The Chester Township Board of Trustees met in regular session Thursday, March 17, 2005, in the Town Hall Meeting Room.  Chairman Charles R. Stevens, presided.

 

All trustees and the clerk present.

 

POLICE DEPT.

 

2005-125.    Mr. Stevens moved to approve hiring Michael Cipriano as a full-time police

officer with the Chester Twp. Police Dept. at a pay scale for Ptl. 1 Year of $19.35

hourly @ $40,248.00 annually to include one year of probation per the recommendation of the Police Chief effective Sunday, April 3, 2005.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

Oath of Office.

 

PUBLIC INPUT/QUESTIONS

 

Board to receive input/questions from the audience.

 

Tim Covert from Electrolite explained a recent purchase he made of $3,000.00 for banners, one of which is placed on a utility pole in front of his business on Mayfield Road.  His objective was not to get a secondary sign for his Company.  None of the banners are for advertising matters. 

 

Mr. Stevens said the Zoning Inspector has determined the banners are additional signage for Electrolite.  The Board of Trustees has no control over these banners.

 

Mrs. Mula added that the Board must go through the proper channels to change zoning in the Zoning Resolution. 

 

Mr. Covert will contact the Zoning Commission with his concerns.

 

William Godale asked to be heard by the Board at this time.  Mr. Stevens responded that since the township is in litigation with Mr. Godale at this time, no comments regarding the litigation are to be discussed per the Board’s legal counsel.

 

William Godale presented to the Board what he feels should be modifications of the definition of what towing is in the Township’s Zoning.  He asked people to complete a survey at a Flea Market which he attended this past Sunday and 46-47 people took the survey.  He wants to move his towing operation up the street to 8102 Mayfield Road.  He wants the Zoning Inspector to obtain a definition as to qualifies as a towing operation.  He has copies of the Yellow Pages which he would like to present to the Board along with copies of the surveys.  He has learned that towing is considered under PUCO and can no longer be controlled by zoning.  There is also a zoning easement problem which he plans to handle.      

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Presentation by Chagrin River Land Conservancy, Jean McKenzie. 

 

CHESTERLAND FIRE RESCUE, INC.

 

Representatives from the Fire Dept. presented information to the Board for future consideration regarding the Strategic Plan for the Fire Department. 

 

Mr. Stevens explained to the audience that the Board also signed the contract at this time.  This is the contract that was presented to the Board two weeks ago for review by the trustees. 

 

DWIGHT MILKO

 

Mr. Milko presented information to the Board regarding the renewal of health insurance which is presently in place for Township officials and employees and explained the increases which take place each year.  With the VSP vision plan, there will be no increase in cost.  United Health Care is projecting an increase of 13 per cent.  His goal is to get this cost with United Health Care down another 5 per cent through negotiations.  He will also be looking into other health care plans for a cost savings. 

 

The Board asked Mr. Milko to present more updated information on this subject at the trustees meeting of April 21st.

 

POLICE DEPT.

 

2005-126.    Mr. Stevens moved to amend Board Resolution 2005-93 which was passed

on February 24, 2005, to reflect a start date for part-time officer Michael McIvor of

February 27, 2005.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

Chief Orosz updated the Board on the status of the dispatch situation and the personnel now affiliated with dispatch.  Most of the dispatchers have been solved their employment situations and/or are retiring.

 

The Chief said the outside phone at the Police Dept. will no longer be a pay phone but will be a phone for pick up only which will go directly to the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Mrs. Mula suggested that with the warmer weather coming up, that township vehicles be turned off when entering a building. 

 

Chief Orosz said he has already handled this with his department.

 

ROAD DEPT.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the figures provided from Key Bank regarding a lease for the new Gradall. 

 

Clerk Austin does not feel it would be wise to finance this purchase based on the finance rates.

 

2005-127.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve the purchase of a new Gradall model XL3100 wheeled hydraulic excavator through the State STS Cooperative Purchase Program from Southeastern Equipment, Inc., 8757 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, Ohio 44060 for $205,698.45 from appropriation #2031-760-740-0000.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

Road Superintendent Mascella said the trade-in value from Southeastern for the 1990 Gradall would be $7,000.00.  Leroy Township is willing to purchase this equipment for $100.00 above the trade-in value.

 

2005-128.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve the sale of the 1990 G3WD Gradall to Leroy Township for the cost of $7,100.00.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-129.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve the Road Superintendent Chuck Mascella and the Assistant Road Superintendent Terry Varner permission to attend the Flexible Pavements of Ohio 43rd Annual Meeting, Equipment Exhibition and Trade Show March 30 and 31, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio, which is free of charge.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-130.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve letter regarding an easement on Sherman Road.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.  Mr. Stevens read the letter at this time.

 

TRUSTEE DISCUSSION

 

2005-131.    Mr. Stevens moved to reappoint  Linda Palchick to the West Geauga

Community Joint Recreation District for a new three year term.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-132.    Mr. Stevens moved to not request a hearing for Pattersons, Inc., & Golf

Course, 11414 Caves Rd., Chester Twp., liquor permit with the Division of Liquor Control per the recommendation of the Chief of Police.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-133.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve an Application for Use of the Chester Town Hall Meeting Room by the Chester Garden Club on April 27, 2005, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a meeting and workshop.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

CLERK

 

2005-234.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign minutes dated February 10, 2005.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-135.    Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign the Primary Bank Reconciliation

as of 1-31-05.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.   

 

Let the Board of Trustees meeting minutes show that the Board acknowledges the receipt of the Cash Summary by Fund from 1-1-05 to 1-31-05 and the Appropriation Status Standard Report by Fund as of 1-31-05. 

 

ZONING DEPT.

 

Zoning Inspector Mike Joyce explained that complaints have been received regarding property on Kim Drive and asked if the Board felt the guidelines are met regarding a nuisance complaint.

 

Trustees Stevens and Mula have visited the property and concur with the Zoning Inspector to go forward with meeting the guidelines to start action for this nuisance complaint at 9613 Kim Drive. 

 

2005-136.  Mr. Stevens moved to request the Zoning Inspector to draft a letter to the property owner apprising them of the status of this house as it relates to the nuisance policy.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

CLERK

 

Discussion ensued regarding proposals received for the computer updating in all township departments.  Three of the companies presenting proposals seem to meet the requirements which the Board feels should be investigated further by the Computer Committee.    

 

Discussion of the office materials program through Office Depot.  All trustees concur to instruct the Department Heads and Office Staff to compare prices in this purchasing program.  

 

Discussion of township expenditures of $750.00 or less being allowed and who has the authority to order necessary supplies for the office, etc.  Mr. Stevens read the Board Resolution which was passed by the Board at the Organizational Meeting in January of 2005.  Discussion by the trustees and clerk of modifying the Board Resolution. 

 

Discussion of overtime request from employees in the Town Hall.  All overtime by the Town Hall employees to be pre-approved by the Board of Trustees.  The Assistant to the Clerk did work overtime today and did notify Mr. Stevens and the Clerk.  Mr. Stevens advised the Assistant to the Clerk that she was to take time off tomorrow and would not be receiving overtime pay for this extra time.

 

2005-137.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign Purchase Order #21-2005 to Geauga Soil & Water Conservation Dist., Burton, Ohio, for $2,000.00 for support of urban storm water specialist and expansion of services related to NPDES Phase 2 from appropriation #1000-110-599-0100 and approves voucher warrant #VW 46287.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-138.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign Purchase Order #20-2005 to UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital, Chardon, Ohio, for $756.00 for new hire physical/McIvor for the Police Dept. from appropriation #2081-210-599-0000 and approve voucher warrant #VW46262.   Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-139.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign Road Dept. Payroll Time Sheet dated 3-12-05.  Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

2005-140.  Mr. Stevens moved to approve and sign Payroll Warrant #PY 46209 through 46256 and 46309; Voucher Warrants #VW46257 through 46261 and Voucher Warrant #VW 46263 through 46286 and Voucher Warrants VW #46288 through 46308 and replacement payroll warrant PY #46310 for voided payroll warrant 46877.   Mrs. Mula seconded.  Clerk Austin explained the numbering scenario in this motion.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

Clerk’s note:  The ending # on 3-10-05 was UAN #46205; the beginning # on 3-17-05 is UAN #46209 and Clerk voided #46206 through 46208 for UAN purposes.

 

2005-141.    Mr. Stevens moved to approve $25,000.00 from appropriation #1000-110-

599-0902 account for continuing legal expenses with Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan for the Chester Twp. vs. Bank One, etal case.   Mrs. Mula seconded.  Vote:  Unanimous.  Motion passed.

 

Mrs. Mula said she has a conflict and will not be at the March 31, 2005, Trustees meeting when the Board has scheduled a meeting at the Geauga West Library for a presentation on EMS billing and information for the public.  This informational meeting will now be held on March 24, 2005, in the Town Hall Meeting Room. 

 

Mrs. Mula said she attended the Audit Committee meeting this past Monday and asked them to review the contents of House Bill 148 and give the Board their opinion(s) in regards to the Clerk being able to hire an Assistant(s).  Mr. Stevens will send a cover letter along with this information to the members of the Audit Committee explaining what the Board is requesting of them regarding this matter.

 

Mr. Montague updated the Board on the outstanding money owed the Township from Mrs. Spellman.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Stevens adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.

 

                                                                                 Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

_______________________________                   ______________________________

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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