Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
October 15, 2013 7:00 pm
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence:
Scott Weckbacher, Zoning Inspector
Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
Trustee Chessler stated that he would like to move the Board to include an Agenda item under the Police Department regarding a speed study on Saratoga NW. This information is available to the Board members this evening for discussion; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Communications:
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 and payroll in the amount of $170,204.72 for the week ending October 8, 2013 and bills in the amount of $13,480.12 for the week ending October 15, 2013 for a combined total of $183,684.84; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Haines made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 17, 2013 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Administration:
Fire Department:
Consider the Resignation of Matt Hunter – Part-time Firefighter
Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of Part-time Firefighter/EMT-B, Matt Hunter, effective October 1, 2013. Chief Martin stated that Matt stated in his letter of resignation that he is unhappy with the operations of the fire department and elected to resign. Chief Martin stated that they appreciated Matt’s service to the community.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the resignation letter of Part-time Firefighter/EMT-B, Matt Hunter, effective October 1, 2013; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Police Department:
Consider Emergency Repair of Steering Shafts for Patrol Fleet $1,846.10
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees consider the approval of an emergency invoice from Waikem Auto for ten (10) steering shafts. The total cost is $1,846.10 for the replacement of the upper steering mechanism on ten of the patrol cars.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that based on the information provided by the Police Chief, the Board ratify the expense to be paid to Waikem Auto in the amount of $1,846.10 for the replacement and repair of ten (10) steering shafts; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Authorization for the Destruction of Old Gas Masks
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees consider the destruction of the old gas masks and filters. Recently, all of the officers were equipped with new gas masks and filters. The new gas masks and filters will provide a higher degree of safety to all Township Police Officers in a situation where they would need to be used.
Trustee Laubacher stated that before this evening’s meeting, he spoke to Chief Pomesky regarding selling the old gas masks and filters as collectible or historical items over the internet. Law Director Hall stated that as long as these items are marked and tagged as being non-functioning units and for display purposes only, there is no objection in going forward with this.
Trustee Chessler made a motion, based on the information provided by our Police Chief, that the Board authorize the sale of the old gas mask and filters as collectible or historical items over the internet, under the instructions of the Law Director, and if that direction is unsuccessful, is further authorized to be disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Acceptance of $550 Donation from the McKinley Eagles for Trick-or-Treat
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the acceptance of the donation from the McKinley Eagles in the amount of $550.00 for Trick-or-Treat candy for the children in the Perry Township Community. Chief Pomesky stated that this is something that the McKinley Eagles has historically done throughout the years to make this community event a success.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board of Trustees accept the donation from the McKinley Eagles in the amount of $550.00 for Trick-or-Treat candy; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Approval of Dispatcher’s CBA
Consider Approval of Sergeant’s CBA
Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to consider the approval of the finalized language that all parties agreed upon regarding the Dispatcher’s Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract, attached before the Board.
Law Director Hall stated that the Board previously approved both of these contracts but this matter has been delayed because of some internal conflict with the union business agent and has taken this long for the documents to be finalized for signature.
Trustee Chessler stated that he wanted to point out that these negotiations started almost a year ago, in November 2012. There were approximately two or three bargaining sessions that were very productive and resulted in essentially an agreement on all things. Negotiations had also been completed with the Fire and Road Departments. Trustee Chessler stated that he also wanted to express appreciation, on behalf of himself and the Board, to all of these department units for recognizing the Township’s budget problems that resulted in taking a zero percent pay raise in 2013.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board ratify and again approve the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Perry Township Board of Trustees and the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council Dispatcher’s Unit; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board approve the post contract between the Perry Township Board of Trustees and the FOP Sergeant’s Unit; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Trustee Haines stated that next on tonight’s agenda is the addition regarding Police Chief Pomesky’s report on Saratoga Ave. NW. Trustee Haines also stated that the Board would like to thank Mr. Don Fick for bringing this matter to the Board’s attention.
Police Chief Pomesky gave a brief review of a speed summary he conducted for Saratoga NW. Chief Pomesky stated that the Perry Police Officers monitoring traffic speed in this area have not observed a high volume of speed infractions at this point, but will continue to observe these areas and continue to address this concern.
Road and Park Department:
Consider the Purchase of a Box Culvert from Lindsay Concrete for Darletta Street in Dee-Mar Allotment
Road Superintendent Masalko stated that as the Board is aware, last year the Township replaced the lower end of a box culvert at Emil Street and it is now time to replace the upper end; the two (2) 7-“ corrugated metal pipes beneath Darletta St. Mr. Masalko stated that he received a quote from Lindsay Concrete with the total cost of the box culvert to be $17,423.14. Lindsay Concrete agreed to invoice this amount in January of 2014.
Trustee Chessler inquired of Road Superintendent Masalko in regard to the quote from Lindsay Concrete in that it specifically excluded certain items in this quote. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Masalko if he had a ball park figure of what additional amounts that would be needed for this project. Mr. Masalko stated that he did not at this time, but would obtain that information.
More discussion followed regarding this project. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that the Road Department was requesting the approval from the Board to purchase and replace the upper end of the box culvert at Darletta Street.
Trustee Laubacher made the motion that the Board of Trustees authorize the Road Department to purchase the box culvert from Lindsay Concrete at a price of $17,423.14 to be budgeted in January, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Consider Quotes to Move the Fence at the Road Department for Preparation of Recycling Containers
As the Board is aware, recycle bins will be placed at the Road Department as an added convenient location for the Township residents. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that due to the existing unmanned site and volume of yard waste at the Road Department, as well as the request for a 24 hour drop-off area, the Road Department is asking the Board to authorize the relocation of the existing fencing at the Road Department to accommodate this site. Plans are also being discussed for a concrete pad for yard waste drop-off. Three (3) quotes have been obtained for this project, attached before the Board. Southway Fence Company is the least expensive quote at $1,400.00. Road Superintendent Masalko stated that he is asking the Board if this amount should come out of the Road budget or the Recycle budget.
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board approve the relocation of the fencing at the Perry Township Road Department, work to be done by Southway Fence Company, as per the submitted diagram, not to exceed the total amount of $1,400.00 to allow room for the incoming recycle bins; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Law Director: None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department:
Road Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: 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.
~Trick or Treat observed Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
~The Board of Trustees November Meeting Schedule: The November Work Session has been cancelled; November 12, 2013, Regular Meeting; November 19, 2013, Regular Meeting.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Don Fick, 129 Saratoga Ave. NW, Canton, 44708 – Mr. Fick stated that he wanted to thank the Board and the Police Chief for getting something started on the speeding issues regarding Saratoga Ave. NW. and surrounding streets. Mr. Fick also stated that there was still a long way to go concerning these speeding issues. Mr. Fick stated that he was on Yukon St. this past Sunday from about 2 – 7 p.m. and commented how the speeding was prevalent. Mr. Fick stated that he went from door to door in the Mt. Marie Place allotment to have people sign a petition to have the traffic slowed down in the allotment, signed Petition attached before the Board.
Trustee Haines thanked Mr. Fick again for bringing this matter to the Board’s attention and stated that extra patrol will continue to be in these areas.
Trustee Chessler inquired of Mr. Fick regarding the speed trailer that was posted on Saratoga Ave. Trustee Chessler stated that the speed trailer measured approximately 200 vehicles with 80% of these vehicles measuring an average speed of 22 mph. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Fick if it seemed that most cars were driving at 22 mph. Mr. Fick adamantly stated absolutely not.
Carolyn Metzger, 5036 Barrie St. NW, Canton, OH 44708 – stated that she sees a problem with speed in the morning when the kids are going to school, particularly the kids who are going to Central Catholic, and then again when school is over.
Trustee Haines stated that these are the times that the extra police patrol has tried to monitor the traffic speed.
Mrs. Metzer stated that she felt the speed trailer needed to be placed near the stop sign on Saratoga and Barrie where people seem to run the stop sign.
Police Chief Pomesky stated that he could expand the time in these areas where extra patrol could monitor the speed in the morning and afternoon.
Ray Young, 120 Saratoga Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708 – stated that this evening he saw three young people following each other in their cars and all three of them ran the stop sign.
Trustee Haines thanked the residents from Saratoga, Barrie and Yukon here this evening and stated that he did speak to the Principal at Central Catholic regarding the student body cutting through these areas. Trustee Haines stated that if this speeding and running the stop signs continues, he will speak to the Principal once again to propose a notice to the students regarding this matter.
Tim Blythe, 2956 Bridgeton St. NW, Massillon, 44646 – Mr. Blythe asked how many road patrol officers there were at any given time.
Chief Pomesky stated that there are four (4) officers assigned on day shift and a supervisor; five (5) officers assigned on afternoon shift along with a supervisor; four (4) officers on midnight along with a supervisor. Mr. Blythe asked if this included days off. Chief Pomesky stated that factoring in days off and sick leave, this would average three (3) on afternoons and could also be up to four (4). Mr. Blythe stated that there was an incident that he witnessed regarding a hit/skip accident and there were only two (2) officers on the road at that time.
Fred Anania, 4061 Knolls Ave. SW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Mr. Anania stated that there have been a lot of part time firefighters resigning/quitting and asked if anyone was talking to these employees in depth to find out if there was a problem as to why they were leaving. Also, are there enough part timers after 11 p.m. to get the trucks out of the stations.
Trustee Haines stated that he wanted to direct the question regarding having adequate part time employees to the Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Martin stated that he did not feel that having enough part timers to get the trucks out of the stations was an issue since after 11 p.m. the bulk of the resources go back to Station #1 as has been in the past. Chief Martin gave a brief explanation as to the process when a structure fire call comes in as well as a working fire call. Dispatch will automatically dispatch response units from other full time departments to assist so that adequate manpower is on the scene.
Trustee Haines stated that a good example of this was the recent fire on Yukon Street approximately six weeks ago. There was a great deal of mutual aid assistance at this scene. Chief Martin stated that there were eight or nine additional units from surrounding communities that arrived on the scene at Yukon in about ten to twelve minutes. Chief Martin stated that many times, this is actually much faster than what a part time person can take to get to the station.
Trustee Haines stated that in regard to follow up with part time people who have left, he has had conversations with them. Trustee Haines thanked Fred Anania for forwarding his questions.
Executive Session(s):
Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board adjourn into an Executive Session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) concerning employee disciplinary to include the Board, Fiscal Officer, Police Chief and Law Director with no action to be taken; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session at: 7:37 pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at: 8:29 pm
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Haines made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 pm; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Haines, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes.
Doug Haines, President Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer