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
July 30, 2013 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: Police Chief, Mike Pomesky; Brian Carbenia here in his absence
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Laubacher stated that he had some information on the Summerdale drainage road project.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that discussion be added this evening regarding the Summerdale drainage road project; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Opening of Quotes for Centerline and Edge Markings of Various Township Streets
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that the Township has received four (4) bids for centerline and edge line marking of various Township streets 2013:
1. ARL (American Roadway Logistics, Inc.) in the amount of $24,929.20;
2. J.D. Striping & Services, Inc. in the amount of $23,339.54;
- A & A Safety, Inc. in the amount of $32,394.64
- Oglesby Construction, Inc. in the amount of $25,888.60
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board table this matter for further review by the Road Superintendent and Law Director and report back to the Board with their evaluation; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Communications:
Consider Request of Chip Shew, Grief Packaging LLC – Request for Signage
Trustee Haines stated that Mr. Chip Shew requested permission from the Township to post signage at Mr. Shew’s expense, for his company, Grief Packaging LLC indicating that there is a “Plant Entrance Ahead” that would be located on Warmington Rd. SW, in the eastbound direction, prior to the railroad tracks.
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the Township has been in communication with Mr. Shew regarding this signage; the sign is an LED sign with a post, total cost of $2,392.61.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve the request of Chip Shew of Grief Packaging LLC and authorize the Road Superintendent to take the steps necessary to purchase and place the appropriate signage at the appropriate location near the business between State Route 21 and Carmont/17 Street in Perry Township; estimated cost of the materials is $2,392.61; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
Trustee Laubacher inquired whether this proposed sign would be on Grief Packaging property or Township property. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that it would be on the road right of way. Trustee Laubacher stated that he wanted the Board to send a letter to Mr. Shew and Grief Packaging to thank them for their safety-mindedness on behalf of Perry Township and all who travel near this location.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Request of Jim Chaney – Request of Marathon
Trustee Haines read a letter before the Board from Mr. Jim Chaney, Executive Race Director, regarding the planning of a new marathon event called the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon & Half Marathon to be held on Sunday, April 27, 2014. In his letter, Mr. Channey indicated that he would like to meet with the Trustees to introduce their group and also discuss the preliminary marathon course. After a brief discussion, Trustee Haines stated that the Board would be honored to be involved with this event.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action: None.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $26,132.93 for the week ending July 9, 2013 and bills and payroll in the amount of $167,121.02 for the week ending July 16, 2013 and bills only in the amount of $52,982.30 for the week ending July 23, 2013 and bills and payroll in the amount of $296,330.86 for week ending July 30, 2013 for a combined total of $542,567.11; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Haines made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2013 Work Session and the June 18, 2013 Regular Meeting with one change on the June 18, 2013 minutes: page 3, last paragraph, “Grant came to be for” Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Administration:
Consider Approval of Richville Cemetery Fees
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Board has spent a considerable amount of time in June determining possible amendments to the Richville Cemetery fees as well as discussion regarding the height limitation to the upright headstones. In addition, the Board has asked the cemetery sexton to provide fee comparables of surrounding townships and private burial sites. Administrator Fetzer referred to the attachments before the Board comparing our Richville Cemetery fees with Lake Township, Tuscarawas Township and also Calvary Cemetery. The original Richville Cemetery Fee Resolution from 2008 is also attached before the Board.
Trustee Haines verified that the main difference before the Board, from the September 16, 2008 Resolution, are the new proposed cemetery fees and also the maximum height of a headstone not to exceed 30 inches. Also noted is the increased price for a non Perry Township resident.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve and adopt the amendment establishing a new fee schedule for the Richville Cemetery. This will include an amended fee schedule and also a policy regarding headstones placed in Richville Cemetery may not exceed 30 inches of height; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Indigent Burial
Administrator Fetzer stated that on July 15, 2013, the Board received a call from the Stark County Coroner’s Office regarding an indigent burial of a resident of Hanover House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Regarding the requirements of Ohio Revised Code 91.5, attached before the Board, the cemetery sexton contacted Hanover House for the proof of residency of the deceased, Martha Beverly. In addition, the lowest of three (3) cremation quotes was utilized and in conclusion, final burial to take place at the Richville Cemetery. Also, per ORC 91.5, “at the grave of the person’s cremated remains, a stone or concrete marker on which the person’s name and age, if known, and date of death shall be inscribed”. Further information on stone order is being obtained by the cemetery sexton.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board approve the indigent burial for the deceased, Martha Beverly, recent resident of Hanover House, and for the approval of payment for the cremation services and marker purchase to be rendered; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Establishing Bicentennial Account
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Perry Township Bicentennial Chairperson, Steve Toohey and committee members have requested the Fiscal Officer to consider creating a Bicentennial Account in order to accept Bicentennial donations. All Bicentennial expenditures would be approved by the Bicentennial Chairperson and submitted to the Fiscal Officer for payment. The Fiscal Officer has had direct conversation with representatives from Plain Township and has agreed to mirror the same fiscal process which was utilized during preparations of their Bicentennial Celebration. Please note that donations to the Bicentennial Celebration will not be considered a tax deduction.
Administrator Fetzer requests the Board to authorize the Fiscal Officer to establish a “Bicentennial Account” to be utilized specifically for Bicentennial donations and expenditures as deemed necessary by the Bicentennial Chairperson. The budget amount for the Bicentennial account is tentatively $40,000.00.
Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that this bicentennial account would be set up within the general fund as was done in Plain Township and if approved, will be called Perry Bicentennial. Mr. Schlegel also stated that if this account is approved, the Board would also need to agree to approve the appointment of one person or two people, possibly the chairperson, to approve these Bicentennial expenditures. Mr. Schlegel stated that these expenditures will be run through the fiscal office accounting account like any and all bills and receipt and appropriation accounts should be established as well. After a brief discussion regarding the decision of appointing one or two people for the approval of expenditures, it was decided that two people should be deemed authorized.
Trustee Chessler stated that based on the information before the Board, he makes a resolution that a Perry Township Bicentennial account be established under the supervision of the fiscal officer. The Board will approve the establishment of this account to cover up to $40,000.00 and also direct that there be two (2) authorized drawers necessary for the disbursement of funds. In addition, receipt and appropriation accounts are also to be established with this Bicentennial account; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Accepting Bicentennial Donation in the Amount of $450.00 from the Reedurban Group
Administrator Fetzer stated that the Bicentennial Committee has received a generous donation in the amount of S450.00 from the Reedurban Reunion Group, Chairperson, Jane Guest. These are funds left over from the Reedurban Class Reunion. The Reedurban Reunion Group felt the donation of the remaining funds to the Bicentennial Committee would be purposeful. The Reedurban Reunion Group shall be recognized for their generous donation during one of the Bicentennial events in 2014.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board accept the $450.00 from the Reedurban Reunion Group to be placed into the Bicentennial Celebration Fund; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Discussion of Corrected Street Names, Addresses and Signage from Brook Avenue
Trustee Chessler stated that Chief Martin brought to the Board’s attention an incident that previously occurred on a call for service in the area of Marion Avenue and Brook Avenue NW. There was some confusion in getting to the specified address by the emergency vehicle. Upon closer inspection, it was found that there were some addresses at this location that did not conform to the normal standards and guidelines. The Board sent a letter to the Commissioners to try and alleviate this problem and a meeting was arranged. Some residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns about correcting street names, addresses and signage since it would be a major inconvenience for them to have to change their addresses.
In a meeting that was scheduled last week, several residents asked the Commissioners not to make these changes. Trustee Chessler stated that he felt that the Commissioners were balancing the inconvenience of these proposed changes to the need to have consistent addresses for police, fire, road department and delivery people in general. The Commissioners have created a Resolution that renames five (5) houses on Marian Avenue. This Resolution has passed and is effective immediately. During the course of this matter with the Commissioners however, it was also recommended that the Township place appropriate signage in this area for improved clarification. In addition to signage clarification is a small segment on Brook Avenue that the Township must consider for some solution or resolution; two homes in question – a suggested renaming to Brook Circle.
After a brief explanation and in summary, Trustee Chessler stated that no action be issued this evening, but suggested that the Board send letters to the people on Brook Avenue to be affected by this to obtain their input and reschedule this matter for another meeting.
Trustee Haines verified that the Board would table the signage matter and the Brook Avenue resolution.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board acknowledge the Resolution of the Commissioners and table further action on any renaming of streets or changes of addresses on Brook Avenue and to further consider the placement of signage in those areas to clarify the addresses; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Partnership with Perry Local Schools to Construct Pavilions Funded by Perry Rotary and Paint Interior of Restrooms at Perry Parks
Administrator Fetzer stated that she spoke with Mark Byrd, Perry High School Building Trades Teacher, regarding the plans to construct a new pavilion with his senior students at Meredith Park this fall. The pavilion will be funded by Perry Township Rotary and Perry Youth Soccer. More detailed information regarding the price quote for materials will be forthcoming.
In addition, Mr. Byrd also plans to have his junior students paint two storage buildings and the interior restrooms at Perry Park. All paint and primer was donated to the Township by Sherwin Williams. Upon completion of the painting of the restrooms, Susie Rusu plans to have her art students paint Perry Artwork on the restroom walls. Mr. Bryd stated that he would be willing to have his junior students also assist with the replacement and painting of park benches, grills and any other improvements which may be beneficial to our parks.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board take partnership with Perry Local Schools to have them construct a pavilion at Meredith Park, funded by Perry Township Rotary and Perry Youth Soccer, and paint donated by Sherwin Williams to proceed with this construction and renovations; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fire Department:
Consider Accepting Resignation of Alan Ramsey
Consider Accepting Resignation of Justin Wise
Consider Accepting Resignation of Dave Shetler
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department requests the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part time firefighter, paramedic Alan Ramsey effective July 9, 2013 as per his letter that is attached before the Board for review.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the letter of resignation of Alan Ramsey, effective July 9, 2013 from the Perry Township Fire Department; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department requests the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part time firefighter, EMT, Justin Wise effective July 30, 2013.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board accept the letter of resignation of part time firefighter, EMT, Justin Wise effective July 30, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department requests the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of David Shetler, full time firefighter and paramedic who sustained an injury in a fire back in September 2012 and can no longer do the job; David has decided to resign/retire from the organization.
Trustee Chessler stated that Mr. Shetler has submitted a written letter of retirement/resignation and makes a motion that the Board accept the letter from David R. Shetler dated July 23, 2013 and accept his resignation from the Perry Township Fire Department and move that the Board pay to him all the accumulated sick time and vacation time in reference to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that he may be entitled to and also in that he has requested his notification for C.O.B.R.A. insurance; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Accepting Affiliation with Mid East Career Technical Center for Infield Paramedic Riding
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board consider approving a clinical affiliation agreement between the Fire Department and Mid East Career Technical Center. Chief Martin stated that this is similar to other agreements that we have in relation to Stark State College where paramedic students must do infield service time. This allows them to come to our department and get the type of experience they need and also gives us the advantage of reviewing some potential candidates for possible hire. Chief Martin stated that the Law Director has reviewed this and put forth his approval.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees adopt and enter into a clinical affiliation agreement with all associated emergency medical services and Mid East Career Technical Center as the terms outlined in the agreement attached to this resolution; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Police Department:
Road Department:
Consider Retirement of Bill Turner
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he is requesting the Board to accept the retirement of William Turner as road employee, effective date of August 8, 2013. Mr. Masalko stated that Bill has been a 27 year employee with the Road Department and was also previously with the Fire Department for 25 years and will be missed.
Trustee Chessler stated that with regret do accept the resignation of Bill Turner on behalf of the Board from the Perry Township Road Department, effective as of August 8, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Haines. Trustee Haines also wanted to extend an invitation to Bill for the first meeting in August to give him a certificate of retirement for his service. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that Bill had requested to depart in service quietly.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Event Liability Policy
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board was initially approached in an indirect way regarding the Hall of Fame Challenge Marathon by Stephen Mears in the planning of this event. The Board has also been approached by another group wanting to do a marathon as well. Trustee Chessler stated that Miss Dina Jones had contacted him in regard to planning a 5k fun run in association with the Perry Community Days. Trustee Chessler stated that Miss Jones had asked if the Board would require a certificate of liability for this event. Trustee Chessler stated that he knows that our Road Department has paperwork/permitting requirements to close roads, but believes that we do not currently have a liability coverage policy. Trustee Chessler stated that for any planned events within the Township that might use our roads or implicate our safety forces, the Board should establish a policy requiring certain amounts of liability coverage and that the Township be named as an additional insured party on these policies so that we are covered in the unlikely event of a tragic incident.
Law Director Hall stated that he would put together a draft policy regarding this liability coverage to be reviewed by the department heads of the road, fire and police departments by the next Regular Meeting or Work Session in August so that the Board may have a discussion draft to begin working from.
Fire Chief Martin also stated that he felt that for any incoming events to be held within the Township any community organizers should have to file or submit some type of an emergency operations plan that lays out what steps they have taken for protection of the crowd and all involved. More discussion followed regarding the legal recommendations for the Board’s consideration concerning a liability coverage policy.
Consider Rescinding the Previous Motion to Hire Part Time Seasonal Employee Teresa Tangredi
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he is requesting the Board to rescind the hiring motion that was made back on May 14, 2013 regarding Teresa Tangredi.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board rescind the hiring of Teresa Tangredi as part time employee with the Parks Department that was made on May 14, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Summerdale OPWC Project
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that as the Board was aware, the Summerdale OPWC project was not fully funded; the Township was requesting $545,500.00 in grant money but only received $187,467.00, a shortfall of $358,033.00. Although the Township has been awarded this $187,467.00, Road Superintendent Masalko stated that it is unclear whether the Township should move forward with ths project , scale down this project or reject it and reapply next year. Mr. Masalko stated that he and Assistant Road Superintendent Chris Young attended a meeting this morning with Trustee Laubacher and engineer, Karl Oprisch to put together some type of strategy of how to move forward on this matter. It was decided that it is possible to move forward by requesting more loan monies, or possibly scaling down on this project to make it fit and in addition, request the County Commissioners to help out with drainage because it is a recorded drainage easement.
Trustee Laubacher stated that he is requesting the Board President, Trustee Haines, to sit down with Road Superintendent Masalko, Law Director Hall and engineer Oprisch to draft a letter directed to the County Commissioners requesting funds for this drainage project. Trustee Laubacher stated that he felt this project should not be postponed because it was in the realm of an emergency situation.
Mr. Masalko agreed that the drainage work should be done by the Commissioners since this is a recorded drainage easement. Mr. Masalko also stated that the culvert is rapidly deteriorating.
More discussion followed on this drainage project. Trustee Haines inquired as to what was known about what other Townships or municipalities have done in similar situations concerning giving back the grant monies. Mr. Oprisch explained that the Township proceeded on the grant request based on what they were being told by the OPWC that their chances were good in obtaining complete funding. However, this was not the case and now finds that this is where the partial funding came in. Mr. Oprisch also stated that there are various things that could be done depending on the amount of money, if any, the Commissioners could provide. It could be possible to try to do the entire project, to do the project in phases, or take more loan.
Trustee Haines stated that he would like to be able to schedule a meeting for next Tuesday, August 6th with the Stark County Engineer to further discuss this matter. Further discussion followed regarding prioritizing any and all options the Township may have to be able to move forward on this project.
Law Director: None.
Zoning: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Executive Session(s):
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
Road Department: None.
Zoning: None.
Law Director: None.
Upcoming Events:
Perry Township Bicentennial Meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each calendar month at the Perry Township Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Dave Kerestes, 3500 Lincolnway E. Apt. 4, Massillon, OH 44646-Mr. Kerestes stated that he has been talking to Zoning Inspector Weckbacher regarding many zoning violations throughout the Township. Mr. Kerestes stated that he knows it would be overwhelming to drag these people to court for violations, but thought it would be applicable to apply the fees and fines, through the fiscal officer, to apply these onto their property’s taxes. Fiscal Officer Schlegel explained that in such cases, the Board of Trustees must make a motion for that process to take place. Mr. Kerestes made further comments regarding possible zoning violations and the Township collecting the fees for such violations. Trustee Haines stated that he knows Mr. Kerestes has met with our Zoning Inspector and Law Director regarding some of the possible violations within the Township, some of the matters brought to their attention were violations, others were not. Mr. Kerestes explained how he knew of other townships and cities that had researched possible violations and collected fees on these violations, thus it became applicable for these entities to help with the debt they incurred. Trustee Haines stated that Mr. Kerestes made a very good point on the matter and thanked him for his comments.
Fred Anania, 4061 Knolls Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646-Mr. Anania stated that on Sunday, August 25, 2013, the Richville Firefighter’s Association, himself and his wife are sponsoring a car show. Mr. Anania also stated that a portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Firefighter’s Association and a portion will go to the D.A.R.E. program. Mr. Anania requested of the Board that the D.A.R.E. vehicle, along with Officer Watson, be permitted to be a part of the car show. Trustee Haines stated that Chief Pomesky was on vacation this week but stated that he would certainly share this with him so that he could get back to the Board regarding whether this would be paid time or volunteer time for Officer Watson, but of course the Board was very open to that opportunity.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Doug Haines, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer