January 10, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Patrick J. Cavanagh. All Trustees were present. Wilma Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by John A. Eberly seconded by Eugene T. McCune, Jr. to approve the minutes of the regular session of the Board of Trustees of December 20, 2004. VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion passed.
REPORTS:
Eugene T. McCune, Jr. reported that the road department has had some minor repairs needed on equipment. The transmission on the one-ton truck is acting up and will go back to the Selinek Company for service.
John A. Eberly thanked Sam Sotera for assembling the six new chairs purchased for the Administration Building.
The Trustees discussed a request by an Auburn resident to use the Town Hall on Saturday. Resident Trish Manacci and her family held a hot chocolate fund raiser with the proceeds going to a tsunami relief fund. They raised $600 using the Auburn School parking lot and believe the Town Hall parking lot will be more visible. The Trustees approved that use.
Patrick J. Cavanagh attended a mitigation plan meeting in Chardon and has a copy of the proposed plan for review.
Mr. Cavanagh discussed setting speed limits on new subdivision roads.
Motion by Patrick Cavanagh seconded by John Eberly that after a period of observation, the Auburn Board of Trustees has determined the safe and reasonable speed limit to be 25 miles per hour the Alex Way, Frostwood Drive and Stella Lane. VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. John Reithoffer asked if the minutes of Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Commission could be posted to the internet. The Trustees will consider and discuss it.
ADAM HALL BID OPENING:
Bids were opened for the “Adam Hall Part A” project with the following results:
Petersen Construction & Constructing
$638,305
Seitz Builders, Inc.
$548,896
John G. Johnson Construction Company
$622,000
Apex Construction
$699,999
Cold Harbor Building Co.
$822,700
Hummel Construction
$636,000
Denis D. Squire, Clerk, presented purchase orders and warrants to the Trustees for signatures. He did not present a financial report yet because of unfinished end-of-year business.
2005 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
CHAIRPERSON
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that John Eberly acts as chairman of the Auburn Township Board of Trustees for the year 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that Patrick Cavanagh acts as vice-chairman of the Auburn Township Board of Trustees for the year 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT LIAISON
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that John Eberly acts as the Fire Department Liaison.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED. FIRE DEPARTMENT MUTUAL AID
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to accept all mutual aid agreements negotiated by the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department Corporation as binding.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ROAD DEPARTMENT LAISON
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Gene McCune as road department liaison.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
TRUSTEE MEETING DAY AND TIME
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the Auburn Township Trustees’ Regular Meetings be held each Monday at 7:30 p.m. during the 1st quarter of 2005 and the 1st and 3rd Monday at 7:30 p.m. for the remainder of the year.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
TOWN HALL RENTAL
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to establish a fee of $35.00 for the rental of the Town Hall. The Trustees may waive the fee for school, religious/church functions, homeowners associations, YMCA/YWCA and senior citizens, etc. The fee for 2005 will be waived for the following organizations: Auburn Garden Club, The Boy Scouts, and The Girl Scouts.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
TOWNSHIP MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENTS
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to reimburse mileage at $0.365 per mile for Township mileage reimbursement.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING INSPECTOR APPOINTMENT
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to appoint Frank Kitko, Jr. as Zoning Inspector.
VOTE: Cavanagh, YES, Eberly, YES; McCune, YES. Motion PASSED.
ZONING INSPECTOR COMPENSATION
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to compensate the Zoning Inspector at a rate of $1,363.68 per month
VOTE: Cavanagh, YES, Eberly, YES; McCune, YES. Motion PASSED.
COMPENSATION FOR ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that members of the Zoning Commission receive $30.00 for each meeting attended.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Tracy Engle to a five (5) year term on the Zoning Commission beginning 1-1-05 and ending 12-31-09.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Don Simpson as Zoning Commission Alternate #1 for a one year term beginning 1-1-05 and ending 12-31-05.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Michael Henry as Zoning Commission Alternate #2 for a one year term beginning 1-1-05 and ending 12-31-05.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED. Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to confirm previously appointed Zoning Commission Members. (Terms beginning January 1, 2005)
Mark Ventura Term Expires 12/31/05
Lewis Tomsic Term Expires 12/31/06
Jeffrey Pulsford Term Expires 12/31/07
Mark HardenberghTerm Expires 12/31/08
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING COMMISSION SECRETARY
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly that the compensation for the Zoning Commission Secretary is to be paid at a rate of $11.55 per hour for clerical and administrative work as well as the 2005 rate for Zoning Members meetings attended; this is to include either the hours or the meeting rate but not both.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION FEE
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the fee for filing a zoning amendment application will be $800.00 plus costs to include mailings, legal advertising, court reporter and any other miscellaneous costs incurred.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
COMPENSATION FOR BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEMBERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVEDseconded by Gene McCune that members of the Board of Zoning Appeals receive $30.00 for each meeting attended, unless the meeting is solely for the purpose of approving minutes, in which case the fee would not be paid.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEMBERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to appoint Brian Stewart to a five (5) year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals to begin 1-1-05 and ending on 12-31-09.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly, to confirm previously appointed Zoning Board of Appeals Members. (Terms to begin January 1, 2005)
Carol Arnold Term Expires 12/31/05
John Trethewey Term Expires 12/31/06
Domonic Bisesi Term Expires 12/31/07
Michael Troyan Term Expires 12/31/08
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Kevin Graham as Board of Zoning Appeals Alternate #1 for a one year term beginning 1-1-05 and ending
12-31-05.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Wayne Dancie, Sr. as Board of Zoning Appeals Alternate #2 for a one year term beginning 1-1-05 and ending
12-31-05.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS SECRETARY
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the compensation for the Board of Zoning Appeals secretary be $13.58 per hour for clerical and administrative work as well as the 2004 rate for Board of Zoning Appeals meetings attended. This is to include either the hours or the meeting rate but not both.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARINGS
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the cost of a Board of Zoning Appeals public hearing will be $450.00 and any part of the fee in excess of expenses will be refunded to applicant.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
WAGES/BENEFITS ROAD MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to increase Road SuperintendentDavid Wilmot’s hourly wage to $20.83 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVEDseconded by John Eberly to increase Emerick Gordon’s hourly wage to $15.80 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by John Eberly to increase James Hewis’ hourly wage to $15.80 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by John Eberly to increase Alan Schindler’s hourly wage to $15.80 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by John Eberly to increase John Szoka’s hourly wage to $15.80 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to increase Howard Benjamin’s hourly wage to $12.30 per hour effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
WAGES/BENEFITS ADMINISTRATIVE
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to increase Susan Plavcan’s hourly wage to $13.58 per hour effective January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING SECRETARY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh increase Jane Hardy’s hourly wage to $13.58 per hour effective January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
OVER TIME POLICY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that all road department overtime for 2005 will be approved by the road liaison and administrative overtime will be approved by a trustee.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
OPENING OF GRAVES
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by John Eberly that the opening of graves for new internments on weekdays will be $235.00 and on Saturday $385.00. The Cemetery must be vacated by 12:00 noon on Saturday and there will be NO burials on Sunday or any Township Legal Holidays. Internment of ashes or small infants will cost $25.00 or if a vault is used $35.00.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
COST OF GRAVES
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the price of a grave for non-residents is $600.00, $100.00 for an infant. The price of a grave for residents is $75.00 per grave or $300.00 per lot of four (4) graves at Auburn Corners Cemetery. (Shadyside) There are no lots available at Auburn Center Cemetery. (Mapleshade)
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
COST OF FOOTERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that all footers would be charged at the rate of $125.00 for the first two (2) square feet and $25.00 for each additional and /or partial square foot.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY SEXTON
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to re-appoint Loretta Seashols as Cemetery Sexton for 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY SEXTON COMPENSATION
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that Loretta Seashols will receive $250.00 a month for services rendered as Cemetery Sexton.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ASSISTANT CEMETERY SEXTON
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Howard Benjamin as Assistant Cemetery Sexton for 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
ASSISTANT CEMETERY SEXTON COMPENSATION
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that Howard Benjamin will receive $12.30 per hour for services rendered as Assistant Cemetery Sexton effective as of January 1, 2005.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to appoint Mark Lewis as Fire Prevention Officer.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIREFIGHTERS DEPENDENTS FUND BOARD
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Patrick Cavanagh & John Eberly as representatives for the Auburn Township Trustees for the Fire Fighters Dependants Fund Board, Legislative Authority for a one-year term.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
TOWNSHIP EXPENSES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to allow each Trustee to authorize the expenditure of up to $750.00 in legitimate Township expenses.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
COPIES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that copies of Township documents requested from and supplied to the general public will be charged at a rate of $0.10 per page.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
SUNSHINE LAW
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that in accordance with Senate Bill #74, Sunshine Law, a fee of $52.00 be paid in advance annually, plus a self-addressed stamped envelope by any person requesting advance notification of meetings. This Resolution does not apply to news media.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
REQUIRED MEETINGS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly that the Road Department Superintendent attend the first meeting of each month and present his monthly report.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
Gene McCune MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the Zoning Inspector attend the first meeting each month and present his monthly report.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED. John Eberly
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the Board of Zoning Appeals holds a minimum of twelve (12) meetings per year. They may coincide with an appeal meeting or be held in an organizational nature at the Chairperson’s discretion.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the Zoning Commission holds a minimum of twelve (12) meetings per year with a maximum of twenty-four (24) meetings, additional meetings to be approved by the Board of Trustees. Dates and times to be set by the Commission Chairperson.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
NEW TOWNSHIP MEMBERS NAME PLATES
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that we purchase a nameplate for each new member of the Board of Zoning Appeals and Zoning Commission.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
DESIGNATED EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE (DER)
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to appoint Patrick Cavanagh as Designated Employer Representative (DER).
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
CONVENTION EXPENSES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCunethat we encumber funds for the Ohio Township Association Convention in Columbus and pay all necessary convention expenses.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
TAX ADVANCE
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to request a tax advance at the maximum available from the General Fund, Road & Bridge Fund, and Fire Department Fund from the Geauga County Auditor.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
APPROPRIATIONS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to accept the Township’s Annual Temporary General Appropriations as presented by the Clerk as follows:
FUND AMOUNT
General $ 200,000
License Tax $ 5,000
Gas Tax $ 20,000
Road & Bridge $ 200,000
Cemetery Fund $ 3,000
Fire Department $ 295,000
Land Acquisition/Improvement $ 200,000
TOTAL $923,000
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
SUNDRY ITEM EXPENDITURE
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Gene McCune to allow the purchase of sundry items to benefit employees and others for such things as coffee and supplies, paper products, greeting cards, etc.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
2005 HOLIDAYS
Gene McCune MOVED seconded byPatrick Cavanagh that 10 of the following 11 holidays be set for the year 2005. If an employee wishes to take off the day after Thanksgiving, then they would work on either Columbus Day or Veterans Day.
NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 3, 2005
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, JANUARY 17, 2005
PRESIDENT’S DAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2005
MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 30, 2005
INDEPENDENCE DAY, JULY 4, 2005
LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2005
COLUMBUS DAY, OCTOBER 10, 2005
VETERAN’S DAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2005
THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 25, 2005
CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 26, 2005
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
CELL PHONE POLICY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Gene McCune that the township adopts Geauga County’s cell phone policy for all employees given a township cell phone.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
CREDIT CARD POLICY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that no personal items shall be purchased using a township charge card or account. Only authorized personnel shall charge items on township accounts.
VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion PASSED.
The Trustees discussed a request from Sean Davis. Mr. Davis is a fire fighter and paramedic explorer advisor associated with the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department. The Explorer Post he advises would like to host a Combat Challenge involving posts from all over Ohio and Pennsylvania to compete in firefighting activities. The challenge will be held at the end of May 2005. The Trustees approved his request. Susan Plavcan will coordinate with Kenston Community Education to avoid any conflict.
The Trustees reviewed preliminary plats of Auburn Thistle Woods and Grey Goose subdivisions as well as Gottschalk Industrial Park Phase 1.
Motion by John Eberly seconded by Gene McCune to adjourn the meeting. VOTE: McCune, yes; Eberly, yes; Cavanagh, yes. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned.