January 3, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman John A. Eberly. All Trustees were present. John Reithoffer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The first order of business was to swear in the trustees who were elected on the November ballot. Fiscal officer, Susan Plavcan, swore in Michael S. Troyan and John A. Eberly. Welcome Aboard, Mike, and congratulations to both.
2006 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
CHAIRPERSON
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that John Eberly acts as chairman of the Auburn Township Board of Trustees for the year 2006.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly that Michael Troyan acts as vice-chairman of the Auburn Township Board of Trustees for the year 2006.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT LIAISON
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that Michael Troyan acts as the Fire Department Liaison.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MUTUAL AID
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to accept all mutual aid agreements negotiated by the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department Corporation as binding.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ROAD DEPARTMENT LIAISON
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint John Eberly as road department liaison.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY LIAISON
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by John Eberly to appoint Patrick Cavanagh as Cemetery Liaison.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
TRUSTEE MEETING DAY AND TIME
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that the Auburn Township Trustees’ Regular Meetings be held each Monday at 7:30 p.m. during the 1st quarter of 2006 and the 1st and 3rd Monday at 7:30 p.m. for the remainder of the year.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
TOWN HALL RENTAL
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan 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 2006 will be waived for the following organizations: Auburn Garden Club, The Boy Scouts, and The Girl Scouts.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
TOWNSHIP MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENTS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to reimburse mileage at $0.405 per mile for Township mileage reimbursement.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING INSPECTOR APPOINTMENT
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to appoint Frank Kitko, Jr. as Zoning Inspector.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING INSPECTOR COMPENSATION
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to compensate the Zoning Inspector at a rate of $1,405.00 per month
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
COMPENSATION FOR ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that members of the Zoning Commission receive $35.00 for each meeting attended.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to appoint Don Simpson to a five (5) year term on the Zoning Commission beginning 1-1-06 and ending 12-31-10.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to appoint Mike Henry to fill the unexpired term ending 12/31/06 that was held by Lew Tomsic.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Dave Powell as Zoning Commission Alternate #1 for a one year term to begin 1-1-06 and expire 12-31-06.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to confirm previously appointed zoning commission members and recap the complete board as follows:
(All Terms beginning 1-1-06)
MICHAEL E. HENRY TERM EXPIRES 12/31/06
JEFFREY PULSFORD TERM EXPIRES 12/31/07
MARK H. HARDENBERGH TERM EXPIRES 12/31/08
TRACY ENGLE TERM EXPIRES 12/31/09
DONALD SIMSPSON TERM EXPIRES 12/31/10
DAVE POWELL (ALT. #1) TERM EXPIRES 12/31/06
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING COMMISSION SECRETARY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the compensation for the Zoning Commission Secretary is to be paid at a rate of $11.90 per hour for clerical and administrative work as well as the 2006 rate for Zoning Members meetings attended; this is to include either the hours or the meeting rate but not both.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION FEE
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
COMPENSATION FOR BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEMBERS
John Eberly MOVEDseconded by Patrick Cavanagh that members of the Board of Zoning Appeals receive $35.00 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEMBERS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to appoint Kevin Graham to a five (5) year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals to begin 1-1-06 and ending on 12-31-10.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Lew Tomsic to fill unexpired term ending 12/31/08 that was held by Mike Troyan.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to appoint Robert Freebairn as Board of Zoning Appeals Alternate #1 for a one year term to begin 1-1-06 and expire 12-31-06.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly, to confirm previously appointed BOARD OF zoning APPEALS members and recap the complete board as follows:
(All Terms beginning 1-1-06)
JOHN TRETHEWEY Term Expires 12/31/06
DOMONIC BISESI Term Expires 12/31/07
LEW TOMSIC Term Expires 12/31/08
BRIAN STEWART Term Expires 12/31/09
KEVIN GRAHAM Term Expires 12/31/10
ROBERT FREEBAIRN (ALT. #1) Term Expires 12/31/06
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS SECRETARY
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the compensation for the Board of Zoning Appeals secretary be $14.00 per hour for clerical and administrative work as well as the 2006 rate for Board of Zoning Appeals meetings attended. This is to include either the hours or the meeting rate but not both.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARINGS
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by John Eberly 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
WAGES/BENEFITS ROAD MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to increase Road SuperintendentDavid Wilmot’s hourly wage to $21.50 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVEDseconded by Mike Troyan to increase Emerick Gordon’s hourly wage to $16.30 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to increase James Hewis’ hourly wage to $16.30 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to increase Alan Schindler’s hourly wage to $16.30 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to increase John Szoka’s hourly wage to $16.30 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to increase Howard Benjamin’s hourly wage to $12.70 per hour effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
WAGES/BENEFITS ADMINISTRATIVE
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to increase Susan Plavcan’s hourly Administrative wage to $14.00 per hour effective December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ZONING SECRETARY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh increase Jane Hardy’s hourly wage to $14.00 per hour effective December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
OVER TIME POLICY
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that all road department overtime for 2006 will be approved by the road liaison and administrative overtime will be approved by a trustee.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
OPENING OF GRAVES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that the opening of graves for new internments on weekdays will be $250.00 and on Saturday $400.00. 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
COST OF GRAVES
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
COST OF FOOTERS
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY SEXTON
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly to re-appoint Loretta Seashols as Cemetery Sexton for 2006.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY SEXTON COMPENSATION
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly that Loretta Seashols will receive $257.50 a month for services rendered as Cemetery Sexton.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan to appoint Howard Benjamin as Cemetery Maintenance Technician.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CEMETERY MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN COMPENSATION
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that Howard Benjamin will receive $12.70 per hour for services rendered as Cemetery Maintenance Technician effective as of December 31, 2005.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to appoint Mark Lewis as Fire Prevention Officer.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
FIREFIGHTERS DEPENDENTS FUND BOARD
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by John Eberly 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
SUNSHINE LAW
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
REQUIRED MEETINGS
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that the Road Department Superintendent attend the first meeting of each month and present his monthly report.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the Zoning Inspector attend the first meeting each month and present his monthly report.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED. John Eberly
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
NEW TOWNSHIP MEMBERS NAME PLATES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that we purchase a nameplate for each new member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Zoning Commission and the Board of Trustees.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
DESIGNATED EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE (DER)
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by John Eberly to appoint Patrick Cavanagh as Designated Employer Representative (DER).
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CONVENTION EXPENSES
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that we encumber funds for the Ohio Township Association Convention in Columbus and pay all necessary convention expenses.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
TAX ADVANCE
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by John Eberly 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
APPROPRIATIONS
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to accept the Township’s Annual Temporary General Appropriations as presented by the Fiscal Officer as follows:
FUND AMOUNT
General $ 200,000
License Tax $ 7,000
Gas Tax $ 20,000
Road & Bridge $ 200,000
Cemetery Fund $ 3,000
Fire Department $ 40,000
Land Acquisition/Improvement $ 200,000
TOTAL $670,000
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
SUNDRY ITEM EXPENDITURE
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan 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: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
2006 HOLIDAYS
John Eberly MOVED seconded byMike Troyan that 10 of the following 11 holidays be set for the year 2006. 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, MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2006
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2006
PRESIDENT’S DAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2006
MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 29, 2006
INDEPENDENCE DAY, TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2006
LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2006
COLUMBUS DAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2006
VETERAN’S DAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006
THANKSGIVING DAY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2006
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2006
CHRISTMAS, MONDAY,, DECEMBER 25, 2006
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CELL PHONE POLICY
John Eberly MOVED seconded by Patrick Cavanagh that the township adopts Geauga County’s cell phone policy for all employees given a township cell phone.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
CREDIT CARD POLICY
Patrick Cavanagh MOVED seconded by Mike Troyan that no personal items shall be purchased using a township charge card or account. Only authorized personnel shall charge items on township accounts.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
ADAM HALL
Mike Troyan MOVED seconded by John Eberly to maintain the existing regulations for Adam Hall for the year 2006.
VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion PASSED.
Motion by Patrick Cavanagh seconded by John Eberly to approve the minutes of the regular session of the Board of Trustees of December 19, 2005. VOTE: Troyan, abstain; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed.
John A. Eberly related that Bud Weber of John G. Johnson Construction Company reports that the heat loss problem causing the huge icicles at Adam Hall has been fixed.
Mr. Eberly asked Dave Wilmot to have a lock installed on the house left to the township by Al Padegimas. He has been in a nursing home over a year now and the township has been given possession of the house.
Patrick J. Cavanagh reported that Kinetico will be installing the water treatment system in Adam Hall in the next week.
The trustees discussed the hiring of an administrative assistant to replace Susan Plavcan since her election as fiscal officer. They will hire someone in January or February. Susan will continue to work under the arrangement made when she was appointed as clerk; that is, she will be paid as administrative assistant plus receive 10 hours per week pay at the administrative assistant rate to cover the clerk/fiscal officer work.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. John Reithoffer said that Dick Roubic has suffered a stroke and will be going to Heather Hill for recovery.
Motion by Mike Troyan seconded by Patrick Cavanagh to adjourn the meeting. VOTE: Troyan, yes; Cavanagh, yes; Eberly, yes. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned.
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