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
May 6, 2014 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Scott Weckbacher, Zoning Inspector – Attending Stark County Regional Planning Meeting
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: Trustee Laubacher made a motion that per Road Superintendent Masalko’s request, the Executive Session to include the Road Superintendent be removed from the Agenda; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Swearing In Ceremony ~ Captain, Rick King
Trustee Chessler made a motion, based on the recommendation of the Fire Chief, that the Perry Township Board of Trustees promote Firemedic Rick King to the rank of Firemedic Captain effective, Wednesday, May 7, 2014. His rate of pay will be $19.41 an hour as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement and that Captain King be re-assigned to B-shift effective Wednesday, May 7, 2014, effective 0700 hours; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Laubacher proceeded with the swearing in of Fire Medic Captain Rick King. Trustee Laubacher also presented Captain King with the Captain’s Badge, Captain’s Helmet and the Officer’s Rules to Live By and congratulated him on behalf of the Board.
5 Minute Recess
Communications:
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $314,568.62 for the week ending April 22, 2014 and bills only in the amount of $33,385.05 for the week ending April 29, 2014 and bills and payroll in the amount of $159,112.08 for the week ending May 6, 2014 for a combined total of $507,065.75; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Haines made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 15, 2014 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration:
Fire Department:
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the hiring of Jacob Lorenz as a seasonal grounds/building maintenance employee. Jacob will have a starting pay of $9.25 per hour with a work schedule not to exceed more than twenty eight (28) hours per week and will work under the supervision of Maintenance Supervisor Gary Swisher. The fire department is in need of an individual to conduct ground and building maintenance work during the summer season. Jacob was employed by the fire department in 2013 in the same role and did an excellent job. Jacob would start on Monday, May 12, 2014 and terminate his employment on Friday, August 15, 2014.
Trustee Chessler made a motion, based on the Fire Chief’s recommendation, that the Board authorize the re-hiring of Jacob Lorenz as a seasonal grounds/building maintenance employee to start on Monday, May 12, 2014 under the supervision of Maintenance Supervisor, Gary Swisher at the rate of $9.25 per hour and not to exceed an average of twenty eight (28) hours per week; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Road Department:
Consider the OPWC Summerdale Project
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that this item was tabled from a previous meeting and stated that he wanted to readdress and update the Board on this matter. Mr. Masalko stated that after speaking with Stark County Engineer, Keith Bennett, who also sits on the OPWC Board, it was determined that in regard to this project, it was down to $65,000 in grant monies. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that it was his recommendation not to proceed with this project until after the July OPWC meeting to determine what monies did come back into the fund.
Trustee Haines stated that during the meeting with Keith Bennett, it was determined that some of the other surrounding communities received more OPWC money because they offered more on the debt than what Perry Township did. Therefore, they were issued more of the money and that has pushed the Township lower down on the list since it was the Board’s intent to move forward with this project on the basis of 50% debt and 50% grant. Trustee Haines stated that unless a substantial amount of money would come back in once the project starts, he does not see this project happening this year and inquired of Karl Oprisch, Hammontree & Associates Engineer involved in this project, of the agreement to that.
Mr. Oprisch stated this was correct. Mr. Oprisch also stated that for other OPWC projects that are finishing construction, any monies not used could be turned back in. Mr. Oprisch explained that the District 19 people were somewhat confident that enough money might be turned back in by July and that would enable the funding of the Summerdale project as it was requested though it is still too early to decide whether that will happen.
Trustee Chessler stated that for example sake, if we assume there is some money coming back in, when we know that amount, then it will be the Board’s decision to fund the rest of the expected costs by assuming a loan for that.
Trustee Haines stated to keep in mind that the Commissioners have offered up $50,000 per year for four (4) years and since we are in the second year of that, the Township would be eligible for $100,000 from them immediately to offset some of the loan.
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the only downfall with this is that it will put the Road Department in an on-hold position. Mr. Masalko stated that another factor to consider would be if the Summerdale project was not going to be funded this year, could these monies be then directed toward paving. It was the Road Superintendent’s recommendation that the Board return to this matter after the OPWC meeting in July.
Trustee Haines made a motion that until we find out in July if OPWC money comes back, then we table this matter until the July 15th Regular Meeting ; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Law Director:
Consider Renewal of Police Levy
Law Director Hall stated that as the Board has discussed during previous meetings, May 7, 2014 is the deadline for the 3.9 mil levy to be put on for a renewal at the August 5, 2014 special election. As previously directed by the Board, Law Director Hall stated that he has prepared a Resolution, attached before the Board, along with the Auditor’s certification. Mr. Hall indicated that if the Board so approves, he will hand carry the copies to the Board of Elections on May 7, 2014.
Trustee Chessler verified that to summarize, this is a proposal for a five (5) year renewal of the existing 3.9 mil levy. Law Director Hall stated that this was correct.
Trustee Haines made a motion that per the Law Director’s clarification, that the Board approve the 3.9 mil renewal levy for a five (5) year period for the August 5, 2014 special election; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Oil and Gas Lease Proposal
Law Director Hall stated that the Board received a request and notification of a proposal letter and a Non-development Oil and Gas Lease from Discovery Oil and Gas, LLC, Canonsburg, PA to pool the .90 acres of Perry Township Fire Department Station #2 with other adjacent lands for a conventional oil and gas well, attached before the Board. The well will be drilled on the Klick farm, North of Navarre Road and West of the Perry Grange Hall. No infrastructure and no superstructure will be on the Township land. Mr. Hall stated that he spoke with Mr. Lampers and asked, based upon other similar wells in the area, if there would be any estimate as to what the royalties may be; if the well is akin to other wells in the area, the Township could expect a royalty of anywhere between $500 and $1000 per year. If the Board does so approve this nonproducing oil and gas lease, will receive a $500 signing bonus and then receive a proportional royalty on the land. Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed this and does make his recommendation to move forward to the Board.
Trustee Haines inquired if there was any indication of how long the Lease is for. Mr. Hall stated that they have five (5) years to begin producing and if it continues to produce, the Township will be compensated for it.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the review and recommendation of the Law Director, makes a motion that the Board of Trustees authorize and enter into the Non-development Oil and Gas Lease with Discovery Oil and Gas Technologies as that Lease has been proposed to be written for; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Mowing Contractors – 2014 Season
Law Director Hall stated that Zoning Inspector Weckbacher asked him to address this matter before the Board in his absence in regard to the nuisance mowing within the Township for 2014. Mr. Hall indicated he has reviewed the five (5) applications received by the Zoning Inspector and that all have met the necessary requirements.
- Sees Lawn Care
- Gino’s Lawn Service
- Grow & Mow, Inc.
- Invision Landscaping
- Paramount Landscaping
Upon approval of the Board, these five (5) companies will be put into a rotation and be used to clean up nuisances and other matters as they are necessary throughout the Township. The compensation, as in the past, will remain the same at $40.00 per hour.
Trustee Chessler made a motion, based on the recommendation of the Zoning Inspector and the review of the Law Director, that the Board authorize acceptance of the proposals of the above five (5) lawn care applications so that these five entities can be contacted on a rotating basis for nuisance mowing at a rate of $40.00 per hour; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Zoning:
Parks and Recycling:
Consider Hiring Anthony Andreotti ~ Seasonal Part Time Employee
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the Road Department is asking the Board to consider adding Anthony Andreotti as a part time seasonal employee for the Park Department. The wage is $10.50/hr. to work 28 hours a week and not to exceed 1500 working hours within a year. Start date will be May 12, 2014, providing drug and alcohol testing is negative.
Trustee Haines inquired of Road Superintendent Masalko if new hire, Anthony Andreotti, a minor as of his hire date, would he be able to run all the necessary equipment. Road Superintendent Masalko indicated that Anthony Andreotti would be will limited to run a lawn mower and use a weed eater but not drive a vehicle until his birthday on July 30, 2014.
Mr. Masalko stated that due to the overwhelming amount of yard waste that is being dropped off at the Road Department, Anthony Andreotti’s main job duty will be manning the yard waste station and if needed, assisting at the parks with weeding and mowing.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion, per the Road Superintendent, that the Board authorize the hiring of the seasonal part time employee, Anthony Andreotti, for the Park Department at a wage of $10.50/hr. to work 28 hours a week and not to exceed 1500 working hours within a year, start date of May 12, 2014, providing that the drug and alcohol testing is negative; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
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 Bicentennial meeting – to be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the Township Hall
~In conjunction with the Bicentennial Celebrations – mark your calendar for the HERO 5K Run/Walk held on Memorial Day—Monday, May 26, 2014 at 10:15 am. The race begins on 13th Street in front of the Police Department. Run or walk in honor, or memory of the HERO in your life! Visit www.perrytwp.com for HERO Race event details and registration.
~Notice received from Ohio Division of Liquor Control – Permit #6481653 Nut House Saloon LLC, dba Nut House Saloon, 5990 Navarre Rd. SW, Perry Twp., Canton, Ohio 44706 – Responses must be post marked no later than May 19, 2014
~Notice received from Ohio Division of Liquor Control – New, Permit #7151715 R Snack Pop Store, 3050 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, Ohio 44646 – Responses must be postmarked no later than May 19, 2014
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Paul Bailey, 2538 Shirley Ann Ave., SW, Canton, OH 44706 – Mr. Bailey stated that he would again like to ask the Trustees, as he did back in December 1998, to move a stop sign from 14th and Bordner to 13th and Bordner. There was recently a bad accident there. If there would have been a 4-way stop there, this might not have happened. Mr. Bailey stated that when he initially asked for this back in 1998, there was to be a traffic study done.
Law Director Hall stated that he understood his frustration and added that the Board also recognizes his concern, but the problem lies, when there is a request for a stop sign and in particular a 4-way stop sign, there must be a traffic study. Mr. Hall explained that there is criteria set down by the Ohio State Legislature and is contained in the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices that the Board has certain discretion relative to speed limits and relative to speed limits and no parking, that do not require a traffic study. A stop sign is one of those things that need a traffic study and has to meet the criteria established by the Ohio Department of Transportation before a stop sign can be placed. Law Director Hall stated that anytime a stop sign has to be located at any intersection, an engineering study must be completed.
Mr. Bailey inquired that if a stop sign cannot be placed at that particular intersection, could some signage be placed nearby with a warning that there is a hazardous intersection ahead.
Jim Chenney, Executive Race Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon – Mr. Chenney stated that he wanted to take a moment to thank the Township for the opportunity of the race event coming through this municipality. Mr. Chenney stated that in being a first year event, felt that the race was a success. Mr. Chenney also added that some lessons were learned, specifically within Perry Township, regarding some issues with traffic and street closures. In hindsight, Mr. Cheney stated that some additional volunteers could have been used due to the extensive nature of the number of streets and intersections that were crossed. Mr. Chenney stated that there were approximately three thousand (3000) runners this year that came in from thirty-nine (39) different states and six (6) countries. This was a great opportunity to showcase our area. Mr. Chenney stated that again he wanted to say thank you for the cooperation and spirit of working together.
Trustee Chessler stated that he also wanted to thank Mr. Chenney for such an incredible undertaking of the race event and asked if in his debriefing knew the reason for the lack of volunteers to show up and what the proposal was to address this matter for next year.
Mr. Chenney stated that on their end, they failed to realize the extent and importance of having the number of volunteers to man every intersection. One issue that he felt was successful was recruiting volunteers in groups, for example a United Way or YMCA group that was very accountable to the organization, rather than a single volunteer who might feel a lack of importance of showing up. Mr. Chenney explained that there are many elements to this race and briefly touched on the process of this year’s race and mentioned things they would hope to remedy for next year’s event. rectify
Trustee Haines stated that per the follow up meeting that was held yesterday with the Township Department Heads, reported that it was a positive outcome, in discussing what issues came up this year and what could be corrected for next year. Trustee Haines also stated that he appreciated Mr. Chenney following up with the Township Department Heads and how being here this evening indicated his desire for the race event to be a success again next year.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adjourn into an Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) to discuss possible discipline with personnel to include the Board, Fiscal Officer, Law Director and Fire Chief; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 7:45 pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 8:01 pm
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Lee Laubacher, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer