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
December 15, 2015 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler stated that under Administration makes a motion that we add to the Agenda for this evening’s consideration: to consider a notice of Resignation from the Township for John Edwards; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Mark Woessner – Huntington Broker Presentation of Aultcare Renewal
Trustee Chessler stated that we have invited Mark Woessner from Huntington Insurance this evening to present information to the Board and Department Heads. Trustee Chessler indicated that Mark has been working with us for two (2) years with Huntington as our broker to acquire the best deal we can obtain for health care coverage for our Township employees. Trustee Chessler stated that every year we go through a diligent process of soliciting for quotations to try and find if there is a better product at a better price. Trustee Chessler stated that once again we would like to credit Mr. Woessner and his staff and assistants for all the work that has been done to achieve this.
Mr. Woessner stated that as Trustee Chessler has mentioned, he is with Huntington Insurance and is an insurance consultant, group health insurance specifically, and added that they ensure that their clients have the absolute best price available as well as the best balance between cost and quality and benefits. Mr. Woessner stated that we have done this again this year for Perry Township and added that we have had several strategy meetings and have met with the Perry Township Health Benefits Insurance Committee, we have addressed the 2016 renewal and we are going to be doing more of that in the upcoming weeks and months to further our strategy for upcoming renewals.
Mr. Woessner shared that Huntington Insurance conducted an extensive market search and went out to ten (10) insurance carriers and received five (5) responses. Mr. Woessner stated that two of those carriers were very competitive and added that after evaluating all the offers and options, came back to the committee, had some discussion and indicated that Aultcare was the more competitive option. Mr. Woessner stated that their recommendation has been and is to renew, for the upcoming plan year at an approximate 1% premium with Aultcare Insurance Company.
Trustee Chessler again thanked Huntington Broker, Mark Woessner and his staff and expressed the Board’s appreciation for the efforts and hard work put forth to evaluate this process to bring us to this final decision.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the recommendation of Huntington Insurance, our broker representative, based on the recommendation of our Insurance Benefit Committee, that we authorize the Administrator and Law Director to take the steps necessary to complete our renewal with Aultcare for Health Care Coverage for 2016 at an approximate 1% increase; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $91,466.01 for the week ending December 8, 2015 and bills and payroll in the amount of $129,375.85 for the week ending December 15, 2015 for a combined total of $220,841.86; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Consider Clearing Outstanding Checks: Three (3) one year and older in the amount of $219.38 and one (1) adjustment in the amount of $1,873.61 for a combined total of $2,092.99.
Trustee Chessler stated that Fiscal Officer Schlegel has asked the Board to clear outstanding checks; there are three (3) one year and older in the combined amount of $219.38 and one adjustment that will be made to our account in the amount of $1,873.61 for a combined total of $2,092.99.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve to clear the outstanding checks as listed and make the one-time adjustment in the amount stated for a total amount of $2,092.99; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Administration:
Trustee Chessler stated that the Administrator has notified the Board that we have received a written document dated December 14, 2015 on behalf of John Edwards and it states in pertinent part: due to his current health status, John Edwards will no longer be able to continue employment with Perry Township, his last day of scheduled employment was December 3, 2015.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to accept the written document stating that John Edwards is no longer able to continue employment with Perry Township; Seconded, with regret, by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Accepting the Minutes of 6/2/15
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 2, 2015 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting Resignation of Part Time Firefighter/EMT Kyle Longwell
Trustee Chessler stated that the Fire Chief has provided to the Board a memo noting the resignation of Kyle Longwell that was accompanied with a letter dated December 2, 2015 to Chief Martin and the Board and the respective fire personnel. The letter does advise us of the resignation of Kyle Longwell effective December 7, 2015 signed by him.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on this makes a motion that the Board accept the resignation letter of Kyle Longwell, effective December 7, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Hiring Mitchell Beitler as Fulltime Firefighter-Paramedic
Consider Hiring Vince Deluca as Fulltime Firefighter-Paramedic
Trustee Chessler asked Mitch Beitler and Vince Deluca to please step forward and stated that he would like each of them to take the oath of office and swearing in and get their signatures.
Trustee Chessler proceeded with the oath of office for both Mitch Beitler and Vince Deluca.
Trustee Laubacher presented each of the firefighter-paramedics with a badge and stated that he was very proud to be able to honor them with these.
Trustee Haines congratulated Mitch Beitler and Vince Deluca on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Chessler gave a brief description of the Challenge Coin; on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Perry Township Fire Department that they would like to present to commemorate this occasion of becoming a part of the Fire Department and the importance of the fire service in keeping our nation safe.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees authorize the hiring of Mitch Beitler and Vince Deluca as fulltime firefighter-paramedics with Perry Township Fire Department effective today, Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The starting rate of pay will be $13.01 per hour as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement and they will be afforded all other benefits provided for in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and will each serve a one (1) year probationary period. Mitch Beitler will be assigned to A-shift (Captain Riggs) starting Friday, December 18, 2015. Vince Deluca will be assigned to B-shift (Captain King) starting Saturday, December 19, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Authorization to Seek Construction Bids for Renovation Projects at Stations 2 and 3
Trustee Chessler stated that the Fire Chief has provided to the Board a request that we authorize the Fire Department to solicit bids for the renovations and remodeling projects at Fire Station #2 and Fire Station #3; the Chief has noted that the plans have been approved, permits have been obtained and he will be prepared to go forward with the bidding process with our authorization; we have received the bids here and they will be accepted until Friday, January 8, 2016 at 4:30 pm. Trustee Chessler indicated that he has asked Law Director Hall to provide his legal opinion on the manner in which we had to solicit bids. These are projects that are done at two distinct buildings and we have the ability, though we don’t intend to do this, to go forward on one and not the other if that would be that case, we do intend on going forward with both, but because of that, asked Law Director Hall on how we can or must receive bids.
Law Director Hall stated that because the anticipated costs for each separate project is below the public bidding amount of $50,000, the Board may proceed without following the formal bidding process. Law Director Hall indicated that there is a memo to the Chief and to the Board that details that. Mr. Hall stated that he would suggest to the Board that we add that memo and include it as part of these minutes and added that this way if there are any questions in three, five or ten years into the future, it will be on record.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board include with the minutes of tonight’s meeting, a copy of the Law Director’s legal opinion contained in a memo dated December 11, 2015 and also, the Board approve authorizing the Fire Chief, with the assistance of the Law Director, to seek and receive construction bids for the renovation projects at Station 2 and Station 3 with the idea that those bids will be accepted until Friday, January 8, 2016 at 4:30 pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Police Department:
Consider Accepting the LOGIC RED Center Contract
Trustee Chessler indicated that in the supporting documents, there is a cover letter to the Board that includes reference to a contract with L.O.G.I.C., the Local Organized Governments in Cooperation, that is the entity that operates the R.E.D. Center. Trustee Chessler acknowledged that Chief Pomesky has asked the Board to consider approval of that contract. Police Chief Pomesky stated that he has attached for the Board’s review and approval a 2016 and 2017 contract for the R.E.D. Center, for L.O.G.I.C. Chief Pomesky indicated that the Board would notice that their rates are locked in at $10.29 per person for the sum of $292,771.00 for 2016. For 2017, once they do the final assessment of the population, then we will know that number. Chief Pomesky stated that he will ask for the Board’s approval of this contract so that we can continue the dispatching services through them.
Trustee Laubacher inquired of Chief Pomesky how this particular number was calculated (referring to the sum total of $292,771.00). Chief Pomesky verified that the $10.29 per person would be multiplied by the population total. Trustee Laubacher inquired where the population total came from. Chief Pomesky stated that he could pull the exact source from them. Law Director Hall indicated that the population number was taken from the last census.
Trustee Chessler indicated to Law Director Hall that he presumed he had reviewed this matter and requested that he put his stamp approving the original as to form and sufficiency. Mr. Hall confirmed that request.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that we approve the contract with L.O.G.I.C. for the time period outlined; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Road and Park Department:
Consider Local 935 Contract
Trustee Chessler indicated that as the Board is also aware, we have undertaken negotiations with the Collective Bargaining Units for the Police Department, the Fire Department and the Road Department. Trustee Chessler stated that one of the Bargaining Units has reached a tentative agreement and verified of Law Director Hall if they have voted and approved this; Mr. Hall confirmed that they have voted and approved this. Trustee Chessler stated that this is before the Board tonight and this will be an Agreement between the Perry Township Board of Trustees and Local 935 of the Perry Organized Workers; it is for a three (3) year period that will commence January 1, 2016 and the particular terms and conditions are there for your review and consideration. Trustee Chessler inquired of Law Director Hall if there was anything else we need to add before entertaining a motion on this.
Law Director Hall indicated that he wanted to acknowledge and thank Road Superintendent Masalko and Assistant Road Superintendent Young and Board President Chessler for their assistance in getting the road union contract. Mr. Hall indicated that we have a copy for the official record and stated that he joins Board President Chessler in recommending it to the Board.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve and ratify the contract for Perry Township and its road workers for a three (3) year period commencing January 1, 2016; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Purchase of $257,550.00 Snow and Ice Treatment Effective January 1, 2016
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that as the Board is aware, we are into the 2015-2016 snow and ice season and added that fortunately we have not had to use any of our salt supply to date. Mr. Masalko indicated that the price of salt went up approximately $2.00 a ton and it is now $58.71 a ton. Road Superintendent Masalko is requesting the Board’s approval for a purchase in the amount of $257,590, 5,000 tons of salt from Cargill, Inc. De-icing Technologies and DRS Services for salt purchase and elevation. Mr. Masalko indicated that this was a budgeted item.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board authorize the Road Department to purchase 5,000 tons of salt in the amount of $257,590 for the 2015-2016 bid price at $58.71 a ton and this also includes the elevation into the dome; the vendors are Gargill, Inc. De-icing Technologies and DRS Services for salt purchases and elevation; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Hiring a FT Road Maintenance Specialist
Trustee Chessler stated that the first meeting in December we have our Budget Hearing where the Department Heads come to the Board and outline their requests for the upcoming year; the Fiscal Officer sharpens his pencil and either approves or rejects that based on our expected revenues for the year and added that the salt is one thing we know we are going to pay a lot for every year, but we have been short a person in our Road Department, the Road Maintenance Specialist.
Trustee Chessler stated that for all of you who have been around Perry Township, we do a wonderful job in snow and ice control; our roads are always clear, equal to or better than the surrounding communities. Our current guys have been taking up the slack and covering a few shifts for other people and we have really worked them hard over the year, but that is what the budget allowed. This year we are in the fortunate position to be able to hire another person to replace a retirement of actually two (2) people in 2015. Trustee Chessler stated that he wanted to commend the Road Superintendent who convened a committee of Township personnel of about five (5) people and they conducted interviews of the applicants, they developed a scoring criteria, they discussed this and I believe that they instituted a very fair process to find a person that will fit our needs. Trustee Chessler stated with that, their recommendation is that the Board hire as a Road Maintenance Specialist, Tim Corbie.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the efforts of the Road Department and the Township personnel to interview and evaluate the candidates that we hire Tim Corbie, effective January 4, 2016 subject to a drivers license background check and a drug and alcohol testing evaluation on a probationary period of eighteen (18) months at a wage of $17.20 per hour; after the successful completion of the eighteen (18) month probationary period, he will be at the full Road Maintenance Specialist wage of $21.50 per hour; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler asked Tim Corbie to please stand up and on behalf of the Board welcomed him aboard.
Law Director: None.
Zoning:
Consider Approval of 2015 Assessments to be Certified by Stark County Auditor
Trustee Chessler stated that the Zoning Inspector is asking the Board to approve the 2015 Assessments to be certified to the Stark County Auditor. Trustee Chessler verified that there were forty-four (44) assessments in varying amounts and added that before the Board is a spreadsheet that sets forth the date the service was provided, the cost and to which parcel number it will be attributed.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees approve taking the steps necessary to assess collection of these costs to the Auditor for these costs to be placed as a lien on the parcels identified; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Executive Session(s):
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Trustee Chessler stated that we will open up the Board meeting to the Public Speaks portion where you can address the Board on any matters of Township concern. Trustee Chessler indicated to please follow the new procedure in that if you would like to speak to the Board that you would rise, go to the lectern and provide your name and address.
Megan Green, 508 Harding Ave. SW, Massillon – Ms. Green stated that there has always been a problem on their street with the traffic when the high school kids get off from school. Ms. Green suggested what she thinks would be an easy fix of placing a cop or school attendant at the end of the road. Ms. Green described an accident that occurred yesterday on Harding where kids were drag racing and hit a parked car. Ms. Green stated that she would appreciate any extra patrol in this area after school. Police Chief Pomesky stated he would address this.
Trustee Chessler stated that this is Trustee Laubacher’s last meeting for those of you who didn’t know and added that he would like to say a few words.
Whether it has been with the educational system, the fire service, the provision of emergency medical transportation or Township government, Lee Laubacher has put forth his best efforts to serve this community. Rarely a meeting would go by when you didn’t see him making an acquaintance of a former student or someone from the fire department; I challenge anyone to recall a community event that if Lee was in attendance, he would be setting up, distributing things or taking down; he was always there to do the hard work and the less than glamorous things that just needed to be done. He never met a drainage problem that he didn’t want to solve; Lee has never sought the limelight and never put up any political angles; I truly believe that he has always acted with the overriding role of doing what was right. I also believe that most everyone in elected office honestly endeavors to do what is right and just and carry on their honest beliefs and convictions. This does lead to occasional disagreements, periods of discord and over the years, we have had ours, but throughout the years, where there were times of disagreement, I do not recall a single time when Lee was unwilling to sit back down and listen and reason; and that is what the public should respect and that is what the public got in Lee.
Unfortunately partisan politics does not always allow recognition of the humanity of our counterparts. Lee has never bought into this; for years he has proudly displayed a picture he had taken with Ralph Regula, two men who did the right thing. He is proud to display it, but had enough sense to keep it in the back office (laughter). While Lee can and should be proud of his time and service, I can imagine no one who can and rightly should have more pride and satisfaction with the immeasurable support and teamwork from his wife, Jackie and the large and successful family Laubacher. That is the thing that I hope Lee is most proud of. As proof, I challenge anyone who can name another clan that had to color code the children and grandchildren at their 50th anniversary celebration. You have always been blessed, or perhaps cursed to have the vigor and energy of a teenager; anyone who knows you would not preclude the chance that you may be back, but for the time being, as you depart to the next phase, we hope that you and your family enjoy good health and the making of more memories with your family and that the Corvair parts are plentiful. (applause)
Trustee Chessler stated to Trustee Laubacher that they wanted to present a very small token of all that he has given to the Township over the years and added that it is measured by weight (the award shaped in the form of a book):
~The Perry Township Board of Trustees in recognition of Lee Laubacher, Trustee, thank you for your commitment, leadership and service which you have given so generously to the members of the Perry Township Community~ ; Trustee Chessler again thanked Lee and added that Chief Martin had something to present.
Fire Chief Martin had asked Captain Riggs and Harold Ritz to please come forward. Trustee Chessler asked Lee’s wife Jackie to please step forward as well.
Chief Martin stated to Lee that as he previously indicated, ‘50 years ago you had the opportunity to enter into the fire service and one of the things that I have noticed over the last seven years, and I appreciate it probably more than anything, is that in that period of time of 50 years, you have never lost the passion for the fire service, and not a lot of people can say that. People go to work and have jobs, but you have always had that passion that burns deep within side, all the Board members have, and we in the Fire Department appreciate what you have done for us and allow us to move forward and wanted to give you a little token of our appreciation’ (a fire helmet was presented to Trustee Laubacher).
Trustee Laubacher thanked Chief Martin and remarked how many calls he and Captain Riggs were on together. Trustee Laubacher stated how much this means to him and briefly recalled:
That it was 57 years ago when he left a little town called Malvern where his father was Fire Chief. Lee was in high school and was able to be on the Fire Department, though they didn’t have very many calls in that area, but when they did it was always something unique. Lee commented on the emergency assistance we now have in Perry Township and how proud he is of the good work done daily by our firefighters and paramedics. Lee also stated how excited he is about getting all three fire stations at 24 hour service. Lee stated that we have come to expect an ambulance or fire truck to answer a call in a very timely manner in our Township and added that it is not the case in all other areas, which he greatly appreciates and is proud of. Lee stated to keep up the good work in saving lives and added that when we pay our taxes, in comparison, it is a small amount of money to pay when we think that our tax monies can affect the circumstances of the emergency services that could possibly save our lives. Lee briefly recalled some accounts of when he was a volunteer fireman in the Township and compared the differences as to how the Township emergency services have evolved. Lee stated that he has really enjoyed his time serving as a Township Trustee and thanked all of the people that he has had the pleasure of working with over these years.
Trustee Chessler invited Lee’s wife, Jackie to have the floor. Jackie recalled when Lee was in college and in the seminary to be a Catholic priest, adding that she had nothing to do with that (laughter); there was a fire in the barn there and all Lee had to put the fire out was a fire hose. Jackie, very emotionally, stated how dedicated Lee has always been as well as to this Township and to the Fire Service and paramedics and added that all of their children and spouses and grandchildren think a lot of him, as does she. Jackie also gave her thanks.
Trustee Haines invited Lee’s grandchildren to take a photograph with him; Jackie commented that there were five of their eighteen grandchildren here this evening.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer