The Chester Township Board of Trustees met in regular session Thursday, February 10, 2005, at the West Geauga Middle School in the Community Room at 6:37 p.m.

All trustees and the clerk present. Also in attendance: Geauga County Treasurer Chris Hitchcock, State Senator Tim Grendell, State Representative Matt Dolan, Sheriff McClelland, Geauga County Engineer Robert Phillips who were present to extend their congratulations to Mr. Robert LaMoreaux.

PLEDGE

The Board led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION

State Senator Tim Grendell, State Representative Matt Dolan, Sheriff Dan McClelland, and Geauga County Engineer Bob Phillips expressed their good wishes and presented Proclamations to Mr. LaMoreaux at this time.

2005-63. Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign a Proclamation for Robert

LaMoreaux, Chester Fire Rescue, Inc. for years of service. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

Proclamation read to Mr. LaMoreaux and the audience at this time by Mrs. Mula from the Board of Trustees and Clerk.

CLERK’S FOLDER

2005-64. Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign minutes dated September 9, 2004, and October 14, 2004. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

2005-65. Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign Voucher Warrants 46073 through 46100. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

Clerk’s Note: The ending # on 2-3-05 was #46072; the beginning # on 2-10-05 is #46073.

Mr. Stevens requested Trustee Mula to give a presentation on the meeting that was held with the BWC and the Department Heads on January 31, 2005, for possible enrollment in the Progress Report Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free EZ Program. This matter tabled to 2-17-05 meeting; Dept. Heads to review booklet from the BWC.

Mrs. Mula explained that the Drug-Free program would include new hires, the Police Chief, Captain and Records Clerk along with Town Hall office personnel and the Zoning Inspector.

2005-66. Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign an Application for the reinstatement into the Premium Discount Program with the BWC. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

2005-67. Mr. Stevens moved to approve the Auditor of State of Ohio’s Uniform Accounting Network Agreement for Township accounting software, hardware, and support for 2005 at a rate of $330.00 per month. The Clerk explained the increase in cost from last year. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

2005-68. Mr. Stevens moved to approve use of the Town Hall Meeting Room on:

April 5, June 8, August 10 and October 12, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. for presentations by the

Geauga County Soil and Water Conservation District for 2005 Phase II public education programs. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

2005-69. Move to advertise to sell the Gradall in the News-Herald and the Cleveland

Plain Dealer on February 16, 23 and March 4, 2005. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

2005-70. Mr. Stevens moved to approve up to $1,500.00 payable to Cleveland Spring,

Cleve., Ohio, for repair of front springs on truck #2 from appropriation

#2031-330-323-0074. Mrs. Mula seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed.

Mr. Montague asked the Clerk to notify the Geauga County Treasurer that the Treasury of Chesterland Township does not exist. The correct name is Chester Township.

Fire Chief Russell invited all people in attendance this evening to come to Fire Station I in honor of Robert LaMoreaux for cake and coffee after the meeting.

POLICE DEPT.

Presentation by Captain Mark Purchase of his attendance at the National Academy of the FBI School this past fall. The teachers from the University of Virginia taught the classes to the attendees. He came back with many benefits he learned which have already been a benefit to the Police Department. The class was 11 weeks long. He graduated on December 10, 2004.

The Board congratulated Captain Purchase on his and his family’s commitment while he was away from home attending this Academy.

Chief Orosz explained the purpose of the discussion for this evening. It was to explain what he put before the Board of Trustees regarding the dispatch services in Chester Township. The motivation for this action to discontinue dispatch services for Chester Township arose from a number of issues, the most important one is the Police Dept. being fiscally responsible with taxpayors’ money. The Chief thanked the Board of Trustees for their ability to re-establish the confidence in their Department Heads.

Chief Orosz said the Sheriff’s Department offered their services to Chester Township at the time of the financial crisis two years ago. The services they provided were excellent with no problems. One of things taken into consideration was the prior experience we had with the Sheriff’s Department. Some residents did watch very carefully how the money was being spent in all areas in regards to the township. By the duplication of dispatch services, we are spending over $200,000.00 per year to maintain dispatch. That money prevents us from adding personnel in other areas of the department to better our service to the community. Not that dispatch is not important; it is important. He feels very confident in Sheriff McClelland and the people in his department. The Sheriff said they would be glad to provide dispatch to Chester Township and to provide it free of charge. We have been using the car repair services of the Sheriff’s Department, which is also free, and have realized a savings of approximately $20,000.00.

By using the Sheriff’s Department for dispatch services, we can prolong the life of the levies. The Chief explained the levies and years of renewal for existing levies. We have 11 officers at this time; we need a full-time officer and part-time officers to supplement the department. By using part-time personnel, the cost would be less. A police officer costs us approximately $67,000.00 vs. dispatch which costs $212,000.00 annually. By using the services of the Sheriff’s Department to do our dispatch services, we extend our monies, maximize the resident’s tax dollars to their full use, we defer any increases in taxes for several years and we add to the financial stability of the Police Department. We are trying to maintain the Police Department to maintain the best services to the residents of Chester Township.

In 2002, due to the deficit, we had major layoffs in the Police Department. It was a real necessity to get a levy passed. One of the things we said we would do if the residents passed this levy was to bring dispatch back, and we did. We are not saying this is because of the financial situation but it is being fiscally responsible to our community to insure that your tax dollars are spent the best way it can be. By now utilizing the Sheriff’s Dept., this will best serve the residents and utilize their tax dollars with the savings of $210,000.00 annually.

Questions taken from the audience by the Chief. First question asked was regarding the future levy for 2006.

The Chief said in 2007, there is a possibility we will end up with a deficit. The Police Chief is responsible for the whole budget and not just the operation costs; employee hospitalization and PERS are a part of that budget. Captain Purchase has been investigating the finances of the budget. Times are changing and if we don’t adapt to change, we will fall behind. We are trying to look far enough into the future to add that stability to the Police Department so they do not have to be coming to the residents and say we need more money.

Paul Kepchar. If a resident needs assistant, he then calls the Sheriff’s Department?

Chief Orosz explained the present system in place with dispatch at the Police Department. If the call comes in on 911 and it is determined the emergency is medical, when the situation is explained to the dispatcher, the call is transferred to the Sheriff’s Dept. with a very slight delay. If the call goes directly to the Sheriff’s Department, there is no delay. The Fire Dept. went with the Sheriff’s Department when the financial crisis hit Chester Township. The Fire Dept. is far more sophisticated in their communications than the police communications because of mutual aid, certain equipment, etc. When we brought dispatch back, the Fire Dept. made a tough decision to stay with the Sheriff’s Department which is very efficient and effective for that department. For us to duplicate what the Sheriff’s Dept. has, we would have to spend more money to bring in this equipment and necessitate hiring more dispatchers because we would be doing medical dispatch.

Mr. Kepchar referenced a past experience with calling the Sheriff’s Department when they were providing dispatch services for Chester Township and being put into a voice mail. No one ever called him back.

Explanation by Captain Purchase on procedures in place with the Sheriff’s Department and the pay phone which will be installed outside the Police Department for use by citizens. All calls will be answered when dialing 729-1234 or 911.

Chief Orosz explained the alarm system in place with State Alarm. The Sheriff’s Dept. has that same equipment set up at the Sheriff’s Department.

Cathy Cotman. If you are going to add one full-time police officer and some part-time officers, will the number of patrol officers on the road change or increase?

The Chief said right now they are working with a skeleton crew and explained a scenario which could occur with calls for assistance all coming in at the same time. One of the Chief’s main responsibilities is to preserve the public safety for our community.

Lance Yandell. What role has the department played in the past of becoming a safe haven? What would be a change, if any, in gathering reports? Would the clerk be available at the window from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.?

The Chief said that they will have a phone at the front of the Police Department. We will eventually have more police officers available. We will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If a report is needed other than those hours, if necessary, we will send an officer out to the resident’s home to bring you a report or take a report. If you call ahead of time, the Clerk will make it available.

Lance Yandell asked what, if any, would be the down side?

The Chief said nothing except that the Police Dept. would be closed. Your Police Dept. is proactive and explained the programs which are in place. Proposed services to the community were discussed.

Vern Able asked what happens when you dial 911?

Captain Purchased explained the procedures when 911 is dialed. The trunk lines will be routed right into the Sheriff’s Department. It will be faster than what is in place when the first person to answer is in Chester and then the caller has to repeat the information when the Sheriff’s Dept. answers the 911 line when the call is transferred.

Mr. Montague asked Chief Russell how the dispatch has been since the Fire Dept. has been with the Sheriff’s Department?

Chief Russell said the dispatch at the Sheriff’s Dept. has been tremendous. They have had no problems whatsoever. Explanation of the number of dispatchers and phone lines available at the Sheriff’s Department was made.

Chief Orosz said he has all the confidence in the Sheriff’s Department to do an excellent job of dispatch for Chester Township.

Mr. Montague asked Dale Wedge, regarding the 911 switch-over, how long will that take to do that type of switch over?

Dale Wedge replied, there is no delay.

Dale Wedge said all of Chester’s addresses are routed in 911. There should be no delay. The Board of Trustees will need to write a letter stating they do not wish to be a PESAP any longer and then take that letter to the County Commissioners for their approval.

Mr. Montague asked the Sheriff if there is any disadvantage for Chester residents as far as moving the dispatch out of the Police Department? Are you capable of handling the additional load?

Sheriff McClelland said the Sheriff’s Department is capable of handling the additional load based on the capabilities of today. The only down side would be a little inconvenience with the Police Dept. not being open 24 hours per day for a person picking up a report. The response time depends on the amount of officers you have out in a community and not the length of the phone line.

Jim McGrath asked the Sheriff how many other townships do the same tie-in with the Sheriff?

The Sheriff said they dispatch for the Sheriff’s Dept., Russell Twp., Burton Village, Thompson Twp., Newbury Twp. police departments. If more townships request their services, there will still be no problem with providing services by the Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. Montague feels this is good for the community and lessens the responsibilities on our Police Dept. Everyone he checked with said the service with the Sheriff’s Dept. is great.

Vern Alba said he feels mistreated that this was not done sooner.

Mr. Montague said at the time we lost dispatch, there was a lot of emotion present and a lot of people said they wanted dispatch back. What the Chief has done since then, is to sit down and put a strategic plan for the future of Chesterland’s Police Department. Together found that this is not a necessity that we have to have but a good convenience. If we had tons of money, then it would be worth keeping dispatch.

Mrs. Mula said in 2002, she did vote against putting it on the ballot, but the majority of the Board voted to put it on the ballot, and she supported the Board’s decision. The Chief came to the Board about a month ago with this recommendation. The climate and economy has changed in the past two years. It was very fiscally responsible by the Chief, and he is looking into the future. It is quite common to have regional dispatch. It has to do with safety and fiscal responsibility. To be back with the Sheriff’s dispatch is not an unknown to Chester Township; we have been there before. It is a win-win situation for us. We are in a good position to move forward at this time with the retirement of one dispatcher, one has obtained another position and additional equipment may need to be purchased.

Mrs. Mula noted that Senator Tim Grendell informed the Board before the meeting that the undivided local government funds are probably going to be reduced. Thus, Chester Township will be receiving less money.

Question for the Sheriff from Mrs. Mula: Is there any time frame you anticipate on your assisting Chester Township?

The Sheriff said if there are no technical issues, this can be an absolute seamless transition. He will make sure Chester has a local phone number.

Road Superintendent Chuck Mascella explained the Road Dept.’s interaction with local dispatch. If we go back to the dispatch with the Sheriff’s Dept., we could use cell phones and contact the officers directly. A possibility is to use the 800 radios for communication without local dispatch services.

Mrs. Mula asked for an explanation of 911 money that came about to be in the County budget that supports dispatch.

The Sheriff said 911 funds include phone lines, computer equipment, etc. that is supported by a ¼% sales tax in Geauga County. There is a $.12 fee, which the County receives nothing from, to call 911. That money supports the equipment on the phone lines.

Ron Cotman asked for a clarification about what needs to happen if we support you and you disband dispatch in regard to the next police levy that expires in 2006?

Captain Purchase explained that the policy levy operates on five current levies. One levy is a continuous levy, and the other four are always up for renewal. In 2005, we have a 2.5 levy up for renewal. In 2006, we have a 1.5 renewal. In 2007, there would be a renewal of 1.9. It is not until we get to 2008 that there is not a levy on the ballot. Then the renewal process starts all over again in 2009.

Mr. Cotman said we still need the voters to renew the police levies as they expire. There will be no replacement levies.

Carl Wiece. Do you think that by taking something away, you might have a hard time getting a levy passed?

Chief Orosz said he does not think he mislead or offended anybody. Times have changed, economics have changed, and this is the first full year we knew what our budget is. Thanks to Clerk Austin we know what dollars we took in and what dollars went out. A budget is always a guesstimate because you never know what might happen. You have to provide for those unseen changes.

Mr. McGrath said the Chief is being proactive and in doing so he is telling the residents what a better deal they are going to get. Get the newspapers to graphically show what the money will do. Show the facts.

Captain Purchase said when this idea was in the newspapers, the feedback was positive in that the residents said they are being shown fiscal responsibility and felt that their tax dollars are being put to good use. Many people said their “no” vote has now been turned into a “yes” vote.

Mrs. Mula said that everyone who works for the township worked together by tightening the belt and working together for the township during our financial crisis.

Mr. Stevens said a time table is currently being prepared by the Chief as to when and how dispatch will cease.

Mrs. Mula said she is ready to vote tonight. She has full confidence in the Chief, the Sheriff’s Department and EMA. She does not feel the Board can wait much longer.

Mrs. Mula would like to make a motion to approve a letter going to Dale Wedge, Director of EMA, telling them that Chester would like to remove ourselves as a PESAP for the County. We are on a time frame. We have been down this road before. To wait is dangerous. To act is for the safety of the community.

Mr. Stevens said the people in the audience have been great but there are still a lot of people out there who need to read about this in the newspaper.

Mr. Montague said he is ready to vote tonight but would like the Chief to come next week with the appropriate letters necessary to change dispatch to the Sheriff’s Department. Have the Board approve that dispatch would cease in Chester Township and sign the letters next week to move ahead with moving to the Sheriff’s Department.

Lance Yandell concurs with Mrs. Mula.

Mrs. Mula thanked the Sheriff and Dale Wedge for attending this meeting tonight.

Mrs. Austin asked the Chief and Captain whether an extra phone could be put at Town Hall since it is on a main road?

Captain Purchase said another phone could be put in front of the Town Hall.

Mr. Stevens thanked the Chief and Captain for a well-prepared presentation this evening along with the Sheriff and Mr. Wedge for their attendance.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Stevens adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.

______________________________ __________________________

Charles R. Stevens, Chairman Karen M. N. Austin, CPA, Clerk

______________________________ ____________

Patricia M. Mula, Vice-chairwoman Approval Date

______________________________

James A. Montague, Trustee

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