Work Session
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Work Session
December 13, 2011 7:00pm
The Board has previously reserved the right to take action at this meeting
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests: None.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action:
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Trustee Laubacher made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $69,147.83 for the week ending December 13, 2011; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
Fiscal Officer:
2012 Budget Hearing
Road Department:
Mr. Schlegel stated that he was able to budget for everything that Mr. Masalko requested. After everything was done paving went from $575,945.62 down to $365,970.00. The Board is aware that the Road Department will not have very much carry over from 2011. Things should be getting better in the “04” inside millage account because two (2) people have retired.
Trustee Chessler inquired if Mr. Schlegel adds up all sources of revenue and fund everything else and then see what’s left. Mr. Schlegel stated all but the “04.” The “04” account is for salaries, insurance and other costs. Trustee Chessler stated that the salaries were reduced from $630,000.00 to $550,000.00. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler stated that with the exception of the “04” fund, Mr. Schlegel funds things and leaves the balance of the money for what else needs paid. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct. The Road Department also has the “02”, “03” and “11” accounts. The money is put together and divided up to see where it is at. Trustee Chessler stated that the voted outside millage is the “11” account. Mr. Schlegel stated that is correct. Trustee Capaldi stated that the gas went down and inquired if that was based on estimate. Mr. Schlegel stated that gasoline tax has always been down and he told Mr. Masalko to start using the other numbers. Trustee Laubacher inquired how many more roads were able to be paved this year because of the new system. Mr. Masalko stated that twelve (12) miles of road were paved with the asphalt and microsurfacing.
Mr. Schlegel stated that he projected each departments carry over on the low side. Trustee Capaldi inquired how many roads can be paved with $365,000.00. Mr. Masalko stated a few miles. Mr. Schlegel stated that everything else that Mr. Masalko asked for has been approved. Mr. Masalko understands that all purchases have to be approved by the Board prior to the expenditure. Trustee Capaldi inquired if the projected budget has taken consideration of NPDES expenditures. Mr. Masalko stated that he included those expenditures under EPA mandates for $5,000.00.
Mr. Masalko stated that the Board may want to consider putting on a replacement levy for the Road Department sometime within the next couple of years. Mr. Schlegel stated that if the Board decided to put on a replacement levy for 2 mills it would bring in approximately $1,040,000.00. The Road Department is currently working on the same millage from 1986. Mr. Schlegel stated that Mr. Masalko is very knowledgeable and conscience about his budget.
Zoning Department:
Mr. Schlegel stated that Mr. Weckbacher’s budget came in at $7,500.00 which comes from the General Fund. Mr. Weckbacher asked for software, $1,000.00 in equipment and $1,000.00 in education. Anything that the Zoning Department is going to need was all funded. Trustee Chessler inquired where the funding comes from if the Zoning Department needs to do a board up. Mr. Schlegel stated that the funding comes from the General Fund. Mr. Schlegel stated that some where down the line the Township will get that money back but it is hard to estimate the time frame.
Fire Department:
Mr. Schlegel stated that Chief Martin’s numbers almost matched his identically. Some changes had to be made but for the most part Chief Martin was right on. The Board is aware that the Fire Department budget has lost personal property tax as well. The projected carry over for the Fire Department is $1,000,000.00 and this number will go up. If you look at 2011 and 2012 expenses, it has gone down by approximately $200,000.00. Chief Martin stated that from an equipment point of view he does not anticipate having to make a purchase. With that carry over what could be the greatest attachment to that source would be if the Township would make the decision for a capital improvement levy to build new stations. Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department has been cautious with the carry over money because you just don’t know what will be done in that respect. Renovations will eat the carry over money right up. The cost to repave the parking lot at Station #3 has a price tag of $50,000.00. Chief Martin stated that in an effort to instrumentally meet some of the standards of coverage recommendations he is considering t a 24 hour part-time person at Station 1. Currently, there is a ten (10) hour window from 11:00pm to 9:00am where there is only two (2) full time people. Not only from a service delivery point of view but also from a safety point of view, covering the additional ten (10) hour window with part time employees would be very efficient and effective. This would also be a cost savings according to the part-time employees pay. Trustee Capaldi inquired if this is in the budget. Chief Martin stated that it is in the budget. The reason the 24 hour part time slot will be at Station #1 is because is it centrally located within the Township. Chief Martin stated that if the Board would approve this 24 hour shift then it would go back to the committee to determine how the position will be broken up and filled. Trustee Chessler inquired when Chief Martin would like to implement this position. Chief Martin stated that he is hoping to get it going shortly after the first of the year.
Trustee Capaldi made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) to discuss hiring, dismissing, disciplining, promoting, compensation or investigation to the Board, Fiscal Officer and Chief Martin; Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session: 7:32pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session: 8:16pm
Police Department:
Mr. Schlegel stated that the Police Department has several accounts; “09”, “14” A&C, “22” and “33.” Chief Pomesky understands his budget and was pretty much right in line with Mr. Schlegel. Everything that Chief Pomesky requested has been budgeted for. The Police Department has a projected carry over of $600,000.00 which will go up approximately $100,000.00. Chief Pomesky stated that in drafting the budget they looked at operational expenses. The Police Department was able to successfully budget to replace the mobiles and portables to update the radio equipment. Chief Pomesky stated that with Board approval the Police Department would like to donate the existing equipment to the Road Department to help out with their budget. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board is aware that the Police Department has also had a loss of personal property taxes. The Police Department has a .5 mill levy on the March 2012 ballot. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Police Department runs three (3) levies so eventually it would be a good idea to combine them so that only one (1) campaign is needed. This will be the Board’s decision to make in the future.
Trustee Capaldi made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) to discuss hiring, dismissing, disciplining, promoting, compensation or investigation to the Board, Fiscal Officer and Chief Pomesky; Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session: 8:25pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session: 8:48pm
Administration/ Parks & Recycle:
Mr. Schlegel stated that in regards to the Administration Office he was able to budget for everything that Administrator Fetzer requested which came to $9,550.00.
Mr. Schlegel stated that the only things that he budgeted for the Parks was $2,500.00 maintenance, $130.00 signage, $440.00 two (2) picnic tables. Administrator Fetzer stated that the buildings trades class at Perry High School has offered to make the picnic tables for $60.00 per table. Mr. Schlegel stated that other than those items nothing else was able to be funded.
Mr. Schlegel stated that the budgeted items for Recycle came to $16,000.00. The budgeted items included repairs to dumpsters, gravel for the parking lot, vests, glove, BobCat tires and other miscellaneous tires and maintenance. All other requested items were not able to be budgeted.
Administrator Fetzer stated that as the Board is aware the damaged lawn mower was not included on the 2009 inventory list. The insurance company is willing to reimburse the Township however; there is a $600.00 difference in the cost of the mower. This $600.00 was not budgeted for. Mr. Schlegel stated that $600.00 won’t be a problem. Administrator Fetzer stated that the inventory list has been updated.
Mr. Schlegel stated that the General Fund is a major concern. The Board is aware of how much money the Township is losing to the General Fund. The Governor balanced his budget by taking money away from local governments. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Township will get through 2012 with the General Fund. The General Fund should get through 2013 depending on the amount of money received in estate taxes next year. The General Fund will not make it through 2014 so the Board is going to have to do something to make up the funds. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board has previously talked about putting on a park levy which would relieve money from the General Fund. A one mill levy for the parks would generate approximately $520,000.00. It would cost a $100,000.00 home owner $30.63 per year or $2.55 per month.
Mr. Schlegel stated that another suggestion would be to increase the Township’s franchise fee from one percent (1%) to five percent (5%) which is the maximum amount by law. In checking with other entities, they have all raised their franchise fees to five percent (5%). If Perry Township went from one percent (1%) to five percent (5%) it would bring in an additional $250,000.00 to the General Fund. If the Board increases the franchise fees and puts on a park levy the General Fund would be back to par. Trustee Capaldi inquired if the General Fund would be solidified if the Parks were closed down tomorrow. Mr. Schlegel stated no. Trustee Capaldi stated that the additional franchise fees would continue to go to the General Fund and the operations of the Park would go under the levy. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct. Trustee Capaldi stated that the Board would have to do both. Mr. Schlegel stated that was correct. . Mr. Schlegel stated that the undivided local government funds have been cut by fifty percent (50%). The State did away with personal property taxes and estate taxes. Trustee Chessler stated that this is why when this news comes out and then there is talk of pay raises that the public goes crazy. The franchise fee is something that the Board can impose and the cable company passes that right along to the subscribers. Trustee Chessler stated that he wonders what happens to politicians that impose taxes. Mr. Schlegel stated that he is giving the Board an avenue or a way of helping the General Fund. Mr. Schlegel stated that he has spoken to other entities that have raised their franchise fees to five percent (5%).
Trustee Capaldi inquired what the General Fund will look like in 2014. Mr. Schlegel stated that it will be approximately $400,000.00. Trustee Capaldi stated that you then have to subtract $162,000.00 from the health district. Mr. Schlegel stated that the health district is the biggest expenditure from the General Fund each year. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board should ask Mr. Hall if there is anything that can be done about that expenditure. Trustee Capaldi stated that the health district has been discussed in the Ohio Township Association magazine and supposedly nothing can be done about it unless they change the law. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Board could run a levy for the General Fund but he is unsure of how it would go. Trustee Capaldi inquired if there could be an evaluation of the current lighting districts to see if money could be saved there. Mr. Schlegel stated that he, the Board and all of the Department Heads are great stewards with Township money. Everyone is consciously watching the bills and budget as a whole. Mr. Schlegel suggested that if the Board is going to put on a levy that it be done in November 2012.
Administrator Fetzer stated that she needs the Boards direction regarding consideration of the 2012 ODNR grant application opportunities, and the creation of Friends of Perry Parks. The ODNR grant application for Summerdale Park is due February 1, 2012. ODNR is still holding Perry Township’s grant application for a playland from last year. Trustee Capaldi inquired if this grant is budgeted for. Administrator Fetzer stated that it was budgeted for last year, however was put on hold since no funding was available from ODNR last year, that money is carried over to the upcoming year. Mr. Schlegel stated that the grant is not currently funded, but if the Board wanted to it could be funded. Administrator Fetzer stated that there are some options regarding the match. The match will be approximately $6,000.00, however, the Township could ask for a $3,000.00 match donation from Perry Rotary as part of the match grant amount. The remaining match would then be funded by the township
Administrator Fetzer stated that there are Eagle Scouts willing to assist with park improvements. Mr. Garrett Toth’s project will volunteer between 75-150 hours towards a community project in order to obtain his Eagle Scout. Mr. Toth is required to do all of the coordinating and donations. Administrator Fetzer stated she had met on site with Mr. Toth to determine the needed Summerdale Park improvements. There are two (2) dugouts at Summerdale Park and they would be re-roofing and putting new shingles on each dugout. They would also be painting the dugouts as well. This project has to be approved by the Eagle Scout Master. Mrs. Russo Perry High School Art teacher, has volunteered the Art Club to participate in the improvement project, to paint the dugouts and the Perry High School Building’s Trades Class, under the direction of Mr. Mark Byrd will also be helping with additional park improvements. Administrator Fetzer stated that Sherwin Williams has committed to donating 10 gallons of exterior paint and would provide any additional paint at a discounted price.
Administrator Fetzer stated that Perry Park is currently equipped with a four (4) year old playland. KLA Risk Management suggested that the Township either remove or modify the two (2) existing slides. Maintenance Director, Swisher assessed the painted structures at Perry Park and determined there is no lead in the content, and he is going to be working on some improvements to include the slide at Perry Park which has to be scaled down a couple feet.
Mrs. Russo stated that her art club would be happy to assist in painting the medal animal equipment at Perry Park. The signage and picnic tables need some improvements as well. Administrator Fetzer stated that there are four hundred and fifty (450) youth soccer participants that utilize Meredith Park. Perry Youth Soccer is requesting a pavilion be constructed in the rear left section of the property. Administrator Fetzer stated that she has obtained quotes for the cement pad and pavilion materials required at a cost of approximately $8,000.00. ODNR has a 50/50 match grant available $4,000.00 of which will be matched by the Perry Youth Soccer organization. Administrator Fetzer requested the Board’s authorization to apply for the grant. Trustee Capaldi stated that a pavilion was on the original plan for Meredith Park. The Board directed Administrator Fetzer to submit the ODNR grant application for Meredith Park. The Perry Youth Soccer Booster Club is grateful to the Board for their consideration of the pavilion.
Administrator Fetzer also asked the Board to consider the creation of “Friends of Perry Parks” “Friends of Perry Parks” would work in a collaborative effort with the Board of Trustees to obtain goals, and assist in supporting and maintaining the parks. Trustee Haws, from Plain Township forwarded information regarding their program and job descriptions of Board Members. If the Board would like to move forward with this program, the next step would be to solicit community members to be involved with “Friends of Perry Parks” and develop an organized structure. Administrator Fetzer stated that there are over 4,570 children ages 1-12 in Perry Township who have the opportunity to utilize the park system.
The Board authorized Administrator Fetzer to move forward with the ODNR grant applications.
Trustee Capaldi made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (1) to discuss hiring, dismissing, disciplining, promoting, compensation or investigation to the Board, Fiscal Officer and Administrator Fetzer; Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
The Board adjourned into Executive Session: 9:19pm
The Board adjourned from Executive Session: 9:30pm
Approval of Minutes
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 6, 2011 Regular Meeting; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
Trustee Laubacher suggested that the records retention hearing be attached to the meeting minutes of the December 6, 2011 Regular Meeting.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that all anonymous letters be added to the records destruction list; Seconded by Fiscal Officer Schlegel.
ROLL CALL: Trustee Laubacher, yes. Fiscal Officer Schlegel, yes.
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Police Department: None.
Road Department: None.
Law Director:
Step II Sergeant’s Grievance
Mr. Hall stated that the Board previously held the Step II Sergeants Grievance at the December 6, 2011 Regular Meeting. The Board needs to make a motion regarding their decision this evening.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board deny the Step II Sergeants Grievance; Seconded by Trustee Capaldi.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
Response to Developing Perry Organized Workers- ULP
Mr. Hall stated that he has already filed with SERB regarding the objection to the change from the POW. Mr. Hall stated that he also filed a motion to clarify the bargaining unit and a second similar motion asking to recertify the bargaining unit to specifically limit the bargaining unit to full-time people and eliminate part-time/casual and the Assistant Road Superintendent should the Board approve this position in the future. The Board agreed with Mr. Hall’s filing.
Zoning: None.
Parks: None.
Executive Session(s): See executive sessions above.
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.
Announcements: None.
Public Speaks-Open Forum: None.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:39pm; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
Lee C. Laubacher, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer