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 20, 2015 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Trustee Chessler opened the meeting by stating that he doesn’t remember a night in recent history of looking out and seeing so many faces that weren’t angry about something (laughter). Trustee Chessler indicated that this is our regular meeting tonight and we have several pleasurable and exciting things to do. Trustee Chessler stated that he would like to welcome some guests that we have tonight and would also like to welcome all the students from Central Catholic (Government Class) who are prisoners of ours for a little while (laughter).
Excused absence:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler stated that we have a little housekeeping before we get started and made a motion that we add two (2) things to the Agenda: one is a request from Father Kaylor at Central Catholic High School to waive a permit fee; we will add that under the Administrator; also, under New Business, makes a motion that we add the Regional Planning Commission’s request that we designate a Perry Township alternate to the District 19 committee; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Trustee Chessler stated: the first thing that we’re going to do tonight is to take note of things that have happened in our community for the good. Before I do that, I want to make one small mention, and I’m sure the Board members are on the same page with me here is I wanted to recognize both our Police Chief, our Police Department and the representatives of the schools who averted what could have been a very tragic day yesterday. A fortuitous day, an event that occurred without warning and these officers, the Chief, the people at the schools all have training that I’m sure is boring from time to time but yesterday that training kicked in and that event ended without tragic incident and I hope that at a later time we can more properly recognize that. Trustee Chessler added that he thought this should be mentioned tonight. Trustee Chessler also inquired of Chief Pomesky if he would note that he has planned a forum tomorrow for a debriefing. Chief Pomesky indicated this would take place on Thursday evening, October 22, 2015 at 8:00 pm at the Police Department.
Trustee Chessler again verified that meeting time and location and indicated that there were people on social media that had questions; there were some things circulating that weren’t factually based. Trustee Chessler added that what surfaced were a lot of people who seemed to be experts in crisis management. Trustee Chessler stated that he thinks all of this will serve to give answers to people so they know that their most precious assets, their children, were and are safe.
Recognition of Perry Township Community Event Sponsors and Primary Contributors
Trustee Chessler asked Administrator Fetzer to join and assist him in front and briefly explained that back in 2013 a committee was formed that divided into several sub-committees to recognize the fact that Perry Township was going to be 200 years old. Trustee Chessler indicated that our bicentennial celebrations continued throughout 2013 with notable community events. Trustee Chessler stated that we have invited representatives to join us this evening for our final part of the origination of the Perry Township Community Events and thanked everyone for joining us this evening. Trustee Chessler added that the Board would like to recognize several noteworthy people who gave of their time and talents to make the second year of these community events even more successful and added that we will keep these on as a tradition as Perry Township Community Events.
Trustee Chessler invited Keith Nutter of Aqua Ohio to come forward to accept a small token of appreciation and thanked him for Aqua’s past sponsorship in the 2015 Perry Township Community Events; the Taste of Perry, the Perry Township Community Parade and Oktoberfest. Trustee Chessler noted that none of these events would have come to fruition without this generous sponsorship. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board also wanted to take this opportunity to thank Aqua Ohio and Mr. Nutter for their partnership and commitment for the 2016 Perry Township Community Events. Mr. Nutter thanked the Board and briefly stated that this was one way Aqua Ohio could say thank you to the community for being their customers.
Trustee Chessler invited Stephanie Spencer, Mike Burris and Chief Martin to please join us up front.
Trustee Chessler stated that Stephanie, Mike and Chief Martin have been a vital part of our community events since their origination during the Bicentennial year, designated celebrations and planning stages in 2013. In continuing on into 2014 and 2015 some have committed to organize their events again for 2016. Trustee Chessler added that each of these individuals were certainly deserving of our appreciation.
Trustee Chessler read the inscription on the awards presented, first to Stephanie Spencer: “For Your Time and Dedication to the Perry Township Oktoberfest and your Support of Perry Township Community Events”. Trustee Chessler presented to Mike Burris: “For Your Time and Dedication to the Perry Township Parade and Your Support of Perry Township Community Events”. To Fire Chief Martin: “For Your Time and Dedication to the Hero 5K Run/Walk and Your Support of the Perry Township Community Events”.
Trustee Chessler stated that we next would like to recognize Pat Masalko and Daniel Como and added that these two entertainers have given generously of their time and talents to the Perry Township Community Events; Patrick by way of sharing his amazing musician and vocal talents and Daniel with his DJ services and public engagement abilities.
Trustee Chessler read the inscription on the awards presented to Pat and Daniel: “For Donating Your Time and Talents to the Perry Township Community Events”, and added that we appreciate it very much.
Trustee Chessler stated last and certainly not least and requested Tina DeSimone, Steve Toohey, Rick Miller and Jeff Hartzell to please come forward.
Trustee Chessler briefly highlighted Rick Miller of Family Memorials; remarking that Rick’s enthusiasm was contagious, adding that he went above and beyond the call of duty by hiring a professional magician at the Oktoberfest Family Memorial event booth and providing complimentary entertainment to all attendees. Trustee Chessler stated that Steve Toohey and Rick Miller also co-sponsored the Red Neck Romeo Band.
Trustee Chessler read the inscription on the award presented to Rick: “For Your Outstanding Support and Dedication to the Perry Township Community Events”, Rick, we thank you.
Trustee Chessler introduced Jeff Hartzell, East of Chicago Pizza, “For Your Outstanding Support and Dedication to the Perry Township Community Events”, Jeff, thank you.
Several recipients recognized their family with them this evening and expressed their thanks and appreciation.
Trustee Chessler introduced Tina DeSimone and Steve Toohey and stated that they have also been instrumental in every possible way with our Community Events since 2013. Tina has hosted the Perry Community account and promoted and participated in all community events along with several key members of First Merit Bank, Perry Branch and thanked Tina for all the things that she has done. Steve Toohey has continuously supported and participated in every Perry Community Event and more and provided any and all items needed. Trustee Chessler added that Steve’s name is synonymous with charity and contributions to our community. Trustee Chessler read the inscription on the awards presented to both Tina and Steve. “For Your Outstanding Support and Dedication to Perry Township Community Events”, thank you very much.
Steve Toohey stated that he wanted to recognize Administrator Joyce Fetzer for all that she means to this community. Mr. Toohey added that Joyce is 100% positive energy, she has great ideas and that she is the reason that he believes all of us are willing to work together to promote these community events. Mr. Toohey asked for a round of applause for Joyce.
Trustee Laubacher stated that he wanted to add that it was very rewarding to him as a former teacher that two of his former students are here this evening and added that it is honoring that these individuals have stepped forward to take lead of the jobs that need to be taken over in the Township.
Thomas Queen – Community Relations Manager for Congressman Jim Renacci
Trustee Chessler stated that he would like to welcome Mr. Thomas Queen, Community Relations Manager for one of our elected representatives, Jim Renacci .
Mr. Queen stated that it was his privilege to be here on behalf of Congressman Jim Renacci and added that the Congressman’s district, a portion of it, is everything east of Perry Drive, everything east, north and northwest of Sippo Lake to roughly Jackson Avenue. Mr. Queen stated that the Congressman’s district are all a part of six (6) counties and that includes seventy eight (78) municipalities, villages, cities, townships and added that he has visited many of them. Mr. Queen briefly referenced this evening’s previous community event recognitions and remarking that they were very heartwarming. Mr. Queen stated that he wanted to compliment and congratulate these individuals as well adding that this is not something that all communities have.
Mr. Queen indicated that the Congressman has tasked me to come to speak to you very briefly about our constituent’s concerns. Mr. Queen stated that literally every day they receive calls from constituents of Perry Township to ask us about government services, the situations with social security and IRS and so forth. Mr. Queen stated that with the Board’s permission would like to read a letter from the Congressman. Trustee Chessler affirmed his request. Mr. Queen read a letter from Congressman Renacci:
To the Constituents of the 16th District of Ohio: My name is Jim Renacci and it is my honor and privilege to greet you as a Congressman. As your voice in Congress, my first priority is to be available to you. Feel free to call either my Ohio office located in Wadsworth or my office in Washington DC anytime if there is something you would like to share with me. Your thoughts and opinions matter to me; likewise, your struggles and your challenges matter to me as well. If I can help, let me know. My Wadsworth office specializes in assisting constituents in a wide variety of ways. For instance, my staff is able to assist you with Veterans issues and benefit claims as well as active duty and military issues.
About one third of the calls we receive, and we receive a 1000 calls a week, about one third of the calls we receive are for veteran’s affairs. These young people coming back from Afganastain and Iraq, from older veterans of Vietnam and Korea era; if you or anyone you know has any issues with the veterans affairs and they are not receiving the service relief they believe they should get, you are welcome to call our office. Social Security and Medicare issues, I don’t know if anybody who doesn’t, sooner or later, have to deal with Social Security and Medicare issues. We receive one third of our calls on a daily basis regarding Social Security and Medicare. Also, tax issues with the IRS, many people find the IRS a most difficult agency to deal with. We help constituents with individual tax returns, including or not being able to get proper attention from the IRS or we also help a lot of businesses move up from a situation that is beyond them or perhaps even their attorney. All federal agencies, by law, must respond to a congressional inquiry within three (3) days and tell us the status of what that case is, whether it is IRS or Social Security or whatever. We find that a lot of people come to us and they have been given an 800 number and back and forth letters for weeks or months perhaps and they are getting what they believe to be the runaround from a federal agency. If you come to our office, we will have a status report on your case within three (3) days and frequently we resolve cases because they have mentioned to a Congressman, they have resolved these cases quickly. We cannot always guarantee your case the results you want, but we guarantee we will try. What we like to tell people is the merits of your case are always going to stay upon their own, but what we will try to do is resolve that case as quickly as we possibly can, and that is what our government should do, it should be responding to a citizen as quickly and effectively and efficiently as possible, and we urge all the agencies to do that. We also give people a lot of passport applications and gave an example of a young lady whose husband was in the Marine Corp., and they arranged to get her a passport in 36 hours. Although they made extraordinary efforts to help this young marine and his wife and child get together, made the point that going through the normal procedure of obtaining a passport through the U.S. Postal Service is the most ideal process, but their office can help in special circumstances such as this.
We also deal with many other Federal Agencies and added that this is just a reminder to the citizens, constituents that we can serve you. Our office is also able to assist you if you would like to reach me in Washington DC and added that if you would like to order a U.S. flag that has been flown over the United States Capital, this is a frequent request and one that we can honor. Please consider his office a one-stop resource for you the taxpayer and constituents of the 16th District and be advised that I can be reached at my office in Wadsworth: 330-334-0040.
Sincerely,
J. Renacci, Member of Congress
Mr. Queen stated that while he works for Congressman Jim Renacci, all of us in our office approach our jobs with a servant’s heart so therefore I work for you and if there is anything that you think the Federal Government can and should be doing for you, you can let me know. These brochures have our phone number on them, I have business cards here and you can give us a call anytime. We seek to serve. Also, in addition to the individual constituents, we frequently deal with cities, villages and townships that are searching for and have grants that the Congressman can do letters in support for. For example, grants for fire departments, health grants for police departments; we’ve been involved in issues with water treatment. Mr. Queen stated that while our staff is too small to find federal grant or even state grant, if you do have a target, let us know and the Congressman certainly will write a letter of support and if it is a federal grant, we can bring you all guns to bear to try and see if we can help you on that. Mr. Queen stated his thanks and added that it was his privilege to be here on behalf of Congressman Renacci.
Trustee Chessler stated that he wanted to single out one person who is in the audience tonight, Steve Toohey, and added that he doesn’t know if you would find a person in any other community that has done more for fallen heroes of our military and their families and added that it is an ongoing thing with Steve, I’m sure that he’s not done with it and will not be done with it for a long time, so if you would ever need his services or could help out Steve with those efforts.
Steve Toohey stated that just as a footnote, when we started our program back in 2013, we ordered 1,000 American flags from Jim’s office and they did a great job in shipping them so we thank Mr. Renacci for doing that for us.
5 Minute Recess
Ron Mimna – Supervisor Perchon Field Services ~ Representing Marathon Pipeline LLC
Trustee Chessler introduced invited guest, Mr. Ron Mimna, Supervisor of Perchon Field Services representing Marathon Pipeline. Trustee Chessler indicated to Mr. Mimna that all of our Board members have individually spoken with him about this matter as well as Road Superintendent Masalko, so we have some familiarity and because we are making a record tonight, asked Mr. Mimna to explain this project being worked on and how the Township is involved.
Mr. Mimna stated that Marathon Pipeline discharged water out of their refinery and are going to fill in the south side of Canton and currently that is being done at a small stream up there. Mr. Mimna stated that a few years back, some of the environmentalists logged change and they wanted that discharge to occur in a larger body of water and it took roughly three (3) years to get that done. This project is an 18” water line now that comes from the refinery and we will go south approximately ten (10) miles to be discharged in the Tuscarawas River. Mr. Mimna stated Shepler Church just south of Hudson Drive, where Shepler Church is, is where it is being discharged into the river.
Mr. Mimna stated that the reason he is here this evening is that line comes between the refinery and the river; it passes through the corner of Perry Township and we are going to be crossing Richville Drive. We are seeking permission to bore under the road; the surface will not be disturbed, we will likely be boring under that road so we are here to seek permission for that this evening. Mr. Mimna stated that he has sent some information previously but has also brought, for the Trustees and Road Superintendent, a copy of the application. Mr. Mimna stated that Road Superintendent Masalko has had a chance to look this over and added that he believes everything is in order and inquired of Mr. Masalko if that was correct. Mr. Masalko stated that was correct. Mr. Mimna stated that he is seeking approval tonight to go ahead and approach that road. Mr. Mimna referred to the attached pages and stated that he spoke to Mr. Masalko regarding the last page and added that it is a typical road bore. Mr. Mimna stated that what happens at a road bore, referring to a sketch before the Board, is a sketch that shows that there is a pull off for vehicles to come in to set up the equipment. Mr. Mimna stated that if you are familiar with Richmont at Eden Church, there is a very steep bank off along side of that so that is really not going to apply there but gives an idea of a typical road of how that approach is put in. Mr. Mimna added that once the construction work is over, it is all put back to like conditions, better than or equal to what it was before we arrived there. Mr. Mimna stated that this is an overview, not wanting to take too much time, but if there were additional questions, he would certainly be glad to answer them.
Trustee Chessler stated to Mr. Mimna that in regard to the agreement itself, our Law Director can advise us if it is sufficient as to its form and its content. Trustee Chessler indicated that as far as what the work is going to be, we ask Road Superintendent Masalko to look at that and I assume that the company has a bond and we have a process in place to regulate and ensure that kind of work is done so it’s in like condition.
Road Superintendent Masalko stated to Trustee Chessler, other than what he said, he has no problem since the boring of the road will be a four (4) foot bore on the road and it won’t be an open cut. Mr. Masalko stated that he is going to ask for the Board’s approval tonight to go ahead and sign this permit.
Trustee Haines inquired of Law Director Hall if he has had a chance to look at this. Mr. Hall indicated that he has reviewed this matter and added that he agrees with Mr. Masalko in that the Board approve to take it upon. Trustee Haines inquired when this work will be done. Mr. Mimna indicated that they want to start in January if the weather permits and added that he actually put on the agreement that it would commence on January 4th, as the earliest and the work would be completed by March 11th. Mr. Mimna stated that the sunny day scenario is that we would be in and out very quickly and added that the cloudy day scenario is if it is wet and not really suitable for construction, could be delayed.
Trustee Laubacher inquired as to the particular location where this work will take place and it was verified.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the information that was presented tonight, along with the application that the Board has before us, and based on the input of the Road Superintendent and the review and approval of the Law Director that the Perry Township Board of Trustees approve the application for a permit to excavate within the township public roadways as it is set forth in the written agreement we have received from Marathon Pipeline LLC; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler indicated to Mr. Mimna that he would say that any other questions that will come up, that he could deal directly with Road Superintendent Masalko adding that he will be our designee on this matter. Mr. Mimna acknowledged this and also added that if anything does come up to let him know.
Communications:
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler indicated that the Board of Trustees has been notified by the Stark County Regional Planning Commission that we need to renew our designee to the District 19 Public Works Integrating Committee. Trustee Chessler stated that for several years now, Mr. Laubacher has served as our representative and the representative on that committee for large townships and makes a motion that the Perry Township Board of Trustees reappoint him as the primary designee and I will serve as the alternate, if that is needed; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $405,188.00 for the week ending October 13, 2015 and bills and payroll in the amount of $221,103.74 for the week ending October 20, 2015 for a combined total of $626,291.74; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Consider Approval of August 18, 2015 Minutes
Trustee Haines made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from August 18, 2015; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Approval Passage of 2015 Tax Rates being 16.89 mills that equals $7,554,357.00
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that he is requesting the Board’s approval for the passage of the 2015 tax rates being 16.89 mills that equals $7,554,357.00.
- General Fund – .10 mills ~ $51,006.00
- Road Bridge Fund – 1.50 mills ~ $760,932.00
- Fire Levy – 4.90 mills ~ $2,365,888.00
- Police Levy – 7.39 mills ~ $3,308,269.00
- Road Levy – 3.00 mills ~ $1,068,262.00
TOTALS ~ 16.89 mills ~ $7,554,357.00
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve the tax rate for the tax year 2015 of 16.89 mills which equals and yields $7,554,357.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Administration:
Trustee Chessler stated that we have received a letter from Father Kaylor dated October 16, 2015 where he is asking the Board, as he has in years past, to waive the permit fee charged to Central Catholic High School for a portable sign to be used in front of their school to advertise their annual open house.
Trustee Chessler stated that the fact that this just came in and we won’t have a Board meeting for two (2) weeks and we want to endear ourselves to all of the Central Catholic students who are here this evening makes a motion that we approve, once again, the waiver of the permit; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Fire Department:
Consider $3,000 Donation from McKinley Eagles
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is asking the Board of Trustees to accept the donation of $3,000 from the McKinley Eagles and added they have agreed to purchase an inflatable firefighter costume, photo attached before the Board. Chief Martin stated that this will make a nice addition to our fire prevention repertoire.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept once again the generous donation from the Eagles in the amount of $3,000; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Resignation of Zack Bergmann
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has received a memo from Fire Chief Martin dated August 16, 2015 to notify us of the intent of one of our longtime and valued employees, Zack Bergmann to resign his position with the Perry Township Board of Trustees effective Friday, October 30, 2015. Trustee Chessler stated that he will agree with Chief Martin in that Zack has been a vital component of our Police and Fire vehicle maintenance program for fifteen (15) years and he has also been a valuable and independent employee and his services will be missed; Seconded, with regret, by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Consider Authorizing Replacement of Vacant Police and Fire Vehicle Maintenance Technician Position
Trustee Haines indicated that the next thing he would like to look at before we just arbitrarily hire somebody for replacement; we have road mechanics and we have police and fire mechanics and making sure we are doing the right thing before we hire somebody. Trustee Haines added that he would like to see if we could utilize our road mechanic as well as the fire and police mechanic as they do share some of the equipment here in this building and added that he knows there is equipment at the road department they certainly need as far as welders and everything else. Trustee Haines indicated that he would at least like to have a conversation with the department heads to see if that is at all feasible and what would make sense and if we could, right now we share half and half with police and fire, share one third between the three departments. Trustee Haines stated that he doesn’t know if that would allow the Road Superintendent to hire somebody else to help him on the road crew to do more; we need to look at this and openly discuss that. Trustee Haines further indicated that one position is a union position and one is a non union position so that might be something else we need to look at and understand before we make a final decision.
Trustee Chessler stated that he agrees that it would be good to take a step back and thinks this is a very important position. Trustee Chessler also indicated to Fire Chief Martin and Police Chief Pomesky if we could make time to have that conversation that we could take a lead on this and give us your thoughts and input on what your needs are for your departments and Road Superintendent Masalko as well and then maybe we could consolidate and be more efficient.
Trustee Chessler stated that this is the last meeting for October. Trustee Haines added that the first meeting of November will be the 10th. Trustee Chessler indicated that if maybe we could have a preliminary report. Trustee Haines indicated that we will have conversations and will see what makes sense.
Trustee Laubacher stated that in regard to the Fire Department, we had received information concerning two (2) Perry Township patients that were saved by our Perry Paramedics and getting them to the hospitals within record time. Trustee Laubacher stated that he wanted to thank Chief Martin for getting them out there and getting their training. Fire Chief Martin stated that it was not him, adding that it is the guys that are out on the street that do the job.
Trustee Laubacher stated that we are beating the national record with regard to times to get the people to the hospital and added that he feels that this needs to be recognized by the people in Perry Township; we pay taxes and sometimes you don’t expect the taxes you pay as a resident will be for services that will save your life.
Police Department:
Consider Records II Position
Trustee Chessler indicated that the Board and the Police Chief have had some preliminary discussion regarding the realignment that is going to occur with the imminent movement of the dispatching function. Trustee Chessler stated that the Chief had some ideas about creating a new position to assist and enhance his operation. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has before them a job description for a Police Records Custodian II position. Trustee Chessler inquired of Chief Pomesky if he would outline this in his recommendations in this regard.
Police Chief Pomesky stated that attached is a copy of the job description for the Police Records II Secretary position and added that he is asking tonight for the Board’s consideration of adopting that job description and creating the position. Chief Pomesky stated that we will have a need internally for that position to further assist citizens for copies of reports, records retention and some day to day operations. Chief Pomesky added, one of which we are a leads terminal agency so we do need a terminal agency coordinator to maintain compliancy of the requirements administratively with the state. Chief Pomesky stated that he is also prepared to make a recommendation to fill that should the Board consider that tonight as well. Chief Pomesky indicated that we do have a person more qualified inside to fill these roles for us and added that he would like to recommend Debra Ponieski to be considered for the full time position with an hourly pay rate of $15.00 per hour and benefits consistent with a non union employee.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adopt a job description for a position titled Police Records Secretary II as it has been set forth by the Police Chief; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
Trustee Haines inquired of Law Director Hall if he had a chance to look at the above referenced job description. Mr. Hall indicated that he had.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Trustee Chessler stated that the job has been established, the Chief’s recommendation is to hire Debra Ponieski for full time for this position at an hourly rate of pay of $15.00 and benefits consistent with non union employees in the Township and that position is to be effective November 1, 2015 and added that he puts this in the form of a motion; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Road and Park Department:
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Executive Session(s):
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department:
September Statistics
Road and Parks Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
~Trick or Treat – Observed Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 3:00 to 5:00 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.
~November 2015 Board of Trustee Meetings – the regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, November 4th will be moved to Tuesday, November 10th and the second regular meeting will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.
~Notice of liquor license permit transfer: Mark and Frances Mills dba Mills Tavern B TRFO 601 8969-0055 6195 Navarre Rd. SW, Perry Twp., Canton, OH 44706 Inquiry deadline response 10/23/15
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Trustee Chessler stated that he has one new and additional thing he would like to ask the participants this evening, we have employed a new system to make a record, a recording system and to make sure the transcription of this is accurate and easy to do. If you would like to address the Board, I will ask you to please approach the Board here and direct your questions or comments to me as the Board President and step up and speak loudly and clearly giving first your name and your residence address.
Eric Blatz, 1840 Jackson Avenue NW, Massillon 44646 – Mr. Blatz indicated that he had several things he wanted to speak about: One, Mr. Blatz indicated that he wanted to address this to Road Superintendent Masalko; his catch basin is on the corner of Jackson and Roanoke and there is water in it. Mr. Blatz stated that he called three (3) times last summer and he called three (3) times this summer and nothing was done. Mr. Blatz stated that he knows this is minor and would normally bail it out himself, but is unable to and asked if somebody could lift the grate and bail this water out.
Two, on Jackson Ave. on the west side about half way, there is a 40 mph sign that is almost completely covered by tree branches, if the road crew could knock this down, for visible distance, this may help to slow down the speeders on Jackson.
Three, Mr. Blatz stated that he has mentioned this before, there was action taken in the summer, the Township accepted a $6,723 road pavement for bond from Discovery Oil and Gas Company of Cannonsburg, PA for use of an approximate 350 foot stretch of stone. Mr. Blatz stated that was like a donation to the Trustees to help in the paving. Mr. Blatz referred to an article and stated that the company wanted to donate using the road to transport materials and equipment to and from a location for oil and gas operations. Mr. Blatz added that the money is paid to the Township for any potential damage to the road this year.
Trustee Chessler indicated that this is a policy that we and many other communities have adopted knowing that this kind of activity brings about very heavy trucks and the likelihood of damage to the roads is increased so we are going to require that of everybody, either up front or after the damage, that they repair the damage.
Mr. Blatz stated: this brings up Blue Ash going off of Roanoke in Jackson Township’s new allotment built there. Mr. Blatz indicated that he lives on the corner and all summer long there were transports, semi trailers with the bobcats, dump trucks, all the heavy construction equipment using our Roanoke area to go into the Blue Ash area for the home construction. Mr. Blatz stated: this is continuing tonnage that I feel is too heavy for that road. Mr. Blatz inquired: is it was possible for you and I to go down there and shake the tree a little bit for a donation from Ryan Homes.
Trustee Chessler stated that this is the first that he’s given this considered thought and added that he will just offer these thoughts off of the top of his head; when the oil and gas people were coming through there, they wanted to endear themselves to the communities, they were a group that weren’t politically welcome. Trustee Chessler added that he doesn’t know that Perry has ever considered nor had he ever seen other communities considering imposing similar restrictions on home builders or other people that for a defined period of time, would have that kind of activity.
Trustee Chessler added that maybe there are some things we could do to restrict the kind of traffic on the Township Roads that is likely to cause damages. Law Director Hall indicated that the problem is that there are statutory limitations and of course, with the frackers and heavy oil industry trucks, they are either at or over those statutory limits whereas, for the most part, the contractors will either bring in a bulldozer or one or two pieces of equipment. Mr. Hall added: for generally below those statutory limits, although I will concede that Mr. Blatz is correct then repetition of a lighter truck results in damage to the roadways. Law Director Hall indicated that the statutes specifically have a weight limit cut off, then in the situation that he has sighted, that company recognized that they were either right at or over the limit.
Mr. Blatz also inquired if there was a speed enforcement type of thing that would bring in revenue to the Township and briefly gave an example of other communities regarding their speeding tickets that pay their whole municipality.
Trustee Chessler stated that when a person who goes to Court over in Massillon pays a speeding ticket that they received in Perry, we get pennies on the dollar.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel indicated that we don’t get anything as a matter of fact. Mr. Schlegel stated that every time a ticket is issued in Perry Township, it is used for the deficit of the courts. Mr. Schlegel added that this is the same for Jackson Township. Mr. Schlegel gave an example of when Massillon Courts sends Perry Township money, we have to turn around, quarterly, and send it right back to them by law. Trustee Haines added that we cannot generate money that way.
Trustee Chessler also stated that the difference is that those communities are incorporated villages or cities and they have what is called home rule authority and they get to keep the revenue that they generate. Trustee Chessler indicated that the benefit, the other side of the coin, is Massillon has to operate that Court and we are not obligated to pay the expenses of operating the Court, so there is a give and take.
Joseph Hargis, 516 Netherwood Ave. NW, Canton 44708 – regarding yesterday’s police incident; felt that this could have been handled better.
Trustee Haines referenced the open forum to take place this Thursday at the Police Department in regard to this matter.
Police Chief Pomesky gave a brief explanation to Mr. Hargis detailing the evacuation and verifying the safety of the students.
Trustee Haines stated that this was indeed a very intense situation and added that we are very fortunate that it ended the way it did. Trustee Haines also added that was the reason that it had been posted on Perry’s website of what was happening because that was the easiest way for them to communicate with people on what happened. Trustee Haines added that these guys have to be able to do their job and when it is a stressful situation, they are worried about keeping the kids safe and keeping the barrier between him and them until they were able to do what they needed to do to take the situation under control.
Trustee Chessler stated to Mr. Hargis that his comments were well placed and he thinks that it will do well for people like him to have these comments and concerns to go there (tomorrow’s forum). Trustee Chessler added that the Police Department and the schools now want to take this and the things that they found out about it for the next time, and hopefully there isn’t, but they would be a little bit more prepared.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes.
Craig Chessler, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer