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
February 4, 2014 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Scott Weckbacher-Attending Stark County Regional Planning Meeting
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Pat Van Camp ~ Certification of Appreciation
Trustee Laubacher stated that Pat Van Camp been a dispatcher for the Police Department for the last ten (10) years and upon her retirement that was effective at the end of December 2013, the Board would like to present a Certificate of Appreciation and thank Pat for her dedicated service with the Township and wish her the very best in the future.
Pat thanked everyone and the Board for the opportunity to serve this community and the Township.
Swearing in Ceremony of Part Time Firefighters
Trustee Laubacher stated that at the January 21, 2014 Regular Meeting, there were sixteen (16) part time firefighters sworn in. The Board would like to thank Chief Martin for all his work in the hiring of these individuals as well as the following eleven (11) part time employees for the staffing of the three Perry Township Fire Stations. Trustee Laubacher stated that he feels honored to be able to swear in these following eleven (11) individuals as well:
- Beitler, Mitchell FFII/Paramedic
- DeLuca, Vincent FFII/EMT-B
- Dryden, Taylor FFII/EMT-B
- Hafer, Adam FFII/EMT-B
- Lynch, Zachary FFII/EMT-B
- McCoy, Nicholas FFII/Paramedic
- McKibben, Chris FFII/EMT-B
8. Nupp, Brian FFII/Paramedic
9. Pawson, Juliana FFII/EMT-B
10. Phillips, David FFII/EMT-B
11. Wright, Emily FFII/EMT-B
Trustee Chessler made a motion on behalf of the Board of Trustees that the aforementioned part-time firefighters be hired by Perry Township as part-time employees. They will be required to follow and complete all the current requirements placed on probationary members. Probationary periods of all employees will be determined by department skill competency evaluations. All hired members will be afforded all benefits currently applicable to part-time employees. The hiring date to be effective for these eleven (11) members of the Fire Department tonight will be Tuesday, February 4, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Chessler made a motion on behalf of the Board of Trustees, effective January 21, 2014 to ratify the swearing in for the following members of the Fire Department:
- 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
These sixteen (16) individuals will be hired by the Perry Township Fire Department as part-time employees. They will be required to follow and complete all the current requirements placed on probationary members. Probationary periods of all employees will be determined by department skill competency evaluations. All hired members will be afforded all benefits currently applicable to part-time employees. The hiring date to be effective for these sixteen (16) members of the Fire Department tonight will be Tuesday, January 21, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Laubacher welcomed these part-time firefighters as a part of the Fire Department and announced a five (5) minute recess.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel announced the recess at 7:11 pm.
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5 Minute Recess
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Fiscal Officer Schlegel announced the Regular Meeting to begin again at 7:16 pm.
Hearing for 13th Street SW Street Lighting ~ Petitioner: Sue Williams
Trustee Laubacher stated that in reference to the Street Lighting Hearing for 13th Street SW, the petitioner is Sue Williams. This petition is for one (1) light for three (3) parcels that will participate in this lighting district. The three (3) signatures have been acquired from the landowners on 13th Street.
Trustee Laubacher asked if there was anyone here this evening to speak for or against this petition. Trustee Laubacher stated that seeing no person for either side makes a motion that the Board of Trustees approve the district known as 4908 13th Street SW that will be billed to these three (3) residents at 4908, 4914 and 4902 13th Street SW. Notice that all Trustees are aware of this address and location of the street lighting district has been confirmed. Trustee Laubacher stated that attached with the petition is a picture of the area where the light is located; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
Trustee Chessler also noted that the Board has acknowledged this petition as of December 5, 2013 and that the Fiscal Officer has taken the steps necessary to advertise this as we are required to do. Notice has also been given to the landowners and stated that this matter was previously scheduled for a hearing and resolution this evening so that a cost assessment can be made. Fiscal Officer Schlegel added that this approval is to be made for a period of one (1) year. Trustee Chessler seconded this motion as modified.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Communications:
Letter from Harriet Boswell Received by Board on January 21, 2014
Trustee Laubacher stated that the Board received a communication from Mrs. Harriet Boswell on January 21, 2014 concerning a complaint that a tire on her car was destroyed due to a pothole about two (2) years ago. Mrs. Boswell indicated that she had read in previous minutes that the Board had helped another resident recently with this same situation. Trustee Laubacher had inquired of Mrs. Boswell to provide to the Board some cost information concerning this repair, this request not yet supplied.
Trustee Chessler noted the significant difference between Mrs. Boswell’s situation and the most recent pothole matter. Trustee Haines stated that he noted the same and in regard to the situation Mrs. Boswell referenced, it could not be known whether the pothole was avoidable or not.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business:
Levy Discussion
Trustee Laubacher stated that discussion would follow in regard to the two (2) levies the Board is contemplating, the Road Levy and the Police Levy for 2014. Trustee Laubacher stated that there was some information tonight to be shared concerning these levies by Law Director Hall and Fiscal Officer Schlegel regarding the Stark County Auditor’s information as to what the cost would be relating to each of these two (2) levies.
Trustee Chessler stated that one item received by the Board on January 24, 2014 was a worksheet on each of the requests – calculation of revenue – the millage rate of 1.00 and a total revenue. Trustee Chessler inquired of Fiscal Officer Schlegel if this was the anticipated revenue in addition to what is being received. M r. Schlegel stated that this is a one (1) mil. One (1) mil will bring in approximately $481,203 for the Road Department. The Police levy would bring in $478,811. Mr. Schlegel stated that he called the Stark County Auditor’s Office to inquire why these amounts were different since they were both one (1) mil and spoke to John Oats who explained the reason for this difference.
Law Director Hall referred to the two (2) draft resolutions he prepared for the Board’s consideration in regard to the levy information and also gave a brief explanation as to the two (2) different levy revenue amounts.
Trustee Haines stated that in looking at both the Road and Police levies, they are both very important. The roads are an important issue and in regard to the microsealing process, there is never anyone happy with this method. If a Road levy is not passed, the Township will have to continue with the microsealing process versus paving. However, to put both the Police and Road levies on at the same time, it seems that it could possibly be setting up one of them for failure.
Mr. Schlegel stated that in reference to cost amounts, the Road Levy would bring in $481,203 per year. This would cost a $100,000 homeowner $35.00 per year or $2.92 a month or $.67 per week.
Lengthy discussion took place regarding both the Road and Police levies.
Trustee Laubacher asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak in regard to the police levy. Questions were posed and discussed.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adopt and approve a resolution on the submission of the question of an additional tax levy for the benefit of Perry Township for the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads and bridges in Perry Township that being a 1 mil additional levy that will be submitted to the voters in Perry Township in a May 2014 election; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Laubacher stated that in the next months, the Board would be looking at what necessary steps would need to be taken in regard to the Police levy. Trustee Laubacher requested Chief Pomesky to supply the Board with some additional information so that a firm plan of action could be put together in regard to the police levy matter.
New Business:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $409,676.91 for the week ending January 28, 2014 and bills only in the amount of $40,766.25 for the week ending February 4, 2014 for a combined total of $450,443.16; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 21, 2014 Work Session and Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration:
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting Donation from McKinley Eagles
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept a donation in the amount of $3,375.00 from the McKinley Eagles to purchase three (3) King Video Laryngoscopes.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accepts the donation from the McKinley Eagles in the amount of $3,375.00; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider the Purchase of Three (3) King vision Laryngoscopes
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees authorize the purchase of three (3) King Vision Video Laryngoscopes and supplemental blades from Boundtree Medical, P.O. Box 8023, Dublin, Ohio 43016 at a cost not to exceed $3,800.00.
The Fire Department received a donation in the amount of $3,375.00 from the McKinley Eagles to purchase these laryngoscopes and in addition, the department will need to purchase laryngoscope blades.
Chief Martin stated that attached before the Board are three (3) quotes for this purchase request and it is recommended that the department accept the lowest quote from Boundtree Medical.
Chief Martin briefly explained the function of the laryngoscope device and the benefits it would provide to the paramedics in the department.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the Chief’s presentation and the donation that the Board has accepted from the McKinley Eagles, makes a motion that the Chief is authorized to take the steps necessary to complete the purchase of three (3) laryngoscopes from Boundtree Medical at a cost not to exceed $3,800.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Riding Agreement with Canton South High School
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize a Riding Agreement between the Perry Township Fire Department and the Canton South High School. Canton South High School has requested that Perry Fire enter into a Cooperative Training Agreement with their two-year career tech program.
Chief Martin stated that Canton South currently has a senior from Perry High School that is finishing the Sports Medicine track and is required to obtain field service ride time. In the past, these agreements have proved to be beneficial for both the student and the Fire Department. Chief Martin also stated that the riding agreement has been reviewed and approved by Law Director Hall.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board of Trustees agree with the Riding Agreement with Canton South High School for the two-year career tech program; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
Trustee Chessler made note that there is a provision in the riding agreement with regard to the parental guardian’s responsibilities recognizing that liability does not fall back onto the employer. Trustee Chessler also referred to Law Director Hall about providing a provision in the riding agreement that states the Township is indemnified and is to be held harmless for any potential claims.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Road Department:
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:
~Perry Township Bicentennial Meeting – Monday, February 10, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall
~Ohio Division of Liquor Control – Applicant: Penelope Phillips, requesting permit #6884125 dba Whitey’s Tavern. First responses must be postmarked no later than February 18, 2014 – Floor & Patio, 4243 Erie Street, Perry Township, Navarre, Ohio 44662.
~Trustee Laubacher wanted to make note of a verbal thank you he received on behalf of the Board of Trustees per Antonio’s Restaurant for the processing of their liquor license application.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Paul Bailey, 2538 Shirley Ann Ave. SW, Canton, Ohio 44706 – Mr. Bailey inquired why certain allotments get better treatment for snow removal than others. Mr. Bailey stated that on January 27, 2014, he drove into this particular allotment and the street was perfectly clear and salted, right across the street on Benjamin, it was snow covered.
Trustee Haines stated that he would check with Road Superintendent Masalko in regard to this matter.
Tom Ross, 2845 Standish Avenue, Canton, Ohio 44706 – Mr. Ross asked if anything was done or going to be done at Doctor’s Hospital. It is a safety hazard for everyone in the neighborhood.
Trustee Haines stated that he knows this property has many issues, but it is still on the market and has had some recent interest, but the Township has no knowledge if anything is moving forward on it. Trustee Haines added that it is owned by a private owner and it is being heavily marketed for not only this area but across the country. The Stark Development Board has been contacted to find out if there would be any types of available grants this property might have available to them.
Mr. Ross also stated that in the spring season, the weeds and upkeep of the property should be kept up just as it is for all other property owners or it would not be in compliance with the zoning regulations.
Trustee Haines stated that it is the responsibility of the owner for maintaining the upkeep of the building, also boarded up and secure and at the same time the outside must be kept orderly as well, mowed and weed control. There have not been any violations as to the mowing in the past.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board adjourn into an Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) concerning employment status of a member of the police department to include the Board, Fiscal Officer, Law Director and Police Chief; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 8:41 pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 8:56 pm
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 pm; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Lee Laubacher, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer