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 1, 2014 7:00 pm

 

 

 

Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Excused absence:  Law Director Hall, vacation  

 

Additions/Deletions to Agenda:

 

Trustee Laubacher stated that under the Fiscal Officer portion of the Agenda, there are two (2) sets of Regular Meeting Minutes to be approved, May 20, 2014 and June 3, 2014.

 

Public Hearings/Invited Guests:

 

Road Paving Bid Opening at 7:00 pm

 

Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that there are three (3) Road Paving Bids submitted:

 

  1. Superior Paving         Total Project Cost:     $222,705.48
  2. Shelly Company         Total Project Cost:     $254,831.90
  3. Northstar Asphalt     Total Project Cost      $249,824.60

 

Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the bids submitted and table this until further review by the Law Director and Road Superintendent and ask them to report back when they have completed their evaluation; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Communications: 

 

Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.

 

Township Business requiring Board Action: None.

 

Unfinished Business:   None.

 

New Business:

 

Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $95,144.25 for the week ending June 24, 2014 and bills and payroll in the amount of $236,214.65 for the week ending July 1, 2014 for a combined total of $331,358.90; Seconded by Trustee Haines.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Fiscal Officer: 

 

Trustee Chessler made a motion to accept and approve the minutes of the May 20, 2014 Regular Meeting and the June 3, 2014 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Haines.

 

ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes. 

 

Administration:

 

Consider SCOG Renewal Natural Gas Aggregation for Township Buildings

 

Administrator Fetzer stated that Trustee Chessler requested to have the SCOG document for the renewal to be placed on the Agenda, scanned for the Board’s review.

 

Trustee Chessler stated that the Board had participated with our membership with SCOG for the gas aggregation program for our public buildings.  That has been done for different periods of time.  The current three (3) year period is approaching the end of the term and SCOG is going out to get approvals from all the participating entities to renew this program.  It will require a signed consent form to participate in this program.  Once SCOG knows of all the participating members, we will engage our energy brokers to go out and review the bid prices that have been submitted by the certified suppliers; SCOG will be making the choice for the lowest and best bid for the next coming period.  This is not our residential program for gas aggregation, this is a program that affects our Administration Building, Police and Fire Buildings and all the other departmental buildings that we have.  There are 35-40 participating members in this SCOG program.

 

Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board consider the SCOG renewal Natural Gas Aggregate for all of Perry Township’s buildings; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Fire Department:

 

Consider EMS Grant

 

Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department was awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.  Chief Martin stated that the grant is a 100% reimbursement grant and must be used to purchase medical supplies.

 

Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board will gladly accept the grant in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and will request that the Fire Chief take the steps necessary to fulfill the terms of that grant; Seconded by Trustee Haines.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Consider Resignation of Scott Borojevich

 

Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting that the Board of Trustees accept the resignation of part-time firefighter/paramedic Scott Borojevich, effective July 1, 2014, resignation letter attached before the Board.  Chief Martin stated that Scott is a fulltime firefighter with the City of Massillon and is also part-time with another department and does not have the time to split between three ways.

 

Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board accept the resignation of part-time firefighter/paramedic Scott Borojevich, effective July 1, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.   Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Consider MOU with Ohio Task Force One

 

Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the Fire Department to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio Task Force/Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance to allow Perry Township Fire Department to be recognized as a Participating Organization for Task Force One.  Chief Martin stated that part-time Firemedic John Edwards has submitted an application to become a member of Ohio Task Force One.  For John to be considered for a position on the Task Force, the Perry Township Fire Department must be a Participating Organization.

 

Chief Martin stated that any costs incurred by the Township for deployment and training will be reimbursed to the Fire Department from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).    Chief Martin also stated that the MOU was submitted to the Law Director for his review and was approved in form and sufficiency.

 

Trustee Chessler stated that based on the request and recommendation of the Fire Chief and the review of the Law Director makes a motion that the Board of Trustees enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ohio Task Force/Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance which will allow our Fire Department to be recognized as a participating member; Seconded by Trustee Haines.

 

Trustee Haines inquired of Chief Martin what advantage this would have for the Fire Department.  Chief Martin stated that we will have a member that will have received specialized training that can be brought back to the Township, particularly in the areas of confined space or collapse.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Consider Purchase of SCBA Bottles

 

Fire Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department is requesting the Board of Trustees to authorize the purchase of twenty (20) MSA H-30 4500 psi, 30-minute Carbon Fiber Air Cylinders  at a cost of $16,000.00 from Fire Force, Inc., P.O. Box 552, New Waterford, OH 44445.

 

Chief Martin stated that under the Ohio Administrative Code 4123:1-21-02(0)(13)-Respiratory Protection – requires that SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested within the periods specified by the manufacture and by DOT and NIOSH/MSHA.

 

Chief Martin stated that all current bottles must be hydrostatically tested every five (5) years and have a service life of fifteen (15) years.  At the end of fifteen (15) years, no testing company will hydrostatically test the bottle.

 

The present inventory of SCBA bottles has just received the third round of hydrostatic testing and will expire within the next five (5) years.  Currently, we have eighty-nine (89) SCBA bottles in stock in which every bottle will expire at the same time.  If we wait to replace all of the bottles at one time, we are looking at a significant budget expense.

 

Looking toward the future, it will be easier on the budget to start replacing bottles now in small incremental purchases.  Purchasing some bottles now will allow for all of the bottles to be replaced just before the expiration date of the current inventory of SCBA bottles.  Moving forward, the department will not be faced with having to replace a large number of expiring bottles.

 

There are two dealers of MSA bottles in Ohio of which quotes were obtained.

 

Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize, through the Fire Chief,  the purchase of twenty (20) MSA Air Cylinders at a cost of $16,000.00 in the terms quoted by Fire Force; Seconded by Trustee Haines.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Police Department:

 

Consider AT & T Phone Contract

 

Police Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department is requesting the Board’s approval for a three (3) year contract with AT & T for the ISDN Prime (ISDN PRI) service agreement.  Chief Pomesky stated that the Police Department had previously entered into a contract with AT & T and that contract had expired earlier this year.  The monthly price to the department for this continued service is $472.00. 

 

Trustee Chessler inquired if the Law Director had reviewed this contract.  Chief Pomesky stated that was correct and added that the Law Director had given his approval.

 

Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board approve the three (3) year contract with AT & T for the ISDN Prime Service Agreement for the contract price of $472.00 per month effective July 1, 2014; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Consider MOU to Correct an Article in the Sergeant’s Contract

 

Police Chief Pomesky stated that in March of this year, he was alerted to a typographical error in the Sergeant’s contract in Article 26 (Sick Leave); Section 26.10, attached before the Board.  Chief Pomesky stated that there was an attempt to correct this in March when this was brought to his attention, but there was no follow through from the former union representative to formalize it.

 

Chief Pomesky stated that the correct language should be 90 days or 720 hours in the last sentence of the first paragraph of the above-referenced Sergeant’s Contract.  Chief Pomesky stated that he is asking the Board’s approval to correct this for the Patrol Sergeant’s Contract and also added that an MOU has been prepared and signed off on by the Fraternal Order of Police Representative (Lucy DiNardo).  Chief Pomesky also stated that Law Director Hall has given his approval of this change as well.

 

Trustee Chessler inquired about the contract language change and how the mistake was found.  Chief Pomesky stated that it was noticed when one of the Sergeants was reading the contract.  Chief Pomesky added that the language was correct in the prior contract but not in the final published one.

 

Trustee Chessler stated that based on the Police Chief’s explanation and the Law Director’s review and recommendation makes a motion that the Board authorize that the steps be taken to correct the language in the Sergeant’s Contract with regard to Section 26.10 to substitute the language of 90 days or 720 hours for the 30 days and 240 hours, respectively; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines.

 

Consider Levy Discussion of 3.49 Additional Levy

 

Police Chief Pomesky stated that he is asking the Board of Trustees for their consideration to place a 3.49 mil levy for the Police Department on for the November 2014 election.  Chief Pomesky stated that as the Board is aware, the Police Department will need additional funding going into 2015.  Chief Pomesky stated that he has met with Fiscal Officer Schlegel and Fiscal Officer Assistant Karen Moser regarding the number projections for this levy and wanted to thank them for all their assistance in preparing this information.

 

Chief Pomesky stated that with an approval of a 3.49 mil levy, it would leave some options where we are currently operating on two (2) different levies every five (5) years.  Chief Pomesky stated that the financial plan would carry the Police Department for several years and would also allow the department to restore some services that through time have not been able to be sustained.  Chief Pomesky added that with this levy, the 1.25 mil levy and the .50 mil levy would be able to be eliminated.  This would allow an additional 1.74 mils for the Police Department operating funds.    

 

Fiscal Officer Schlegel further stated that the Trustees have received copies of the breakdown.  The 3.49 mills would bring in $1,670,635.  The yearly cost to the $100,000.00 homeowner would be $122.15.  By eliminating the 1.25 mills, we would be eliminating $597,156.00; yearly cost to the $100,000.00 homeowner would be $38.28.  By eliminating the .50 mills, we would be eliminating $233,559.00, yearly cost to the $100,000.00 homeowner would be $14.82.  The total yearly cost saved to the $100,000.00 homeowner would be $69.05, $5.75/month or $1.33/week.

 

Trustee Haines stated that currently there are three (3) levies and are looking at a fourth levy but are prepared to combine two of the existing levies.  Fiscal Officer Schlegel stated that there would be the current 3.90 mills levy to be renewed and the upcoming 3.49 mills levy.  Once passed, the Police Department will have only two (2) levies that will come up for renewal at the same time five (5) years from now.

 

Trustee Haines inquired what the advantages would be with the proposed new 3.49 levy by eliminating the other two (2) levies and asked if it would make sense to make the new levy a continual.

 

A brief discussion followed regarding the disadvantages of making the levy a continual.

 

Trustee Haines stated that he felt it important to note that there have been no new monies in the Police Department for the last eight (8) years. 

 

Trustee Laubacher asked if there was anyone in the audience who would like to make any comments concerning the consideration of the 3.49 mil levy.  No comments made.

 

Trustee Haines made a motion that the Board request the Auditor to calculate the monies raised by a 3.49 mil levy for the Police Department on the November 2014 election; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.

 

ROLL CALL:  Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

Trustee Chessler stated that with the vote that comes through on this 3.49 mil levy in November, as in the past, the Board would need to vote to rescind the existing above-mentioned two (2) levies.  Trustee Chessler added that the public would need to be educated on this since we are asking for this amount of money on the promise that we will eliminate the other two levies after it passes.

 

Trustee Chessler inquired of Travis Seacrest (in the audience, and an employee of the Board of Elections)  that assuming that the passage of the 3.49 mil levy comes to be, when do we have to and when can we eliminate the other two (2) levies.  Mr. Seacrest stated that it would have to be before the end of the year but after certification and added that the time to do so would be at the first meeting in December.

 

Trustee Laubacher inquired how long it takes for this to be implemented.  Trustee Chessler stated that it would take thirty (30) days after the election.  Mr. Seacrest stated that the Board of Elections would certify by the week of November 24th.  Mr. Seacrest also indicated that if the votes were close and a recount would be necessary, then it would go over into December. 

 

Road Department: None.

 

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:  None.

 

Road Department:  None.

 

Zoning: None.  

 

Law Director:  None.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

~Perry Township Bicentennial meeting – July 29, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall

 

~In conjunction with the Bicentennial Celebrations – Please mark your calendar for the “Taste of Perry”—July 12, 2014 at Hartwick Park ~ Family, Friends, Food and Entertainment, admission is free

 

Public Speaks-Open Forum:

 

Robert Cash, 3124 Woodridge St. SW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Mr. Cash stated there is a situation that he feels needs attention that has to do with street parking in Crescent Gardens.  Mr. Cash stated that there are people parking down both sides of the streets and the problem is that there are several streets in Crescent Gardens that curve and it is very hard to see when driving.  Also, when driving, one has to really concentrate on dodging these parked cars that are either right on the curb or parked far away from the curb.  Mr. Cash stated that in the summertime when there are a lot of children out playing and if they would come out in front of one of those cars, they would be seriously hurt.   Mr. Cash added that when the streets were all redone several years back, everyone had the entrance to their driveways re-paved, but instead of parking in their own driveways, they park out on the street and it keeps getting worse.  Mr. Cash also stated that there are motorcycles parked on the sidewalks and feels that these kinds of things need some attention.

 

Mr. Cash also made reference to the storm sewers.  People use their storm sewers for grass clippings, trash and leaves which are going to eventually get plugged up and he stated that he know who will have to pay for this. 

 

Trustee Laubacher inquired of Police Chief Pomesky about the motorcycles parked on the sidewalk.  Chief Pomesky stated that it is unlawful to park motorcycles on the sidewalk and added that this is something the Police Department could address and enforce.

 

A brief discussion followed in regard to the width of the streets on Rowmont and Rowford where particularly the streets curve. 

 

Trustee Haines inquired of Road Superintendent Masalko that in regard to the storm sewers in Crescent Gardens if there was any way to monitor those.  Mr. Masalko stated that the Road Department does send out letters in the fall indicating the drop off site for leaves so people do not sweep them into the streets and into the storm sewer. 

 

Trustee Haines stated that if anyone would see someone violating the storm sewers with leaves, etc. please do not hesitate to contact the Township with an address.

 

Dana Vargo, 2910 Green Oak Circle NW, Massillon, OH 44646 – Ms. Vargo stated that she was here this evening representing the Perry History Club and wanted to thank the Trustees for working with them to better the relationship with the History Club as well as to extend an invitation to attend the ice cream social at Culp Myers Awning/Shidler School on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 11 am to 4 pm.

 

Adjournment:

 

With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Laubacher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at  7:41 pm; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.

 

ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes.  Mr. Chessler, yes.  Mr. Haines, yes.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Lee Laubacher, President                                                                                             Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer