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 18, 2014 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Road Superintendent, John Masalko ~ Assistant Road Superintendent, Chris Young here in his absence
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board add to the Agenda the consideration of an indigent burial of a Township resident under Administration; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Communications:
Open Sealed Bid Proposals for Perry Township Fire Department – Remounting of Existing Ambulance
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that one (1) bid was received from Life Star Rescue, Inc. in the amount of $79,353.00.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the bid and table this matter for further consideration for review by the Fire Chief and Law Director; 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:
Letter Received 02/14/14 from Kimberly Biehl
Trustee Laubacher stated that the Board received a letter from Kimberly Biehl regarding damage that occurred to her vehicle due to road asphalt. Trustee Laubacher also stated that the Board would like to refer Miss Biehl’s letter to the Road Superintendent and Law Director for further consideration.
Trustee Chessler relayed to Law Director Hall that upon Road Superintendent Masalko’s return, if he would please obtain all the details in this matter and if appropriate, the Board would authorize him to respond to Miss Biehl in writing to convey the Board’s position on this matter.
Fire Department:
Presentation of Laryngoscopes
Captain DiAntonio, Chief Silla and Matt Gatchell of the Fire Department each conducted a presentation of the new emergency medical equipment before the Board. This new equipment was made possible through FEMA grants and other grants and donations and the township’s share. Fire Chief Martin stated that this new emergency medical equipment comes to a total cost of approximately $334,000.00 with the total cost to the taxpayers being $86,500.00.
Fire Chief Martin also wanted to make note this evening regarding a structure fire that the Fire Department responded to this morning. Chief Martin stated that what woke the resident up were the fire detectors going off. These were the detectors that the fire department installed through the FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency program. When this resident moved into this home, there were no fire detectors so he contacted the Fire Department to have them supply and install detectors. Chief Martin wanted to make a point of addressing this matter to encourage that since this smoke detector program is available to the Township through the FEMA program, there is no reason not to take full advantage of it.
Second Letter Received from Harriet Boswell 2/12/14
Trustee Laubacher stated that the Board received a second letter from Harriet Boswell concerning an incident involving a tire on her car being destroyed due to a pothole.
Trustee Haines stated that in reference to the previous incident discussed in the January 7, 2014 meeting minutes regarding pothole reimbursement, the damage was due to a pothole matter that the Road Department was made aware of, but was not able to repair due to inclement weather. However, in the pothole matter concerning Mrs. Boswell, the Township Road Department was not aware of the pothole when damage occurred to Mrs. Boswell’s vehicle, a significant difference in situations.
The Board unanimously agreed to have the Law Director draft a polite and courteous letter of denial to Mrs. Boswell regarding her reimbursement request.
New Business:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $155,493.57 for the week ending February 11, 2014 and bills only in the amount of $13,258.67 for the week ending February 18, 2014 for a combined total of $168,752.24; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 4, 2014 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel made note to the Board that he would be on vacation the week of March 4, 2014. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Fiscal Officer Assistant usually stands in his absence, but is unable to for the March 4, 2014 meeting. Administrator Fetzer will stand in his place for this meeting.
Administration:
Consider Memorandum of Understanding between Perry Township and Stark Soil & Water Conservation District
Administrator Fetzer stated that Perry Township is mandated to file an annual NPDES report (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) by April 1st of each year. The Township contracts the services of Stark Soil and Water Conservation District to conduct on site inspections and to assist in preparing construction site run off control measures, and post construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment.
Administrator Fetzer stated that notable changes and the service invoice and copy of the proposed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) are attached before the Board. Stark Soil and Water Conservation require two (2) signed copies of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Administrator Fetzer is requesting the Board to consider making a motion to authorize payment to Stark Soil and Water Conservation in the amount of $5,000.00 for services rendered to the Township.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District for technical assistance and further authorize the payment to them in the amount of $5,000.00 for the Township’s obligations in the NPDES program; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consideration of an Indigent Burial of a Township Resident
Administrator Fetzer stated that the administration office was contacted by the Stark County Coroner’s Office on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 regarding an indigent matter for Mr. Larry Champoir. Mr. Champoir passed away at the Hanover House on January 3, 2014. Attached before the Board are the Verification of Residency Request forms from Hanover House as well as the relinquishment of final arrangements from the decedent’s daughter. Also attached are three (3) quotes for cremation services.
Administrator Fetzer stated that the decedent is deemed indigent not by a financial manner, but indigent with no family. In this case, it would be the Board’s responsibility to make the final arrangements on Mr. Champoir’s behalf.
Law Director Hall stated that Mr. Champoir still has funds on deposit at Hanover House and although the Board will hopefully authorize the cremation services for the decedent, this will most likely be paid directly from Hanover House. Mr. Hall explained that Mr. Champoir falls into a gap in the law where the coroner’s office cannot authorize the cremation services and Hanover House either cannot or will not authorize these final arrangements so it falls back onto the Board under the indigent burial statute. Mr. Hall stated that he asks the Board to approve the amount with the understanding that this amount will be reimbursed or will be paid directly by Hanover House.
Trustee Haines reaffirmed that if the Board authorizes these services, the Township will authorize payment for the cremation services and Hanover House will reimburse the Township based on the decedent’s funding at Hanover House. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Mr. Hall stated that the cemetery plot, the opening and closing and cemetery marker are all subject to recapture those funds from the amounts the decedent has on deposit at the Hanover House.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the Board’s discussion here and based on the information that we have received indicating that Mr. Larry Champoir who died on January 3, 2014 was a resident of Perry Township and was deemed indigent, the Board will authorize payment to Ohio Cremation in an amount not to exceed $698.00 for the cremation and burial services subject to our efforts to seek reimbursement or payment of this bill by Hanover House; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Consider Accepting the JAG Grant in the amount of $5,600
Police Chief Pomesky stated that in late 2013, the police department applied for the Justice Assistance Grant to replace some of the aging computers at the police department. Chief Pomesky also indicated that he had taken the steps to apply for this grant and $5,600.00 was awarded to them to purchase computers within the department. As part of the grant, the police department will be required to match $560.00 (10% match) in funds to receive the grant funding. The total grant funds to be received is $5,040.00. This grant has made it possible to replace and update computers that the township police officers and detectives use on a daily basis.
Chief Pomesky stated that there will be other expenditures to replace computers within the department; however, this will decrease the cost for this project significantly. Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is asking for the Board’s acceptance of the Justice Assistance Grant and the authorization to complete the appropriate steps of the grant.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $5,040.00 and further authorize the Police Chief to take the steps necessary to provide the matching funds to purchase the computers as described and request the Police Chief to investigate whether or not the funds can be taken from a fund other than the General Fund; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Promotion Board
Police Chief Pomesky stated that as the Board is aware, there is a vacancy to fill within the Sergeant’s rank of the police department. Chief Pomesky also stated that he has taken the steps to schedule a promotional exam which is currently going to take place on February 28, 2018 at 3:30 pm in the training room of the police department. There are six (6) candidates within the department scheduled to take the exam. As part of the promotional exams, it becomes necessary to establish a Promotional Board for those applicants who have passed the exam successfully. Chief Pomesky stated that he is requesting a member of the Board of Trustees to sit on the Promotional Board to assist with the assessment process for the candidates.
After a brief discussion, Trustee Haines made a motion that Trustee Chessler sit on the Promotional Board for the exams to fill the Sergeant’s rank of the police department; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Road Department:
Consider Option to Bid with Stark County Cooperative Salt Purchasing Program
On behalf of Road Superintendent Masalko and his excused absence this evening , Trustee Haines initiated a brief discussion regarding the annual bid for salt contracts for the 2014-2015 snow control season and the decision to be made between the state or county cooperative purchasing programs.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board direct the Road Superintendent to indicate the preference of the Board of Perry Township Trustees to bid with the Stark County Cooperative Salt Purchasing Program for the 2014-2015 snow control season; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Law Director:
Provide Status Update on the Stark County Health District
Law Director Hall stated that he wanted to briefly update the Board on this matter. The Board previously authorized the Fiscal Officer and Law Director to file an objection to the Health District proportionment. The Vice Commission has not yet made a ruling. Law Director Hall stated that he received a phone call from County Auditor Herald and he indicated that there was a possibility of another hearing on this matter this Thursday, February 20, 2014 where additional testimony and consideration would be given. Law Director Hall stated that he would make the Board aware if this hearing would take place. Law Director Hall indicated that he does not anticipate a ruling favorable to the Township and if this would be the case, would appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals. Mr. Hall also shared that Trustee Laubacher had made a presentation last week at the Ohio Township Association Conference and had discussion with the Ohio Township Association’s Executive Director in regard to this matter. It was indicated that this matter may expand and have some state-wide interest.
Trustee Laubacher indicated that he also spoke with two (2) of Lake Township’s Trustees and they are interested in going in with us on this case as well.
Zoning:
Discussion of Next Steps for Demolition at 5979 Longview Street SW
Zoning Inspector Weckbacher stated that in reference to the property at 5979 Longview Street SW, an asbestos inspection was done on this property and the initial inspection was sufficient. Mr. Weckbacher stated that when the asbestos report was emailed to the Canton Air Pollution Board of Control EPA, they approved the two (2) other properties scheduled for demolition: 4441 15th St. NW and 4511 Surmay Ave. SW, but put a hold on the Longview property. Mr. Weckbacher indicated that according to the Ohio Department of Health regulations, the ceilings in the Longview Street property would have to be removed in regard to the asbestos content. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he received a quote from H & H Environmental for the removal of ceiling asbestos on this property in the amount of $11,000.00. This would put the demolition cost for this property in the amount of $15,510. The Township would get half of this amount back but would put the total cost to the Township for this Longview property in the amount of $7,000.00. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he spoke to Kathy Baker who takes care of all the demolitions for the city of Canton; she relayed the option that the entire house could be taken to a specialized, approved landfill for asbestos materials. Mr. Weckbacher contacted C.R.S. Contracting and the cost for this option to remove the entire house would be an additional approximate amount of $4,000.00.
Mr. Weckbacher also stated that he contacted Lynn Carlone at Stark County Regional Planning to inquire about this option as well as Law Director Hall to inquire about a change order to increase the bid price. Mr. Weckbacher inquired if the Board would want to authorize this or drop this property from the scheduled demolition program.
Trustee Haines inquired if any of the additional $4,000.00 used for the house on Longview to be taken to the specialized landfill would be reimbursed back to the Township through the Moving Ohio Forward program. Mr. Weckbacher stated that the Township would be reimbursed for half of the cost incurred.
Law Director Hall stated that he suggests that the Board authorize a change order not to exceed $4,000.00 with C.R.S. Construction and subject to or contingent upon notification that the Moving Ohio Forward program will reimburse the Board for half of that amount.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve a change order to the contract with C.R.S. Contracting Company in the amount not to exceed $4,000.00 contingent upon reimbursement from the certification of the Moving Ohio Forward program for the property located at 5979 Longview St. SW; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
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 – March 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Tim Blythe, 2956 Bridgeton St. NW, Massillon 44646 – Mr. Blythe asked if this raised the cost over the original designated amount for the demolition of the Longview property. Trustee Haines explained that for the three (3) homes to be demolished and through the Moving Ohio Forward program, the total amount allocated was up to $30,000.00.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 pm; seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Lee Laubacher, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer