Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meetings
September 18, 2012 7:00pm
Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: John Masalko, Road Superintendent
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business:
Consider Accepting a Quote for Perry Park Tree Removal and Maintenance
Trustee Chessler stated that previously the Township had the need to remove two (2) trees at Perry Park on an emergency basis. Since then other quotes were received regarding the removal of other trees. The Township has received inconsistent recommendations as far as what trees are subject to removal. Perry Park has an abundance of majestic mature trees that lend to its rustic nature and it would be a shame to unnecessarily remove those trees under any circumstances. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board had asked Mr. Richard Drake to come and look over the trees and render his expert opinion as to whether or not they should be removed. Trustee Chessler stated that Mr. Drake is a certified arborist and they did a walk through at the park with Trustee Haines. Mr. Drake stated that very few trees were in such a condition that presented any risk. Mr. Drake pointed out two (2) trees that had fungus, affliction of the root systems, cracks and other physical evidence that caused him concern. Initially, there were several dozen trees that were marked for removal and Mr. Drake came up with two (2). Mr. Drake recommended a company that had the proper equipment to perform this work. One of the trees is located by the parking lot and the other tree overhangs the walking track and the tennis courts. Mr. Drake wanted to be sure that the company removing the trees had the proper equipment to do so without doing any further damage or disruption.
Administrator Fetzer stated that a variety of quotes were received for the removal of the trees. Originally, each of the company’s provided a per day rate. The Board asked for more specific quotes including itemized trees. The recommendations from each company varied greatly. The company that was closest to what Mr. Drake recommended was Davey’s Tree Service.
|
Company |
Quote |
|
Davey’s Tree Service |
$6,800.00 |
|
A Natural Tree Service |
$8,350.00 |
|
Beren’s Tree & Excavating |
$9,275.00 |
|
Tony’s Tree Service |
$14,710.00 |
Trustee Haines suggested that this matter be tabled so that he can contact Davey’s Tree Service to have the scope of work modified to remove the elm, see if there are any negotiations regarding the large oak and cherry tree and also possibly include the three (3) stumps by Harsh Avenue. Trustee Haines stated that he will make the phone call and get back to the Board so that this matter can move forward. Trustee Chessler asked that this matter be placed on the agenda for the first regular meeting in October.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $44,855.82 for the week ending September 18, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 11, 2012 Work Session; Seconded by Trustees Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Administration:
Consider the Purchase of Phones to Replace the Existing 22 Year Old Phones at Township Administration and Fire Administration Offices
Administrator Fetzer stated that the current phone system was purchased on June 4, 1990 and have served the Township well for twenty-two (22) years. The Fire Administration Office will receive eight (8) phones and the Township Administration Office will receive (8) phones. Administrator Fetzer stated that she received several quotes regarding new phone systems:
|
Company |
Quote |
|
Connect USA |
$6,995.00 |
|
Tel-Com Systems of Ohio (current) |
$9,195.00 |
|
Warwick Communications |
$9,850.00 |
|
CMH Electronics |
No submission |
The Board has received copies of each company’s proposal and recommendations. Connect USA and Warwick Communications both came on site to do a full assessment of the building to determine how they could best service the Township’s needs. Administrator Fetzer stated that after reviewing all of the quotes, it was determined that the lowest and best quote was provided by Connect USA in the amount of $6,995.00. The phone system offers many features; basic twenty-four (24) button digital phone, LCD display and caller ID. Mr. Lancaster stated that currently the phone systems can handle eight (8) lines and up to sixteen (16) digital phones. The phone systems now can be built as the need grows. There are several buildings throughout the Township and if the system would ever need to be expanded then it could be done at a later time.
Trustee Chessler stated that he raised some minor points in the proposed contract. Mr. Hall stated that he sent a red lined contract proposal back to Connect USA who has reviewed and accepted those changes. Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed and approved the contract in its legal sufficiency.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve and enter into a contract with Connect USA for the telephone equipment and installation as they have outlined in the contractual agreement that has been presented at a total cost not to exceed $6,995.00; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Consider Amendment to the Aultcare Administrative Service Only (ASO) Agreement- Exhibit H
Administrator Fetzer stated that the health insurance market reform under the “Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act” requires the group health care plan, insurance issuers, and the group market to provide a summary of benefits and coverage uniform glossary to members of the plan. The new requirements were scheduled to be placed either on September 23 or during rescheduling of the benefits package. Perry Township’s open enrollment period does not end until December therefore the Township needs to comply with the September 23 deadline.
Administrator Fetzer stated that by signing the Aultcare ASO amendment Aultcare agrees to prepare the summary of benefits at no charge to the Township and they will notify when the electronic version is ready. At that point, copies will be provided to all Department Heads for them to distribute to all of the eligible insured employees. At that time the Township will sign the register log in confirming that the summary of benefits was received. Administrator Fetzer stated that Michael Martini, Representative from Aultcare and Lisa Brown, Representative from Huntington have confirmed that there are no insurance company’s or carriers that have these benefits prepared so the fault will not fall on the Township and Aultcare will be responsible.
Trustee Chessler inquired if Mr. Hall has reviewed the proposed amendment to the Aultcare Administrative Service Only (ASO) Agreement- Exhibit H. Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed and approved the proposed amendment.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board enter into an amendment of the Aultcare Administrative Service Only (ASO) Agreement- Exhibit H to assist the Board in complying with the requirements of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act;” Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Fire Department:
Consider the Purchase of One (1) Set of Firefighter Personal Protective Gear
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the purchase of one (1) set of firefighter personal protective gear from Fire Force Inc. at a total cost of $1,502.00. This set of turn out gear will replace an old set that is no longer up to current standards.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the purchase of one (1) set of firefighter personal protective gear from Fire Force Inc. in the amount not to exceed $1,502.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Consider Resignation of Part-time Captain/ EMT- B John Schmidt
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the resignation of part-time Captain/ EMT-B John Schmidt effective September 18, 2012. Mr. Schmidt has been with the Perry Township Fire Department for twenty (20) years and his years of service are greatly appreciated.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the resignation of part-time Captain/ EMT-B John Schmidt effective September 18, 2012;Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Law Director: None.
Zoning:
Consider Authorizing the Law Director and Zoning Inspector to Take Necessary Action to Enforce Residential Maintenance Code Violations
a.) 5061 Aurora Street NW, Canton, Ohio 44708
b.) 338 Roxbury Avenue NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646
c.) 4080 Richmont Street SW, Navarre, Ohio 44662
Mr. Weckbacher stated that he originally wanted to put 5061 Aurora St. NW and 338 Roxbury Ave. NW on the list for the Stark County Land Reutilization Corporation program but they are both up to date on their taxes. Both property owners live in the area but they are not maintaining these properties. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he has spoken with the Law Director and they would like to Board to authorize them to move forward in taking necessary action to enforce residential maintenance code violations for 5061 Aurora St. WN and 338 Roxbury Avenue NW.
Mr. Weckbacher stated that the property owner at 4080 Richmont St. SW. has a semi trailer on his residential property. The property was posted and the property owner came in and said that he would remove the semi trailer within thirty (30) days. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he doesn’t want to take a chance that for some reason it wouldn’t get removed so he would like to continue to move forward with this property as well. If semi trailer is removed within the thirty (30) days then the enforcement action will be dropped.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the Zoning Inspector and Law Director to take any and all steps necessary to abate the nuisance conditions and obtain compliance with the residential maintenance code in Perry Township or any other steps that may be legally required; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s): None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
August Monthly Statistics
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
1.) Fall Leaf Drop Off- October 13th– November 18th. Weekdays 7:00am to 2:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:00am to 3:30pm- Closed November 12th for Veteran’s Day- Leaves Only- No bags, boxes, tree limbs, garbage and no commercial dumping. Collection Site: Road Department 1500 Jackson Avenue SW, Massillon, Ohio 44646.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Bard Huntsman- 4025 Prosway SW. Mr. Huntsman stated that over the last three (3) weeks there have been a lot of calls for service for the Fire Department prior to 7:00am in the morning. School busses and the construction on Genoa are also of concern for response times. Mr. Huntsman stated that he would like to see Station #2 manned twenty-four (24) hours a day or have the shift begin prior to 7:00am. Trustee Chessler stated that the school busses are required to pull off to the side of the road, the same as smaller motor vehicles, when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Chief Martin stated that the construction on Genoa has not affected the response time to emergency calls. Only the north portion of Genoa has been blocked due to construction but several meetings were held with the construction company who has done a great job with relaying information so that there is not delay in emergency response times. Mr. Huntsman stated that with winter and bad weather approaching he feels that there is a need for more shift coverage at Station #2. Trustee Haines stated that the shift coverage for Station #2 is worth reviewing but that does not necessarily mean there is a need for changes at this time. The construction is almost complete on Genoa and will no longer be an issue. Changes to the shifts should be based upon response times, call volume and etc. Chief Martin stated that the shifts for all the stations were established by a staffing committee that was made up of equal members of each station. If the funding ever becomes available for full-time staffing for every station then that will be done. That is not the case currently.
Tim Blythe- 2956 Bridgeton Street NW. Mr. Blythe inquired if anything is going to be done regarding the “Standard of Coverage” study that was completed on the Fire Department last year. It is foolish to spend money on a study that tells the Township what needs to be done if nothing is actually going to be done. Trustee Haines stated that the study has been reviewed but next year the Township needs to run an operating levy for the General Fund. Having a General Fund levy and a Fire Department levy at the same time would be tough. Trustee Haines stated that he would not be in favor of buying land and not being ready to build. The Board has discussed it and there are some opportunities out there but you don’t want to put the cart before the horse. Mr. Blythe stated that right now land is cheap but in the future land is not going to be that cheap. There is cheap land available right smack dab in the middle of where the map indicated. Mr. Blythe stated that he believes it would be foolish to not explore an opportunity to get a hold of a piece of land while it is cheap. Trustee Haines stated that the Board has discussed this matter. Trustee Chessler stated that the Road Department is currently operating on funds from 1986 and they are cutting corners by using micro surfacing instead of paving to save money. This method has not been well received and the Road Department doesn’t have the funding to keep up with other basic services. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has to consider prioritizing and now with the General Fund crisis that every political subdivision is facing it has taken its place as top priority. Trustee Chessler stated that it isn’t that Mr. Blythe’s points aren’t good or persuasive it’s just that there are other points that have to be considered as well.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:46pm; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer