Chevrolet G-4500 cab and chassis.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the Fire Chief to take all steps necessary to solicit for bids regarding the remounting of an existing Life Line Type III Class I Ambulance from a Ford E-450 chassis onto a 2014 Chevrolet G-4500 cab and chassis and to do all things necessary to solicit those bids to be advertised properly and to be received at the Township Hall until February 18, 2014 at 4:30 pm or to be submitted prior to the meeting on that date; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Road Department:
Consider Approval of 2013 Township Highway System Mileage Certification
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the Road Department is asking for the Board’s approval to consider the 2013 Township Highway Mileage determined by the Stark County Engineer’s office under ORC #4501.04 in the amount of 145.160 miles of public road.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board approve the 2013 Township Highway System Mileage Certification determined by the Stark County Engineer’s office under ORC #4501.04 in the amount of 145.160 miles of public road; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
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:
December monthly statistics
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
~Perry Township Bicentennial meeting – January 28, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Timothy Blythe, 2956 Bridgeton St. NW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Mr. Blythe indicated that he had a few questions regarding the previous work session. Mr. Blythe inquired in regard to the Police Levy and the subject of the replacement levy, if this would include funds to keep the Township at a status quo or if it would increase services in the future.
Trustee Haines indicated that when there is a levy that covers a period of five (5) years, any future costs would be projected into that specified amount.
Police Chief Pomesky also stated in regard to the current financial landscape of the department, several future needs to consider would be the recent vacancy in the dispatch center as well as partnering with the school for a potential increased security need. In addition, the increase in technology needs to keep the department functioning to serve the community are always a continuous requirement.
Mr. Blythe questioned if it was the opinion or position of the Board and the leadership of the Police Department if the road patrol portion of the Department was properly staffed. Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is adequately handling the calls for service and feels that they are doing a good job as a Department. Chief Pomesky also stated that the Department is always looking to see their numbers increase since obviously the more personnel there is, the easier it becomes to do more things from a community stance. Chief Pomesky stated that these matters are continually assessed so as to be brought forth in the future.
Trustee Haines also stated that from the standpoint of the Department at this time, since the Department lost a Deputy Chief in the last month as well as taking employee sick leave into account, these factors do tax the Department in one way or another. Trustee Haines added that more overtime is being utilized to cover these instances so there is no straightforward way to say where we are right now in regard to staffing needs. Trustee Haines also stated that Chief Pomesky is trying to utilize a different staffing model that he has presented.
Mr. Blythe stated that he understands that it is difficult to forecast what the needs of the Department will be next year or five years from now, but at the same time, when you are asking for money, it is important to at least ask for enough to be able to increase those levels if they need to be. Mr. Blythe stated that he felt it important to tell the taxpayers that more money is needed and what it is needed for as well as to say that we intend to increase whatever service level we can. Mr. Blythe inquired should the levy fail, what services would be reduced or eliminated.
Trustee Haines stated that it would be decided at that point in time but that if the levy would not pass this year, the predicted shortfall would be approximately $170,000.00.
Mr. Blythe stated that he felt it would be most important to provide that specific information to the taxpayers and voters so that it would be clear what services would be cut back in the event the levy would not pass.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that once the Board has made a final decision on the direction of these levies, the amount of shortfall will be projected should the levy not pass. Mr. Schlegel stated that the most evident way this potential shortfall could be made up is through salaries. Mr. Schlegel stated that he would give Chief Pomesky and the Board the projection of how many employee cuts would have to be made in order to make up this loss.
Mr. Blythe stated that he felt the more levies put on the ballot, the more people would be against voting for them. More discussion followed concerning this matter.
Mr. Blythe also referred to the January 7, 2014 meeting regarding a motion being passed to establish a video service provider franchise fee of 5%. In addition, Mr. Blythe made reference to a previous set of minutes regarding this motion being passed that he felt was made without any discussion. Mr. Blythe also made reference to the budget hearings and amounts referred to in the General Fund.
Trustee Haines stated in regard to the budget hearing minutes, explanation was made concerning the shortfall from inheritance taxes. In regard to the cable franchise fee, Trustee Haines stated that this is not a newly established matter and since the Board is familiar with this, there was not a need for a detailed discussion. More discussion followed in regard to this matter.
Bard Huntsman, 4025 Prosway Ave., SW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Mr. Huntsman had a question regarding the budget deficit and carry-over mentioned.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel explained that in regard to the budget hearing and the carry-over mentioned, there was not an actual carry-over, but a projected carry-over and shortfall. More explanation continued in regard to the carry-over and shortfall clarification. Mr. Schlegel explained to Mr. Huntsman that he would be happy meet with him to answer any further questions he had or explain in more detail. More discussion continued to explain employee hires, part time hires and maximum hour guidelines and requirements.
Fred Anania, 4061 Knolls Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Mr. Anania commented how nice it was that the new men and women part-time firefighters were hired. Mr. Anania asked since these new employees were part-time if they were on call back after 11:00 pm if there was a major call. Mr. Anania also asked if these new hires live close by to get to the trucks for these calls. Chief Martin stated that all of the new hires live in different locations throughout the county, but that the Department currently does not rely on call back.
Chief Martin also explained that the Department has an automatic mutual aid built into the system that goes to the fulltime departments which gives us resources faster than firefighters having to get out of bed, get dressed and drive to the station. Mr. Anania inquired if we should rely on mutual aid. Chief Martin stated that the Township Department has mutual aid agreements with all the Departments in the county and it has been that way for years. Just as Massillon or Jackson would rely on us, all of the Departments rely on each other for mutual aid.
Jen Miller, 160 Rowmont Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Ms. Miller stated she lives close to Perry Park and commented on what bad shape the restrooms are in. Ms. Miller stated that people she knew who were over at the park for a baseball game have asked to use her bathroom because the park restrooms were in such bad shape.
Trustee Haines stated that during the last spring and summer season, the vandalism that kept reoccurring in the Perry Park restrooms were such that the Board and the President of the Perry Youth Baseball were contemplating locking down the current restrooms and replacing them with portable restrooms, the baseball association agreeing to pay for them. Trustee Haines indicated that this may be the case this upcoming spring/summer season since it is too difficult to monitor the current restrooms at all times. Trustee Haines thanked Ms. Miller for her comments and also offered for her to call him at home if she became aware of any additional occurrences at the park.
Tim Blythe – inquired what the status was on the Regis Perry Memorial. Trustee Haines stated that there is a dedication planned for this spring. Trustee Haines also stated that a down payment on granite the Perry family had decided on was being shipped from overseas to Mr. Rick Miller of Family Memorials, the memorial fund totaling approximately $5,500.00. They were also awaiting the artwork from the family that will be added to the stone. Trustee Haines also indicated that during the upcoming spring dedication, there are possible plans for a baseball tournament as well.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Lee Laubacher, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer