September 6, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman John A. Eberly. All trustees were present. Carl Schneider led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Patrick J. Cavanagh seconded by John A. Eberly to approve the minutes of the regular session of the Board of Trustees of July 18, 2005. VOTE: McCune, abstain; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. John Reithoffer reported that Troy Clerk Sue Miller told him that Troy Township was able to have Mantua mailing addresses removed from their township by working with a post office representative. Troy is going to continue their efforts and try to have Garrettsville removed.
REPORTS:
Dave Wilmot, Road Superintendent, was on vacation but sent the following report: Roads: They are continuing crack seal and have used 600 gallons to date. The township has about 53 miles of road and will get an additional 3 to 4 by this winter. We will have 114 lane miles to maintain. With 4 full time and 1 part time employee, there are 23 lane miles per driver and over 80 cul-de-sacs. The road department has begun berm work. The recent storm washed out many drive pipes and ditches so they are repairing those. Roadside mowing will continue. The tractor is 20 years old and has over 4000 hours on it and has needed some repairs. Cinders need to be ordered before winter; 750 tons will get us to the first of the year and cost is $10/ton.
Buildings: The roof on the administration building needs replaced. The shingles are curled, cracked and some are missing. Dave is getting estimates.
Cemeteries: All footers for cemetery headstones are done to date.
Equipment: All in good and safe condition. Truck 18 needed a new radiator at a cost of $945 plus $450 labor.
Auburn Township needs additional money to continue operating at the same level with the extra miles of roads we are getting. We will need to replace truck 13 which is a 1991; truck 15 which is a 1993; and truck 16 which is a 1998. An additional truck and additional man will be needed in the very near future. The levy in November, if passed, would give the township an additional $111,000 per year and would cost the homeowner $16 per $100,000 valuation of house. That is $7 per $100,000 per year more. This is critical in order to do any road projects in future years and is the minimum of what is necessary with the rising costs of everything.
The weather the last three summers and winters has been extra tough on roads and we have many miles of roads that need total reconstruction. The average costs to cement stabilize and re-asphalt one (1) mile of road is approximately $500,000. The road department budget for road projects is currently around $350,000 per year. The road department will always do the most we can with what we have but these are the facts.
Frank Kitko, Jr., Zoning Inspector, presented the following report for August:
Permits/Applications
Month Total
Year Total
Agriculture/Other Exemptions
1
7
Commercial, New Building
1
Commercial Remodeling
1
Commercial Sign
2
Commercial Sub Lease
3
Culvert/Ditching
8
Denial
1
4
Industrial Fence
1
Industrial New Structure
1
Industrial Signs
1
Land Development Activity
1
Residential Accessory Bldg. under 160 SF
1
6
Residential Accessory Bldg. over 160 SF
5
20
Residential Addition
15
Residential Deck
1
6
Residential Fence
1
5
Residential Patio
1
Residential Sign
3
Residential Signs, temporary building construction
4
39
Single Family Dwelling
4
40
Swimming Pool Above Ground
1
4
Swimming Pool In Ground
2
Variance/Conditional Use
2
7
TOTALS
21
178
Mr. Kitko noted that at 40, new single family dwelling permits are down a bit from last year. He is busy with erosion control issues and reported a problem on Taylor May Road with a wash out. He was asked about Planned Business Development (PBD) and said that there is nothing happening. There is no action yet on the Steve Ciciretto property at the Corners nor has Mr. Kitko heard anything from the Fireside Estates development.
Dan McClelland of the Geauga County Sheriff’s office forwarded a report to the trustees of calls addressed by their office in Auburn Township for July, 2005.
Mr. John Eberly presented a report for the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department. The reverse osmosis water system is up and running well. The Clam Bake was a success with about 230 dinners sold and a lot of positive comments on the quality of the food. The new squad is still on schedule and due later this year. The amount of calls is holding steady.
SALT ROAD BIDS:
Two bids were received and opened with the following results:
Morton Salt $43.54 per ton
North American Salt Company $42.59 per ton
Eugene T. McCune, Jr. received a phone call from Ed Meyers of the Land Conservancy. Mr. Meyers received a call from a gentleman who has hunted for goose on the Cathan’s property for many years and would like to continue to do so. Both the Land Conservancy and the Board of Trustees of Auburn Township are opposed because of the possible liability.
Mia Moore of the Illuminating Company called Mr. McCune about the two bills we are receiving for Adam Hall and she is supposed to have it resolved.
Mr. McCune discussed a letter from the Treasurer of Geauga County regarding inheritance tax collected.
Motion by Gene McCune seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to put $10,226.20 when collected into the Land Acquisition Fund. The money is from the estate of Guenther Schmidt. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
WELL AND SEPTIC ABUSE:
Mr. McCuneaddressed a letter he received from an Auburn resident who states that he believes people are moving out to this area who do not realize the fragility of wells over city water. Mr. McCune would take it a step further and say we should be concerned about our septic systems and have them cleaned and serviced every two years. The Auburn resident who wrote said he requests the trustees to discuss the issue to help educate residents. Overuse of wells can cause them to fail as well as jeopardize the wells of ones neighbors. This resident said that he has neighbors that use tremendous amounts of water for new lawns and to water their landscaping to the point where water flows daily down the ditch. Another neighbor waters not only landscaping but parts of the woods as well. The trustees are in complete agreement with this gentleman and hope that being in the minutes will spread the word.
Mr. McCune noted that Bob Phillips, Geauga County Engineer, has sent a letter requesting State Issue 1 support which will be on the ballot this November and is the renewal of the Ohio Public Works Program. The trustees are in support of this issue and made a motion to support it.
Motion by Gene McCune seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to proclaim support of State Issue 1 which will amend the Ohio Constitution to authorize the issuance of general obligations of the state to finance local government public infrastructure capital improvements, research and development, and the development of certain sites and facilities in Ohio, and to expand state and local government authority regarding economic development. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
Patrick J. Cavanagh thanked Mr. Jack Trethewey for taking the time to beautify the Adam Hall site by weed whacking the vegetation at the entrance. It looks a whole lot better.
Mr. Cavanagh commented on a letter received from a resident requesting assistance and asking for a review of fees regarding the sewer assessments on his property. A letter was sent to the man from the Department of Water Resources stating that the request has been submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review.
Mr. Cavanagh said that Dave Wilmot spoke to him about ordering 200 tons of cinders and that he was told that was all right.
Mr. Cavanagh talked with Newbury Township and we have agreed to join with them in resetting monument boxes on Lucky Bell Lane.
Motion by Patrick Cavanagh seconded by Gene McCune to encumber $200 to join with Newbury Township in the project of resetting monument boxes on Lucky Bell Lane. Our Road Supervisor estimates our share to be $200 or less. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
John A. Eberly noted that Gene McCune is not on the ballot for this fall’s trustee race. He has been an excellent Trustee and has fought some good battles on behalf of the township. Thanks to Gene for all he’s accomplished. Mr. McCune said that it has been a privilege and an honor to serve the Township.
Mr. Eberly met with Anita Stocker and Anthony Messina of Tenant Construction regarding some troubles with Mr. Messina’s execution of his part of the work. Mr. Messina has agreed to clean up hunks of concrete and he will clear out and re-grade a swale. Mrs. Stocker worked hard on behalf of the township to get the troubles resolved.
The trustees discussed the need for some topsoil and some gravel to finish off some areas around Adam Hall and make it look less like a construction site. Drainage-wise, things are working. The area is drying out nicely. The trustees believe that our road department with the loader and 4 men could in one day make a real difference and get some grass seed planted at the entrance. Mr. Eberly also stated that we need to add 4 posts around the well to safeguard it.
Mr. Eberly expressed frustration with working with the water department and referred to it as an endless loop. We need a certificate from them and then we can hook up the water to the building. Lew Tomsic will then stop to fill the pump station. John G. Johnson will chlorinate the building’s water, we will get another water test, and then we will be in compliance.
The trustees will do another walk through with John G. Johnson Construction Co. but do not feel there are any problems relating to their work.
Mr. Eberly discussed an Open House for kicking off Adam Hall. The trustees picked October 9, 2005, a Sunday, between 1 and 3 p.m. as the tentative date. There’s a lot to do between now and then to get ready—tables, chairs, bathroom supplies, etc. but that is the date to shoot for. The trustees will have something to drink and cookies or donuts. W
There were questions about landscaping and a flag pole. Mr. Eberly stated that those are aspects of Phase 2 Adam Hall work for next year.
Mr. McCune will call Sue Reid about publicity for the opening. Mr. Eberly again stated that John G. Johnson did a wonderful job in working with plans which were conceptual in many respects.
Mr. Eberly reported that Gordy Petersen was in the hospital again but will be meeting with the trustees to go over the electrical system. We will be lowering some of the outside lights.
Mr. Eberly read over the John G. Johnson Change Order item by item.
Motion by Eugene T. McCune, Jr. seconded by John A. Eberly to approve the revised contract with John G. Johnson Construction Company bringing the total to $524,827.00. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
The trustees said that bringing this project in under $800,000 including all the site work, lighted parking lot, etc. is a good deal and it is important for people to remember that this was all done with inheritance tax money collected. No money was used from the General Fund.
Mr. Eberly received a phone call from Frank J. Gliha, President of the Geauga County Township Association requesting emergency disaster relief funding for the Gulf coast states following hurricane Katrina. FEMA has requested the assistance of fire fighters and paramedics to respond to the overwhelming needs there. Munson Fire Chief Bernie Harchar, county coordinator of the Ohio Emergency Response Plan, has been requested to mobilize a team of local fire fighters and safety forces to respond to the request. In order to fund the efforts support from local communities is needed. Mr. Gliha is asking for a minimum contribution of $1,000 from each township, city and village in Geauga County.
Motion by Eugene T. McCune, Jr. seconded by John A. Eberly to support the Disaster Relief Funding for the purpose of deploying a team of local fire fighters and safety forces to aid in the disaster recovery efforts for the citizens of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana devastated by hurricane Katrina and not to exceed $1,000. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
Mr. Eberly noted we need to address a water problem at Queensway and Munn Roads. A catch basin was installed a year or so ago but there is a business there that is getting flooded. He will talk to Dave about it.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Debbie Kovalchick reported that while clearing lots for the new subdivision, LaDue Trails, 20” trees on her property line were cut down and the stumps ground. She is re-staking her property to verify property lines and she was advised to contact her insurance company who will track down the proper party to address the issue.
Susan Plavcan, Clerk, presented warrants and a purchase orders for signatures.
Motion by John Eberly at 8:50 p.m. seconded by Patrick J. Cavanagh to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed. The trustees went into Executive Session.
Motion by Patrick J. Cavanagh at 9:20 p.m. seconded by Gene McCune to exit from Executive Session. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed. The trustees exited Executive Session.
The trustees discussed that they would be meeting for an Adam Hall walk through and so they did not adjourn the meeting but decided to recess it.
Motion by John Eberly seconded by Patrick J. Cavanagh to recess the meeting. VOTE: McCune, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed. The meeting was recessed.