MADISON
TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR
The meeting was
called to order by Chairman Bill Brotzman with the following people present: Mr.
Wayman, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Advey, Chief Del Calzo, Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek and
Township Solicitor,
Mr. Brotzman led the
audience in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
The Board and
audience observed a “Moment of Silence.” The
Board would like to remember three people of the community who were all involved
in local businesses. Zip Ray, Johnny Ray’s son, Bill Worthy who was the founder
of the Grand River Winery, Matt Ungers who, with his brother, was involved in
quite a bit of business in the community such as; Sands RV as well as serving on
our Board of Zoning Appeals for a period of time.
Mr. Anderson
presented a motion to approve the minutes of the March 8th, 2011
Regular Meeting. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes.
Mr. Wayman presented
a motion to approve Bill Lists in the amount of $56,032.05 for March 22nd,
2011 (attached and made part of the minutes); the payroll in the amount of
$76,047.36 for March 25th, 2011; an estimated payroll in the amount
of $76,038.95 for April 8th, 2011; and the annual Police Department
Education pay in the amount of $7,200.00 for April 8th, 2011. Mr.
Anderson seconded. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek asked that the Education Pay be
approved separate from the Payroll. Mr. Wayman withdrew his motion, Mr. Anderson
withdrew his second.
Mr. Wayman presented
a motion to approve the Bill List and the two payroll dates. Mr. Anderson
seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Anderson
presented a motion to approve the Annual Education Pay for the Police
Department. Mr. Wayman seconded. Chief Del Calzo wished to note that the figures
show that over a third of the Police Department Officers have either a four year
degree or, in the case of three of them, a Masters degree and feels it’s worth
recognizing that Madison has such well-educated officers in this community. Roll
Call: All Ayes
Mr. Brotzman wished
to welcome the audience and asked that any students needing their agenda signed
to do so after the meeting has been adjourned.
CITIZENS COMMENTS:
Patty Page, 7583
Lakeshore Blvd., asked if it was possible to open the pool for the kids this
summer and noted that last summer was “an absolute bear” with the heat. She
understands that the Township is strapped for cash but was curious if they had
given it any thought. Mr. Brotzman stated that the pool will not be open this
year due to the high costs to maintain it and the Township just doesn’t have the
resources at this time. Mrs. Page stated that she may have her numbers incorrect
but thought that it was noted at a meeting last year that it would cost
approximately $13,000.00 to run it and the Township only had $9,000.00. She
stated that she feels that if the financial hardship was made known to the
residents of the Township that they may want to find ways to help come up with
the extra cash. Mr. Brotzman asked Mr. Advey how much it cost to operate and Mr.
Advey stated that the last year it was open the Township lost about $20,000.00.
He stated that about $8,000.00 in revenue was made that year and only three
family passes were sold. He also noted that the use was prominently used by
latchkey programs and that he feels it would be nice to have it open but he
feels it is a revenue issue. Mr. Anderson stated that he has a motorcycle group
that is interested in doing a motorcycle run and donate all the money to the
pool. Mr. Anderson noted that it is still in the beginning stages of planning
and he needs to sit down with all three colleagues and discuss it further before
moving forward. Mr. Wayman stated that this will be discussed at the April
workshop and he noted that one person has already offered to donate $1,000.00.
Mr. Wayman thanked Mrs. Page for her comments.
RESOLUTIONS:
Mr. Wayman presented a
motion to approve Resolution #11-050
a Resolution in honor and recognition of Mitchell J. Oshaben upon earning the
Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Anderson seconded. Mr. Wayman wished to note that he just
gave one to Mitchell’s brother a few years ago and found it impressive that they
have two Eagle Scouts in the family. Mr. Brotzman stated that this is quite an
accomplishment. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Anderson presented a
motion to approve Resolution #11-051
a Resolution declaring April, 2011 as Child Abuse Prevention Month which urges
the citizens of our community to join with the Board to focus attention on
providing safe environments for children and fostering confident, positive
parents. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes
ADMINISTRATION
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Del Calzo stated that at the last meeting he presented an award to the
Madison Township Police Officer of the Year and noted that at that meeting he
stated that for many years this award was issued and is voted upon by the
Officer’s peers and the Township had somehow gotten away from that. He stated
that in addition to that award, he decided to begin awarding a Civilian Employee
of the Year and would like to present that award tonight. He stated that when
people think of the police department, they think of the guys wearing the badge
and driving around in their police vehicles but he noted that there are people
that work for the Police Department that allow these officers to do their job.
These people are our civilian employees, such as; clerks, and dispatchers. He
stated that this is quite an honor as she is the first person to receive this
award and noted that he couldn’t think of a better person to be the recipient.
He stated that when he asked her to attend tonight’s meeting he joked that he
would have a hard time finding something nice to say about her. The Chief then
stated that the reality is that he couldn’t think of one nice thing not
to say. He noted that the most important thing about this person is that the
police officers on a daily basis deal with victims of crimes and they are
frustrated and upset. The officers are the first person they speak to about
their problem and can tend to take their frustrations out on the officer, which
is understandable. But he noted that the other people that they deal with have
just broken the law and have been caught. He stated that the important thing
about Carol Dodson is that she reminds all of us why we got into this line of
work, she reminds us that there are good and decent people out there and she is
what’s best about our community. He stated that it is an honor to award Carol
Dodson the Civilian Employee of the Year award. Mr. Brotzman asked how many
years Carol has been with the Township. The Chief stated that she has worked
here twelve years. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that anyone who knows Carol
knows that she is always helping people. The Chief joked that the amazing thing
is that she has worked with cops for twelve years and they haven’t changed her.
The Chief discussed with the Board the Township Association meeting that he and
Mr. Advey attended at the Emergency Operations Center, which was put on by Mr.
Steffanco who is the telecommunications manager, and was held to provide the
updated projected cost of the backbone radio system upgrade. He noted that
during prior meetings Mr. Steffanco stated that the cost that was being passed
on to each community was based on a radio usage study, a study which was
completed in 2007. Mr. Steffanco stated that for those communities that are on a
Talk Group, which is more than one agency on the same channel, the cost is not
based so much on radio usage but based on population. The Chief noted that in
2007, prior to establishing its own dispatch, Madison Township shared a band
with Lake Metroparks, Madison Village, and Kirtland Hills. The Chief had a
summary of the numbers which he passed out to the Board and wished to note some
of the items. The Chief outlined the current costs for this backbone system:
Department
Current Cost
No. of Officers
Calls for Service
Madison Township PD:
$73,701.00
15 Full Time
14,728
Wickliffe PD & Fire:
$74,180.66
30 Full Time +
31,435
Appr 15 Fire Pers.
Department
Pop. (2000 Census)
Calls for Svc
Cost
Madison Township
15,000
14,728
$73,701.00
Madison Village:
2,921
4,032
$14,205.38
Lake Metroparks
½ doz (maybe)
3,968
$19,458.69
Kirtland Hills
597
8,734
$ 4,321.94
The Chief stated that he would not comment any further, he just wanted to
outline the numbers to the Board.
Chief Del Calzo also spoke to the Board about the yearly backbone maintenance
fee. He stated that he believes we paid around $12,000.00 this year and that
historically there’s been a five percent (5%) increase per year. He noted that
beginning in 2012 the County wants to change that to base the increase on the
Consumer Price Index, so as to make things fair for everyone. The Chief stated
that he finds it hard to believe that they are going to give up a five percent
yearly increase because they want to make it fair. He stated that he thinks they
are looking at the economy and if fuel costs continue to surge, so will the
inflation rate. He noted that a contract has not been received yet and when it
is, it will be reviewed to see what the next step will be. He added that one
thing the County did differently was to note how much money they are putting
into the system, noting that this is the first time they have ever indicated
what the County puts in. He stated that the County shows all the amounts from
every one of the communities in Lake County that are on the system and the
amount the County puts in. He noted that the County’s amount is shown as 1.5
million dollars, but the Chief noted that those funds come from what all of the
communities pay to the County.
LEGAL:
None
FISCAL OFFICER:
Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek
stated that regarding her budget, the local government funding would normally be
about $350,000.00 and that with talks of this funding being cut she cut it by
about 42%. She found out that it will be cut 47%. The Township will lose 25% in
2012 and up to 50% in 2013. She reminded the Board that she had also eliminated
the Inheritance tax, noting that she has always looked at the Inheritance tax as
a blessing, and tangible personal property was being phased out and she had
already gone with a bare minimum. She noted that utilities bills are up, even
based on last year’s figures.
ADMINISTRATOR:
ZONING:
None
SERVICE/PUBLIC
WORKS:
Mr. Wayman presented a
motion to hire Chris Anderson as Stanton Park attendant at a rate of $9.55/hour
as seasonal, part-time with no benefits and effective April 1st,
2011. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes. Mr. Advey noted that Chris
worked for us for the last three or four years in the parks department and is
currently attending the police academy.
BUILDINGS/GROUNDS:
Mr. Anderson presented a
motion to approve the purchase of playground equipment, delivery and
installation at a cost of $20,999.00 from Anderson Recreational Design in
conjunction with FY2010 Community Development Block Grant funding for the
Unionville Playground. Mr. Wayman seconded. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek noted that
this money is a grant and will come back to us. Roll Call: All Ayes. Mr. Advey
added that in conjunction with this, Paul is in the process of shopping for
material for the bedding which could cost $3,600-$3,700 and we are just waiting
for a timeframe for when it can be delivered.
Mr. Wayman presented a
motion to not renew the lease with the Lake County Commissioners on property
located on Samuels Street in Madison Village described in Exhibit A and amended
in Madison Township Resolution No.’s 98-43 and 98-44. Mr. Advey explained that
in 1961 Madison Township leased the property from the Lake County Commissioners
and built their service department on the property and when the new facility was
built on Hubbard Road, a sub-lease was worked out with Madison Village. Mr.
Advey stated there is no need to stay on as the middle man for another fifty
years. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes
OTHER:
Mr. Anderson presented a
motion to approve the Annual Mileage Certification for Madison Township roads at
53.55 miles as compiled by the Lake County Engineer. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll
Call: All Ayes
Mr. Advey informed the
Board and the audience that Green Road will be open as of the end of day on
Friday, March 25th, he noted that there will still be work performed
and the road may be brought down to one lane with a flagger, if needed, and
asked that motorists use caution and go slowly through the construction.
Mr. Advey discussed the
draft Madison Perry Master Sanitary Sewer Planning. He stated that CT
Consultants worked with Lake County Utilities and gave us prints, which have
been on display at the Township, and the new draft is virtually identical to the
sanitary sewer plan adopted back in 1998.
Mr. Advey discussed the
possible use of the Township meeting room for the Madison Youth Football League
once a month just through the winter months. He noted they are a member of the
Madison Recreation Board. Mr. Wayman asked how they would enter the building and
Mr. Advey stated that they will be buzzed in by dispatch. The Board had no
problems with them using the meeting room. Mr. Advey stated that he will contact
them in the morning.
BOARD/STANDING
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Brotzman stated that at
the last meeting transporting from the new emergency center to whatever location
necessary was discussed. He stated that they are going to attempt to be the
transport vehicle for this and the revenue that could be generated is
approximately around $800,000.00 for that alone and add the Medicount billing
for emergency runs could be around $600,000.00 per year. Due to these two added
revenue streams, the Fire District is going to be able to build new buildings
and remodel without going to the residents for additional tax levy money.
Health Board:
Mr. Wayman stated
that the meeting was on March 14th, 2011 and he has all of the
statistics of the revenue and charts on diseases that the County was contacted
on throughout the year. He noted that the newest item to report is that there
were four cases on ticks that carry Lyme Disease and in the past, it has been
found that they were found after someone had traveled somewhere. He stated that
these four cases were diagnosed with people who had not traveled. Mr. Wayman is
going to leave this report on the table for everyone to review. Mr. Anderson
asked if they were going to cut back on spraying for mosquitoes, Mr. Wayman
stated that they are and that they are cutting back on some of the other
programs they usually do due to budget constraints.
Recreation Board
Mr. Anderson stated
that the next meeting is on March 24th, 2011 at 8:00pm
Lake County Township
Association:
None
Community
Improvement Corporation:
None
Other:
Mr. Brotzman invited
the audience to the Bicentennial Celebration kick off at the Madison High School
cafeteria at 7:00pm, with the doors opening at 6:15pm. There will be artifacts
on display, courtesy of the Madison Historical Society, the Color Guard will be
there, the MHS Choir and Jazz band will perform.
Citizen Comments:
Dave Jacobson, 2137
McMackin Road, asked what the attendant’s responsibilities at Stanton Park are.
Mr. Advey stated that the attendant will be on duty during the rentals at the
Banquet Hall. Mr. Jacobson also noted that the Board is frugal with their money
for the pool but just a couple of meetings ago donated $2,500 to the historical
society. Mr. Brotzman stated that $2,500 and $25,000 are very different amounts
and this is a one-time deal. Mr. Jacobson stated that the park is their first
responsibility and then they donate money somewhere else.
Pete Gosline
representing Jay Wilson, American Legion Post 112, requests that a sign be
installed in the South Madison Cemetery and possibly the circa when it was
formed. The Veterans organizations divide up the Township cemeteries with
responsibility of putting flags up on Memorial Day and making sure the Veterans
get their bronze pots. He stated that he maintains the South Madison cemetery
and asked that if the Board can have a sign installed he would appreciate it, he
added that if they need help financially that the Legion will probably help. He
also wished to inform the Board that Mike Evangelista is working on the
preliminary stages of having a Boy Scout complete his Eagle Scout project at the
cemetery by Garrett’s farm and that a flag pole would be needed. Mr. Advey asked
him if he wanted the Township to purchase the flag pole for the Eagle Scout
project. Mr. Advey informed the Board that the signs are already in the works
for the cemeteries. Mr. Brotzman thanked him for his comments.
Joanne Dzopko, 1080
Edgewood, as a widow of a veteran, she first wished to express gratitude to Mr.
Gosline and everyone at the Legion for what they do for the cemeteries. Mrs.
Dzopko then stated that she researched the Senior Center finances quite a bit
and stated that the Township and Village pays the Senior Director’s salary, but
upon researching different centers she has found that the Director’s salary is
paid through the senior levy money. She stated that it looks like the Madison
residents are paying twice for the Madison Senior Center and noted that there
doesn’t seem to be much money at the center, noting instances when everyday
necessities cannot be accomplished due to lack of money. She suggested the
Senior Center Board or the two entities should generate the idea of getting
Madison on board the same as all of the other senior centers so that they don’t
have to pay her salary and that it can then come out of senior levy money.
William A. Brotzman, Chairman
Terry Gerred-Ditchcreek, Fiscal Officer