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
April 7, 2015 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Scott Weckbacher, Zoning Inspector ~Attending Regional Planning Meeting
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to add to the Agenda under Parks: Consider the Employment of Zack Roberts as a Casual/Seasonal Employee; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Perry Wrestling Coach Dave Riggs and 2015 Division I State Wrestling Champions:
Jake Newhouse and Jose Rodriguez
Trustee Chessler introduced invited guests this evening, Perry Wrestling Coach Dave Riggs and Perry High School seniors Jake Newhouse and Jose Rodriguez, 2015 Division I State Wrestling Champions.
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board had relayed to our State Legislators of the recent accomplishments of the Perry High School Wrestling Team and read aloud a Proclamation forwarded by Representative Kirk Schuring on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives to Perry High School senior Jake Newhouse for winning the 2015 Division I State Wrestling Championship in the 120 pound weight class.
Trustee Chessler highlighted Jake’s past and recent accomplishments and congratulated him as Perry High School Wrestling State Champion. Trustee Chessler presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jake on behalf of the Perry Township Board of Trustees as well as the Proclamation from the General Assembly.
Trustee Chessler read aloud a Proclamation on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives to Perry High School senior Jose Rodriguez for winning the 2015 Division I State Wrestling Championship in the 126 pound weight class and Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Trustee Chessler highlighted Jose’s past and recent accomplishments and acknowledged that this is the fourth consecutive year that Jose has wrestled for a State Title and congratulated him on being a two time State Champion Wrestler. Trustee Chessler presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jake on behalf of the Perry Township Board of Trustees as well as the Proclamation from the General Assembly.
Trustee Chessler read aloud a Proclamation on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives in special recognition to David Riggs on the occasion of his retirement as the wrestling coach of Perry High School.
Trustee Chessler stated that one of the highest callings that one can undertake is that of teaching our children and gave a brief highlight of Coach Riggs’ teaching and coaching career. In addition, Trustee Chessler stated that Coach Riggs has been recognized as the national federation of high school’s Ohio Coach of the Year. Trustee Chessler presented Coach Riggs with an achievement award as a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Coach Riggs stated how proud he is to be part of Perry Township and gave a brief list of thanks and added how extremely grateful he felt and stated how much this means to him.
5 Minute Recess
Communications:
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 $11,520.99 for the week ending March 31, 2015 and for bills and payroll in the amount of $184,019.60 for the week ending April 7, 2015 for a combined total of $195,540.59; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher,yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Administration:
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting the Resignation of Firefighter/Paramedic Kathy Furbee
The Perry Township Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part-time EMT-P-Firefighter Kathy Furbee, resignation letter attached before the Board.
Per Chief Martin’s memo to the Board, he has indicated that Kathy joined the department in February 1996. Kathy received a Letter of Commendation for recognizing an individual suffering an Acute Myocardial Infarction; upon rapid recognition and transport, it resulted in the re-opening of the artery and a successful outcome for the patient. Chief Martin had indicated that Kathy has been a valuable asset to the department and her contributions to the organization will be missed.
Kathy’s resignation letter indicated that she has enjoyed every minute of her time here and thanked the Chief and the Board for the opportunity to be part of the Perry Township Fire Department.
Trustee Chessler made a motion, with regret, that the Board accept the resignation of Kathy Furbee; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher, with regret.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Accepting the Resignation of Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Ben McCullough
The Perry Township Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part-time probationary EMT-P-Firefighter Ben McCullough, resignation letter dated March 25, 2015, attached before the Board. Mr. McCullough has indicated that his full time job has made it difficult to meet the requirements of this position and added that the personnel are top rate and thanked the Township for the opportunities and experience received here.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the resignation of Ben McCullough; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Police Department:
Consider the Purchase of Patrol Vehicle Equipment
Per Police Chief Pomesky’s memo to the Board is the request of the itemized list of equipment needed to outfit the recent purchase of patrol vehicles. Chief Pomesky indicated that the pricing for the equipment has met the state term/bid pricing and added that the total price for this expenditure is $12,988.52. Chief also requested the Board to consider the purchase to be made at Fallsway Equipment Inc. based on the recommendation of our Township Mechanics. Chief Pomesky confirmed that we have historically used this company for these purchases and have had excellent results for our fleet equipment.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the Police Chief for the purchase of the patrol vehicle equipment at a cost not to exceed $12,988.52 from Fallsway Equipment Inc.; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Haines verified that the above mentioned price was the total for the three vehicles purchased, not individually. Chief Pomesky stated that was correct.
Consider the Purchase of Patrol Car Decals
Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting the Board’s consideration to authorize the expenditure to outfit the new patrol cars with appropriate graphics for patrol from Wraptek LLC dba Dr. Wraps in the amount of $2,925.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board authorize the Police Department to purchase the graphics to mark the three new patrol cars from Wraptek LLC dba Dr. Wraps in the amount of $2,925; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Radio Revision Proposal
Police Chief Pomesky stated that as the Board is aware, it was previously approved to move the Police Department dispatching operation to the RED Center located in Jackson Township. Chief further indicated that over the last few weeks the migration plan to move to the center has been discussed and it is now time to start moving our equipment in order to start the moving process. The first component of this move is to start with redirecting our radio system to RED Center.
Chief Pomesky indicated that a coordinated meeting took place with RED Center, Staley Technologies, B&C Communications, Sergeant Guist and himself; in an effort to accomplish this move, B&C Communications is going to work on the RED Center side of the backroom and Staley’s will work with our technology side of the radio system. Chief Pomesly stated that the formal quotes have been obtained for the move of our system totaling $41,797.50. Chief Pomesky indicated that there are two separate quotes for this. $36,599.50 from Staley Technologies and the second quote for the APX7500 in the amount of $5,198.00 had to be quoted directly from Motorola Solutions. The labor on the quote is for the implementation of that control unit.
Chief Pomesky stated that he is requesting the Board’s approval early in this procedure, but in order to possibly work out any kinks in the process or fine tuning here and there, this will allow a more contractive time line to make sure everything transfers without a hitch.
Trustee Chessler asked Chief Pomesky to verify in regard to one of the documents presented that the invoice in the amount of $36,599.50 and the other invoice in the amount of $5,198.00 total the $41,797.50. Chief Pomesky stated that was correct and added that the reason those quotes were separate was because the APX7500 had to be quoted by Motorola Solutions separately since it was a Motorola rule for some reason.
Trustee Haines verified that this was the only expenditure out of the normal fees that we would see with this. Chief Pomesky indicated that there could be some minor other ones, but nothing significant.
Trustee Chessler stated that during the prior discussions, these were the anticipated costs. Trustee Laubacher inquired what kind of time line to expect. Chief Pomesky indicated that provided that everything bills out correctly, it will probably be 60 days, and that is getting it up and running. Chief Pomesky added that we will still be able to use the same system but the trick of this whole transfer is that we need to keep our current system operational while the other system turns on online and added that there is still quite a bit of work that goes on in the background to mirror the current operating system. Trustee Laubacher inquired if that would be sometime in June. Chief Pomesky indicated that he hoped it would be sooner but added that there are some components of this that are one of the dependents so it could push things and indicated that we will be well on track with this.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the information provided by the Chief in our prior discussions with regard to police communications, makes the motion that the Board approve payment in the total amount of $41,797.50 of which $36,599.50 will be for payment of the quote for services and goods provided by Staley Technology and another $5,198.00 to Motorola Solutions for the equipment outlined in their invoice dated March 31, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Road Department:
Consider Resolution Authorizing Hiring Two Seasonal Employees
Consider Hiring Anthony Andreotti as Seasonal Employee
Consider Hiring Justin Burns as Seasonal Employee
Trustee Chessler stated that we have had various discussions dating back to our budget hearings about the staffing of the Road Department; we have had retirements, we have had a brutal winter, overtime costs, and have an upcoming season of trying to catch up with various matters that the Road Department is responsible for, potholes, catch basins, drainage and added that the Board is aware of the need to fill some of the, no pun intended, holes in the staffing with personnel so we can adequately address those needs. Trustee Chessler stated that Road Superintendent Masalko has been mindful of the budget and has requested the Board’s approval to hire two (2) seasonal employees. Trustee Chessler stated that the Road Superintendent has submitted two (2) names and inquired if he would like to address both of those as a group.
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the first name is Anthony Andreotti and added that he previously worked for the parks and was an exceptional employee. Mr. Masalko stated that Anthony has asked if there were any openings in the Road Department and added that he had indicated that he did not know at this time. Mr. Masalko stated that after meeting with Law Director Hall and Trustee Chessler, felt that it was needed to hire some part time employees. Mr. Masalko stated that since Mr. Andreotti was interested, has had a back ground check instituted and is recommending to the Board that Anthony be an employee of the Road Department for 1500 total work hours at 28 hours a week, $12.00 an hour.
Trustee Chessler stated that this was the discussion regarding hiring two (2) seasonal workers with some limitations and added that those are ceilings on those that they average not more than 28 hours per week or a total of 1500 hours and this will keep us in compliance with various restrictions that we are dealing with; it will also give Road Superintendent Masalko two (2) people to fill in for vacations and catch up with the additional work.
Trustee Chessler stated that there is a Resolution that states that and asked Mr. Masalko to verify the other employee. Mr. Masalko stated the other person is Justin Burns and added that he came recommended by Anthony Andreotti. Mr. Masalko stated that Mr. Burns would also be part time and would be working 1500 total work hours, 28 hours per week, $12.00 per hour.
Trustee Chessler verified of the Road Superintendent that these two (2) gentlemen, assuming that the Board adopts the Resolution, will be informed of those limitations on the work hours. Mr. Masalko confirmed that they would. Mr. Masalko stated that both of these men will go through the drug and alcohol testing and driving record inquiry.
Trustee Haines inquired if both of these were CDLA’s. Mr. Masalko stated no they are not and added that they will be limited to a utility prep for the utility truck that carries all the poles; they will assist out in the field with rebuilding catch basins, cleaning ditches and helping shovel asphalt for potholes.
Trustee Chessler stated that for further discussion makes a motion that subject to satisfactory results from the drug and alcohol screen and driving record inquiry as well as other background checks, that we hire Anthony Andreotti and Justin Burns as Township employees assigned to the Road Department on a seasonal basis to be paid $12.00 per hour and not to work over an average of 28 hours a week and not to exceed a total of 1500 working hours within the year; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler stated that he would once again like to note that the Board has saved 44 pieces of paper for every person sitting up here by the use of the computers.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks Department:
Consider the Employment of Zack Roberts as a Casual/Seasonal Employee
Trustee Chessler indicated that this is an item added to this evening’s Agenda; a request from Road Superintendent Masalko to ask the Board’s consideration for another hire of a casual, part time seasonal employee for the park department. Trustee Chessler stated that the memo before them from Mr. Masalko with the stated information also includes the application and further asked if there was anything else we need to know about Zack Roberts.
Mr. Masalko stated that we generally have five (5) employees with the parks department and indicated that there are two (2) that are on board at this time. Mr. Masalko stated that two (2) more will need to be hired because there will be one casual returning after he comes back from college in May. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that Zack Roberts will be one of the two hires at $10.50 an hour, not to exceed 1500 working hours within a season at 28 hours per week.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the information that we have and the recommendation of the Park Superintendent, that the Board authorize the hire of Zack Roberts as the Perry Township employee assigned to the Park Department as a seasonal employee to be paid $10.50 per hour to not work not more than an average of 28 hours a week and not to exceed a total of 1500 working hours for the year, start date to be April 17, 2015 subject to the satisfactory results from the drug and alcohol testing and the drivers license and background check; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
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.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
Submission of March, 2015 monthly activity report
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
~Next scheduled Trustees meeting is Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm
~Perry Township Spring Clean-Up Day: Saturday, April 25th 2015 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Perry Township Road Garage, 1500 Jackson Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646. Visit www.perrytwp.com for details.
Road Superintendent Masalko indicated that appliances will be accepted with the exception of refrigerators. Freon items will not be accepted.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Roy Greenshield, 4171 Richmont Rd. NW, Navarre – Mr. Greenshield briefly spoke on the Richville community-mindedness of the residents. Mr. Greenshield stated his concern was in reference to a major fire last year on Rt. 172 and added that Perry has three fire departments, but there was only one fire truck at this scene as well as mutual aid. Mr. Greenshield also referred to a house fire that occurred approximately two months ago in Navarre and added that he read in the paper that there were fire trucks from Beach City, Brewster and Massillon but no trucks from Perry Township. Mr. Greenshield added that it seems like it is every other week that he reads in the newspaper where there are resignations from the fire department and we have volunteers from Richville that go to another Township to volunteer. Mr. Greenshield stated that one of his questions to the Trustees was do we have better fire protection now than when each of them were elected as well as asking if they thought the roads were better now than when each of them were elected. Mr. Greenshield added that the Board of Trustees did give us three things: a bridge to nowhere, you gave us the Fasnacht Farm and you gave us rotating levies for the police, fire, and road department.
Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Greenshield to verify what bridge he was referring to. Mr. Greenshield replied that it was the JEDD with Navarre that had state aid to help with. Trustee Haines indicated that no tax payer monies were used for this, it was through grants and was helped to develop the old county farm. Trustee Haines added that they are still looking for suitors for that and verified that no monies were used out of the Perry Township budget.
Trustee Chessler referred to Mr. Greenshield’s comment about the revolving levies and stated that Perry Township is in a position, as every township, village and city in Ohio is, that the State legislature has taken away from us, money that we used to use for all the services that we provide and we do not have that money anymore so we are forced to go to the taxpayers like you to support your roads, to support your police department and to support your fire department. Trustee Chessler indicated that we do not have that money, it has been taken from us so we have to replace that to keep the same level of service that you expect.
Mr. Greenshield made reference to the Fire Department once being all volunteers.
Trustee Chessler indicated that was correct and verified that Chief Martin would address some of the issues Mr. Greenshield had inquired about regarding the Fire Department.
Trustee Chessler also addressed Mr. Greenshield’s question to the Trustees: do we think things are better now than when we first became Trustees. Trustee Chessler stated that the world has changed dramatically since he first became a Trustee and added that we did have an all volunteer fire department back then and things existed in a certain way and times have changed. Trustee Chessler added that we have had to change to keep up with the times so that we can provide the level of service and buy the equipment. Trustee Chessler stated that we have to look first and foremost at what happens in Perry Township; when there are things that happen outside the borders of our Township, we have rules that we respond by and we like to help our neighbors and we look forward to them helping us. Trustee Chessler asked Chief Martin to address Mr. Greenshield’s comment regarding mutual aid.
Fire Chief Martin indicated that he was not sure which mutual aid fire Mr. Greenshield was referring to on Route 172 but indicated that when mutual aid is called for it is exclusively because of the safety. Chief Martin added the more firefighters we can put on the fire ground in the shortest period of time, two things happen: the problem goes away quicker and it enhances the safety of our personnel. Chief Martin stated that his priority is the safety of his personnel and added that they use mutual aid a lot, just like other departments do, to protect our people.
Mr. Greenshield made reference to all the fire employees who have resigned.
Chief Martin stated that as Trustee Chessler alluded to, the world has changed since the volunteer days of the 50’s; we are under a whole host of laws, regulations and requirements that require people do certain things and it has gotten to a point that many times, people just simply cannot do it anymore. They are worn out and they get tired. Back in the 50’s when it was all volunteer fire department, you probably answered about 200 calls, this year we will answer 3600 calls; they did not run EMS, and that is the mainstay for us now, by 85%. Chief Martin stated that the world has changed and we change to keep up with that.
Mr. Greenshield stated that there are other communities that have volunteer fire departments.
Chief Martin stated that they don’t run the call line that we do and they don’t face the issues that we do; Chief Martin added that Perry Township Fire Department does not go to another community unless they would call. Chief Martin added that part of the regulations dictate that you are asked to come to assist.
Trustee Haines stated with approximately 29,000 residents of Perry Township, it is like a small city and further added that he is very familiar with the Navarre Fire Department, he was on that department 20 years ago, and it is volunteer. Trustee Haines stated that they have a fraction of the calls that we have and they can still maintain it that way. Trustee Haines added that he feels comfortable being a resident of Perry Township because if he had to call 911, he knows he will get someone fairly quickly; they are on station and they will be there to take care of incoming calls.
Mr. Greenshield stated that we don’t need all the firemen to be EMT’s, we should have some firemen that just want to fight fires.
Trustee Haines stated that is not his decision to make but added that what the Chief does and the way we staff things is what we try to do best for the Township.
Chief Martin stated that it is simply more efficient and more cost effective to have cross trained personnel; that is the model that is adopted essentially throughout the modern day fire service, not just allowing people to do one job. Chief Martin added that it doesn’t cost us anything for a person to come through the door as an EMT-B or a paramedic and/or a firefighter too because we don’t hire anybody unless they already have those certifications that were paid for by somebody else. Chief Martin stated that when he came here, they hired people that were untrained and added that they did spend money to train them but stopped doing that to be more cost effective.
Mr. Greenshield stated it looks like you can’t train them fast enough to fill your ranks.
Trustee Laubacher stated that if you would happen to listen to a monitor, a lot of times, the ambulance from Station 2 goes down into Bethlehem Township to assist those people because often time, Bethlehem is not able to get out a paramedic to operate their ambulance during the day.
Chief Martin briefly noted that we give more mutual aid to Bethlehem and Navarre than they give to us.
Law Director Hall stated that he would like to make a comment in regard to this matter in that the strengths are also our weaknesses and added that the things that Chief Martin has brought to make this fire department a modern professional department is also what has subjected him to the most criticism. Mr. Hall stated that he has come to appreciate this, in defending a current BSSR claim, that his strengths in terms of compliance with state and federal regulations, the training that he has put our personnel through, both part time, fulltime, former volunteers and the documentation that he has done has placed his department to where it is probably one of the best trained and documented professional fire departments in Northeast Ohio. This also subjects the Chief to a lot of criticism because that documentation, that requirement, puts an added burden on someone who just wants to be a volunteer, and when they cannot meet those standards, they have to step aside; he has made the department stronger.
Trustee Haines thanked Mr. Greenshield for his comments.
Dana Vargo, 2910 Green Oak Circle NW, Massillon – stated that she wanted to thank everyone who bought a ticket to the pancake breakfast (referring to the Perry History Club fundraiser) and added that it was a big success. A second pancake breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for On October 17, 2015. The upcoming agenda for the Perry History Club includes a program with the Brown Bag Luncheon with the Massillon Museum at the end of this month as well as a Strawberry Ice Cream Social in June and an additional ice cream social at Schlyer School and an apple butter festival in September.
Trustee Chessler addressed Ms. Vargo regarding a letter written by the Board on behalf of the History Club in reference to a grant proposal and asked what the status was in this regard. Ms. Vargo stated they were expecting to hear a response sometime in May.
Jean Shafer, 8444 Nave Rd. SW – stated that her husband called and spoke with Trustee Laubacher last week and added that they have called for the last 5 years as well; the back of their property faces the Rt. 30 exit to Rt. 21 and is very loaded with trash and paper. Each year they call and each year a clean up crew from the sheriff’s office comes along Route 30 and picks up trash but skips over their property. Mrs. Shafer stated that they normally pick it up themselves, approximately 13 trash bags full, but she is unable to since having hip and knee surgery.
Trustee Laubacher stated that the off ramp from Rt. 30 onto Rt. 21 is Perry Township. Trustee Laubacher indicated that he had called the Sheriff’s Office to inquire about this matter and added that he would follow up with an additional phone call.
Trustee Chessler inquired of Mrs. Shafer if it is possible to get to this area of property; Mrs. Shafer indicated there was a fence behind their property. Trustee Chessler stated the Board would do what they could on Mrs. Shafer’s behalf regarding this matter.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm; seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer