Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
May 7, 2013 7:00 p.m.
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Haines stated that regarding the Road Department, the Board is considering hiring one (1) seasonal employee versus two (2) employees.
Trustee Haines stated that another Agenda Item #6 under the Fire Department relating to a donation of $250.00 as a result of our fire prevention classes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
Communications:
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $293,132.65 for the week ending April 23, 2013 and consider approval of bills in the amount of $13,924.72 for the week ending April 30, 2013 and approval of bills and payroll in the amount of $193,503.45 for the week ending May 7, 2013 for a combined total of $500,560.82; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2013 Work Session and April 16, 2013 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider scheduling street lighting hearing dates
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that there are three (3) street lighting hearing dates:
- Superior Dairy: Navarre Road SW – Todd Christner, Petitioner
- Bordner Avenue SW – Bernadette Forchione, Petitioner
- 13th Street SW – Doris Lower, Petitioner
Mr. Schlegel stated that these hearing dates must be set within thirty (30) days and recommended to the Board that these hearing dates be set for June 4, 2013.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board schedule the three (3) street lighting districts:
- Superior Dairy, Todd Christner, Petitioner
- Bordner Avenue SW, Bernadette Forchione, Petitioner
- 13th Street SW, Doris Lower, Petitioner
to be scheduled for June 4, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Administration:
Proclamation ~ Operation Flags of Freedom
Trustee Haines stated that he would like to give a brief history behind this proposed Proclamation. Last Memorial Day 2012, an idea was borrowed from our neighbor, Jackson Township, and a program they had formed utilizing the U.S. Flags to honor the sacrifices of local service men and women called Field of Honor. Trustee Haines recognized Perry Township resident, Mr. Steve Toohey in taking the initiative of forming Operation Flags of Freedom to honor our own Perry Township Fallen Heroes.
Trustee Haines issued the Proclamation ~ Operation Flags of Freedom proclaiming Memorial Day weekend as Operation Flags of Freedom weekend. Trustee Haines stated , in part, “Whereas Operation Flags of Freedom provide the public display and community recognition in honor of our fallen heroes during the annual Memorial Day demonstration of patriotism in our community by displaying hundreds of American flags located at the Perry Veterans Memorial at Perry High School, 3737 13th St. SW, Massillon, Ohio. The proceeds of this sale of the Flags of Freedom shall provide memorial scholarships in memory of Sgt. Daniel Patron and Staff Sgt. Richard Ramey and to assist local veterans in our community and the maintenance of the Perry Veterans Memorial site. To this day, Tuesday, May 7, 2013, Operation Flags of Freedom will forevermore be established to celebrate each Memorial Day weekend which will for all time acknowledge our honorable and courageous fallen heroes and all service members of the United States Military. Therefore, the Perry Township Board of Trustees, Stark County, Ohio do hereby proudly proclaim Memorial Day weekend as Operation Flags of Freedom weekend.”
Trustee Haines thanked Mr. Toohey for all his hard work in establishing this memorial commemoration. Mr. Toohey stated that he wanted to thank the Board of Trustees and Administration and explained that he foresees this memorial to have continued growth in the future.
Consider Accepting a Donation to Perry Parks from Matthew Jones
Trustee Haines stated that Matthew Jones came to the Board approximately one year ago asking for an Eagle Scout project. Trustee Haines gave him a list of ten (10) items to consider for his project. Matthew chose to take on the project at Perry Park in the Lennox Pavilion. Trustee Haines stated that Matthew did a phenomenal job on the renovation of this pavilion; replaced the roof, repaired and repainted eight (8) broken picnic tables; repainted the inside of the roof and posts. Matthew donated the extra money from this project, two hundred seventy-three dollars and fifty-one cents ($273.51) to the Township asking this to be put toward a new grill at the Lennox Pavilion.
Trustee Haines made the motion to accept the donation from Matthew Jones to Perry Parks in the amount of two hundred seventy-three dollars and fifty-one cents ($273.51); Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Discussion of Richville Cemetary Tombstones
Administrator Fetzer stated that in regard to the Richville Cemetary, a current Township resident had placed an order for purchasing an upright tombstone (for future burial plans to match the tombstone placed at their son’s grave site). The resident had heard that the Township now allows flat stones only to be placed in the cemetery. This resident contacted the administration office to confirm this rule. The Board was contacted by the Cemetary Sexton in regard to this resident’s upright stone order and it was agreed that this resident be allowed to complete the upright stone purchase.
Trustee Laubacher requested that this matter be placed on the agenda this evening to determine the future regulation of this particular matter, upright or flat stone only placement. Administrator Fetzer referred to an attachment of this resident’s current upright stone purchase and the August 2011 meeting minutes where this matter was previously discussed.
Trustee Laubacher stated that as discussed in the previous August 2011 meeting minutes, flat stones were preferred because of the lower maintenance costs due to mowing and trimming. Trustee Haines stated that he would prefer limiting the height of the upright stones, but did not necessarily favor the flat stones only premise.
Trustee Chessler asked Zoning Inspector Weckbacher what he thought about this matter since he maintains the seasonal mowing and maintenance of the grounds. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he did think it was easier to mow around the flat stones gravesites, and indicated that since there are already many existing upright stones, it does take additional time to weed-eat around those types of stones. Mr.Weckbacher also stated that time still has to be taken to trim around the flat stones as well or the grass would start to grow over these stones.
More dialogue regarding the flat stones only were discussed. The Trustees agreed that they would like to review additional information regarding how many burial plots remain to be purchased at the Richville Cemetary before making a Resolution in this matter.
Fire Department:
Consider Emergency Repairs to Medic 25
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees to authorize the expenditure of one thousand seven hundred ninety-nine dollars and sixty-two cents ($1,799.62) to George Waikem Ford for emergency engine repairs on Medic 25.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board of Trustees authorize the expenditure of one thousand seven hundred ninety-nine dollars and sixty-two cents ($1,799.62) to George Waikem Ford for emergency engine repairs on Medic 25; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider the Resignation of Stephen Scarpino
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is recommending that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part-time firefighter/paramedic Steven Scarpino effective April 25, 2013 as a result of extensive time commitments in other areas.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees accept the letter of resignation of part-time firefighter/paramedic Steven Scarpino effective April 25, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Required Annual Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Bench Testing
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees authorize the services of Fire Force Inc., 1013 Sponseller Road, Columbiana, Ohio, 44512 to conduct the required annual Bench Flow test on all Perry Township Fire Department Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The cost of Bench Flow Testing services not to exceed three thousand four hundred seventy-five dollars ($3,475.00).
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees approve the expense necessary for the annual Bench Flow test on all Perry Township Fire Department Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and to authorize and enter into agreement with Fire Force, Inc. for the amount not to exceed three thousand four hundred seventy-five dollars ($3,475.00) to complete the testing; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Purchase of Suction Units
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees authorize the purchase of five (5) S-scort Suction Units from Southeastern Emergency Equipment, P.O. Box 1097, Youngsville, NC at a total cost of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00). The purchase of the suction units will be funded through an EMS grant for $2,500.00 that the fire department received from the State of Ohio. The Grant is a 100% reimbursable grant. Once we pay the initial costs, the State of Ohio will refund the department the funds.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the information provided, the Board of Trustees authorize the purchase of five (5) S-scort Suction Units from Southeastern Emergency Equipment at a cost not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00); Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Hiring Seasonal Employee for Maintenance/Grounds
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the hiring of Jacob Lorenz as a part-time, seasonal grounds and building maintenance employee with the fire department at a starting pay of $9.25 per hour.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the fire department hire Jacob Lorenz as a part-time, seasonal grounds building maintenance employee with the starting pay of $9.25/hour; supervised by Maintenance Supervisor, Gary Swisher, effective May 13, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Addition: Acceptance of Donation from the Fire Prevention Bureau
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to accept a donation to the Fire Prevention Bureau in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) from Young Truck Sales, Inc. The donation was made as a result of Fire Prevention classes that were conducted for Young Truck Sales by Deputy Chief Mark Abbott.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees accept the donation in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) from Young Truck Sales; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Police Department: None.
Road Department:
Consider 2013 Micro Surfacing Pavement Program
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the proposal submitted by Strawser Construction Inc. for the 2013 Micro Surfacing Pavement Maintenance Program in the amount of three hundred forty two thousand nine hundred nineteen dollars and five cents ($342,919.05). Mr. Masalko stated that he has included the list of streets that will be micro surfaced this year.
Trustee Haines inquired if the Township could have twice as many roads resurfaced on the same budget with the Micro Surfacing versus paving. Mr. Masalko stated that was correct. Trustee Haines also inquired as to any recommendations from Strawser Construction in notifying the public regarding the schedule of micro surfacing. Mr. Masalko stated that he would make sure the Road Department would work together with Strawser Construction to help make the public aware of the micro surfacing schedule process.
Trustee Haines made a motion that based on the proposal from Strawser Construction Inc. that the Board of Trustees approve the Pavement Maintenance Program for the summer of 2013 for a total of three hundred forty two thousand nine hundred nineteen dollars and five cents ($342,919.05); Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Resolution for Strawser Construction to participate in ODOT’s Cooperative Purchasing
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that since the Board did approve ODOT’s Cooperative Purchasing Program a Resolution must be passed and a signed letter must be sent to ODOT in order for Strawser Construction to participate in the ODOT Cooperative Purchasing to purchase bituminous products for the various roads in Perry Township.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees approve the written Resolution submitted by Law Director Hall authorizing the contract with Strawser Construction Inc. for the 2013 Paving Program pursuant to the Ohio Department of Transportation Cooperative Purchasing Program Number 101G-14 and under the authority of ORC 5513.01 (B) in an amount not to exceed three hundred forty two thousand nine hundred nineteen dollars and five cents ($342,919.05); Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board of Trustees authorize the Board President to communicate by written letter to ODOT notifying them of this Resolution; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chesser, yes.
Consider the Request for Roadway Signs from Oster Sand and Gravel
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that Oster Sand and Gravel sent a letter to the Board of Trustees requesting signage to be placed on Riverside Drive in Perry Township because they opened a new mine and there is much truck traffic.
Trustee Chessler made a motion pending the advice and recommendation of the Law Director that the Board of Trustees authorize the Road Superintendent to place the signs on Riverside Drive in Perry Township at the request and with the donation of Oster Sand and Gravel indicating that drivers need to proceed slowly and advising of the hidden drive; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Hiring one (1) seasonal employee for the Park Department
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that three (3) seasonal employees are needed for the 2013 season. One of those seasonal employees was re-hired back from last year, and will be starting as of June 10, 2013 and work until August 23, 2013. This seasonal employee will help John Edwards through the Park Department. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he has also interviewed four (4) additional candidates and is recommending for hire, Mr. Clifford Lackey who came from the Massillon Street Department. Because of the Massillon budget cuts, Mr. Lackey was laid off. Mr. Masalko is recommending that the Board hire Clifford Lackey at the rate of ten dollars fifty cents ($10.50) per hour, after drug and alcohol testing has been done, to assist with mowing, weed eating and restroom and trash maintenance and also weekly general maintenance and park inspections. Mr. Lackey would be a seasonal part-time employee at the Parks Department.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board of Trustees hire Clifford Lackey as a seasonal, part-time park employee to help with cutting grass, weed eating, restroom and trash maintenance and weekly park inspections with total yearly hours not to exceed 1500 hours, at a rate of ten dollars fifty cents ($10.50) per hour after drug and alcohol testing; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Law Director: None.
Zoning:
Consider 2013 Mowing Contractors
Zoning Inspector Weckbacher stated that he is asking the Board’s approval to accept the four (4) mowing contractors’ applications that were received and reviewed by the Law Director to cut grass for the Township: Sees Lawn Care; Grow & Mow, Inc.; Invision Landscaping; and Gino’s Complete Lawn Care to be used on a rotating basis at the rate of forty dollars ($40.00) per hour.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the information presented by Zoning Inspector Weckbacher that the Board approve and authorize pursuant to his discretion the use of the four (4) lawn care businesses: Sees Lawn Care; Grow & Mow, Inc.; Invision Landscaping; and Gino’s Complete Lawn Care to provide services for the benefit of the Township in 2013 at a rate of forty dollars ($40.00) per hour on a rotating basis; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Parking Violation at 724 Edgewood Avenue SW
Zoning Inspector Weckbacher stated that he has had complaints regarding the property at 724 Edgewood Avenue SW regarding repeated violations concerning the residents parking vehicles in their front yard. Mr. Weckbacher stated that he is asking approval from the Board to take further action regarding this matter in compliance with the Law Director.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the Zoning Inspector to take the steps necessary, with the recommendation of the Law Director, to enforce the Perry Township Zoning Regulations involving parking violations by various vehicles at the property located at 724 Edgewood Avenue SW in Perry Township; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Parks/Recycling: None
Executive Session(s): 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:
~Perry Township Board of Trustees in Partnership with Stark Parks is hosting a Certified Public Records Training on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 10:00 am to 1:15 pm at Exploration Gateway
~Perry Township Bicentennial Meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each calendar month at the Perry Township Hall beginning at 7:00 pm
~Pancake Breakfast – Perry Fire Station #1, 1325 Perry Drive SW – Sat. May 18, 2013 from 7:00 am to 11 am. Cost is $5.00 for ages 12 and up and $3.00 for ages 3-11, ages 2 and under are FREE ~ All proceeds to benefit Perry Township Station #1 Firefighters Association.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Bard Huntsman, 4025 Prosway Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646-Mr. Huntsman referred to the previous matter discussed this evening about the flat stones at the Richville Cemetary. Mr. Huntsman explained that his family has a series of plots purchased at the Richville Cemetary and feels that if the flat stone only resolution is made, previous plot owners should be grandfathered in as to the stone type they prefer since they could choose stones similar to other family members. Trustee Laubacher stated that regarding people who have already purchased cemetery plots , he realizes that these people are likely to be under the understanding that they can choose to put any type of stone they wish at their purchased plot. Trustee Laubacher stated that the Board will look at what plots remain to be purchased and possibly designate a specific area of remaining plots to be flat stones only.
Mr. Huntsman also inquired as to the repeated emergency repairs that the Fire Department had to have done on the chassis of a medic wagon. Trustee Laubacher stated that repairs had been done on another separate, older model medic wagon, and that the repairs spoken about previously in the evening were done on a separate, newer medic wagon.
Mr. Huntsman stated that the Township has spent $80,000.00 on a lift and inquired as to why it seems that the lift purchase was more important than to re-chassis a vehicle. Trustee Laubacher and Trustee Haines each briefly stated how maintenance repairs are assessed on vehicles done here at the Township maintenance garage . Fire Chief Martin also explained that an example of this assessment regarding the repairs on the medic units, instead of spending $18,000.00 to re-engine the unit this money is being allocated to re-chassis for $1,800.00.
Dave Kerestes, 3500 Lincolnway E., Apt. 4 – Mr. Kerestes stated that he was here this evening to address safety issues on State Route 172 as well as applicable fees from businesses that are not being paid to the zoning department. Also, the car dealerships that encroach the 15 foot setback on 172. Trustee Haines stated that in regard to the several car dealerships in question, the Zoning Inspector did look into those particular businesses and they were addressed accordingly.
Law Director Hall briefly explained how the fine process is assessed relative to zoning and relative to the residential and commercial property maintenance codes.
Trustee Haines stated that if Mr. Kerestes has a specific issue with a business or possible violation to address, he could bring these particular issues to the attention of the zoning inspector and attention will be directed to them.
Law Director Hall stated that he would be willing to meet with Mr. Kerestes and Zoning Inspector Weckbacher to address some of these issues of concern and possibly correct some of these assumptions.
Tim Blythe-2956 Bridgeton Street, NW, Massillon, OH 44646, Mr. Blythe stated that in regard to the building department, there are only two instances when the building department gets involved and that is : new construction and alterations. If the building is a new construction building, three (3)sets of plans are submitted, they are reviewed, the plans are either approved or require modifications to the plans. Once the plans are approved, they are stamped and return two (2) sets of plans. After the project is complete, a certificate of occupancy is issued and the plans are kept for a period of one (1) year. The only other time that a certificate of occupancy is required is if there is a change in use and then plans must be resubmitted and approved. Occupancy permits are not re-issued each time a business changes hands as long as the use is not changed.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Doug Haines, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer