The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday, March 18th, 1997 at 8:00 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jean Schmidt. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called roll. In attendance were Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the minutes of the two (2) March 04, 1997 Board of Trustee meetings. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Police Chief R. Steven Bailey presented the Swearing In and Oath of Office to new Miami Township Police Officers Steven D. Burgess and Officer Michael J. Noble. Chief Bailey also administered the Oath of Office to newly promoted Sergeant Mark Ziegelmeyer.
Fire Chief James Whitworth presented a check in the amount of $1,500 to Shriner’s Burns Hospital represented by Mr. Richard Harper. This represented the proceeds from the Miami Township 5K Run/Walk held last fall.
Police Chief Bailey accepted an award from the Ohio National Guard in recognition for their extraordinary efforts in supporting the Ohio National Guard efforts during the recent flooding disaster.
Mr. Dion Connor representing the Clermont County Engineer’s office, presented Mr. Mark Jaehnen of the Clermont County Water and Sewer District. Mr. Jaehnen presented an overview of the Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Projects scheduled for Miami Township. Mr. Connor advised the Board the Branch Hill bridge is proceeding on schedule. The South Milford bridge still needs the final paving and will be completed this spring. There is a plan to place a water main from Branch Hill-Guinea Pike to Hanna Avenue, also an elevated tank in this area. There is also a plan to place a water main at the Wards Corner Road area.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE BID OPENING - 8:30 PM
Clerk, Eric Ferry announced four bids have been received for the 1997 Grounds Maintenance Contract.
He opened the bids in order received;
Clermont Commercial Lawn Care $ 15,920.00 Contract I
27,068.00 Contract II.
Lawn Systems $ 43,500.00 Combined
Ground Masters $ 17,950.00 Contract I
24,490.00 Contract II
Nedner’s Lawn Service $ 26,500.00 Contract I
21,690.00 Contract II
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the bids into the records and turn them over to Service Director, Walter Fischer for review and recommendation. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Steve Wharton, Clermont County Administrator presented a proposal for a new County Radio System. The proposal is to replace the county’s current emergency communications system with a new 800 MHz radio system He included a proposed County Dispatching Agreement. The Trustees discussed some of their concerns including the cost of equipment for the Township’s Fire, EMS and Police Departments. The suggestion for paying for the new system is to use sales taxes.
The Fire/EMS , Police, Service and Zoning Department Reports were presented. There were no questions from the Trustees. Police Chief R. Steven Bailey announced two items not in the report;
The Police Department has received notice from the Ohio Department of Public Safety they have been awarded a $6,000.00 Cops In Shops Grant. Police Explorer Post 426 was recognized at the annual banquet with an honorable mention for most improved post. Fire Chief James Whitworth noted all but 10 personnel have completed the Driver One Operator Class.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Department of Community Planning and Development acknowledging receipt of Miami Township Zoning Case #425. Review will be Tuesday, March 25,1997.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Brian Switzer, Treasurer at Clermont Northeastern Local School District asking the Board to pass a resolution authorizing the County Auditor to pay any inheritance or estate taxes due the Township to the Clermont Northeastern School District. Mr. Duckworth advised the Board the 1996 Inheritance Revenue of $206,000.00 received by Miami Township represented 20 percent of the General Fund budget Over the past 3 years, the average receipt has been $130,000.00 which represents 10 to 15 percent of the General Fund budget. The Board determined Mr. Duckworth should issue a letter declining the proposal.
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that O.D.N.R. has no objection to changing the site of the tennis courts as long as they are in the park. Mr. Duckworth requested authorization for the Township to take this project to bid with a May 06, 1997 bid opening at 8:00 PM. Ed Humphrey made a motion to authorize taking the tennis court move project to bid with a bid opening on May 06, 1997 at 8:00 PM. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Chairperson Schmidt reminded the Board there will be a special meeting March 31, 1997 at 7:30 PM to review the 1997 Budget.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the payment of Township bills including 161 checks numbered 64151 to 64311 for a total amount of $228,263.80. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth reviewed a request from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation regarding the settlement of a claim filed by Jeanette Wiesenhahn in 1992. The settlement offer is $3,000.00. Mr. Duckworth recommend the Board approve the settlement. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation settlement offer of $3000.00 for a claim filed by Jeanette Wiesenhahn in 1997. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board the total compensation approved by the Ohio Department of Public Safety is $8,400.00. Based on 16 hours per week for a period of 30 weeks, Mr. Fred Humphreys hourly rate of pay will be $17.50. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to pay Fred Humphries an hourly rate of $17.50 for 16 hours a week for a period of 30 weeks. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Chief Jim Whitworth requested approval of out of town travel for Captain Brain Gulat and Firefighter-paramedic Mike Cayse to attend the F.D.I.C. in Indianapolis. The projected cost is $1500.00. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to approve out of town travel and expenses for Mr. Gulat and Mr. Cayse to attend the F.D.I.C. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a request from Police Chief Bailey to offer conditional employment to Ms. Rita Morgan and Ms. Patricia Giver for the two vacant Records Clerk positions and Mr. Matthew Davis and Ms. Cassandra Ware for two police positions. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to offer conditional employment to Ms. Rita Morgan, Ms. Patricia Giver, Mr. Matthew Davis and Ms. Cassandra Ware. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. William B. Knepp of 826 State Route 131, Milford, Ohio came forward to update the Board on the Greater Miami Township Performing Center - Miami Glen. He noted the organization has received a 501 © 3 classification from the Internal Revenue. He outlined some other plans for an Outdoor Drama and other programs planned for the summer. Sunrise Services will be held at Miami Glen Park on U.S. 50 in Perintown. at 7:00 AM March 30, 1997. Mr. Knepp requested the Board donate portable toilets for Miami Glen for the summer season…now through October. The Board concurred.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Matter pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1). Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the recommendation of Chief Whitworth to issue a written reprimand to Al Carrier and follow up with conditional removal from the Clermont County Arson Investigation Task Force. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the recommendation of Mr. Duckworth for a two part pay increase for Walter Fischer. The first step effective March 23, 1997 increases salary to $48,042.15 (6.7%) and effective May 18, 1997 increase salary to $49,836.80 (4%). Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
The Board authorized Mr. Duckworth to conduct a salary survey for the administrative staff.
With no further business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:20 PM.
ATTEST:_________________________________________CLERK, ERIC C. FERRY
_________________________________________CHAIRPERSON, JEAN SCHMIDT