The Washington Township Board of Trustees met in Regular Session on January 9, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Government Center, 8200 McEwen Road. President Snyder led the Pledge of Allegiance.

On November 8, 2005, Trustee Lee Snyder and Trustee Joyce Young were re-elected to another four-year term as a Washington Township Trustee. Judge Frederick Young swore in both Mr. Snyder and Mrs. Young for another term.

MINUTES OF PRECEEDING MEETINGS

It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the pre-meeting minutes and the minutes of the Regular meeting held December 19, 2005, and the Special Meeting held December 29, 2005.

Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-001

Clerk’s Business

Citizen Concerns

None.

STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP REPORT

Board President Lee Snyder presented The State of the Township Report as follows:

Washington Township

2005 State of the Township Report

Presented January 9, 2006

By Lee E. Snyder

President

Washington Township Board of Trustees

Local governments on a day-to-day basis deal with many services that, although critically important, might seem routine. Citizens expect their street to be plowed when it snows, for paramedics to arrive promptly when they are ill, for the police to fully investigate their complaints, and for building permits to be granted when they wish to build or expand.

Good local governments do all of this well. An excellent government does the same, with an eye to the future and a broad view of where its community is heading.

That is why Washington Township continued in 2005 to look for new ways to improve its service to residents and why the Create the Vision Community Plan, now in its first full year of implementation, was an important part of that effort.

Under the direction of the township and the city, the Create the Vision Implementation Task Force hired its first Project Manager, Angie Tapogna, who brought nine years of project management experience to the position. The task force also launched an on-line community calendar, initiated an extensive review of city and township zoning regulations, and began exploring a number of community improvement programs ranging from highway beautification to community voluntarism.

Our community plan provides both visionary and practical guidance over the next 20 years. It does not outline a path for merger, but rather provides a way for two separate political entities to work closely and efficiently to build a shared community. We believe that 2005 has offered a promising start for this lengthy journey.

During 2005, we all have witnessed the tragedy of both national and international disasters. Hurricane Katrina, the Asian Tsunami and the South Asia earthquake are heartbreaking reminders of how catastrophe can strike anywhere.

Locally, we have taken that to heart with ongoing efforts at emergency planning. We again coordinated our efforts with Centerville and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, then practiced our readiness with an evacuation drill at Centerville High School. In mid-year we introduced CodeRED, an emergency alert system that is able to contact residents with life-saving information at a rate of 60,000 telephone calls per hour.

Washington Township also kept the community’s long-term future in mind when we signed a contract this year to sell 29 acres of prime land, at cost, to Centerville City Schools. The land, to be set aside for a future elementary and middle school, will enable the district to meet the educational needs of our community from a site standpoint for the next 10 to 20 years. Washington Township was able to provide this important property because over the past five years we have been acquiring land to preserve open space in the southwest portion of the township.

Businesses represent another important segment of our community. The township reached out to this group in September by hosting the first Business Breakfast at Champps Restaurant. The event was well attended and drew many positive comments from business leaders who appreciated the opportunity to learn about the township while networking with peers.

The year 2005 was marked by some major service enhancements for residents. Two replacement fire stations opened last year to serve the south and east areas of the township, making it easier for apparatus to respond quickly to emergencies.

The new stations provide the space needed to comply with safety regulations and decontamination procedures, while a new training tower constructed next to Station 43 provides hands-on training in all aspects of fire suppression. Both stations provide overnight accommodations for personnel, which has enabled the township to begin staffing these two stations around the clock.

Another building project – the revitalization of the Centerville Cinemas building – has prepared the way for a new teen center due to open this year. Parents and teenagers have told us that teens need a safe, inexpensive place to socialize. This is our answer to their request, however it will be up to teens themselves to help develop a center that meets their needs. We look forward to working with them this year as they respond to this great, creative opportunity.

This remodeling project also includes a 250-seat auditorium, small gym, restroom improvements and an open, multi-use area. The building will provide room for overflow recreation programming and will be available for community rentals.

Residents who have building projects of their own also received expanded services in 2005. A county building inspector now is available every weekday in our Development Services Department to answer questions about building projects. The office provides a one-stop shop for building and zoning permits.

In another major project, the township awarded bids in December for the installation of sidewalks on Far Hills Avenue, between Whipp and Rahn roads. When the project is completed later this year, sidewalks will extend almost continuously from downtown Dayton south to Sheehan Road.

Last but surely not least, Washington Township’s outstanding police services were secured for another five years when residents overwhelmingly passed a 2-mill replacement levy. Captain Dee Osterfeld, our new police director, is continuing the township’s emphasis on community-oriented policing while stressing traffic safety and park patrol to keep these areas safe for families.

All of these service enhancements, I would like to point out, were accomplished while maintaining the highest standards of financial stewardship. Our Clerk’s Office again received an Unqualified Opinion from the Auditor of State, the highest rating this office confers.

It is with pride that I present these accomplishments, knowing that our local government has been fiscally responsible, that it has been responsive to its citizens, and that township residents, elected officials and staff have kept their eyes focused on a vision for the future.

ELECTION OF 2006 OFFICERS

Mr. Snyder turned the meeting over to Fiscal Officer Tom Zobrist for election of the officers for 2006. Mr. Zobrist called for nominations for President and Vice President for the year 2006.

It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Blair, to nominate Mrs. Young for President and Mr. Blair for Vice President.

Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Blair, aye; Young, aye. M2006-002

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, to close the nominations.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-003

Mr. Zobrist requested a call of the roll for a vote on Joyce Young as President for the year 2006.

Roll Call:

Snyder, aye;

Young, aye;

Blair, aye.

Mr. Zobrist requested a call of the roll for a vote on Terry Blair as Vice President for the year 2006.

Roll Call:

Snyder, aye;

Young, aye;

Blair, aye.

Mr. Zobrist turned the meeting over to the new Board President, Joyce Young.

SWEARING IN OF ZONING COMMISSION MEMBER PATTY ZOBRIST

At the December 19, 2005 meeting, Mrs. Zobrist was appointed to another five-year term for the Zoning Commission. Fiscal Officer Tom Zobrist swore in Patty Zobrist for another five-year term.

PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING ADMINISTRATOR RETIRE/REHIRE

The Township Administrator requested the Trustees to consider allowing him to retire, draw a pension, and return to work in the same position as permitted in the Ohio Revised Code 145.381. His proposed retirement date is January 31, 2006, and his proposed rehire date is February 1, 2006.

Mrs. Young indicated that Trustees have been discussing this issue with the Township’s attorney who has prepared a contract. She further indicated that even though this was discussed with the attorney, the Trustees have not discussed this issue with each other.

Mrs. Young asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak regarding this issue.

Michael Schuder, 80 Centerwood Lane, indicated that he believed rehiring Mr. Huff was a bad idea due to the points he brought up in September concerning the Fire Department. He also believed Mr. Huff embarrassed the Township by the way he handled the Dave Douglas case. He also questioned whether it was ethical to rehire Mr. Huff. According to Mr. Schuder, “You cannot rehire your buddy.” He believed it should be evaluated from a managerial standpoint. He indicated that questions should be asked; such as, is he a good fit with the Township, do we continue going the way we are with poor management, or do we look somewhere else.

Mr. Blair agreed with Mr. Olney that there is no system in the private sector that is set up like the State’s retirement system. He referenced other public officials who have retired and been rehired. He surmised that a number of school officials have probably done the same thing. He, too, as a taxpayer, feels uneasy about the situation; however, he also feels a need for an administrator to run the government of this size. Mr. Huff has a lot of experience. The contract that was prepared by the Township’s attorney is for two years. He believed this time period would provide the Township an opportunity to find someone with the ability and experience to manage an operation the size of Washington Township. He believed he has a responsibility to the citizens to make sure it is run efficiently and he believed Mr. Huff is a capable manager and administrator. He further stated that if he were in Mr. Huff’s shoes, he would be looking at the very same thing. Since there has been precedent and there is law standing behind Mr. Huff, Mr. Blair recommends approval, especially if the two-year term of the contract is used wisely in finding a replacement.

Mr. Snyder agreed with Mr. Blair. He also pointed out that he believes Mr. Huff has done a fine job. He believes the community is very privileged to have Gary Huff. He also believes that Mr. Huff can help them train a new administrator. In closing Mr. Snyder thanked Mr. Huff for the good job he has done.

Mrs. Young added that the employment agreement is fair to Washington Township and is fair to the citizens. It is a two-year contract with the salary frozen and a little bit more vacation. She indicated that they would continue to do what they have done in the past, asking Mr. Huff to set goals for the year. They will evaluate his performance based on how he achieved those goals. This will assure them that they are getting a good administrative job done. She indicated that all three Trustees trust Mr. Huff. He has done an excellent job in the past and has exceeded their expectations in the past. She assured everyone that, even though their questions may not have been answered, their questions and concerns were considered.

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to approve the employee agreement to rehire Gary Huff commencing February 1, 2006, to January 31, 2008.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-004

Roll Call:

Young, aye;

Snyder, aye;

Blair, aye.

ANNUAL BUSINESS ITEMS

Regional Assessments and Allocations

It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Blair, that the Board approves the expenditure of $13,784.82 to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for the 2006 Membership Dues.

Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-005

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board approves the expenditure of $12,717.84 to the Miami Valley Fire EMS Alliance for the Township’s 2006 Alliance contribution.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-006

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board approves the expenditure of $7,418.74 to the Dayton Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team for 2006 membership dues.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-007

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board approves the Township’s 2006 financial contribution to Hithergreen Senior Center in the amount of $104,420; said amount to be paid in four equal quarterly installments.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-008

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board approves the Township’s 2006 financial contribution to Centerville-Washington Township Historical Society in the amount of $69,025; said amount to be paid in four quarterly installments.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-009

Township Representatives for Various Groups

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that Joyce Young be appointed as the Board’s delegate to the MVRPC with Gary Huff serving as alternate.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-010

It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that Terry Blair be appointed as the Township’s delegate to Hithergreen Senior Center with Gary Huff serving as alternate.

Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-011

It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that Terry Blair be appointed as the Township’s delegate to the South Metro Chamber of Commerce with Gary Huff serving as alternate.

Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-012

It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Blair, that Tom Toberen be appointed as the Township’s delegate to the Transportation Committee’s Technical Advisory Committee and the Dayton Mall Task Force with John Davies serving as alternate.

Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Blair, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-013

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that Gary Huff be appointed as the Township’s representative to the Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance with Ken Parks serving as an alternate.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-014

Annual Contracts

Staff requested the Board of Trustees’ approval of the following list of annual contracts. This list includes purchases and/or contracts that will exceed $2,500.00 over the entire year.

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the 2006 Vendors Over $2,500 List as follows: Open vendor list in new document (PDF)

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-015

Departmental Business

PUBLIC WORKS

Contract

Bids were recently opened for the Far Hills Sidewalk Program – Phase I. Five bids were received and L.J. DeWeese Company was the low est bidder at $278,626. Staff reviewed the bids and recommend s using L .J . DeWeese Company. The engineer’s estimate on this project is $321,000.

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves contracting with the L.J. DeWeese Company, Tipp City, Ohio, for the Far Hills Sidewalk Program – Phase I for the bid price of approximately $278,626.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-016

Acceptance of Roadways

Grand Vista Meadows Section 1 is ready for public use and maintenance. This subdivision has been inspected and meets the requirements for dedicated streets. The street to be accepted is:

Grand Vista Drive 196 Lineal Feet

It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board accepts for public use and maintenance the street, Grand Vista Drive, in Grand Vista Meadows Section 1.

Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-017

It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board establishes the speed limit for Grand Vista Meadows Section 1 at 25 miles per hour and authorizes the placement of signage in accordance with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-018

Grand Vista Meadows Section 2 is ready for public use and maintenance. This subdivision has been inspected and meets the requirements for dedicated streets. The street to be accepted is:

Virginia Lee Drive 272 Lineal Feet

It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board accepts for public use and maintenance the street, Virginia Lee Drive, in Grand Vista Meadows Section 2.

Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-019

It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board establishes the speed limit for Grand Vista Meadows Section 2 at 25 miles per hour and authorizes the placement of signage in accordance with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye; Blair, aye. M2006-020

ADDENDUM

Contract

Bids were recently opened for the Paragon Road Sidewalk Installation Program. This program adds new sidewalk from State Route 725 north to Washington Woods Drive on both sides of Paragon Road. This will complete the sidewalk in this area on Paragon Road. Seven bids were received and L.J. DeWeese Company was the lowest bidder at $55,250. Staff has reviewed the bids and is recommending awarding the bid to L.J. DeWeese Company. The engineer’s estimate on this project is $82,292.

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Young, that the Board approves contracting with the LJ DeWeese Co., Tipp City, Ohio, for the Paragon Road Sidewalk Installation Program for the bid price of approximately $55,250.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2006-021

TOWNSHIP Administrator’s Report

Mr. Huff reported that the offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 th in observance of Martin Luther King Day. A breakfast is being sponsored by the Centerville-Washington Township Diversity Council to honor Dr. King on that day at Yankee Trace, starting at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are highly recommended.

CHECK REGISTER APPROVAL

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Regular Check Register dated January 9, 2006, in the amount of $137,212.15; said amount having been certified and appropriated.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-022

It was moved by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Recreation Refund Check Register dated January 9, 2006, in the amount of $1,429.00; said amount having been certified and appropriated.

Vote on Motion: Blair, aye; Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2006-023

Trustee Comments

In response to Mr. Snyder’s question, Mr. Huff responded that second graders will be visiting the Government Center at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13 th.

Mrs. Young complimented the Rec Center on Woodland Lights.

ADJOURNMENT: 8:28 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.

_______________________________

President

_______________________________

Fiscal Officer