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
October 6, 2015 Early Start Time 6:00 pm
Regular Meeting 7:00 pm
Trustee Chessler opened the meeting at 6:01 pm and stated that it was previously scheduled to conduct interviews tonight for an opening position. Trustee Chessler indicated that we will do that in Executive Session.
Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session with the Board and Fiscal Officer pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(1) to discuss a possible employment with the Township; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 6:02 pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 7:07 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Trustee Chessler again opened the Regular Meeting and stated that we had previously announced that we were going to commence early at 6:00 pm to conduct interviews for an open position. Trustee Chessler stated that we were delayed from our usual start time at 7:00 pm and apologized to all the Central Catholic students who were attending the meeting this evening for their government class.
Excused absence: Scott Weckbacher, Zoning Inspector – on vacation
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board make a change to the Agenda under the Law Director, Agenda Item: a) will be replaced by: Consider acceptance of a letter of resignation from Richard Moore, substituted by the current item; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Law Director Hall stated that on behalf of Zoning Inspector Weckbacher would propose to add: Consideration of the John Marks nuisance action at 6950 Navarre Road SW. Mr. Hall stated that he has that file and is ready to report to the Board in regard to this matter.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the request of the Law Director that we add an Agenda Item c) to the Law Director’s report for the John Marks matter involving 6950 Navarre Road SW; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
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 and payroll in the amount of $201,797.52 for the week ending September 22, 2015 and bills in the amount of $171,545.74 for the week ending September 29, 2015 and bills and payroll for the week ending October 8, 2015 in the amount of $159,523.68 for a combined total of $532,866.94; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Consider Accepting the Minutes of 9/15/15
Trustee Haines made a motion to accept the minutes from the September 15, 2015 Regular Meeting as given to us; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Administration:
Fire Department:
Consider Renewal of Provident Accident Insurance Policy
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees authorize entering into a three (3) year contract with Provident Accident Insurance at a cost not to exceed $10,755.00. The policy will be in effect from November 3, 2018.
Chief Martin indicated that the Provident Accident policy provides supplemental coverage to members of the department that are injured. This policy is extremely useful for part-time members who might get injured and miss time from their regular job. The department has utilized the Provident Supplemental Accident policy since 2003. The first payment of the policy would be $3,585.00.
Trustee Chessler inquired if we plan for that every year in our budget. Chief Martin stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler also verified that this is a request for the payment of the premium renewal. Chief Martin indicated that yes, it is a three (3) year contract in the amount of $3,585.00 per year.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on this request the Board authorize entering into a three (3) year contract with Provident Accident Insurance at a cost not to exceed a total amount of $10,755.00 for a three (3) year period and further authorize the first payment to be made in the amount of $3,585.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Transfer of Haz Mat Trailer to Stark County Haz Mat Team
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees transfer the 1988, 3500 lb. Haulmark trailer, vehicle #16HCB1212WH047695 and associated supplies/equipment to the Stark County Haz Mat Team. Chief Martin indicated that he cannot take credit for this since this was Trustee Chessler’s idea. Chief Martin stated that we needed some space and appreciates that adding that it is a good match. Chief Martin stated that he has been here seven (7) years and the trailer has never left the station in seven (7) years, further indication that we are not utilizing it and the transfer is a good idea, they can use it.
Trustee Chessler stated that he knew that recently SCOG, the Stark County Council of Government has taken Haz Mat under its wing and the County Commissioners have purchased and renovated a new building in the northeast quadrant of Canton and it looks like they have an empty space for this. Trustee Chessler thanked Chief Martin for carrying this out.
Trustee Laubacher stated that as Chief Martin has pointed out, our Fire Department really does not have the staff trained to do what needs to be done with the trailer and added so why not put it where the people are trained so that it can be used.
Fire Chief Martin briefly indicated that in speaking with the coordinator of the Haz Mat team, they would like to be able to station equipment patches inside the satellite areas so this trailer could help serve that purpose for them.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Fire Chief is authorized to take whatever steps that are necessary to transfer our 1988, 3500 lb. Haulmark trailer and associated supplies/equipment to the Stark County Haz Mat team; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Police Department:
Consider Donation from McKinley Eagles
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept the donation from the McKinley Eagles for trick or treat candy. The total donation amount was $1,000.00.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board accept the donation from the McKinley Eagles in the amount of $1,000.00 to buy trick or treat candy; date of Trick or Treat scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 3-5 pm.; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Road and Park Department:
Consider Resignation of Administration Assistant
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board is in possession of a letter dated August 26, 2015 addressed to the Board submitted by Marilyn Carrick, Administrative Assistant in the Road Department, her last day was September 11, 2015 and makes a motion that the Board, retroactively to that date, accept the letter of resignation; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Law Director:
Consider Acceptance of a Letter of Resignation from Richard Moore
Trustee Chessler stated that with the amended Agenda Item a), the Board has received a copy of the letter that is undated but knows that it was received today, October 6, 2015, submitted by Richard Moore and in the letter, offers his resignation as a member of the Perry Township Fire Department.
Law Director Hall stated that both he and Fire Chief Martin agree and recommend that Mr. Moore’s resignation should be accepted and will make move to any further consideration of items listed on the Agenda that would note that the letter of resignation does say that it shall be effective October 6, 2015 which is today and we recommend the Board accept that resignation.
Trustee Haines verified that in Mr. Moore’s letter of resignation, he is asking if he can attend regular meetings and added that he does not see what benefit that would be for him or our department.
Fire Chief Martin indicated that in an earlier conversation with the Law Director, they were exploring this request and briefly explained that until they do some research and meet with the state representative, do not have an answer to this request, but directed to Trustee Haines that they share the same philosophy.
Law Director Hall stated in his preliminary opinion, Mr. Moore may be a member of the union, IAFF and the local, but he is not a member of the bargaining unit so he would not be eligible to attend those meetings. Mr. Hall stated this matter is to be discussed, as Chief Martin indicated, with the state representative and we will handle that very promptly.
Trustee Chessler stated that as with his introduction of this item, is noting that the Board accepts the letter, for purposes of the resignation that is effective today, and makes a motion that we do so in that limited regard; that Richard Moore submitted a letter of resignation, effective today; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher
Consider Who Will Represent the Board in Fire, Road and Police Contract Negotiations
Law Director Hall stated that as the Board is aware, we have worked for many years to get all of the union contracts on the same rotation schedule so that the Road Department, the Fire and EMS department and the two (2) police contracts will all come due at the end of this year. Mr. Hall stated that we have received notice to negotiate from the Police Patrol and Sergeant unions and have been informed that we will soon have the notice to negotiate from the other two (2) unions. Mr. Hall further added that he would like the Board to consider having a Trustee, a Department Head and added that he is prepared to take the lead in terms of those separate contract negotiations. Mr. Hall stated that it is not going to be pretty, pleasant or fun. Trustee Chessler stated to Mr. Hall that he thinks he has a knack for understatement, it is much like surgery without anesthesia, but somebody has got to do it (laughter).
Trustee Chessler indicated that this is a matter where we have a lot of people who are eligible, but everybody but me has taken one (1) step back (more laughter). Trustee Chessler stated that he will agree, as the Board’s president, to be the Board’s designated representative. Trustee Haines stated to Trustee Chessler that he knows that he has had experience with this in the past and indicated that he is fine with that. Trustee Chessler briefly indicated that we have the fire union, the road union and two (2) bargaining units with the police. Mr. Hall verified that there are the patrol detectives which is one, and the sergeants, which is the second one. Mr. Hall stated that the dispatchers will be disbanded here at the end of this month.
Trustee Chessler verified that we have four (4) units. Trustee Chessler stated that he would ask the Fire Chief, the Police Chief and the Road Superintendent to review the contracts and from our side of the table if there are issues, not monetary issues, added that he thinks that we can collect the numbers from the Fiscal Officer and be educated on where our position will be then, but if there are other issues that you would like to raise during the process, just share them with Mr. Hall and we will respond to them.
Trustee Haines stated to Trustee Chessler that if he would want to split them, he would take two (2) and Trustee Chessler would take two (2). Trustee Haines inquired if that would make sense to do this or would it make sense to keep them all. Trustee Chessler stated that if it gets to be that; indicating that the last time there was one that had a long series of meetings.
Law Director Hall stated to Trustee Haines that with all due respect to him and Trustee Laubacher and more importantly to the process, it is better to have one (1) Board Representative, but otherwise, the unions can use a divide and conquer technique and it is better to have us discussing, as a group, rather than dividing and conquering.
Zoning:
Law Director Hall stated that last Friday, Zoning Inspector Weckbacher provided him with information on the property at 6950 Navarre Road SW; it has an accumulation of unlicensed and junk motor vehicles; Mr. Weckbacher has been sending notices to try and clean up this property, according to his files, since February 2015. Mr. Hall is requesting the Board to pass a verbal resolution declaring the property as a nuisance and authorizing the Zoning Inspector and the Law Director to take actions to abate the nuisance.
Trustee Laubacher stated that he spoke to some people who are associated near this property and had brought to his attention and added that some of the vehicles have been moved. Mr. Hall stated that for the Board’s record, he drove by the property on Friday and it is pretty bad and had drove by again this evening prior to the meeting and there has been no change.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on this request, makes a motion that the Board authorize the Law Director and Zoning Inspector to take whatever steps necessary to comply with our statistic code and abate the nuisance at 6950 Navarre Road SW; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action: None.
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
Trustee Chessler stated that in regard to Trick or Treat this year, this year is unique and added that he in no way had any intentions of making a unilateral decision; he had received a call last week from a reporter of the Canton Repository inquiring about what Perry Township was doing for Halloween. Trustee Chessler stated that he had indicated that in years past, as long as he could remember, the Township has followed the County’s lead and that was to recognize this on the last Sunday in October from 3 – 5 pm. Trustee Chessler stated that he made the mistake in making the comment that he knew this because it always interrupted him in watching the Brown’s game. Trustee Chessler stated that the reporter took that a little out of context and put it in the paper today and added that he received a call today from an angry lady asking if he valued the Browns over Halloween. Trustee Chessler stated that he replied that he recognized the practice from past years and added that making it the week before the 31st would be too soon and the week after would have been too late. Trustee Chessler indicated that he had stated that we will probably adopt Saturday, October 31st, not knowing at the time that the reason the County Commissioners had adopted the timing of 5 – 7 pm was because McKinley and Massillon will begin their annual football game that day at 2 pm and trying to accommodate that event. Trustee Chessler indicated that he was looking at it as more of a safety standpoint and added that he threw out the time of 3 -5 pm and it kind of stuck.
Trustee Haines stated that he was fine with that and added that he had the same sentiments regarding the security issue and how this will benefit the youngsters in the earlier hours.
Trustee Laubacher agreed as well and noted that the Police Department is usually out in the allotments. Police Chief Pomesky stated that was correct.
~Trustee Chessler stated that we will officially declare Halloween in Perry Township to be Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 3 – 5 pm.
~Fall Leaf Drop Off at the PERRY TOWNSHIP ROAD DEPARTMENT – Saturday, October 17th – Sunday, November 22nd ~ Weekdays: 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Saturdays, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Closed Veteran’s Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2015.
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(1) to consider employment to include the Board, Fiscal Officer, Law Director and Police Chief; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 7:29 pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 7:54 pm
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer