MADISON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR

April 12th, 2011 at 7:00PM

 

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, Ron Graham. 

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 Colleen Hathaway. Chief Del Calzo stated that today marks the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States and would like to remember those who lost their lives in that war.

 Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the minutes of the March 22nd, 2011 Regular Meeting. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve Bill Lists in the amount of $46,326.36 for April 12th, 2011 (attached and made part of the minutes); the payroll in the amount of $74,520.51 (actual) from April 8th, 2011; and an estimated payroll in the amount of $73,225.00 for April 22nd, 2011. Mr. Anderson seconded.

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:

None

RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve Resolution #11-052 a Resolution to move $88,534.39 from Revenue Fund line 2031-892-0000 to Revenue Fund line 2231-599-7155. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

ADMINISTRATION

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to approve the sale of a 2002 and 2003 Crown Victoria police vehicles on GovDeals.com.

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve the sale of a 2002 and 2003 Crown Victoria police vehicles on GovDeals.com. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo introduced Joe Vail, president of the Marksman Gun Club, and stated that over the twenty-five years he has been with the Madison Township Police department they have had a very good relationship with the Marksman Gun Club. The club has permitted the police department to use their facility to shoot and noted that the police officers know many of their members and are good friends with the Turkenburg family who originated the club. He stated that not only are they a community of sportsmen and target shooters, but they are individuals who are dedicated to preserving our second amendment rights. He then stated that as a police officer whose responsibility is to uphold the constitution of the United States, he has always felt that our second amendment right is the most important right that we have. He explained that because without the second amendment the rest of our rights are just words on paper. He stated that Mr. Vail is here to provide a brief presentation.

Mr. Vail stated that on behalf of the Marksman Gun and Archery Club, they would like to donate $1,000.00 to the Township Police Department’s range budget for shooting supplies and ammunition. The Board thanked Mr. Vail.

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to accept the donation of $1,000.00 from Marksman Gun and Archery Club for the Township Police Department’s range budget for shooting supplies and ammunition. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes. Chief Del Calzo thanked Mr. Vail

Chief Del Calzo discussed the Painesville Municipal Court 2010 year-end report and the Township’s internal 2010 year-end report. The Chief went over some of these numbers. He stated that there were 14,435 complaints and of those complaints 242 were Felonies, 600 were Misdemeanors, and 32 were OMVI’s for an overall total of 1,563 arrests. He noted that when comparing statistics and manpower with the rest of Lake County you will see that the residents of Madison Township are getting their money’s worth.

Chief Del Calzo wished to state that at the last board meeting he discussed some of the proposed radio upgrades and our costs pertaining to the upgrades. He stated that the County’s portion is a little over 1.5 million and he stated that he said at that meeting that the 1.5 million really came from all of the communities. The Chief then stated that it was pointed out to him after the meeting that the county does have sources of revenue other than just the General Fund. The Chief stated that he agrees that not all of that 1.5 million comes from the tax payers of Lake County, but still maintains that a vast majority of well over a million dollars does come from the General Fund. He stated that since that last meeting, the Sheriff’s Office posted the 2010 year-end report for Central Dispatch and he, again, finds the numbers confusing. The Chief noted that the 2010 Lake County Sheriff’s Office report shows:

Community Calls Dispatched Backbone Cost
Village of Kirtland Hills 12,513 $  4,321.00
Madison Village 4,746 $14,205.00
Madison Township, with 15 officers 14,728 $73,701.00
Wickliffe Police and Fire, combined 31,000 $74,180.00

He noted that Wickliffe has 49 officers combined in their Police and Fire Department and he also noted that they have three times the officers and twice as many complaints.  He added that their backbone costs are within $500.00 of our costs. Chief Del Calzo stated that it is apparent to him that the numbers are based on population and that it should be based on the use of the system, adding that it wouldn’t be fair for the phone company to charge a person based on how many people live in your house. The Chief gave a copy of a letter that he wrote to the County Commissioners, and expressed his anger and frustration over this situation. He stated that it is obvious to him that the people of this community are absorbing the cost for Kirtland Hills. He stated that he knows that there are people at the County level that are upset with him for bringing this up, but he noted that he has been an employee of the Township for twenty-five years and is grateful to the residents for providing him this job and he will not sit quietly and watch them be taken advantage of. The Chief stated that oftentimes Madison Township and the County act in the best interest of the residents, but in this particular instance he feels Madison Township is not getting a fair shake. He stated that as an employee he will voice his concerns on the subject and he hopes that the board will support him and added that he would hope that the loyalty of this board or any board elected to represent this Township lies with the Township. Mr. Brotzman stated that he always has his support. Mr. Wayman also stated that he fully supports the Chief, and Mr. Anderson agreed.

LEGAL:

None

FISCAL OFFICER:

None

ADMINISTRATOR:

ZONING:

None

SERVICE/PUBLIC WORKS:

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to hire Max Ungers for 2011 Parks summer helper at a rate of $10.22/hour as seasonal, part-time with no benefits and effective April 13th, 2011. Mr. Wayman seconded. Mr. Brotzman stated that due to Mr. Ungers being somewhat of a relative he feels more comfortable abstaining from this motion. Roll Call: Mr. Anderson: Yes     Mr. Wayman: Yes       Mr. Brotzman: Abstain

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to hire Justin Price for 2011 Parks summer helper at a rate of $9.55/hour as seasonal, part-time with no benefits and effective April 13th, 2011. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS:

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the purchase of 175 cubic yards of approved playground mulch at a cost of $25.50 per cubic yard totaling $4,462.50 plus a $100.00 fuel surcharge for a grand total of $4,562.50 from Ohio Mulch for the Unionville Playground CDBG project. Mr. Wayman seconded. Mr. Anderson asked where the fund will come from, Mr. Advey stated that they will come from miscellaneous park lines that Terry has to put together. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that she has a line for Unionville and the money will be reimbursed through the CDBG grant. Mr. Advey stated that this is the Township’s contribution towards the project. Roll Call: All Ayes.

CEMETERY:

Mr. Advey discussed the March report stating that one space was sold in Arcola, six in North Madison with total cash receipts being seven total lots at $1,950.00, 10 footers at $719.00, 6 burials at $1,750.00 for a monthly total of $4,419.00 and a year to date total of $12,247.00.

OTHER:

Mr. Advey informed the Board and the audience that the Township will be doing an electronics collection in conjunction with Cell Phones for Cancer in June and the agreement will be finalized and presented to the Board at the April 26th meeting.

Mr. Advey informed the Board that the 2010 Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Annual Report has been completed and is on the table in the meeting room to review.

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve the first six month extension with Chapel Road Partners, LLC in regards to the March 9, 2010 letter of intent for Stanton Park redevelopment. Mr. Anderson seconded. Mr. Anderson asked if Mr. Advey could explain that further as he had a few people in the audience asked him about it. Mr. Advey stated that the Stanton Park redevelopment began about a year ago and is a public/private partnership, much like the Metroparks has done with Pine Ridge Country Club, and with Fairport Harbor Beach, or the Lodge at Geneva. He stated Rabbit Run Theatre has been brought in on this because they desire to have a year round facility. If everything pans out there would potentially be some rental cottages year round, a larger and more modern banquet hall and there will be no additional costs associated to the Township but rather a revenue source. One thing they are working on with the Port Authority is when the park was purchased years ago, there is still some $470,000.00 left over and has been sitting with ODOT, who was named caretaker. He stated that they’ve gone to NOACA to get a designated number to utilize some of the funds to do the erosion control measures, which has to be done regardless of what happens with the parks. Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Advey. Mr. Wayman asked what the date is again. Mr. Advey stated that the initial letter of intent was written with two six-month extensions written in, which were almost automatic but not quite. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Advey informed the Board and the audience of the Route 20 paving project that is scheduled to begin on April 18th. He stated they will begin on the sidewalks at the east end of Green Road and go west to Townline Road. He stated that they will starting in Perry on Center Road with the grinding and paving and the completion date is set to mid-October.

Mr. Advey informed the Board about the Lake Road project that the Lake County Engineer’s office is about to begin, they have begun staging and it is believed that they will be working four ten hour days.

BOARD/STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Madison Fire District:

Mr. Brotzman stated that next meeting is April 20th at 7:00pm at the District training center. Mr. Wayman added that they spent about nine hours over the weekend interviewing architects for the new stations and feels they will be narrowing the field next week.

Health Board:

None

Recreation Board

Mr. Anderson stated that they have been putting together a logo for the Recreation Board and the next meeting is on April 28th, 2011 at 8:00pm

Lake County Township Association:

Mr. Wayman stated the next meeting is tomorrow evening at 6:00pm.

Senior Board:

None

Community Improvement Corporation:

None

Citizen Comments:

James Vernyi, 3118 Genung Street, wished to propose a Frisbee golf course to use at Stanton Park. Mr. Vernyi stated that he would be willing to come up with sponsors to build it. Mr. Brotzman stated they are not familiar with how it is set up, but is willing to consider it. Mr. Vernyi stated that he can bring in plans for the Board to review, Mr. Brotzman stated to get the plans to Mr. Advey.

Joann Dzopko, 1080 Edgewood, stated that she was at the last meeting and is at this meeting for the same reason. She asked the Board if they looked into having the Senior Director’s salary paid by senior levy money. She stated she would like an answer in writing. Mr. Brotzman stated that the Board of Trustees has the discretion to overturn anything the Senior Board recommends to them but he doesn’t see any reason to. Mrs. Dzopko stated that she doesn’t understand, with all of the concerns the Senior Center has, why the Senior Board would care where the money comes from. Mr. Brotzman then asked the other Trustees, who have served on the Senior Board, if the Senior Board has any issues with this or are they comfortable with the way she is currently paid. Mr. Wayman stated that in all the years that he sat on that board there was never any discussion of using discretionary funds for wages and he wasn’t sure if it is legal. Mr. Graham stated that this is a Senior Board issue and that the Township and the Village only advise the Senior Board. He instructed her to take this to the Senior Board and if they agree then they can recommend to the Township Board how she is paid. Mr. Wayman offered to take this issue up with Mary Lou Holmes, Senior Board Chairman, and Mr. Brotzman stated that would be fine. Mr. Brotzman then stated that if the Senior Board came to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation to change how the Director is paid that they would agree to, Mr. Graham added that both the Board of Trustees and the Village Council would have to agree on it. Mrs. Dzopko again asked for the answer to be in writing. Mr. Graham stated that he is not required to answer this issue. Mr. Brotzman stated that she can get a copy of the minutes after they are approved at the next Trustee meeting.

Duane Frager, 165 Willowbend Drive, expressed congratulations on the Bicentennial event, noting that he heard many good comments; Mr. Anderson thanked him for his help as well. Mr. Frager wished to discuss a letter he sent to them regarding the Recreation Board, which is now a part of. He explained that the Recreation Board is attempting to accomplish many new avenues for 2011. On behalf of the Recreation Board, Mr. Frager asked the Board to donate $3,500.00 to the Recreation Board to support some of their efforts. He stated that this is the first year that the Recreation

Board established a budget that was approved and a change in the By-laws was added to force them to be accountable with this budget. He stated that their main goal is to become self-sustainable and not have to rely on the Township or the Village, but he noted, they are not there yet. Mr. Wayman asked if the Village Council has agreed to give any money to the Recreation Board. Mr. Frager stated that the Village is giving the same amount. Mr. Wayman stated that several years ago, the Township used to give $10,000.00 but that the Recreation Board did all of the mowing of the parks, but that was changed so that the Township does the mowing. Mr. Anderson asked the Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek if the Township has the money to give. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that the Township gave $2,500.00 to the Historical Society and noted that the Recreation Board was part of the Township. She also added that it is up to the discretion of the Board and that they all receive a copy of the budget and should be aware of how much money is there. Mr. Frager added that with the upgrade of the website, their budget will be on the website so that the Board of Trustees can see where the money is going, and noted the many fundraising events that they are planning so that they don’t have to go to the Board of Trustees or the Village Council every year. Mr. Frager stated that he is aware of the past history and the money that the Township used to donate, but he noted that in recent years, the Recreation Board didn’t really manage mowing lawns. He noted that as they got further into the budget, they found they were spending more money on lawn care rather than on the youth of the community. Mr. Brotzman stated that the Board will take a moment to discuss this. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek suggested some of the areas where they can take some money. Mr. Brotzman told Mr. Frager that he has great courage asking for money in these financial times and questioned whether the schools are being asked to donate. Mr. Frager stated that they are and that the Township is number two of the three entities they are approaching. Mr. Brotzman asked what the pleasure of the Board is; Mr. Wayman stated that he is in favor of giving the Recreation Board something, although he feels the amount may need to be looked at. Mr. Anderson stated that he is willing to match but that they’ll discuss it and get back to him. Mr. Brotzman stated that there will be some type of contribution. Mr. Frager thanked the Board and the Board thanked him.

Dave Jacobson, 2137 McMackin Road, stated to the Board that the can of worms has been opened since they gave money to the Historical Society and noted that he has nothing against the Recreation Board. Mr. Jacobson asked the Board who the Chapel Road Partners are. Mr. Advey stated that Pete Spitler is the primary and he isn’t sure of the other partners’ names at this time. Mr. Jacobson asked if he can get him a list of those names, Mr. Advey stated that he will try. Mr. Jacobson then asked if a survey to the residents was ever done to get their opinions on the Stanton Park redevelopment project. Mr. Brotzman stated that one was done when he was re-elected and he ran strong on this issue. Mr. Jacobson stated he never received a survey and Mr. Brotzman stated that he voted on the election and then commented that they are doing this and if he doesn’t like it then Mr. Brotzman is not his guy. Mr. Jacobson then reiterated that he is asking if they are going to do a survey to the residents. Mr. Brotzman stated that they are not and that they had public meetings on it. Mr. Jacobson asked them to let him know the next time there is a public meeting on this issue and then asked Mr. Advey to get him a list of the names involved in the LLC. Mr. Advey stated that he would. Mr. Brotzman thanked Mr. Jacobson for his comments.

Leroy Clemens, 2571 Dock Road, wished to complain of the noise and issues he is having with his neighbor. Mr. Brotzman deferred his comments to the Chief and see if it warrants police action. Mr. Clemens stated that the police have been over there twice and told them to turn the music down. Mr. Brotzman thanked Mr. Clemens for his comments.

Leanne Mihaly, 1117 Elm Avenue, wished to express her appreciation for the Bicentennial event. Mrs. Mihaly also complimented Mr. Klco for dealing with the issue of junk cars in a timely manner. She also noted that she would like to see the Trustee support the Recreation Board. The Board thanked Mrs. Mihaly.

Mary Ann Froebe, 1841 Bennett Road, stated that she doesn’t know much about Stanton park, but added that she hates Township Park – this is not a family park, there are five bars in the area and she feels the Board should be focusing on Stanton Park’s amenities. She added that Township Park has a bad reputation. Mr. Brotzman stated that he doesn’t care to get rid of Township Park as it has one of the better ball fields in the area, and there has been work done on the boat ramp and there will be on the beach area. Mr. Advey suggested that after completing the improvements down there, possibly hiring additional police on a part time basis may help.

Brenda Spadaro, 7612 Lakeshore Blvd., addressed the Police Chief about the pedestrians and bicyclists that are going to be starting to come out more with the changing weather and asked if the officers could take the opportunity as it presents itself to teach some safety to those that are in violation of the rules of the road. She noted such issues as; wearing dark clothes, riding or walking on the wrong side of road, riding next to each other rather than in a single file. Mr. Advey stated that in September the Township is holding a Family Bike Safety day in correlation with the Lake County ACHIEVE Wellness that can address some of those issues. He also stated that he will have Cindi put something on the website to address those rules as well. Mr. Brotzman thanked Ms. Spadaro for her comments.

Chief Del Calzo wished to note that on Thursday, April 28th, a retirement party will be held for Fire Chief Walt Zilke. He noted that he spent a great part of his life serving this community.

Mr. Anderson stated that he received a complaint from a resident on County Line about speeders in the area.

Mr. Wayman added that the tickets for the retirement party are available through the Fire District.

Mr. Brotzman informed the audience that the next Bicentennial planning meeting is on May 10th at 5:30pm. He also thanked everyone who helped out with the event and noted that it was a good time. He then noted the Workshop will follow the Bicentennial meeting at 6:00pm and the Regular Trustee meeting at 7:00pm.

Mr. Anderson added that the tickets for Chief Zilke’s retirement party are $30.00.

With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Anderson presented a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:02 p.m. Mr. Wayman seconded.  Roll Call: All Ayes.

 

__________________________                               ____________________________
William A Brotzman, Chairman                         Terry Gerred-Ditchcreek, Fiscal Officer