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
August 4, 2015 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
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 and payroll in the amount of $803,786.43 for the week ending July 28, 2015 and bills in the amount of $23,661.35 for the week ending August 4, 2015 for a combined total of $827,447.78; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Consider Approving Alternative 2016 Tax Budget Amount $11,712,794.02
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that this is something we have to do every year and turn in to the Budget Commission; this is due August 20, 2015. Mr. Schlegel stated that he would read off all the categories and noted that the Board has received a copy of the budget as well.
2016 Estimated Budget
01 General Fund $1,352,579.17
02 Motor Vehicle Tax $ 140,200.00
03 Gasoline Tax $ 225,400.00
04 Road & Bridge Fund $ 784,683.47
07 Lighting Assessment $ 16,553.22
09 Police District $3,704,206.45
10 Fire District $3,395,638.79
11 Road District $ 736,758.31
14 D.A.R.E. $ 6,020.00
14D PRIDE Money $ 8,153.00
15A Police Bond Fund $ 81,517.50
15B Park Bond Fund $ 47,067.11
15C Road Bond Fund $ 378,225.00
22 Drug Fund $ 4,000.00
27 Insurance Fund $ 810,292.00
30 Issue 2 $ -0-
33 DUI Fund $ 21,500.00
TOTAL $11,712,794.02
Trustee Chessler inquired what the process was after the Board’s consideration of approval. Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that after the Board approves this, this will go to the Budget Commission by August 20, 2015. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Budget Commission will check and if they need to talk to us, they would schedule a hearing with us. Mr. Schlegel indicated that he cannot remember the last time that happened. Trustee Chessler inquired that once that is approved by the Budget Commission, then what. Mr. Schlegel stated that the process is over. Trustee Chessler verified then we are essentially done with our budget until we have the budget hearings in December.
Trustee Laubacher inquired what the Drug Fund was. Mr. Schlegel stated that through the Massillon Municipal Clerk of Courts, if our officers pick up somebody and they get charged with drugs, we get a portion of that back.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board approve the Alternative 2016 Tax Budget in the amount of $11,712,794.02; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Renewing the 07 Light District Account in the Amount of $16,553.22
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that he is asking the Board to approve the 07 Lighting District for one (1) year in the amount of $16,553.22; these are the lights that we have that people actually pay for. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Fiscal Officer Assistant has spoken with AEP to find out if they project any increases for 2016; they do not, but of course they cannot guarantee this as the year goes on. Mr. Schlegel stated that we are renewing the same amount as in 2015.
Trustee Laubacher verified that this money does not come out of our pockets as such, except we pay the bill. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct and explained that when their property tax is given to us, we pay the bill.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board renew the light district fund known as Fund 07 in the amount of $16,553.22 for a one (1) year period; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Approval of May 19, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve the May 19, 2015 meeting minutes; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Administration:
Consider Care Works Comp Invoice in the Amount of $7,177.00 for Services Provided Through 2016 Group Retrospective Program
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Board has been notified by Frank Gates, Perry Township’s Third Party Administrator, that they have recently been purchased by Care Works. Administrator Fetzer indicated that we will still have the same representative, Mr. Andy Frank and they will still offer the services that we currently receive from them. The invoice from Care Works Comp is attached for the Board’s review in the amount of $7,177.00.
Administrator Fetzer stated that Perry Township enjoys the benefits of being in the Group Retrospective Rating Program and added that we are already currently established in the program so the 1% Lapse Free Program is at a savings of $1,385.00 for the Township. We are also involved in the 1% Go Green for $1,385.00 savings, as well as the 2% Active Safety Council Participation in the amount of $2,478.00 savings. Administrator Fetzer indicated that those are all the programs that we are currently eligible for.
Administrator Fetzer stated the State of Ohio is providing a billion back rebate for townships for which Perry Township will receive $71,029 in 2015 and $69,262.00 in 2016. Administrator Fetzer requested of the Board to make a motion to pay the attached invoice.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board approve the Care Work Comp invoice in the amount of $7,177.00 for services provided through the 2016 Group Retrospective Program; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler indicated that he saw a news story that has been a class action suit for a car dealer overcharging on salt; many communities are making applications for rebates or refunds from an 11 million dollar fund that has been created. Trustee Chessler indicated that we have been purchasing our salt through the county and inquired to Law Director Hall that it might be worthwhile to investigate whether or not we might be eligible for that. Trustee Chessler stated that what that has to do with Care Works (laughter); Administrator Fetzer indicated that it was cost savings; but added that the thought came to him and asked if we could make some inquiry with the county engineer’s office whether or not they will on our behalf, but could make a request for a portion of that 11 million dollars. Law Director Hall stated that he would follow up with that.
Fire Department:
Consider Boiler Replacement
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees authorize Whisler Plumbing and Heating to replace the boiler at Station 3 for an amount not to exceed $19,962.00. Chief Martin stated that as indicated in his memo to the Board, the boiler was installed in 1963 and is 52 years old. Chief Martin briefly summarized that while the boiler has served the department well, we are experiencing numerous issues with keeping the boiler in running condition.
Chief stated that two (2) quotes were obtained for replacement of the boiler; one is from Whisler Plumbing in the amount of $19,962.00 and the other is from Standard Plumbing in the amount of $16,305.00. Chief Martin noted that although Standard Plumbing is the lower bid, their bid does not include replacing several valves in the system. Chief Martin indicated that their proposal has a specific not stating that “Note: This price is based upon the existing valves holding.” The Whisler Plumbing quote includes replacing the existing valves and the system will be 100% complete at that point and time. Chief Martin indicated that Whisler has done all the maintenance on the boiler for the past several years. Also indicated, the replacement of the boiler was incorporated into the 2014 budget.
Trustee Haines stated that he noted on the Whisler Plumbing proposal, they proposed it for Massillon Fire Department and inquired if they would they bill Massillon for us (laughter). Chief Martin stated that you can try that, but they sent it to us, they figured out where it was going (more laughter). Trustee Chessler stated for those of us that have pipes over 52 years old and the leaks that come about, I can relate to that.
Trustee Chessler thanked Chief Martin and added that we always do scrutinize a little more closely when we have price quotations and note that the higher quote is being recommended but added that he thinks he clarified that well in explaining why that is a better route to go in the long run.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the request to engage Whisler Plumbing to replace the boiler at Station 3 at the quoted cost not to exceed $19,962.00 be approved by the Board; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
Trustee Laubacher remarked that this should make the unit almost completely brand new; everything except for the pipes going into the floor. Chief Martin stated that actually they anticipate that because a 52 year old boiler is so inefficient, it may be within five (5) years that we will see that difference of $3,000.00 made up just in the efficiency of a brand new boiler. Chief Martin indicated that it will take a little bit of time to recover that cost, but added that he thinks five (5) years is a reasonable time frame.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Police Department:
Consider Resignation of Police Dispatcher, Amy Lincoln
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has a copy of the letter that was authored by Chief Pomesky notifying us that the Police Department has received a letter dated July 17, 2015 from Amy Lincoln, a current dispatcher who is informing us of her resignation, effective two (2) weeks from that date which would make it August 1st and inquired of Chief Pomesky if that was correct. Chief Pomesky stated that was correct.
Trustee Chessler stated with regret moves that the Board accept the letter of Amy Lincoln notifying us of her resignation effective August 1, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher, with regret.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Laubacher inquired of Police Chief Pomesky how the dispatching was coming. Chief Pomesky stated that we meet Thursday to discuss a move in date with the Red Center. Chief Pomesky added that in the interim, he has had some discussions with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office to possibly employ some of their dispatchers to help fill some gaps and provide some relief for our current dispatchers that are still here. Chief Pomesky stated that those discussions have gone very well and added that he should be bringing something back for the Board to report at the next meeting.
Trustee Chessler stated to Chief Pomesky that for whatever reason that comes to a decision and you feel as though it would benefit the department to schedule those sooner than the next meeting, I think that the Board would be amenable to offer you to move forward on the terms that you think are proper and then we can ratify that to possibly alleviate any scheduling difficulties because of vacations or sick time or other things that you think will be in the department’s benefit. Trustee Haines agreed.
Road Department:
Consider Authorization to Solicit Quotes for 2015 Road Striping
Trustee Chessler stated that the Road Superintendent is requesting that the Board authorize Solicitation of Quotes for the 2015 Centerline and Edge Marking of Various Township Streets. Trustee Chessler stated that we have received in our documents the bid specifications and inquired of Road Superintendent Masalko if there were any other things that we need to know about this. Mr. Masalko replied no.
Trustee Laubacher made reference to the specifications regarding the Center Line and Edge Markings regarding pavement marking shall be applied only when the surface is clean and dry and when the pavement and air temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit so the paint would not freeze. Road Superintendent Masalko indicated that at the end of September we decided that it has to be done. Trustee Laubacher indicated that we had that problem a couple of years ago wherein the painting was to be done and it was so cold.
Trustee Chessler indicated that for the benefit of the audience, we will authorize the solicitation of road quotes and the quotes have to be back to the Board by August 17, 2015 at 3 pm.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve and authorize the Road Superintendent to take the steps necessary to solicit for centerline and edge markings of various township streets for 2015; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Law Director: None.
Zoning:
Consider Reviewing the Assistant Zoning Inspector Job Description
Trustee Chessler stated this next item on the Agenda comes from the Zoning Department; the Board is revisiting the issue of the job description for the Assistant Zoning Inspector and filling that job based on the description. Trustee Chessler stated that he believes everybody has got the provided Job Description that Law Director Hall has circulated by email. Trustee Chessler inquired if we are of mind to take this solicitation to appoint someone and then put it up to the general public. Trustee Chessler indicated that based on the job description that we now have, we will post that, a paragraph written out that: The Board of Trustees seeks to appoint a person in this part-time position. The person appointed will primarily execute the responsibilities of the Zoning Office during weekday afternoons at the direction of the Zoning Inspector. Prior experience and/or a working knowledge in planning and zoning principles, government administration, legal basics and educational communication concepts will be helpful. Computer proficiency, organizational skills and well-developed communication skills are a must. Trustee Chessler stated that today is August the 4th and we would like to have those resumes back in two (2) weeks, by the close of business on Tuesday, August 18th, 2015. Administrator Fetzer inquired how the Board would like this posted, the newspaper and Stark State College. Trustee Chessler indicated yes, and added the website as well.
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:
~Notice from Ohio Division of Liquor Control – Dolgen Midwest DBA Dollar General Store 16108, 6188 Navarre Rd. SW, Canton 44706 – New Permit#2234815-2105. Inquiries must be postmarked no later than 08/24/15
~11th Annual Buy-Way Yard Sale hosted by Perry History Club at Central Catholic High School parking lot – August 13, 14 and 15, 2015
~Perry Rotary 2nd Annual Cruise In – Waikem Ford Lot, 4321 Lincoln Way East, Sunday, August 16, 2015 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
~2nd Annual Perry Community Parade and Oktoberfest – Saturday, September 12, 2015 – Parade beginning at 11:00 am and Oktoberfest from Noon to 8:00 pm at Hartwick Park. Visit www.perrytwp.com for event details.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Bill Burrier, 4160 Roselawn Ave. SW, Massillon 44646 – Mr. Burrier stated that his concern was why the sewer is backing up above Stewart Avenue.
Trustee Haines inquired of Law Director Hall if there were any suggestions of assistance that he could think of.
Law Director Hall stated other than contacting the county sanitary engineer to make sure they are aware of this; maybe they need to replace the backflow valve to keep it from backing in, it may have failed. Mr. Hall stated that they would need to come and do an inspection.
Trustee Chessler verified neither storm nor sanitary; Trustee Haines indicated to Mr. Burrier that these are county things and added that he could certainly give him the correct number to call. Trustee Haines indicated to Mr. Burrier that they could get this information to him after this evening’s meeting.
Don Fick, 129 Saratoga Ave. NW, Canton – Mr. Fick stated that the vacation check is working well (laughter) but stated that we still have a problem with the intersection. Mr. Fick stated that there are a lot of people that walk down through there with their dogs and kids and added that slowed down the traffic very much coming from the south to the north, the four way stop, but added they would have to live there and I know that can’t be done. Mr. Fick also stated that he wanted to put in for a pension fund.
Brian Gamble, 3834 Clark St. SW, Massillon – Mr. Gamble stated that his neighbor has moved his sump pump on the side of his house and it is flooding his yard. Mr. Gamble stated that he took pictures of this and brought this to the zoning inspector. Mr. Gamble stated that Zoning Inspector Weckbacher went out to inspect this and indicated that since the neighbor put an elbow on this, it makes it all legal. Mr. Gable stated that he has his downspouts and gutters all running in the same location so it is pretty much putting all of his water off his house and roof and it comes in the side of his (Mr. Gamble’s) yard and was wondering if there was something he could do about it. Mr. Gamble indicated that he took pictures of this, took video of it and timed how many times the sump pump was kicking on, every nine (9) minutes and added that to him, that is what his neighbor was seeing in his basement.
Trustee Chessler inquired how close this neighbor’s house was. Trustee Haines indicated that he brought up Mr. Gamble’s house on the map indicating that the neighbor’s house was to the west of Mr. Gamble’s, toward Genoa. Mr. Gamble stated that was correct. Trustee Haines verified that the neighbor’s driveway is pretty much right against Mr. Gamble’s house. Mr. Gamble stated that where the water comes out, it runs right across the driveway and into my yard. Mr. Gamble stated that he has actually dug out the whole side of his house out and made a ditch and put a wall up with a lip on top of the ditch that was dug, but there is no keeping back the water.
Law Director Hall stated that this falls under the Residents Property Maintenance Code and indicated that he would refer to Zoning Inspector Weckbacher but added that the downspouts and the discharge from the sump pump have to be controlled off of the property and into the storm sewer system. Mr. Hall stated that since he is not familiar with this particular situation, he would refer to Mr. Weckbacher, but added that is what our code requires.
Mr. Weckbacher indicated that he had sent a letter to the neighbor and referenced that the downspout drain does not have to run to a ditch but it also cannot run to a neighboring property. Mr. Weckbacher stated that the gentleman has a pipe for when it comes out, it runs to the back of the property and along the side of his house; he is flooding Mr. Gamble but it runs across, probably ten (10) feet of his drive over to his house. Mr. Weckbacher stated that the gentleman called him and said that he had it hooked up to his sanitary sewer, but stated that he knows that he couldn’t do that. Mr. Gamble stated that about two (2) years ago, the neighbor put it out there and it had not rained so he wondered why all this water was in his yard and his basement was wet; when he looked over at the neighbor’s, he saw what he was doing. Mr. Gamble complained and the neighbor moved it and had not had any problems until a month and a half ago. Mr. Weckbacher stated that there were other issues that the neighbor couldn’t dispute; he had turned his garden hose on and let it sit there and run. Mr. Weckbacher indicated that he had recommended to Mr. Gamble to make a police report.
Trustee Chessler stated that as far as our zoning and maintenance code goes—Mr. Weckbacher stated that as long as it is not taken to the property, directed on that other property, if he aimed it out front and his own yard, and that is what I asked him to do, it would run toward the storm drain, but he didn’t want to have his front yard wet.
Trustee Haines inquired if the houses were lower than the street there. Mr. Gamble stated that was correct and added that there is actually a ditch in the back of the property which runs down past mine, his and the next one.
Law Director Hall indicated that he would go out to this area tomorrow with Zoning Inspector Weckbacher to review it and make sure that there is compliance with the Board’s home rule residential property maintenance code. Mr. Hall also recommended that Mr. Gamble consult with a private attorney because there are private nuisance actions that can be brought to their attention. Mr. Hall stated that after he helps the Zoning Inspector in this matter, he will give Mr. Gamble and his neighbor his opinion what, if anything, should or should not be done.
Trustee Laubacher inquired if we could suggest for the resident to pipe the water to the back of the property. Trustee Chessler stated that it was not enforceable and Mr. Hall stated that we will first look at this to see how the water flows.
Joe Williams, 5205 Trent Rd. NW, Canton 44708 – Mr. Williams inquired why this year’s road paving had stopped at 16th Street instead of doing all of Timberline and made the point that it would have to be cheaper to have completed this paving all the way through now instead of three years from now. Trustee Haines briefly explained the road paving schedule with what levy monies have allowed. Mr. Williams also inquired about the excessive speeding on Trent and indicated that nobody stops at the stop sign or slows down. Trustee Haines indicated that we could mention that and have some extra patrol on this street. Chief Pomesky confirmed they could extra patrol in that area. Mr. Williams suggested anywhere between 3:30 to 6:00 pm.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Executive Session(s):
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer