Meeting Minutes

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to approve the minutes from the February 19, 2009 meeting, as presented by Fiscal Officer, Mary Ann Lindsley. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Riesterer to accept the financial reports that were submitted by Fiscal Officer, Mary Ann Lindsley. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to approve and sign warrants 8441-8476, that were presented for payment by the Fiscal Officer. Vote: all ayes.

There was a public hearing on the proposed 2009 appropriations. Mr. Dave Bodi, 919 Maple Ave, asked how much we had budgeted for 2009 and if he could have a copy. Mr. Riesterer replied that our total estimated resources are $3,236,615, according to the Erie County Auditor, and that the appropriations would be available on our website.

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to pass Resolution 2009-08, setting the appropriations for 2009. Roll call vote: Mr. Riesterer-yes, Mr. Pooch-yes and Mr. Bias- yes.

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wadding, 5205 Rockwood Dr., Castalia, Oh were at the meeting to discuss a drainage concern on their property. Mr. Wadding showed a video to support his concern. After a discussion between the Trustees and Mr. Jim Neill (road supervisor) it was decided that Mr. Neill would take some elevations and determine the break-over point of the Wadding’s yard. We will explore the possibility of laying two 6” tiles side by side and possibly a catch basin.

Mr. Tim Schoewe, 5104 Tiffin Ave. requested information regarding the recent cleaning of the Riedy Ditch and how it would be paid for. Mr. Neill explained that the Township got permission from Miller’s to access their property and we were able to complete the cleaning without assessing the property owners.

Mr. Schoewe also requested information about the zoning of the wind turbines that are being constructed. Tom Johnson (zoning inspector) stated that the zoning boards are meeting on March 9, 2009 to discuss this issue. Mr. Schoewe asked if we have anything in place today regarding noise. Mr. Johnson stated that we do not have anything at this time regarding noise.

Chief Tom Keimer gave his report. He had a part time firefighter/EMT that he asked the Trustees to hire.

Chief Keimer also reported on his meeting with Marcy Kaptur regarding the upcoming stimulus money that will be available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies. The money for fire departments can only be used for new fire stations or the retrofitting of existing fire stations. Marcy Kaptur recommends applying for green energy money.

Chief Keimer asked the trustees about the pay frequency to the City of Huron for dispatching services. He had received a monthly invoice. Mr. Riesterer said that it is to be an annual payment. Chief Keimer will contact Huron to advise them that we would pay annually after our March tax settlement is received.

Chief Keimer said that Kevin Dwight looked at the network server that was offered to us and said it was not sufficient. Mr. Riesterer asked if he is looking at a new one and Chief Keimer said he would have information soon. He reinforced that purchasing a server would allow us to purchase just one license for the software we use.

Chief Keimer said that the phones had been checked and the voicemail issue with the cemetery line has been resolved. They are still working on the issue with the clerk line locking up.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Riesterer to hire Douglas A. Simmons, as a part time, paid on call firefighter/EMT with a 6 month probationary period, effective March 5, 2009. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Riesterer mentioned again the need for a Competent Person for Safety Equipment compliance for both existing equipment and future purchases. Chief Keimer was concerned about the documentation that would be required. Mr. Riesterer felt a letter documenting the findings would do.

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to name Chief Keimer and Jim Neill as the Safety Compliant Officers for their departments. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Tom Johnson (zoning inspector) asked if the Trustees had received the resolution from Huron Township regarding wind turbines. Since the Trustees had not received it, Tom will contact Huron Township to get a copy. Tom mentioned that the zoning board and the zoning board of appeals will hold a joint meeting on March 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. to discuss wind turbine zoning. This is in preparation for two hearings scheduled for March 16, 2009 for wind turbines. (Riedy Body Shop and Corsos)

Jim Neill gave his report. He requested purchasing an undercarriage portable washer that would serve both as a floor cleaner and an under carriage cleaner from Erie Pro Services for $675.

Jim said that the Riedy Ditch cleaning is done along with the stretch on Maple Ave. He is still waiting on the Homegardner Rd. from Maple Ave west to the Burdue property. There was a discussion on ditches that were cleaned by property owners.

Mr. Bias asked for an update on the bridge project and Mr. Riesterer said that it was being redesigned.

Mr. Neill asked about placing the salt order from ODOT. The Trustees said that they had decided to order 200 ton from ODOT and 200ton from the County. Mr. Neill will place the ODOT order by the March deadline.

Jim told the trustees about receiving a $400 invoice from Columbia Gas for damage done by the Township on Rockwell Dr. Jim said that a utility locate was properly requested and completed, but the gas line was just under the asphalt- not at the 18” depth that it was supposed to be. Therefore it was damaged as soon as the cut through the asphalt was made. Mr. Riesterer asked Jim to contact Columbia Gas about waiving the charge.

Mr. Pooch moved, seconded by Mr. Riesterer to purchase the combo surface cleaner/undercarriage washer from Erie Pro Services for $675 to be split between the Road Department and the Fire Department. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch to approve vacation requests from Tom Jones for March 6, 2009 for 4 hours and for Matt Studer for April 6 – April 10, 2009. Vote: all ayes.

Mr. Riesterer reported on the meeting with ODNR which he attended for the Road Department. ODNR is making preparations to build a large building at the State Fish Hatchery that will require 5000 sq. yards of dirt to be hauled out of ODNR and clay and stone to be hauled back in. Although the building won’t be constructed until approximately 2011, the hauling of the dirt and stone will be completed in 2009. This hauling will impact a small portion of Homegardner Road and approximately .5 miles of Heywood Road to SR 269. Since this will deteriorate these two sections, Mr. Riesterer requested a Force Account Assessment from the County Engineer, which resulted in an estimate of $30,000 to rebuild the two sections of road. Once the building is constructed in 2011, it’s projected that the roads will be damaged again and further reconstruction will be needed. The first phase of the project has a road surface repair line of $38,000. There was a discussion about this issue.

Mr. Riesterer moved, seconded by Mr. Pooch that the Township follows the recommendation of the Erie County Engineer and request the bond in the amount of $38,000 for road surface repair of Heywood Rd. in conjunction of the proposed project at the State Fish Hatchery, Phase I. Vote: all ayes.

Jim Neill said that since the ditch bank is already giving way on Heywood Rd. he would like to fill this in now to prevent additional damage. The 12” tile alone will cost $4000, but Jim would like to seek assistance from ODNR for this project. Jim would like to get started on it as soon as possible. The project will require replacing 3 catch basins at $300/each, the tile at $4000 and hauling of dirt and stone. The trustees asked Jim to speak with ODNR and report at the next meeting.

Mr. Riesterer reported that there are seven recycling locations in the area that will be discontinued on June 1, 2009 by the county. Margaretta Township’s recycling center is one of those to be discontinued. The county experienced an operating cost of $33,800 last year to operate our recycling center. Mr. Riesterer said the county would like us to consider taking bids for a township provider for recycling, yard waste and garbage collection. Mr. Riesterer will contact the county for their availability to discuss this further at our April 2, 2009 meeting.

Groton Township would like to go together with us for our recycling days again this year. Mr. Bias reminded everyone that Groton will then forward their grant money to us. We will hold our first recycling day the first Saturday in June 2009, from 9 am to noon.

Mr. Bias asked Jim Neill if the concrete pad used on recycling day needs to be replaced. Jim said that it did. After discussing if we could do this ourselves it was decided to get bids for this project. Mr. Neill will take care of this.

Mr. Bias said that he and Mary Ann Lindsley met with a representative from the Bureau of Workers Compensation (Stacey) and that Mary Ann will report on this when she returns.

Mr. Bias was contacted by Jim Welch, a representative of an independent filming company, requesting information regarding possible permits needed to film in our township. Mr. Riesterer said that no permits are required.

Mr. Neill requested access for his department to update the website. Mr. Bias stated that we are waiting for direction and guidance from the Technology committee regarding “acceptable use policy” before granting addition access.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.