MADISON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR

July 12th, 2011 at 7:00PM

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bill Brotzman with the following people present: Mr. Anderson, Mr. Wayman, 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.”  Mr. Brotzman wished to remember several people, Dick Stewart who passed away last month, he owned the County Line wrecking business for many years and a 1958 graduate of MHS. Elizabeth “Beth” Green who was 47 years old, Irene Britton who was 102 and is Sam Britton’s grandmother, and a woman who didn’t live in Madison a long time but was born in Unionville in 1911, Leona Smith.

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the minutes of the June 14th, 2011 Regular Meeting. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve:

Bill Lists in the amounts of:    $50,796.59 Actual amount from June 28th, 2011 (attached and made part of the minutes);

   $69,155.99 Actual amount from July 12th, 2011 (attached and made part of the minutes);

                                               $60,000.00 Estimated for July 29th, 2011

Payroll in the amounts of:            $78,182.04 Actual amount from July 1st, 2011;

$78,254.13 Actual amount for July 15th, 2011;

$78,270.00 Estimated amount for July 29th, 2011

Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Brotzman welcomed the audience to the meeting.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

Charles Anderson, 1697 Bathgate, discussed the flooding issues that they spoke about at a previous meeting. He asked Mr. Advey if his previous suggestion of installing another pipe and trunk line with a 36” main if that will be enough to take on their water issues as well as the water issues that the residents on Watling Way are having. Mr. Advey stated that it should be sufficient, that there are no guarantees, but he feels confident it should. Mr. Anderson asked for a timeframe. Mr. Advey stated that the project may start in thirty to forty-five days. Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Advey and Mr. Brotzman thanked Mr. Anderson.

Joseph Rinyo, has been a resident of Madison for fifty years and would like to commend the Police Chief for what assisting him earlier in the year. The Chief stated that he is glad to see Mr. Rinyo was doing better.

Bruce Kimball, Sands Trailer Park resident, addressed Mr. Graham regarding a zoning meeting he went to on June 13th, 2011 and presented different documents on sands trailer park. Noting that sands has a zoning permit for a mobile home park, Mr. Kimball provided them a description that he obtained from the deed book outlining what a mobile home park is, what belongs in a park, and what a mobile home is. He stated that there are four RVs that have been at the park illegally. He stated that Mr. Graham told him that this is a Health Department issue. He stated that he was directed to ORC 3701.26 but that this is in reference to an RV camp and the correct section is 3701.27, which refers to mobile home parks. He questioned why Mr. Graham was not enforcing the zoning permits issued by Madison Township. He also commented on another issue of there being several vehicles, two of which are junk vehicles for sale in the front of the park. He stated that he asked Mr. Klco about it who told him he passed the information on to Mr. Graham. He stated that as of today those two vehicles are still there. Mr. Kimball asked why the zoning is not being enforced. Mr. Brotzman stated that Mr. Graham will address the first issue and that noted that Mr. Klco stated that he issued a notification to the owner.

Mr. Graham stated that Mr. Klco forwarded the information he received from Mr. Kimball at the zoning meeting. Mr. Graham stated that he reviewed the documents and that one of the problems that Mr. Kimball keeps missing is that, under the Ohio Revised Code, Sands must apply for a license to operate a mobile home park with the Lake County General Health District. He stated that he notified the Lake County General Health District of the RVs and they stated that they are okay with it and they can have up to five. Mr. Graham stated that this is why he is not getting involved in this situation. He stated that ORC always trumps local zoning regulations and they must obtain a license from the General Health District who can revoke the license at any time. He added that he explained to Mr. Kimball that they would assist them at that time. Mr. Graham stated they have a license and are in compliance according to the General Health District and if Mr. Kimball doesn’t like that answer he needs to go back to the General Health District, which Mr. Graham doesn’t think he has. Mr. Kimball stated that he has been back there and had a meeting with Nancy at the Health District, and noted that Mr. Graham’s facts are not accurate and he stated that this is a zoning issue. He referred to the Ohio Revised Code section 3733, which pertains to mobile homes, and noted a section of it that reads local municipalities have the authority to make zoning laws the general health district has the ability to write safety health and environment. He stated that this is not in either one of those categories. He stated this is a zoning issue and noted that before a license is issued you have to go to the Zoning Board to get a Zoning Permit for that particular land use, then you take that to the Health District and they approve the plans. He noted that when they approve a license every year, they don’t check to see what zoning the park has. He stated that he took the time to check with the Health District and to read the Ohio Revised Code 3733 and the laws that the Health Department was supposed to have told the Zoning Inspector regarding 3701-26. He stated to Mr. Graham that if he reads those two, he will see that they are two different things and don’t belong in the same place. Mr. Brotzman asked if Mr. Graham wanted to respond to anymore of the issues and Mr. Graham stated that he wished to point out that Mr. Kimball brought up about a municipality, he stated the Township is not a municipality and therefore the licensing procedure is being followed as far as he is concerned and this issue is closed. Mr. Brotzman then asked if his colleagues would like to comment on the matter, he then stated that he would like to comment on this matter but he has too many conflicts of interest so he will not comment. Mr. Kimball asked Mr. Brotzman why he will not comment on a park issue, Mr. Brotzman stated that he has too many conflicts of interest in that if his name is on the deed at one of the homes there, and he has done work for this owner, and if he is an in-law of the owner then he cannot comment on this issue. Mr. Brotzman thanked Mr. Kimball for his comments.

RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve Resolution #11-070 a Resolution certifying clean up costs on listed properties totaling $1,124.78. Mr. Wayman seconded. Mr. Wayman asked Mr. Graham how successful the Township is in collecting this money. Mr. Graham stated that the amounts are put on the tax duplicate and he hasn’t foreclosed on anyone to get it but that it may be the only option and he stated he didn’t’ feel we had been able to collect any of the money at this juncture. Mr. Advey and Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that we have received some monies, but were unsure how much. Mr. Brotzman asked if it is realistic to think the Township would receive all of the money. Mr. Advey stated that he feels it is realistic to think we would receive the majority of it. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve Resolution #11-071 a Resolution Accepting $5,250.00 from Public Entity Risk Services of Ohio, Inc. (PERSO) for damages from the fallen tree on the Banquet Hall at Stanton Park. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve Resolution #11-072 a Resolution approving the Tax Budget. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve Resolution #11-073 a Resolution Accepting $8,034.68 from NOPEC for Administration Building Energy Savings Project. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

ADMINISTRATION

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to approve the Lake County contract for the backbone radio system. Chief Del Calzo reminded the Board that he wrote a letter to the Commissioners in April stating that he felt Madison Township was being charged a disproportionate amount for the costs of the backbone system. Chief Del Calzo & Mr. Advey met with Paul Stefanko, from Communications, a few weeks ago and the County did see that our cost was higher than it should have been. Based on that, Madison Township was given approximately a twenty-two percent (22%) reduction in the costs. The Chief stated that he recommends entering into the contract and stated that he still has some reservations and noted that he is not happy with what Kirtland Hills is being charged at $4,400.00 for the service and they were within 3,000 calls of Madison Township’s number of calls. He also noted that for many years Madison was told that they had to pay towards the backbone because Madison Township had their own Police Department, despite the fact that having our own Police Department has saved the County millions of dollars. He added that recently the Sheriff has found himself in the position where he no longer has the funding to provide patrol for the other Townships, so he is asking them to pass levies to provide patrol for those Townships. The Chief stated that he finds it interesting that those same Townships are not being charged for their portion of the backbone costs. He then stated that furthering this argument is only going to turn it into a political bone of contention, which will not serve any good purpose. He added that it is his hope that the same people who pressured him into signing this agreement will be the same people pressuring the County should the radio system not work correctly when it is upgraded.

Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the Lake County contract for the backbone radio system. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to approve the 2011-2012 SRO Contract for the Madison School District. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve the 2011-2012 SRO Contract for the Madison School District. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to accept the resignation of part time police officer Michael Tobie. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to accept the resignation of part time police officer Michael Tobie. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to accept the resignation of part time dispatcher Bob Weiss. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to accept the resignation of part time police officer Bob Weiss. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to approve the hiring of two part time dispatchers, one being Todd Baker, a Madison firefighter, at a starting rate of $15.00 per hour. Chief Del Calzo was unsure of that amount and would check on it for the Board. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve the hiring of Todd Baker. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo requested a motion to approve the hiring of Jim McPeak and Todd Baker as part time dispatchers. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the hiring of Jim McPeak and Todd Baker. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo stated that they have been using both part time patrol officers and dispatchers fairly extensively this past summer, which works out to a fairly considerable savings to the police department. He stated that this past July 4th, we had both part time patrol officers and dispatchers working and he would like to request a motion to approve holiday overtime pay for part time employees at time and a half.

He stated that the full time employees have that benefit and noted that the part time employees make less than the full time employees so paying them time at a half is still at a savings. He feels that asking the employee to work a holiday, then it’s fair to pay them time and a half. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve holiday overtime pay for part time employees at time and a half. Mr. Wayman seconded. Mr. Anderson asked if this would cause any conflict with the full time employees with contracts. Mr. Graham wasn’t sure if there are any prohibitions in the contract and that he felt it would be up to the Board to do this. Chief Del Calzo stated that the part time employees are covered by the employee handbook, and Mr. Graham stated that Mr. Anderson’s question was whether there are any provisions in the contract that forbid this. Mr. Anderson withdrew his motion until it is determined if there are any provisions. Mr. Wayman withdrew his second of the motion.   Mr. Wayman presented a motion to tabling this motion. Mr. Anderson seconded. Mr. Anderson stated that he doesn’t have any issues with the Chief’s request he just wants to be sure there isn’t anything preventing it. Roll Call: All Ayes

Chief Del Calzo reminded the Board and audience that on Friday July 22nd, 2011 MPAL is having a reverse raffle at Stanton Park and the proceeds will help cover the costs of the batting cages.

Chief Del Calzo informed the Board of the meth lab that was discovered over the weekend and stated that due to the dangerous substances used, the Haz/Mat team was called and he hopes that the cost would be picked up by the County Narcotics Agency but if not then the cost would be on the Township and could be thousands of dollars. He noted that they would put the costs on the homeowner as well. Mr. Graham stated that the DEA will often assist with these situations too, and the Chief noted that with funds being cut he wasn’t sure if they would.

Chief Del Calzo stated that this past Fourth of July the police department received quite a few complaints about the party on Dave Drive. He stated that he is unsure if the Township as a whole can do anything to limit the number of people at these parties. He stated that it is difficult to catch people in the act of setting off the fireworks, which is the only way for the police department to enforce any laws.

LEGAL:
None

FISCAL OFFICER:
Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek requested a motion to approve the carryover of 40 hours of vacation for Paul Cook. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve the carryover of 40 hours of vacation for Paul Cook. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek requested a motion to approve the carryover of 4.5 hours of vacation for David LaRosa. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the carryover of 4.5 hours of vacation for David LaRosa. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated that the audit is not approved from the State yet, but they are asking if the Board would like an exit audit interview, which would cost more money or they can sit down with the Fiscal Office to go over the audit report. The Board felt the interview was unnecessary.

Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek read a memo she wrote to the Board of Trustees on July 12, 2011, which read:

“I would like to present a letter to the Fire Board. The Fire Department occupied Station 3 for at least 25 years. Repairs to this roof were needed a number of years ago, long before they returned the building to the Township, the repairs that were needed were identified by the Fire Board but were not taken care of. I know these are tough economic times for everyone but the Fire District’s revenue stream is much healthier than the Township or the Village. I am not asking the Fire Board to pay for all of it, but I was hoping some monetary amount be contributed to help us pay this unexpected bill. We have now had to pay for the roof to be repaired at a cost of $7,238.00. Please present this at your next meeting and reconsider helping us with this expense.”

She asked the Trustees to present this to the Fire Board asking for assistance in making the repairs. Mr. Brotzman stated that he brought this issue up at the last Fire Board meeting and was met with silence. He stated that he left the request open if anyone wanted to bring it up again. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek stated she is asking this Board to present the Fire Board with the letter. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Wayman stated that they will take the letter to the Fire Board. Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek added that she is not asking them to pay for all or even half, necessarily, she stated she is just asking them to help with the expense. She added that they occupied that building for over thirty years before handing it back to the Township and it is quite a large expense to be thrown at the Township. Mr. Brotzman stated that it will be brought up again.

ADMINISTRATOR:

ZONING:
None

SERVICE/PUBLIC WORKS:
Mr. Advey requested a motion to approve payment to C.I.R. Inc. for storm sewer inlet repairs at 1444 Davista at a cost of $5,140.00. He stated that this job has been completed and noted that there is another job just down the road and it cannot be done with our crews as it is too deep. He stated that they feel one of these may have happened in the past sometime and may have had a tree removed and a large truck drove over the basin, collapsing the pipe. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to approve $5,140.00 to C.I.R Inc. for the inlet repairs at 1444 Davista at a cost of $5,140.00. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Advey discussed the July 11, 2011 wind storm that occurred at approximately 3:00pm. He stated that the following three categories were tracked from calls coming into dispatch and to Cindi; Trees/Limbs-10+ calls, which doesn’t even put a dent in the amount they found in the road just driving around. Trees Down: at least twelve, those were in road right-of-way, we don’t count the ones out of the road right-of-way. Wires down: at least twelve, many of the roads were blocked off for safety reasons. He stated that the communication between having our own dispatch, Cindi in Administration, and Steve Heilman Service Department Supervisor was impressive, as was the work by the Service Department crew. Everyone worked together like a well-oiled machine. He stated that the crew had the majority of the roads opened, with the exception of those with trees or branches wrapped around wires, by 4:30-5:00. He added that they are still cleaning up but that he wanted to commend all of these people for doing a fantastic job on yesterday’s storm.

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS:
Mr. Advey requested a motion to approve the first ten year lease renewal with Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the first ten year lease renewal with Rabbit Run Community Arts Association on property located at or near 5648 West Chapel Road, Madison Township. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

CEMETERY:
None

OTHER:
Mr. Advey requested a motion to renew the Lake County Safety Council Membership. Mr. Wayman presented a motion to renew the Lake County Safety Council Membership for FY12 at a cost of $150.00. Mr. Anderson seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes

Mr. Advey requested a motion to approve the new lease agreement with Rabbit Run Community Arts association effective August 1, 2011. Mr. Advey stated that this is about their property insurance being obtained through the Township’s insurance and Rabbit Run will be billed monthly for a rental. Mr. Anderson presented a motion to approve the new lease agreement with Rabbit Run Community Arts association effective August 1, 2011 on all of that building known as the Madison Township Hall and formerly occupied by the Madison Post Office and by the Madison Township Trustees and situated on the southerly side of Park Street on the property identified as the “commons”, 49 Park Street, Madison, Ohio. Mr. Wayman seconded. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Advey stated that he has two copies for the Board to sign after the meeting.

Mr. Advey stated that follow up on the Lake Road at the corner of Grove and Glenview and it was discovered that the drains in the Township road right-of-way are wide open and upon running a snake into it about thirty feet into the property they came across an impasse and informed the property owner that they found a broken tile that needs to be fixed by the property owner since it is out of the road right-of-way.

Mr. Advey informed Mr. Wayman that he followed up on the complain he received about the rocks on the boat ramp and stated that he was surprised that there were as few stones on there than what is usually there. He added that when we get community service workers, we can have them clean up the bigger ones but this will always be an ongoing issue. He also added that the No Parking/Observation signs were missing again and will have Paul replace them.

Mr. Advey stated that the Township Park project will be early fall for start-up construction if the permits get issued in time.

BOARD/STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Madison Fire District:
Mr. Brotzman stated that Fire Board meets on the 20th at the Training Center.

Health Board:
None

Recreation Board
Mr. Anderson stated that the Youth Sports Parade went off very nicely and thanked the road, police, and fire department. The Recreation Board gave away two bikes as well.

Lake County Township Association:
None

Community Improvement Corporation:
None

Other:
Mr. Anderson stated that in regard to Mrs. Soden’s complaint on Burns Road and the pool has been removed but that she is still complaining about some 4x4’s still standing and that the mowing completed by the contracted company was not that great of a job. Mr. Graham stated that the posts are in the ground so it is not considered debris and that we can have Jerry Klco check on the grass to see if it is in compliance.

Mr. Advey stated that he and Mr. Anderson attended the Northeast Ohio Township Association meeting in Harpersfield. Heidi Fought, Township Association, came in to speak and stated that the this year and next year we will lose fifty percent of the local government fund and in four years it is expected to be completely gone. He also spoke with Sean Sprouse of Burnham & Flowers Insurance concerning the employee hospitalization and he stated that the group/consortium we are in and we should be fine in relation to what is being required by the new bill.

Mr. Anderson added that he would like to thank Max Sorensen for his participation and assistance with the Youth Sports Parade.

Mrs. Gerred-Ditchcreek asked if Mr. Graham and others are going to review the final budget to know what is going to be required of us. Mr. Graham stated that Mr. Advey had sent him a copy of the bill and one issue was the health insurance, which Mr. Advey already addressed, and the Township seems to be doing the other items but they will continue to review it.

Citizen Comments:
Joann Dzopko, 1080 Edgewood Avenue, stated that she was the one who advocated cutting the grass and when this first was brought to the Board, there were twelve properties in her neighborhood and now this year there was one. She stated that many times all Jerry Klco had to do was to call them and they took care of it. She stated that she has talked to the people who have come in to cut the grass for the different mortgage companies and they told her that if the banks weren’t threatened, they wouldn’t have cut them. She stated that even if the Township isn’t getting their money back, the system put in place is effective and thanked the Board. Mr. Brotzman thanked Mrs. Dzopko.

Mr. Brotzman stated that he won’t be at the next meeting, as he is making a personal sacrifice to attend the Lake County Captains game to celebrate the Madison Community Night and celebrate the Bicentennial for the Township.

The next meeting will be August 9th at 7:00pm.

With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Wayman presented a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Anderson seconded.  Roll Call: All Ayes.

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