Nimishillen
Township
July 14, 2005
On
Thursday, July 14, 2005, the Board of Trustees of
The
meeting opened with the pledge of Allegiance.
GUEST
SPEAKERS: Shanda Yaeger, Stark County
Auditor’s Office, GIS Coordinator and Mike Stevens – Presentation on update to
GIS System in Stark County:
Mr.
Stevens explained Stark County Auditor, Kim Perez, would like to see the GIS
Program continue and has added new staff such as mappers and people to go on
the road to speak about it. The
Auditor’s Office has invested over two million dollars in the GIS Program,
which has been in operation since 1999-2000.
At this time, Mr. Stevens introduced Shanda Yaeger who is the GIS
Director.
Ms.
Yaeger explained GIS is computer mapping.
For Nimishillen Township, this program would help the Zoning Department,
Fire Department and Road Department. The
Auditor’s Office purchased the software and it is a ‘free’ viewer for
everyone’s use.
Ms.
Yaeger explained that, in the future, they would use software called
‘Pictometry’. At this time, they use
aerial photography where a plane flies across Stark County and takes black and
white snapshots straight down.
Pictomerty will replace that imagery in color and the plane will fly at
an angle so you can see sides of buildings and other structures. Some people are concerned about privacy. She
said you cannot read license plates and you cannot see anyone’s face. Anything that can be obtained on the
Auditor’s Website will be available on the GIS Program, which is public
record. She explained the system would
basically be used for pre-planning.
Russ
Goffus asked about accuracy. Ms. Yaeger
said they use a 6” resolution.
Discussion followed.
Mr.
Goffus asked how often the system would be updated. Ms. Yaeger said it was last updated in 2003
and said they are now pursuing a contract with the State of Ohio on a project
called LBRS (Location Base Response System), which would collect all road
centerlines and addresses in Stark County.
She said they already have that information and they are now seeking out
funding issues. It is the hope to
combine all databases into one within the next five (5) years. More discussion followed.
FIRE
DEPARTMENT: (Chief Rich Peterson)
Communications
Center Update: Chief Peterson reported the
Communications Center is up and running and has been for about two weeks and
said everything is going well.
Peterson
reported there is another Dispatching Service Contract from Canton Township at
$4,421.03/month and requested the Trustees to pass a Resolution to enter into
this contract. Russ Goffus said so moved
as stated, seconded by Todd Bosley. All
voted yes. Motion carried. (Res.#05-158)
Station
No. 3/New Communications Center Construction Update: Peterson reported everything is moving along
as planned. All power services are in,
the pad for the transformer is in and today he met with SBC and finalized all
necessary connections. Further
discussion followed.
Request
to Increase Insurance Benefit Package by One Position: Russ Goffus motioned to increase insurance
benefit positions by one for the Fire Department, seconded by Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-159)
ROAD
DEPARTMENT: (Superintendent Kevin Swartz)
Chip
& Seal: Superintendent Swartz reported
the Chip & Seal Program would begin approximately July 20th and
go though August 15th. He
said paving should also be finished by this date. Swartz reported Chief Peterson said it was
okay for the Road Department to use the parking lot at Station No. 2 to
stockpile stone, which would allow a shorter haul to the oil truck.
Additional
Streets to be Paved: Swartz received a quote from
Central-Allied for $12,410.00 to pave Wisner Avenue, Blendwood Avenue and the
Ault Avenue turnaround. Russ Goffus
motioned to pave Wisner, Blendwood and the Ault turnaround in the amount of
$12,410.00, seconded by Virginia Macdonald.
All voted yes. Motion
carried. (Res. #05-160)
Nimishillen
Township Board of Trustees
July 14, 2005,
(Cont.)
Road Report for July 14, 2005: Superintendent Swartz read his written Road Report for July 14, 2005. Virginia Macdonald motioned to accept the Road Report for July 14, 2005, as written, seconded by Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Copy attached) (Res. #05-161)
ZONING
DEPARTMENT: (Keith Lasure) - Absent
Virginia Macdonald excused Zoning Inspector, Keith Lasure, from tonight’s meeting.
CONCERNS
OF CITIZENS:
One
resident requested to be put on the agenda prior to tonight’s meeting:
- Lisa Shafer of 6590
Winter Street – Talked about the Fairhope Ditch Project. Mrs. Shafer read a letter from Robert
Graham, P.E. Project Manager, from CT Consultants regarding the Fairhope
Ditch Cleaning Project in Nimishillen Township. Part of the letter stated “……..and the
successful contractor would likely receive their Notice to Proceed from
the Board by the end of August. The
contract completion date will be November 30, 2005”. (Copy attached)
Other
residents in the audience to speak:
- Dawn Friedman of 5362
Francesca – Asked about the Storm Sewer Project on Francesca Street. Mrs. Friedman turned in a petition from
her neighbors with eighteen (18) signatures stating they want the storm
sewer system put in rather than a 4’ open ditch. Discussion followed.
- Judy George of 5874
Noel – Thanked Mr. Bosley and Mr. Swartz for their quick response today
regarding opening up a ditch on Noel stating the ditch should be open
within two weeks. She also spoke
about her concern on the project the State is doing on SR 62, which will
put more water on Francesca.
- Dennis Brown of 4174
Homeland – Concerned about the noise during the night coming from a
concrete block business (Schory Cement Products) located on Louisville
Street in the Jeffries Industrial Park.
He is also concerned about the slimy sludge and oily film in the
Fairhope Ditch located at Jeffries Circle and Victory. Mr. Bosley asked the township secretary
to have Zoning Inspector, Keith Lasure, take a look at this and call the
Health Department as well and to also investigate the noise level at
Schory’s. The Trustees will also do
some investigating on this.
- Terri Huckels of 8730
Easton Street – Commented on flooding in Nimishillen Township not being
unique, Todd Bosley promising to get grants, an article in Mr. Thrifty
regarding comments that were quoted and the Railroad Transfer
Station. Discussion was also held
on the Open Ditch Policy stating the township should not pay to install
storm sewers. President Macdonald
had to call for order several times when residents from the audience
exchanged angry comments.
- Dave Wiley of 4703
Leone Street – Questioned Russ Goffus and Virginia Macdonald about their
premise regarding opening up ditches in the township. Discussion followed. Some of Mr. Wiley’s concerns about open
ditches: safety hazard, health
hazard, won’t stop flooding, property would be devalued and then asked if
the Trustees would want 4’ ditches dug in front of their houses.
Mr. Wiley went back to his first question regarding
the premise of opening up ditches. Mrs.
Macdonald told him no ditches would be dug.
- Linda Shier of 8710
Easton Street – Had a couple issues with Todd Bosley stating there seems
to be a lot of hostility in the township over the Winter Street and
Francesca Street projects and said it is her feeling that Mr. Bosley
promised the residents the township would pay for these projects before
consulting with the other two trustees.
Mr. Bosley said she was wrong and denied doing any such thing. Heated discussion followed between
residents in the audience and Mrs. Shire.
Once again, President Macdonald had to call for order.
- Donna Fuller of 5857
Rosedale Street – Thanked Todd Bosley for his dedication to the township
and said he was a ‘star’. She also
said Rich Peterson was a star for working so hard to get the 911 System up
and running and Carlene Harmon for working so hard to get pipe through.
Nimishillen
Township Board of Trustees
July 14, 2005,
(Cont.)
8:00
P.M. – 2006 PROPOSED BUDGET HEARING:
Discussion
and explanation of the 2006 Proposed Budget was held. Virginia Macdonald motioned to accept the
Proposed 2006 Budget, seconded by Todd Bosley.
All voted yes. Motion
carried. (Res. #05-162)
At
this time, Concerns of Citizens continued:
- Mark Rumble of 3094
Ravenna Avenue – Commented it’s nice to see everyone come to the meetings
and get involved in conversations but is disappointed that it gets so
‘personal’ and hopes everyone can work together on their concerns.
CONCERNS
OF TRUSTEES:
Resolution
to enter into a Co-op Purchasing Agreement with Stark County Engineers: Russ Goffus motioned to enter into a Co-Op
Purchasing Agreement with Stark County Engineers for the purchase of rock salt
for 2005-06 Winter – dumped at $33.70/ton – same price as the 2004-05 season,
seconded by Virginia Macdonald. All
voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-163)
Sunscape
– Sidewalk Handicap Ramps (Phase 2): Todd
Bosley said he received a call from a resident who is unhappy with the quality
of the ramps and wanted to know if the township would replace them. Mr. Goffus wants to take a look at them and
Mrs. Macdonald said Regional Planning Commission released the bond and
suggested talking to Joe Underwood at RPC.
This was tabled until further research could be done.
Resolution
to Accept Ballot Language for the Road Levy: Russ Goffus motioned to accept the renewal
ballot, as written by Attorney Dick Kuhn, for the November election, seconded
by Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Copy attached) (Res. #05-164)
Update
on Waterline: Virginia Macdonald spoke to
City of Louisville Manager, Tom Ault, about three weeks ago and said there
isn’t any big hurry to install the waterline.
Mrs. Macdonald also checked with the Stark County Engineer’s Office and
Plain Township to see how they handled it when a city came in and wanted to use
their right of way. Mrs. Macdonald
reported Louisville could use the right of way but all liability would rest
with the city, i.e. the city would be responsible for all the expenses incurred
even if the township would widen the road.
This would have to be put in writing.
Mrs. Macdonald stated Norfolk & Southern has not yet given the
permit to go under the railroad track.
Resolution
to Accept Legal Council Representation Regarding Annexation: Virginia Macdonald motioned objecting to
petition to annex 359.3574 acres, more or less, from Nimishillen Township,
Plain Township and Canton Township and the Board of Trustees met in regular
session today with the following members present, whereas the Nimishillen
Township Board of Trustees is the chief legislative body of the Township… (Resolution attached) …
At
this time, Todd Bosley introduced a letter advising that the City of Canton
will be withdrawing their annexation petition known as the Groffre/Broadway
Annexation Area. (Copy attached) Mr. Bosley recommended the Board immediately
participate in discussions with the property owners and asked that this Board
try to settle the lawsuit with Groffre.
Bosley said the annexation and lawsuit are hand-in-hand. Mr. Goffus said the letter states they
‘will’… – nothing is for sure.
Discussion followed between the Trustees.
Virginia
Macdonald reminded the Board that she has a motion on the floor that the
township will continue to work with Plain Township and hire Attorney Eric
Williams to represent us at $60.00 per hour to discuss this annexation because
the township needs legal council. This
prompted discussion between Todd Bosley and Virginia Macdonald.
After
much discussion, Russ Goffus reminded everyone a motion was put on the floor,
which he seconded. Voting went as
follows: Virginia Macdonald – Yes, Russ
Goffus – Yes and Todd Bosley – No.
Motion carried. (Res.
#05-165)
Eastview
Drainage Ditch: Virginia Macdonald reported
the contract was entered into the 30th day of June. The County will be the contracting agent for
the project and will receive quotes from various contractors. Nimishillen Township agreed to pay $7,700.00.
Dialog
Between the City of Louisville, Nimishillen Township and Dennis Biery: Russ Goffus reported he and Clerk Carlene
Harmon met with Tom Ault, Dave Thorley and Dennis Biery. Peggy Howland was also in attendance and took
notes of the meeting. Goffus reported
the meeting was very productive. They
agreed it would be good to have a facilitator run the meeting
Nimishillen
Township Board of Trustees
July 14, 2005,
(Cont.)
when
it is set. The purpose of the meeting
will be to set dialog for CEDA (Community Economic Development Agreement) and
JEDD (Joint Economic Development District) Agreements.
Goffus
said they are trying to find neutral grounds to meet. Some suggestions were schools and
churches. Mrs. Harmon said it was
mentioned the meeting should not be in the township or the city and suggested using Plain
Township’s meeting hall. A resident in
the audience suggested using the Foltz Community Center in Alliance. Mr. Goffus thanked everyone for their input
and said he would check into it.
Executive
Session – Personnel – To Discuss Compensation and Dismissal: The Board agreed to go into Executive Session
at the end of tonight’s meeting.
OLD
BUSINESS:
Catch
Basins and Ditch Work at the Corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Mary Street: Kevin Swartz said he would talk with Keith
Lasure to see if the business at this location would be moving, which would
determine the need for a catch basin.
This was tabled until the next meeting.
Discussion
on Winter Street and Francesca Street Ditch Projects:
- Winter Street: Virginia Macdonald motioned we apply for
funds for the Winter Street project through OPWC, seconded by Russ
Goffus. All voted yes. Motion carried. Macdonald said the paperwork should be
sent to Regional Planning due no later than noon on September 16th. Mrs. Macdonald reported $6,171,000.00 is
available through OPWC/CDBG.
(Res. #05-166)
- Francesca Street: Virginia Macdonald explained some
misconceptions on the drainage issue in the township. She said there are several ditch
complaints and in going back through her records, she found every time
pipe is put in, residents paid for the pipe. Mrs. Macdonald said her recommendation
is not to open any ditches on Francesca.
The drainage problem can be corrected by residents (if they so
wish) by hiring someone to put the pipe in which would be at their own
expense. She stated she does have
several things to back this up.
Mrs. Macdonald motioned to leave the ditches closed
on Francesca with Goffus amending it that this is per the Township’s Policies
and Procedures as set by the Board of Nimishillen Township Trustees, seconded
by Russ Goffus. The voting went as
follows: Virginia Macdonald – Yes, Russ
Goffus – Yes and Todd Bosley – Absolutely not – no. Motion carried. (Res. #05-167)
Driveway
Culvert – Dave Murphy – Apple Street: Russ
Goffus said the township already has a policy in place that we do not replace
driveway culverts. Todd Bosley said he
would let Mr. Murphy know.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
Russ
Goffus motioned to approve the Minutes of June 23rd and June 30th,
2005, as written, seconded by Virginia Macdonald. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-168)
CONCERNS
OF THE CLERK:
Transfers
per Res. #05-005: Transfers were made on June 29th
and July 12th, 2005. (See
attached)
Audit
anticipated for September 2005: Carlene
Harmon reported the audit is anticipated for September 2005. Mike Ifantiedes will be doing the audit.
PERS
Compensation for William Ehlers: Clerk,
Carlene Harmon, reported Mr. Ehlers was a Trustee from January through May
1974, and the township neglected to pay for his retirement. Clerk Harmon asked the Board for a Resolution
to pick up his cost for a total of $396.59 of which $328.89 is interest. Mrs. Harmon said the Resolution must be
stated that the Board determined to purchase service credit pursuant to Ohio
Revised Code for William Ehlers – Russ Goffus said so moved as sated, seconded
by Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (See attached) (Res. #05-169)
Resolution
to Certify to the County Auditor the Semi-Annual Lighting District Tax
Assessment: Virginia Macdonald motioned
to certify the County Auditor Annual Lighting District Tax Assessment, seconded
by Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Copy attached)
(Res. #05-170)
Nimishillen
Township Board of Trustees
July 14, 2005,
(Cont.)
- Joanne Moody of 7018
Pilot Knob asked if she could make a comment. Mrs. Moody stated someone from the North
Canton EMS said Nimishillen Township had the best EMT Paramedic Squad
around. The audience gave a round
of applause to this statement.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION:
Virginia
Macdonald motioned to go into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. regarding
personnel for the purpose of discussing compensation and dismissal, seconded by
Todd Bosley. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-171)
Virginia
Macdonald motioned to come out of Executive Session at 9:24 p.m., seconded by
Russ Goffus. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-172)
Russ
Goffus motioned to dismiss road crew member, Robert King, from his part time
duties due to not working up to township standards under his probationary
period, seconded by Virginia Macdonald.
All voted yes. Motion
carried. (Res. #05-173)
Due
to the extra added zoning duties and other various duties, Russ Goffus motioned
to increase Sharon Shaub’s salary by $110.00 per month retroactive to June 13,
2005, seconded by Todd Bosley. All voted
yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-174)
APPROVE
FINANCIAL REPORT AND PAY BILLS:
Russ
Goffus motioned to approve the Financial Report and pay bills in the amount of
$64,877.20, seconded by Todd Bosley. All
voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-175)
SIGN
CHECKS AND ADJOURN:
Virginia
Macdonald motioned to sign checks and adjourn, seconded by Russ Goffus. All voted yes. Motion carried. (Res. #05-176)
The
meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 p.m.
______________________________
__________________________________
ATTEST: CLERK/TREASURER
VIRGINIA K. MACDONALD, PRESIDENT
__________________________________
TODD D. BOSLEY, VICE PRESIDENT
__________________________________
RUSSELL L. GOFFUS, TRUSTEE