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
November 17, 2015 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: John Masalko, Road and Park Superintendent; Chris Young, Assistant Road Superintendent here in his absence
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Laubacher stated that he wanted to mention that Perry is one of the largest Townships in the county and even though we are not the largest, we have two high schools in the Township that are in the football playoffs.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Communications:
Letter to Board from Resident on Charm Street SW Concerning Speeding Vehicles
Trustee Chessler stated that he would like to acknowledge and receipt into the record a letter that is stamped and received on November 9, 2015 from Lori Miller regarding a neighbor who is speeding on their street. Trustee Chessler stated that he would refer this to the Police Chief and ask him to report back to the Board later and if necessary, contact Mrs. Miller and discuss this matter with her. Chief Pomesky confirmed this request.
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 $211,323.96 for the week ending November 17, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Consider Authorizing an Advance in the Amount of $230,000 from the General Fund to the Police Department to be Returned to the General Fund Upon Receipt of the First Half Property Tax in 2016 no Later than 04/02/16
Trustee Chessler stated that Fiscal Officer Schlegel has individually discussed with the Board the need for an advance in the amount of $230,000 from the General Fund to the Police Department.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that when we received our second half property tax, the final, the police fund was short in the amount of $230,000. Mr. Schlegel stated that when he called and spoke with John at the Stark County Auditor’s Office, his response was that we passed a 3.49 Mill levy and we are short of the majority of this because of the people who have not paid their taxes. Mr. Schlegel stated that this is the very first year that some of these residents didn’t pay their taxes so there is nothing to repay; the majority of those people will repay it next year and it will be caught up. Trustee Chessler verified that this is an advance that will be compensated back to the General Fund. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct.
Law Director Hall indicated that before the motion is made, he would suggest that as on the Agenda to comply with the state requirements and all of the requirements, you would indicate when the loan is to be repaid or the amount advance.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the comment made from the law director makes a motion that the Board authorize an advance in the amount of $230,000 from the General Fund to the Police Department to be returned to the General Fund upon receipt of the first half property tax in 2016 and no later than April 2, 2016; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Scheduling 2016 Department Budget Hearings During the 12/01/15 Meeting
Trustee Chessler stated that the Fiscal Officer requests that the Departmental Budget Hearings be scheduled for the meeting of Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that as we have done in the past, we usually have an early start time of 6:00 pm and proceed in fifteen (15) minute intervals.
Trustee Chessler stated that seems to be fine with everyone; we will do that as we have in the past; begin at 6:00 pm and proceed in fifteen minute intervals.
Consider Accepting Meeting Minutes of 08/04/15, 10/06/15 and 11/10/15
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of August 4, 2015, October 6, 2015 and November 10, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Administration:
Consider Authorizing the Closing of Specific Streets in Perry Township for the Perry Rotary Turkey Trot on 1/26/15 in Conjunction with ODOT’s Approval
Trustee Chessler stated that it is almost time for the very popular Turkey Trot sponsored and conducted in large part by the Perry Township Rotary and in conjunction with the Township Road Department. Trustee Chessler stated that we are being asked, as we have in years past, to authorize the closing of certain streets to assure the safety of those participating. Trustee Chessler stated that we are familiar with the process and are familiar with the streets and inquired if there were any questions or comments with regard to this request.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize, subject to the Road Superintendent, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief, that the closing of certain streets in Perry Township for the Perry Rotary Turkey Trot on 11-26-15 in conjunction with ODOT’s approval; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fire Department:
Police Department:
Consider EmergiTech Annual Maintenance and Support Agreement
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting that the Board consider the approval of the annual EmergiTech Maintenance and Support Agreement, attached eligible items attached before the Board, total cost is $5,208.07.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board of Trustees approve the annual EmergiTech Maintenance and Support Agreement in the total amount of $5,208.07; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Accepting the 2015-2016 Drug Use Prevention Grant
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Attorney General’s Office has awarded the Police Department $20,253.23 for the 2015-2016 Drug Use Prevention Grant. The Police Department uses these funds to help pay the salaries of the DARE Officer and the School Resource Officer. I am asking that the Board accept the grant award in the amount of $20,253.23.
Trustee Chessler inquired of Chief Pomesky if this was an incurring award. Chief Pomesky stated that it is something that has to be applied for, annually, and added that if you do not put your program together for the State and apply, you will not be awarded these monies. Trustee Chessler verified that we are eligible to receive it. Chief Pomesky stated that we are eligible because we have a DARE Officer and the curriculum requirements are met.
Trustee Laubacher inquired how this particular amount is calculated. Chief Pomesky stated that it is based upon the hourly rate of our officer when we submit this information, they calculate the amount of time that the officer spends doing drug use prevention education inside the schools and based upon those figures, they calculate the rate and what portion they are willing to pay.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the acceptance of the 2015-2016 Drug Use Prevention Grant and further authorize the Chief to take the steps necessary to formally accept and implement the grant; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Participation of the OVI Task Force
Trustee Chessler stated that we are again being asked to consider and renew the Memorandum of Understanding for our participation in the OVI Task Force and inquired of Chief Pomesky if he could elaborate on that.
Police Chief Pomesky stated that there have been some changes with the OVI Task Force from last year to this year; the Stark County Sheriff’s Office is now the lead agency for this grant. Chief Pomesky stated that this is a grant that pays for traffic enforcement overtime to put officers out on the street for increased patrols during key points of the year. It also provides sobriety checkpoints in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities in our community. Chief Pomesky stated that he asks for the Board’s approval to enter into that partnership with the OVI Task Force again. Chief Pomesky stated that this has been a phenomenal grant to participate with; we have received through our participation, numerous traffic safety equipment, no fee for the Township, whether it be radar and various recording equipment.
Trustee Laubacher inquired who the lead agency was before the sheriff’s office. Chief Pomesky indicated that the University of Akron research foundation was facilitating it prior to them.
Trustee Chessler indicated to Law Director Hall that there is a signature line on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Participating Agency and inquired if the Board could authorize the Police Chief to sign this. Law Director Hall confirmed yes.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the Chief’s request, made a motion that the Board authorize participating in the OVI Task Force and further authorize the Police Chief to sign on behalf of Perry Township as a participating agency; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Road and Park Department:
Consider Stark County Engineer’s Requests of Authorization for Specific Township Roads Applicable for Seasonal Weight Restrictions
Trustee Chessler indicated that this next item has been submitted by the Road Department; this is a recurring item for the Stark County Engineer’s Office wherein, in conjunction with them, the implementation of issued weight restrictions with enforcement on our township roads during the thawing and moisture season be placed. The Board has received the supporting documentation that outline the particular streets.
Trustee Laubacher stated that we have to make sure that this list is attached to the minutes to show what the streets are.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that at the request of the Stark County Engineer, the Board authorize working with the Stark County Engineer’s Office to legally post seasonal weight restrictions for certain township roads that have been separately identified during the times of the year as noted by the County Engineer’s Office; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Accepting Resignation of Edward Stearn Member of the Road Department
Trustee Chessler stated that the Road Superintendent has provided to the Board a letter dated November 16, 2015 from Edward Stearn indicating that he is resigning as a seasonal road inspector and thanking the Board for the opportunity of employment. Trustee Chessler indicated that he believes this has something to do with Mr. Stearn’s benefits that might be in jeopardy if he continues in this employment and not for other reasons and makes a motion to accept his resignation, effective November 17, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s):
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
Trustee Chessler indicated that the Police Chief has submitted the October 2015 Monthly Activity Report and inquired if there was anything statistically that he would like to highlight in this regard. Police Chief Pomesky briefly stated that our breaking and enterings are down 20%, robberies are down 25%; thefts are down 11%, burglaries are down 2%; motor vehicle thefts are down 27%. Chief Pomesky indicated that these are all good changes in our Township’s favor and is a credit to all the officers out there on patrol protecting the Township daily. Chief Pomesky stated that he wanted to thank all the officers.
Trustee Chessler inquired of Chief Pomesky in regard to the dispatching transition from in-house to the RED Center and whether the dispatching function has been working smoothly. Chief Pomesky stated that there are little things here and there that will pop up, but that is to be expected and further added that the information sharing has been phenomenal between agencies and the ability to transmit and the coverage in Stark County has been a big benefit for us.
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
~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 and Sundays: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
~Perry Rotary Club – 24th Annual Paul F. Pfeiffer High School Basketball Preview – Friday, November 20, 2015 at 6:00 pm. Tickets sold at the door: $6.00–Adults, Students–$5.00, Age 5 and under, Free
~Annual Perry Rotary Turkey Trot – 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26th
8:00 am – Lil Gobblers; 8:40 am – 5K Run/Walk; 10:00 am – Award Presentation. Registration and more information at: perryrotary.org or www.perrytwp.com
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Trustee Chessler indicated that he would like to advise the participants that the Board has a new policy and added that anyone wishing to address the Board on this Public Speaks portion that you would please approach the platform and direct your questions or comments to the Board President and make your comments from the lectern that is placed before us.
Dave Kerestes, 3500 Lincoln Way East – stated that he is here this evening to inquire if anybody informed the Johnson family when their son was shot and killed at the Hype, that this was an illegal liquor establishment and opened under illegal criteria and that there were four (4) papers filed at the Stark County Building Department from Steve Westfall stating that the criteria didn’t meet them opening that liquor establishment and it was opened anyway.
Trustee Chessler indicated that Mr. Kerestes has addressed this matter previously in regard to the conditions of the building and those issues were addressed by the officials assigned to the task of doing it. Trustee Chessler added that subject to the law enforcement investigation that led to the conviction of the person that perpetrated that act and the business is no longer there. Trustee Chessler also indicated that we formed a committee here and for a year straight, we met on a monthly basis, and gathered information on a monthly basis from every agency, the health department, the building department, the police department and a representative from the neighborhood to see if the problems that were reported to us had continued and they had all subsided so we would consider that a closed matter.
Mr. Kerestes briefly indicated his previous question regarding whether the Johnson family was compensated for the death of their son in a building that should never have existed. Trustee Chessler indicated that Mr. Kerestes would have to direct that question to the Johnson family.
Mr. Kerestes inquired how does law enforcement work when he filed a freedom of information act request and he is not allowed to have any information when they are covering up things that are supposed to be public.
Trustee Chessler stated that first of all, we are not subject, at all, to the freedom of information act. The Township and it’s police department has to answer to and comply with the Ohio Open Meetings Act and the Ohio Public Records Law and we do; if you have a request for records pursuant to a file, you would direct that to our Fiscal Officer, he would refer it to the Police Department and we would gather it and provide it to you from the records that were responsive to your request.
Mr. Kerestes gave a brief summary of his experience in the Massillon jail and did not get bail.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer