Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
July 17, 2012 7:00pm
Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Chief Mark Martin- Attending Ohio Fire Chief’s Conference
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board delete the consideration under the Road Department to purchase a 2013 cab and chassis until the Road Superintendent requests it; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Trustee Chessler stated that he received a phone call from Mike Lampers, Discovery Oil & Gas, LLC. Mr. Lampers indicated that he would be dropping off written notice regarding proposed drilling at Richville United Church of Christ. Trustee Chessler stated that this notice was dropped off for the Board of Trustees today. This is a notice required by the State of Ohio in order to inform the Board and the public of proposed drilling. This matter was added to the agenda under upcoming events.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
Communications:
Request from Reverend Robert W. Kaylor to Consider Waiving Permit Fee for Central Catholic High School Portable Sign
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board received a letter from Reverend Robert Kaylor who is requesting that the Board waive the permit fee for Central Catholic High School. Central Catholic High School is having their annual steak fry and they place a portable sign in the front yard. This same sign is used to welcome back the students at the beginning of the school year.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board honor the request of Father Kaylor to waive the permit fee for a portable sign to be used at the school during August 2012; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Request from Perry Football Fathers Club- Fundraiser at Hartwick Park- August 2013
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board received email correspondence from Mike Bowen, Treasurer of the Perry Football Father’s Club. Mr. Bowen is proposing to host a fundraiser/ community festival and parade at Hartwick Park in August 2013. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board learned additional information regarding this request from Mr. Bowen at the Business Exchange meeting. The Board wanted to formally acknowledge this request as well as determine the need for a meeting to discuss this event and planning. Trustee Laubacher stated that he feels a meeting is necessary to go over ideas and suggestions that Mr. Bowen has come up with. Trustee Chessler suggested that Mr. Bowen get in contact with individuals who have put together these types of events. Trustee Chessler inquired if Trustee Laubacher would like to be the Board’s representative to attend these meetings and bring information back so that the Board can stay informed. Trustee Laubacher stated that was fine and that he appreciated Mr. Bowen not waiting until the last minute and planning ahead. Trustee Haines added that the Board will want to be thinking about the idea of alcohol being served and the proper licensing for that. Chief Pomesky had stated that a DARE car show and a beer garden may not go well together so these are all things that should be kept in mind while planning this event. Trustee Laubacher stated that he will get in contact with Mr. Bowen to set up a meeting.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business:
Status of Proposed General Fund Levy
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board entertained and invited the public to come to the first regular meeting and work session of July to discuss the proposed general fund levy for the November ballot. The Massillon Independent was helpful in trying to solicit participation from the public. The Board did receive some comment from interested community members but the participation has not been as wide spread as expected. Trustee Chessler stated that he has spoken with Mr. Schlegel and in looking at the budget for this year going into next year it would allow the Board to defer placing this matter on the ballot until May 2013. In which time, the Board will have the opportunity to more fully explore the suggestions received from the public regarding deficiencies in operations, prioritizing services rendered by the Township and personnel costs. Mr. Schlegel verified that the current budget will make it through the remainder of 2012 and 2013 which is due to the Township receiving a little over $200,000.00 in estate taxes this year. After this year, the Township will no longer receive money from estate taxes. Any levy approved in 2013 would start generating funds beginning 2014.
Trustee Chessler stated that he feels it’s important to keep the public informed and involved in these discussions because it is important for them to see that even though the Township is losing these funds through no fault of our own we are still looking at sacrifices and prioritizing services. Trustee Laubacher and Trustee Haines agreed. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board’s thought and discussion up to this point of putting a general fund levy on the ballot for November 2012 will be deferred. It is the Board’s intent to look at placing the general fund levy on the ballot for May 2013.
New Business:
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to table the minutes from the July 3 Regular Meeting and the July 10 Work Session; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $159,353.06 for the week ending July 17, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Chessler
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Consider Scheduling 2013 Budget Hearing for August 14, 2013 Work Session
Mr. Schlegel stated that every year the Township holds a budget hearing. The budgets are prepared by the Fiscal Officer with the help of each Department Head. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board needs to approve the 2013 budget and have it to the Budget Commission by August 20, 2012. This use to be a public hearing but it is not longer required to be a public hearing. Mr. Schlegel suggested that the 2013 Budget Hearing be held at the August 14, 2012 Work Session.
Consider Accepting Credit Card Policy
Mr. Schlegel stated that the Township did not receive any citations during the audit. This is the third audit in a row in which Perry Township received zero citations. The auditors do provide some suggestions and ideas to make things better. The auditors suggested that the Township implement a credit card policy. Mr. Schlegel stated that he explained the credit card procedure to the auditors and they indicated that the Township was doing everything correctly but there should be something in writing and passed by the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Hall stated that he provided the Board with a draft credit card policy for their review and consideration. The policy is pretty straight forward and includes the procedure for checking out and returning the credit cards. The Township credit cards can only be used for Township business and are not permitted to be used for personal purchases. Other miscellaneous criteria was added to comply with the auditors guidelines. Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed this draft policy with Mr. Schlegel and they are both recommending it to the Board for approval.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adopt the credit card policy as drafted and requested by the Law Director and Fiscal Officer; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Administration:
Consider Enrollment of BWC Excellence Programs; Drug Free Safety Program, Industry Specific Safety Program, Go Green Discount and Lapse- Free Discount
Administrator Fetzer stated that in March 2012 she attended a portion of a three (3) day Ohio Safety Conference Expo in Columbus free of charge. There were wonderful educational opportunities as far as additional programs to save funds for the Township. In attending these classes, Administrator Fetzer stated that she found several classes that would be beneficial to the Township as far as cost savings. The Industry Specific Safety Program would save three percent (3%) on the Township’s Bureau of Workman’s Compensation (BWC) discount which requires the completion of an online safety management self assessment, online safety consultation and attending the Annual Ohio Safety Congress Expo. Administrator Fetzer stated that it would be nice if all of the Department Heads could go next year as it is free of charge and is applicable to everyone.
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Drug Free Safety program would save the Township four percent (4%) through BWC. The Township would enter the general level due to the union situations. This program is designed to help employees be more effective in preventing job related injuries and illnesses. Administrator Fetzer stated that this is very similar to the Township’s Drug Free Workplace policy as far as education and documents that are required to be submitted on a monthly basis. Accident analysis training, workplace safety reviews, written policies and employee education are all things that the Township is currently doing. Now the Township is going to be compensated for doing those things.
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Go Green Discount would save the Township one percent (1%). Mr. Schlegel and Ms. Moser are already utilizing this program but now the Township will receive a $1,000.00 benefit for it. This requires that the premiums be paid online through BWC.
Administrator Fetzer stated that there is a Lapse-Free Discount program. Mr. Schlegel is very efficient and the Township does not have any lapses. There has to be a sixty month consecutive term and the Township is eligible for that as well. This is an additional $1,000.00 savings to the Township.
Administrator Fetzer stated that the submission deadline is September 1, 2012 and asked that the Board consider making a motion to support the submission. Trustee Chessler stated that as you read over these things they specify small but meaningful percentages of discounts and it is important to let the constituents know that the Township is always looking for cost savings.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board support the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Sponsor Programs and further authorize the Administrator to take whatever steps necessary to complete and submit applications to participate in the available discount programs; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
Trustee Laubacher inquired the total amount of savings. Administrator Fetzer stated that the participation in the discussed programs will save the Township a total of $6,300.00.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department:
Consider Micro Surfacing Project Change Order in the Amount of $10,660.50
Mr. Masalko stated that the Road Department is requesting a change order in the amount of $10,660.50 to Strawser Construction for the micro surfacing project. The reason for the change order is due to a mis-functioning measuring wheel. The wheel measured one road at 800 feet instead of 1,800 feet. The extra 1,000 feet constituted the change order amount of $10,660.50 which brings the total cost of the project to $449,071.72. Trustee Haines noted that Mr. Masalko has replaced the measuring wheel.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board authorize the change order to Strawser Construction in the amount of $10,660.50 totaling $449,071.72; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Trustee Haines, yes.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling:
Consider Accepting the Resignation of William Neider
The Board presented a certificate of appreciation for five (5) years of service to Bill Neider. Mr. Neider has a great work ethic and has served the Township well for the last five (5) years. The Board thanked Mr. Neider for his hard work and dedication to Perry Township and wishes him well in the future.
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:
A. Notice from Discovery Oil & Gas Regarding Proposed Drilling Operation
Trustee Chessler read the notification letter from Discovery Oil & Gas, LLC:
“In accordance with State of Ohio oil and gas drilling regulations, this is to inform you that we are applying for a permit to drill an oil and gas well on the Richville United Church of Christ located at 6125 Richville Drive, Navarre, Ohio. This well will be located approximately 450 feet to the north of Richville Drive. The distance from the street, along with the planned reclamation work of the property, will camouflage the well from the residential neighborhood located to the south. Additionally, approximately 40 of the landowners in that neighborhood, representing a significant majority of the property owners, entered into Non Development Oil and Gas agreements with us, giving their consent to the drilling of this well.
Should you wish to tour the location, or if you have any questions of any nature whatsoever, please contact either David Matak or myself (Michael Lampers) at either of the numbers listed below.
Should you have any questions you wish to direct to the State of Ohio regarding the permitting process, you can contact the Division of Mineral Resources at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Their address is: Oil and Gas Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Building F-2, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693, phone: (614)-265-6633/ (614)-256-2550/ (614)-429-5622.”
Trustee Chessler explained that the Division of Mineral Resources at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources determines whether or not to issue the permit. If that permit is issued, they will oversee the permit and drilling themselves. The Perry Township Board of Trustees has no authority or over sight in that regard but are willing to serve as the communities mouth piece regarding anything going on at the drilling site.
Trustee Chessler stated that he confirmed with Mr. Lampers that this is referred to as a “Clinton” well. A “Clinton” well is not drilled to the same depth as a Utica and Marcellus Shale. It will however, involve directional drilling that allows them to obtain minerals under properties that are not directly below the drill site. This is a process that has gone on many times in Perry Township over the years. It also involves a process called “fracking” or “fracturing” but this is not the same type of process that everyone has been reading about lately in the paper where they go down four to five thousand feet. It is the same process but it is done at a level much closer to the surface. These operations have been conducted in Perry Township many times before. Discovery Oil and Gas is also very good to their word about property reclamation after the process is completed. The Board would be happy to answer any questions that they can. If the Board is unable to answer those questions then those questions should be directed to Mr. Michael Lampers at Discovery Oil & Gas, LLC or Division of Mineral Resources at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Brian Jones- Richville Dr. SW. Mr. Jones inquired about the depth of the drilling and how close it will be to the surface. Trustee Chessler explained that a “Clinton” well is a formation that is much closer to the surface than a Utica or Marcellus Shale which is much deeper. They employ a technique called “directional drilling” which allows them to drill in a vertical direction so that they can go under properties where they couldn’t go before. This normally involves a four (4) to five (5) day period where there are lots of lights and noise which is when the drilling is taking place. After that time period those things go away and they reclaim the property as the weather permits. They will put up an opaque fence or landscape around the drill site. The drill rig itself is a rather small apparatus and is rather un-intrusive which yields very little noise and smell if it is ran properly. Trustee Haines stated that this is very similar to the drill rig that sits at Meredith Park.
Mr. Jones stated that he just spent a lot of money to have a water well put into his property and is concerned about how the drilling will affect his well and water quality. Trustee Chessler suggested that Mr. Jones contact Discovery Oil & Gas, LLC to discuss his concerns. The Board asked Administrator Fetzer to put a copy of this letter on the website and post at the Township Hall.
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer