The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bill Brotzman with the following people present: Mr. Wayman, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Advey, Chief Del Calzo, Township Solicitor, Ron Graham, Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek, and Tony Long.

Mr. Long discussed the Senior Center budget with the Board. Mr. Long stated that the total budget is $152,727.00 even though that’s an increase by about $25,000.00 – there has been a decrease in what the Township and Village contributes by $7,000.00 and $3,000.00, respectively. He stated that the reasons for the decrease are that the carry-over is more than they expected and also because Jessica has done a great job leveraging money from United Way, the Senior Levy, etc. Mr. Long stated that the funds from the Senior Levy that recently passed are being re-allocated meaning that there is a possibility of receiving another $10,000-$15,000 more incoming to the center, which may result in a larger decrease. Mr. Long further discussed the budget income and expenses with the Board, noting areas of income which includes a $12,000.00 increase that is generated from trips the seniors take. Expenses include a $3,000.00 increase in personnel due to the additional aide that was hired. Mr. Long expressed to the Board the level of quality the Senior Center holds. He feels it is a very nice center and feels that the changes to the Board is a good move and that both Marina and Lindsay will do a fine job.

Chief Del Calzo discussed the cost of upgrading the radio system through Lake County. He stated that the Township’s cost is approximately $180,000.00 plus another $2,500.00-$3,500.00 per radio. Chief Del Calzo informed the Board that he has written a letter to the County Commissioners asking them if the Township would still be able to maintain interoperability with the County system if we use our own radio system. Mr. Stefanko, of the Emergency Operations Center, obtained a copy of the letter and the Chief believes Mr. Stefanko is under the impression that Madison Township has made a decision to pull out of the system. The Chief also stated that he emailed Mike Santilli, which is the Geauga County equivalent of Mr. Stefanko. Homeland Security has provided an interoperability vehicle to both Lake and Geauga Counties. The purpose of that vehicle is to provide interoperability between jurisdictions that are not on the same radio system and the Chief wanted an assurance from him that the Township would have this. Mr. Santilli stated that the Township would have it. The Chief has not heard from the County on this issue yet and feels we should be able to request having an 800mhz radio at the Township for the catastrophic emergency situation, even if the Township pays for it. He noted that the Coast Guard, Veteran’s State Park, and the Game Warden all have 800mhz radios for emergency purposes as well. The Chief also shared an article out of Cincinnati regarding the problems they are having with their digital radio system.

Chief Del Calzo presented the Board with the Ordinance from Madison Village regarding the dispatching agreement for the Board to sign.

Mr. Advey reminded the Board of the meeting with the Madison Soccer League to discuss the use of Stanton Park for the spring & fall leagues. He noted concerns of damage to the fields from this use and the parking issues it poses. Mr. Brotzman stated that the fields can be used and he has no concerns for the fields being damaged.

Mr. Advey informed the Board of the Lake County Health District is having a Bike Day event in September and would like to have participation by as many communities. The program would provide $500-$1,000 to the communities to assist with the planning and implementing.

Mr. Advey discussed adding a work safety boot allowance policy. He stated that he would like them to be allowed up to $125.00 per year. He stated that the policy would allow them to go purchase their boots from the store of their choice and submit the receipt. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek asked if this would apply only to full time employees. Mr. Advey stated it would, but he would also like to allow John Snyder, recycling attendant, to receive it as well but not for the parks summer help. The Board agreed to this policy.

Mr. Advey informed the Board that the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation has informed the Township that, after we have met our first year eligibility requirements,  we are no longer eligible to receive the discounts from the 10-Step Business Plan. This is due to the fact that the EM (experience modifier) is down to 1.05 and the Township was capped at 2.0. Mr. Advey stated that he will continue the safety program that has been started as it is still a money-saving program. He also noted that the Drug Free Workplace program discount is no longer available as well. The Township is also no longer eligible to receive the 2%-4% discount on the Safety Council luncheons because we are in the retrospective group program now. Mr. Advey will continue these programs as loss-time injuries can be devastating to our premiums. He stated he has Steve Heilman documenting incidents and working on implementing camaraderie and looking out for each other to attempt to eliminate these accidents.

Mr. Advey discussed the longevity pay for the Administrative portion of the Township and noted that the bargaining employees just received an increase in their longevity and is requesting the Board consider giving the non-bargaining employees an increase as well. Mr. Wayman asked what the current schedule is. Mr. Advey didn’t have the exact numbers but thought that it starts on the Administrative side at $250 and $500 for the police union. Mr. Brotzman asked if it is needed right now, Mr. Advey said it is not and that he would put something together for the Board to review.

Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek discussed the budget with the Board. She noted that the appropriations are currently at 5,597,000. She stated that if any fine-tuning is needed, she would like to get the final budget completed because the audit starts in March. She noted that there currently is a 32.6% decrease in the carryover for next year. Mr. Wayman stated that this is not the final numbers and that it could be more or less, Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek confirmed. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that overall the Township was only at 78-81%. She noted that one of the factors that helped is that no one took an increase for two years. She also noted that the biggest increase was in hospitalization, it was at $66,077.00 for 2010 and it is $100,523.00 for 2011. Mr. Advey stated that this includes the co-pay amount that the Township is fronting. He stated that last year we had an exposure of $160,000.00 but we will be saving around $45,000.00-50,000.00, he added that hopefully the Township won’t have as big of a hit this year. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that it shows the maximum exposure because the Township is liable for it. She stated that the Worker’s Comp numbers may change as she just received the bill with the rates, there will be election expenses, auditing expenses. The Board discussed the rest of the budget.

Mr. Wayman complimented Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek on the layout of the budget.

Mr. Brotzman asked Mr. Advey about some resolutions regarding the consumer council. Mr. Advey noted that may have been the Ohio Township Association, Mr. Brotzman asked that they look at supporting it.

With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Brotzman adjourned the Workshop Meeting at 7:33 p.m.