The Washington Township Board of Trustees met in Regular Session on June 16, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Government Center, 8200 McEwen Road. President Young was excused. Vice-President Blair opened the meeting and led an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. MINUTES OF PRECEEDING MEETINGS It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the pre-meeting minutes and the minutes of the Regular meeting held June 2, 2008, and the Workshop held June 9, 2008. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-178 FISCAL OFFICER’s Business Appropriation Transfers Under State law a state line item account cannot carry a negative balance. To prevent one account from going negative, staff needs approval from the Board of Trustees for an intra-fund transfer. The transfer is needed in the Cemetery Fund for increased activity in operations. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the following appropriation transfer: From: To: Cemetery (05) Cemetery
(05) Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-179 Workers Compensation Group Rating The Township has again qualified for the OTA Worker’s Compensation Group Rating Plan. The Township qualified for the 2008 plan year with premiums to be paid in 2009. This month, the Township will re-enroll for the 2009 plan year. The OTA has selected Frank Gates Company to be the group administrator for the plan. Since Washington Township qualifies for the re-enrollment, Frank Gates estimates the Township will save approximately $161,738 for the 2008 plan year and $213,829 for the 2009 plan year. To take advantage of the group rates, the Township must contract with Frank Gates. It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves contracting with Frank Gates Service Company, Dublin, Ohio, for the annual service fee of approximately $35,025 for the period from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009, to administer the OTA’s Worker’s Compensation Group Rating Plan, of which the Township is a member. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-180 Surplus Property There are surplus items currently being stored throughout the Township. They are not needed for public use, are obsolete, or are unfit for the use for which they were acquired. Staff is recommending approval of the items for auction, with the auction being online through the contract Washington Township has with Montgomery County, using GovDeals to sell the items. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board declares the following items no longer needed for public use, obsolete, or unfit for the use for which they were acquired for the operation of Washington Township and authorizes the sale of these items at internet auction through the contract Washington Township has with Montgomery County. 1 Dell
Notebook PC Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-181 Mr. Blair requested a report on what items have been sold and the amount for which they were sold. Mrs. Lightle suggested providing monthly or quarterly reports on GovDeals revenue. Citizen Concerns Mike “Slinger” Gibney, 1441 Beaushire Circle, from the greatest township in the State of Ohio, had a couple of comments and a concern. He brought up the Community Service Award that was presented at the last meeting and was given to a very deserving individual. He suggested giving a minor monetary award to the recipients, somewhere in the range of $250. He also mentioned a concern about traffic flow on McEwen and compared it to Yankee. One is 35 miles per hour and the other is 45 miles per hour. One has a center turn lane, which is often used as a passing zone. He suggested reducing the speed limit, to make both 35 miles per hour. His final comment concerned a request he made at the May 19th meeting when he asked if patrols could be stepped up in the “nasty” areas, such as Yankee Street, and at the dangerous intersections. He noticed that this has been done, but reiterated that it is still a serious issue. Kathy Wallace, 6466 Sweet Briar Lane, asked how to correct what they perceive to be an inequality regarding trailers and recreation vehicles on residential properties. They own a twenty foot cargo trailer, which they use specifically and solely for recreational purposes. She noted that there is a forty foot travel trailer, a Winnebago, across the street from them and in prominent view. That resident may keep their trailer in their driveway, but even though it is smaller and relatively hidden from view, the Wallace family cannot. Ed Wallace, 6466 Sweet Briar Lane, added that he and his wife went before the zoning board on May 12th, asking for a very specific variance. He asked how to affect a change. According to Mr. Wallace, the Board of Zoning Appeals did not have all five members present and the decision was a 50/50 split. Since a majority is needed to approve a variance, his request was denied. He also indicated that there had always been a cargo trailer there and now, suddenly, he has been told that he has to get it out of there. He also indicated that five of his neighbors went to the Board of Zoning Appeals and indicated that they did not have a problem with the cargo trailer being in his driveway. No one opposed to the variance request attended the meeting.. JoEllen Postle, Development Services Director, indicated that the Zoning Regulations addresses recreational vehicles differently than utility trailers. In a similar zoning case, an administrative appeal was filed and the applicant challenged the definition of a recreational vehicle. The Board of Zoning Appeals determined that, according to the definitions in the Zoning Resolution, they had a utility trailer and it made no difference on how it was being used. Ms. Postle further indicated that the Wallace family has a larger utility vehicle than what they had twenty years ago. It is taller and enclosed. The Township’s regulations address the height and size of a utility trailer. When they are a certain height, they have to be stored certain places on the property, similar to RV’s. The Wallace family requested to keep it in their driveway, where it has always been, and the Board denied their request. Mr. Blair asked if the Wallace family had been cited for parking illegally. Mr. Wallace indicated that he received a letter of non-compliance in January. In response to Mr. Blair’s question, Ms. Postle indicated that even if the cargo trailer was defined as an RV, it could not remain parked in the driveway. Only RV’s of a certain size could be stored on the owner’s property, but they have to be on the side or in back of the house. In response to Mr. Blair’s comment about being able to park it on the street if it had a vehicle license, Captain Osterfeld indicated that it could not be parked on the street unless it was attached to a vehicle or had a motor in it and could be moved. Mr. Wallace pointed out that he lives on a corner lot; and while, from his standpoint, the cargo trailer is parked in the rear of the side yard, it is considered as a second front yard. Mr. Blair indicated that an appeal of a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals must go through the Court of Common Pleas. When asked if he had any comments or ideas, Mr. Snyder indicated he understood that Mr. Wallace could not put the trailer in the back of his house because he lived on a corner. Mr. Blair agreed that this made the issue unique. Mr. Wallace added that the trailer is sitting on a slab and is 15 feet in from the lot line. It is neatly kept and landscaped. He invited anyone to go out and look at it. Mr. Blair commiserated that it did not sound fair that Mr. Wallace’s only recourse was to go to court. He asked Ms. Postle if the Board of Zoning Appeals could hear the case again since only four of the five Board members were present and heard the case and the decision was split 50/50. Ms. Postle indicated that there would have to be a substantive change in his request in order for the Board of Zoning Appeals to listen to the case again. In response to Mr. Blair’s question, Ms. Postle indicated that there is no grandfathering for property use. Even if it were grandfathered, once it was taken off the lot, the grandfathering would go with it. Mr. Wallace commented that Ms. Postle and Andy Ehrhart have been very cooperative and have worked with him on this issue. Mr. Blair commented that if he did not believe anyone would take any measures to enforce the regulation if they knew he was appealing the decision. Ms. Postle agreed that, if they are notified that an appeal has been filed, it would constitute a stay and the Township would not proceed with any enforcement until it was heard by the court. Terry Baltes, 2021 Nutt Road, discussed a concern about Nutt Road. He was told 15 years ago that within five years the road would be widened and there would be sidewalks. There continues to be more and more development on Nutt Road and, with there being no sidewalk, it is not safe to walk to the park because of the traffic. He asked about the status for getting the road widened and getting sidewalks at least to School House Park. Mr. Blair agreed that this has been a long process. He asked Mr. Wanamaker, Public Works Director, to address this issue. Mr. Wanamaker indicated that they are currently working with developers on both the north and south sides of the road. He acknowledged that this road needs improvement. He explained what was going on in the west; however, Mr. Baltes was primarily interested in progress on the east side of Nutt Road. In response to Mr. Baltes’ question, Mr. Wanamaker indicated that Design Homes will be putting in sidewalk east of the park. He emphasized that all of Nutt Road will be looked at and improved. Mr. Wanamaker did not have an answer to the question as to why the park was not required to put in sidewalks. He did, however, indicate that the majority of the improvements that will soon take place will occur mainly to the west, but he anticipates a nice connection all the way through. Departmental Business FIRE Purchases The Fire Department is requesting to purchase ten new sets of Morning Pride bunker gear from Warren Fire Equipment. Several individuals needing new gear do not fit into the bunker gear that the Township currently has in stock. A new full-time firefighter has been hired and the department is in the process of hiring additional new members. Morning Pride gear is the preferred brand of the two brands currently used as it provides superior comfort; better wear; and needed features, such as reinforced stress points, added waist protections and removable bi-flex knee pads. Warren Fire Equipment is on the 2008 Annual Contract List. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board authorizes the purchase of ten additional sets of Morning Pride Bunker Gear from Warren Fire Equipment, Warren, Ohio, from the State Bid Contract #7784200107 at an approximate cost of $1,610.33 per set, for a total of approximately $16,103. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-182 The Fire Department’s 2008 budget reflects funding to replace the gas meters located on front-line engines. These meters enable crews to quickly and accurately gauge poisonous gases in particular environments. Current devices are beginning to fail and the cost for repairs is almost the same as the price of the newer devices, which use current technology. Staff obtained three quotes and is recommending the purchase of these devices from Argus Hazco. The department has previously used Argus Hazco when purchasing and servicing the current gas meters. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the purchase of nine Altair-4 gas meters along with the needed equipment from Argus Hazco, Chicago, Illinois, for a total approximate cost of $6,181. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-183 Pradco Management Psychologists is the current vendor used for Fire Department testing. This vendor was approved on the Annual Contract List for 2008. A total of $3,000 was approved. An additional $2,500 is needed for upcoming testing for various positions within the Fire Department. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves an additional $2,500 of professional services from Pradco Management Psychologist, Columbus, Ohio, for testing of fire employee applicants. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-184 Training In the past, the Fire Department sent firefighters to the Texas A&M Municipal Fire School to obtain training in fighting pipeline and petroleum product fires. This training is unique in that it cannot be obtained in our region. Fire personnel will spend a week gaining both classroom training and hands-on experience. This year, staff is recommending sending four employees for the week of July 19 through July 26, 2008, at an approximate cost of $4,636. It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves sending four Fire Department employees to the Texas A&M Municipal Fire School, College Station, Texas, from July 19 through July 26, 2008, at an approximate cost of $4,636. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-185
Purchases The 2008 CIP calls for the replacement of two leaf collectors. The State of Ohio Department of Administrative Services has approved the ODB Company for the sale of leaf collectors. The cost for each leaf collector is $15,610. A total of $35,000 was budgeted for this purchase. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the purchase of two (2) LCT600 leaf collectors from the ODB Company, Richmond, Virginia, for the contract price of $15,610 each from the State Bid Contract # 54-0715588, Schedule # 7751500906, for a total cost of approximately $31,220. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-186 The seasonal banners and flags for Washington Township are showing wear. It is budgeted in the CIP for the maintenance of these items. Bronner’s has supplied these items in the past, and they have the fabric and hardware that is preferred. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the purchase of seasonal banners and hardware from Bronner’s, Frankenmuth, Michigan, at the approximate cost of $12,000. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-187 ADDENDUM Hithergreen Senior Center Hithergreen Senior Center has had ongoing problems with their heating and air conditioning in the building. Refrigeration Control has made many repairs over the last year and, after talking with Public Works Director Mike Wanamaker, they decided that four compressor units need to be replaced. The compressors have a two to five-year part warranty and a thirty day warranty on the labor. Due to the extreme heat over the last few weeks, work was completed June 9. It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves paying Refrigeration Control $8,500 for the replacement of four compressors, associated parts and labor for the Hithergreen Senior Center building. Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2008-188 TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT None. CHECK REGISTER APPROVAL The O.R.C. requires purchase orders that are created after the invoice date for goods and services to be certified by the Fiscal Officer that a sufficient sum was appropriated and free of any encumbrances (Then and Now Purchase Orders). If the amount is greater than $3,000.00, the Board must authorize payment. It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the following Then and Now purchase(s) for payment: Vendor PO # Amount Approved Monthly Vendor Enterprise Roofing 44489 $3,460.59 No Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-189 It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the Regular Check Register dated June 16, 2008, in the amount of $359,925.71, said amount having been certified and appropriated. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-190 It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the Recreation Refund Check Register dated June 16, 2008, in the amount of $9,050.50, said amount having been certified and appropriated. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-191 It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the Special Check Register dated June 10, 2008, in the amount of $3,534.90, said amount having been certified and appropriated. Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2008-192 Trustee Comments Mr. Snyder asked Mr. Wanamaker if the Township had engineered Nutt Road. Mr. Wanamaker indicated that the Township has a complete set of plans for improvements for Nutt Road. Some changes need to be made, however, due to issues with Montgomery County Sanitary and water lines. The plans have sidewalks as developments go through, but the plans are primarily for roadway improvement. The Township has also looked for Issue 2 funding for several years, however, has not been successful. In response to Ms. Lightle’s question, Mr. Wanamaker indicated that the plans were initiated in order to request Issue 2 funding. Ms. Lightle added that having the plans drawn up was the Township’s commitment to Nutt Road as required by Issue 2. Unfortunately, the Township was turned down. Mr. Wanamaker added that he attended a seminar recently. This seminar was hosted by the County and the State for applications for Issue 2 funding. He is optimistic of getting approval for at least one of the applications. Procedures were discussed for getting right of ways for individual parcels in the future. Mr. Blair indicated that there would not be a Workshop on June 23rd. ADJOURNMENT: 8:42 P.M. All formal actions of the Board of Trustees of Washington Township concerning and relating to the adoption of resolutions and/or motions passed at this meeting were adopted in an open meeting; and of any of its committees resulting in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with the law, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
_______________________________
_______________________________ |