The Margaretta Township Trustees met in regular session on January 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. Present were Mr. Pooch, Mr. Bias and Mr. Riesterer.

Mr. Bias moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to approve the minutes, as presented, from the December 20, 2007 meeting. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Bias to approve the minutes presented by the fiscal officer from the December 21, 2007 organizational meeting. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Bias moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to accept the financial reports as submitted by the fiscal officer. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Bias to approve and pay warrants 7252-7300, that were presented by the fiscal officer for payment since our last meeting. Vote: all ayes.

The trustees opened bids that were submitted for a new Fire Department Vehicle. The bids were as follows:

Gildenmeister – Full size SUV with options $31,294.84, medium duty SUV $24,978.73 w/options. They would give a $1200.00 trade in of our vehicle.

Foster Chev. – Full size SUV- $32,181.45 and the medium size $24,845.70. They would allow a trade in of $1000.00

Mathews Ford – Full size SUV $24,502.80 and the medium size $21,216.50. The trade in would be $800.00

After some discussion with the trustees and Chief Keimer the following motion was made.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Bias to purchase a 2008 Expedition from Mathew Ford for a cost of $24,502.80 with a trade in of our Explorer of $800.00, which will leave us a balance of $23,702.80. Vote: all ayes. The delivery of the vehicle will be 90-120 days.

Chief Keimer gave his annual and monthly reports. Tom gave an update on grant money.

Keith Kreager – asked if there were any rural water issues. He also had several questions on houses in Crystal Rock. He asked why the Hensley house on Norwood that is half torn down has had nothing else done to it. Mr. Kreager wanted to know why we can do nothing about this.

The trustees said that Tom Johnson had talked to him and told him to get it taken care of. It seems Mr. Hensley has some medical issues and we’re trying to work with him. Mr. Riesterer asked Mr. Kreager if he would want to speak with Mr. Hensley as a representative of the Crystal Rock Association. Mr. Kreager said he would not like to do that.

Mr. Kreager also mentioned that there is a dead animal lying on the side of the road. The trustees will tell Jim Neill about it, so it can be removed.

Keith also mentioned again about 4 wheeler complaints. The trustees said this is an issue all over the township. They once again told Mr. Kreager that if you are having a problem contact the sheriff office.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Riesterer to appoint Keith Kreager as our representative to Northern Ohio Rural Water. Vote: all ayes.

The trustees discussed pay increase. They mentioned that the full time firefighters that are in the union will receive their raises, per their contract. Fiscal Officer, Mary Ann, asked when to start the new wages for the firefighters. The trustees said the raises should begin with the pay period beginning January 5, 2008.

Mr. Bias moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to give the following pay increases effective 1/5/2008: Fire Chief Thomas Keimer’s salary will go from $56,263 to $57,950 (2228.85 per pay period.), Road Foreman/Cemetery Sexton James Neill’s salary will go from $49,000 to $50,470 (1941.15 per pay period). The full time road workers rate of pay will go from $14.50/hr to $14.94/hr., full time dispatchers will go from $12.30/hr to 12.67/hr, part time dispatchers will go from $11.30/hr to $11.67/hr with dispatchers on probation to go from $10.80/hr to $11.17/hr. The paid on call firefighters base rate of pay will go from $9.50/hr to $10.50/hr. Paid on call firefighters drill pay will also increase from $9.50/hr to $10.50/hr. Vote: all ayes.

Jim Neill gave his road/cemetery report. The roof on the road department building is in need of repair and Jim would like to start getting ideas on the cost.

Mr. Bias moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to pay Erie Regional Planning the 2008 fee of $2797.20. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Pooch mentioned that Mr. Bache from SR 6 called him and wanted to know what we can do about the Crum residence. This issue has been ongoing and we really can’t do anything at this time.

The trustees discussed the residential zoning code and the possibility of making it a part of our zoning book.

Unfinished construction around the township was also discussed.

Fiscal Officer, Mary Ann mentioned that she had sent certified letters to Allied Waste to discontinue their services at the end of our contracts in April 2008.

We received a list of vaccine prices from the Erie County Health Department.

Mr. Bias moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to adjourn. Vote: all ayes.