Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
March 20, 2012 7:00pm
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Dave Riggs, Perry Wrestling Coach and State Wrestling Champions: David Bavery, Zack Dailey, Mitch Newhouse and JoJo Tayse
The Board of Trustees presented awards to Coach Dave Riggs and four (4) Perry High School wrestlers for being State Champions for the 2011-2012 Wrestling Season. Coach Riggs stated that he is very proud of the wrestlers and thanked the Board for presenting these awards.
Awards Presented:
Mitch Newhouse, Senior- 138
Zack Dailey, Senior- 152
JoJo Tayse, Junior- 195
David Bavery, Sophomore-106
Coach Dave Riggs, 2012 Coach of the Year- Federal League
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action:
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills and payroll in the amount of $41,181.57 for the week ending March 20, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 13, 2012 Work Session; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration: None.
Fire Department:
Consider the Hiring of Part-Time Firefighter/ EMT-B John McNally
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the hiring of John McNally as a probationary part-time firefighter/ EMT-B with total work hours not to exceed 1500 hours per year. Mr. McNally will be required to complete all of the current requirements of probationary members and will receive all benefits awarded to part-time employees. Chief Martin stated that if the Board should approve this hire the probationary period should be set for one (1) year with an effective date of March 20, 2012.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board hire John McNally as a probationary part-time firefighter/ EMT-B with the Perry Township Fire Department assigned to Station #3. Mr. McNally will be required to complete all current requirements that is placed on probationary members, total work hours are not to exceed 1500 hours per year and will be afforded all benefits applicable to part-time employees; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider the Installation of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms at Station #1
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider approving the services of WW Schaub for the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at Station #1 with the cost of the project not to exceed $2,490.00. As part of moving the full-time medics from the residential structure behind Station #1 to the station where they will be sleeping all night, the Stark County Building Department has requested that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be installed for their safety. Only two (2) quotes were obtained; WW Schaub for $2,490.00 and Abbott Electric for $5,225.00. Chief Martin recommended WW Schaub because they provided the lowest quote.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize Chief Martin to take the steps necessary to secure the services of WW Schaub to install hardwire interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at Station #1 at a total cost of $2,490.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider the Purchase of Turnout Gear
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the purchase of one (1) set of turn out gear from Fire Force, Inc. at a total cost of $1,502.00. This turn out gear is to outfit Mr. McNally who was hired earlier this evening.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board authorize the purchase of one (1) set of personal protective turn out gear from Fire Force, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $1,502.00; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Contract for EMS Billing Services
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider a three (3) year contract with C&C Medical Billing Services for the processing of EMS billing and Medicaid reimbursement. This is a standard practice that goes on with all fire departments. The Perry Township Fire Department has been with Mill Creek Billing for several years. Mill Creek Billing was purchased by C&C Medical Billing Services. A former employee of Mill Creek Billing has purchased this business. Chief Martin stated that he provided a copy of the proposed contract to Law Director Hall who has reviewed it for legally sufficiency. Mr. Hall stated that he was okay with the terms of the contract.
Chief Martin provided the Board with a cost comparison by obtaining a quote from Ohio Billing Services. Ohio Billing Services is one of the largest billing agencies in Stark County. Ohio Billing Services charges $34.00 per billable report. A third quote was obtained from Life Force Management. Life Force Management bills based on the percentage of what they collect which is seven (7) percent. C&C Medical Billing Services quoted $15.00 per billable report for year one, $16.00 per billable report for year two and $17.00 per billable report for year three.
Chief Martin provided an additional cost comparison of what the billing services would cost the Township based upon 2011 report statistics. In 2011, there were 1790 billable EMS reports:
| Company | Reports x Price | Total Cost |
| C&C Medical Billing Services | 1790 x $15.00 (one year price) | $26,850.00 |
| Ohio Billing | 1790 x $34.00 | $60,860.00 |
| Life Force Management | Seven percentage (7%) x
$434,468.00 |
$30,412.76 |
In comparing C&C Medical Billing Services in the third year at $17.00 per billable report and Life Force Management at seven (7) percent of total amount collected; C&C Medical Billing Services would only be $18.00 higher. Therefore, C&C Medical Billing Services would be the lowest quoted price for two (2) of the three (3) years. Chief Martin recommended that the Board authorize the three (3) year contract with C&C Medical Billing Services.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board authorize the Fire Department to enter into a three (3) year contract with C&C Medical Billing Services for the processing of EMS billing and Medicaid reimbursement at a cost of $15.00 per billable report for year one, $16.00 per billable report for year two and $17.00 per billable report for year three; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
Trustee Chessler verified that Mr. Hall had reviewed this proposed contract for legal sufficiency. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler stated that other questions were raised and verified that those have been reviewed with Chief Martin and that Mr. Hall was satisfied as far as the interest of the Board. Mr. Hall stated that was correct.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Consider HVAC Proposal for IT Room
Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting some renovations to the HVAC system in the IT room. The current HVAC system in the basement is set up to heat and cool 1500 square feet in the evidence room, 200 square feet in the evidence office and electrical control room, 100 square feet in the armory and an additional 600 square feet in the locker rooms. This is a combined total of 2400 square feet that the Police Department is cooling year round in order to keep the IT room cool. The IT room adds an additional 150 square feet.
Chief Pomesky stated that in looking at options for addressing the HVAC system issue and to protect against system failure he is recommending the installation of a split system to properly cool the IT room at the Police Department. This will close off the existing heating and cooling system so it no longer serves the IT room. The existing thermostat is located in the IT room which will be relocated to an alternate location. The IT room will then be on its own independent system.
Chief Pomesky stated that he solicited for quotes from four (4) companies:
| Company | Quote |
| Miracle Heating and Cooling | $5,388.00 |
| Reliable Heating and Cooling | $4,167.00 |
| Finney Refrigeration, Inc. | $4,827.00 |
| Morris Heating and Cooling | Not submitted |
Chief Pomesky recommended purchasing the cooling unit from Reliable Heating and Cooling for the price of $4,167.00. This is important because this room houses all of the Police Department’s IT equipment and allows the emergency operations center/ dispatch facility to continue to work. If that system overheats the Police Department could experience failure with that electrical equipment which would put the community at risk.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize Chief Pomesky to take the steps necessary to enter into an agreement with Reliable Heating and Cooling for the installation of a split system to properly cool the IT room at the Police Department at a cost not to exceed $4,167.00; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider OVITF Contract
Chief Pomesky stated that previously the Perry Township Police Department facilitated the Stark County OVI Task Force. The OVI Task Force is now being hosted by the University of Akron for all Stark County law enforcement agencies. Perry Township Police Department has been asked to participate in the enforcement efforts with the task force to decrease the occurrence of impaired drug and alcohol driving. This partnership is excellent in a lot of different aspects. The OVI Task Force requires a lot of accounting and statistical analysis to be able to set up the check points because it provides for a data driven approach to law enforcement. The University of Akron will be able to bring in graduate students to help out with the background work for the Task Force.
Chief Pomesky stated that the Task Force is for the most part set up the same way as it has been in the past. Initially the Township will pay the officer the over time rate for working with the Task Force but will then be reimbursed. The traffic enforcement activities will include; OVI Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols, Corridor Enforcement and Data Driven Area Enforcement. Chief Pomesky stated that the Township can submit to the State through the University of Akron for the reimbursement of all costs to the Township. Chief Pomesky provided the Board with a copy of the contract agreement. Trustee Chessler inquired if the contract was reviewed and approved by the Law Director. Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed the contract and it is good to go. Trustee Chessler inquired how many of the Perry Township officers are needed at each checkpoint. Chief Pomesky stated that the number of officers can vary from time to time. Sometimes there can be up to six (6) positions available and then other times there may only be one (1) position available. This is dependent upon the location of the checkpoint. The officers are covered under the “Special Deputy Commission” of the Stark County Sheriff’s Department so that they have arrest authority outside of Perry Township.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve and authorize the Township and the Perry Township Police Department to enter into the Stark County OVI Task Force contract as it has been presented; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Hiring Part-Time Records Clerk- Nicole Sterling
Chief Pomesky asked the Board to consider the hiring of Nicole Sterling as a part-time records clerk. Miss Sterling is a graduate of Louisville High School and has attended Stark State College and Kent Stark. Miss Sterling previously worked at the Stark County Sheriff’s Office filing medical records. All of Miss Sterling’s references gave her very high reviews and she will be an asset to the Police Department. Chief Pomesky recommended that Miss Sterling be hired at a rate of $8.00 per hour with her work hours not to exceed 1500 hours per year. The effective date of hire would be April 6, 2012.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the hire of Nicole Sterling as a part-time records clerk at the Perry Township Police Department at a rate of pay of $8.00 per hour, work hours not to exceed 1500 hours per year and the effective date of hire will be April 6, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Road Department: None.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s): None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
Submission of February Monthly Stats
Road Department: None.
Zoning:None.
Law Director: None.
Announcements:
- April 3 and April 10, 2012 Regular Meetings and April 24, 2012 Work Session (Joint Meeting with the School Board). There will be no meeting on April 17, 2012.
- The Perry Township Board of Trustees will have a joint meeting with the Perry Local School Board on April 24, 2012 commencing at 7:00pm at the location of the regular school board meetings. Further announcements will be made at a later date.
- 3rdAnnual Project Perry Pride- Saturday, April 21, 2012- 8:00am to1:00pm at Pfeiffer.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
George Goodman- 200 Proudley Ave. Mr. Goodman stated that he is concerned about all of the loud music coming from the new “HYPE” dance club. Mr. Goodman stated that he has called the police regarding their noise complaint. The police go out and give a warning which helps for a short period of time but then the music is turned back up. Chief Pomesky stated that he had the opportunity to meet with the owner’s of “HYPE” and have conveyed that they would like to be a successful business in the Township. The owner’s seem very professional and approachable. Chief Pomesky stated that he would be happy to go out and speak to them regarding Mr. Goodman’s concerns to see if they can come to a peaceful resolution. Mr. Weckbacher and Mr. Hall stated that they will go out with Chief Pomesky to speak with the owners as well. Trustee Chessler asked Chief Pomesky to get back with Mr. Goodman regarding his findings. Chief Pomesky stated that he would do that.
Linda Cottrill- 3576 Erie Ave. SW. Mrs. Cottrill stated that she read in the minutes from a previous meeting that the Board was discussing Elliott Street. Mrs. Cottrill stated that nothing was ever mentioned about Ortt Street. Mrs. Cottrill stated that she lives at the corner of Erie and Ortt and they have used Ortt for seventy (70) years to park the equipment for their business. Mrs. Cottrill stated that they have maintained Ortt Street as if it is their driveway and even put drainage in. Mrs. Cottrill stated that she was approached by Mr. Bob Sanderson from the City of Massillon who stated that they would be paving Ortt Street and cutting down the trees. Mr. Sanderson asked the Cottrill’s to move their equipment. Mrs. Cottrill stated that the City of Massillon was out again today to inform her that they would be out next week cutting the trees down.
Trustee Chessler verified that this was the Cottrill’s residence. Mrs. Cottrill stated that it is their residence and business. Trustee Chessler inquired if they are doing business as Cottrill Trucking. Mrs. Cottrill stated that they are doing business as Cottrill Trucking and Wrecking and they have stored their equipment and ran their business at this address for a long time. Mrs. Cottrill stated that she asked the City of Massillon if the Township had a say in this matter. The City of Massillon stated that the Perry Township Board of Trustees has agreed to it and it was also approved by Stark County Regional Planning. Trustee Chessler stated that the Board did have a discussion last week regarding a request from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) but the Board did not relinquish the rights or change the boundaries of the Township in any way. Mr. Hall stated that the Board did not relinquish any of its rights or control over those streets. The question becomes if the right of way has been dedicated as a public street if Massillon is going to build it. Mr. Hall stated that he did not know and that he would have to look into it. Mr. Hall stated that the Cottrill’s may have to consult with private council.
Trustee Chessler inquired if the area that was surveyed to the trees is on the land that the Cottrill’s own. Mrs. Cottrill stated no and that they surveyed it right to the sidewalk. Trustee Haines stated that the trees are probably on the land which is a paper road (Elliott Street) and the Board made the agreement with ODNR. Mrs. Cottrill stated that usually when something is done by the Township, City or County the adjacent land owners are notified. Trustee Chessler stated many times not always. Trustee Haines stated that the reason they want to use Ortt Street is because of the traffic light which will help maintain the traffic flow.
Trustee Chessler inquired what Mrs. Cottrill is asking the Board to do. Mrs. Cottrill stated that she doesn’t know what to do in this situation and inquired who she should go to extend this. Trustee Chessler verified that it’s not that the Cottrill’s won’t move the equipment it’s just that they need more time. Mrs. Cottrill stated that was correct and inquired if the Board of Trustees agreed to this plan. Mr. Hall stated that the presentation given to the Board was a plan to have Ortt Street opened and used as an access. There was never any discussion with the Board as to time frame or time line. Mr. Hall stated that they may be able to have a discussion with Mr. Sanderson regarding the time frame. Mrs. Cottrill inquired if it is too late to have them reconsider or move further down. Trustee Chessler stated that they are not the decision makers and they have not been privy to the discussions but that is a question that can be asked. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Hall to look into this matter. Mr. Hall stated that he will discuss this matter with Mr. Sanderson at the Mayor’s Office tomorrow to find out what the time line is and also explore other options that may be available. Trustee Chessler suggested a time extension and possible alternative location. Trustee Laubacher inquired how many days the Cottrill’s would need as a time extension. Mrs. Cottrill stated that thirty (30) days would be fine because all of her crews are currently working out of state and there is no one around to help her move anything. Mr. Hall stated that he will make the contact and keep the Board informed.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:48pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer