The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session , April 15, 1997, at 8:00 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Jean Schmidt called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. In attendance were, Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 31, 1997 and April 01, 1997 meetings. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Assistant Fire Chief, Harold Thiele presented the Fire and EMS Department report for March. There were no questions.
Chief R. Steven Bailey presented the Police Department report for March There were no questions.
Service Director Walter Fischer was not present. The Board reviewed the Service Departments monthly report for March. There were no questions.
Mr. Larry Fronk, Director of Planning and Zoning presented the March Zoning report. Mr. Fronk presented an overview of plans to enhance and upgrade the Zoning department.
Clerk, Eric Ferry read a news release from the Ohio Department of Transportation announcing Mr. Mike Flynn has been named deputy director for ODOT District 8.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development advising the Planning Commission will formally review and take action on the Hunt Club, Section 3 plan on April 22, 1997, at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development advising the Planning Commission will formally review and take action on the Millbrook Farm, Section 3 Formal Plan, on April 22, 1997, at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development advising the Planning Commission will review and take action on Miami Township Zoning Case 426, on April 22, 1997, at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Citizens Law Enforcement Association requesting support for the Annual Clermont County Police Recognition Banquet to be held on May 22, 1997. The Chamber requested the Board sponsor a table of eight for $240.00 or $30.00 per Law Enforcement Officer.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Milford Ebenezer Baptist Church announcing the installation services of Rev. Courtney Wayne Gordon as Pastor on May 4, 1997, at 4:30 PM.
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth, advised the Board Chief Whitworth has reviewed the new pumper bids and recommends acceptance of the Pierce Manufacturing bid at $278,440.00. If paid in advance the Township receives a discount of $11,319.00 leaving the net price of $267,121.00 for the new pumper. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the Pierce Manufacturing bid of $278,440.00 for a new pumper. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board consider a five year lease option to purchase the new pumper. The new lease program will save the Township $3000.00 over 5 years. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize Mr. David Duckworth to sign lease documents to purchase a new pumper. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Schmidt reminded those in attendance, the Township Annual Brush Day will be held Saturday, April 26, 1997, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Chairperson Schmidt reminded those in attendance, Spring Clean Up will be held Friday, May 2, 1997 and Saturday, May 3, 1997, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 121 checks numbered 64376 to 64496 for a total amount of $152,810.76. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board of the resignation of part time Fire fighter Wade Cooley effective March 31, 1997 and Police Officer Michael Schlie, effective April 22, 1997. Both employees are leaving on good terms. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the resignations. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board approve the renewal proposal with OTARMA for property and casualty insurance. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to continue with OTARMA for property and casualty insurance for the Township. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth and Service Director, Walter Fischer presented the Board with a proposed playground facility at the South Park. The facility will be accommodating to persons with disabilities. The total estimated cost of the structure is $75,000.00.
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board approve appointment of Ms. Patricia Giver to the position of records clerk at the rate of $10.00 per hour effective April 21, 1997 , Ms. Rita Morgan to the position of full time records clerk at a rate of $10.00 per hour effective May 01, 1997 and Mr. Matthew Davis to the position of full time police officer at a rate of $13.54 per hour effective May 04, 1997. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the Administrators recommendation. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, call voted
"AYE."
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board offer conditional employment to Ms. Stacey Fennell for the position of police officer. Mr. Uecker made a motion to offer conditional employment to Ms. Stacey Fennell for the position of police officer. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board approve Chief Bailey’s request to proceed with another police officer recruitment/selection process. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize a police officer recruitment/selection program. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Walter Fischer advised the Board the current Housekeeping contract expires on May 30, 1997. He requested authorization to advertise for bids and set a bid opening date of May 20,1997 at 8:30 PM. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize Mr. Fischer to advertise for bids for Housekeeping and to set the bid opening for May 20, 1997 at 8:30 PM. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth notified the Board that the Township’s contract with the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department for Fire/EMS service to Cedar Drive and O’Bannionville road has expired. Chief Whitworth has reviewed the contract and determined the cost proposed by LSFD is fair and is representative of his department’s per run costs. Mr. Duckworth requested authorization to enter into a contract with LSFD on behalf of Miami Township. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to enter into a contract with the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department on behalf of Miami Township. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth reported on information gathered to date regarding a Township Government Access Channel. The Trustees discussed some of the benefits and possible drawbacks to proceeding with this project. It was decided to table a decision on this project until the May 06, 1997 meeting.
Mr. Fischer requested the Board approve the purchase of a new 1 ton truck through the State of Ohio Department of Administrative Services Purchasing Program. The total cost for the cab and chassis is $21,063.00. Purchasing through the State Program requires approval through a purchase order. The body purchase will have to be bid. The utility body specifications will be completed by the next regular Board meeting. The estimated cost of the body is $25,000.00.
Mr. Duckworth previously reported to the Board of some problems with the contractor for the Paxton-Ramsey Park. At this time, Mr. Duckworth feels the problem is taken care of and he recommends withholding any other action at this time.
Miami Township Attorney, John Korfhagen, discussed the distribution of the Local Government Funds and Local Government Revenue Assistance Funds. The ORC allows for three actions; Revise a method for funding, amending or repealing. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to NOT endorse or Support or vote positive for any formula for the Local Government Fund and Local Government Revenue Assistance Fund distribution other than the statutory division. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Jean Schmidt requested approval for out of town travel to attend a CLOUT meeting in Columbus on April 16, 1997.
Mr. Walter Fischer requested approval to upgrade the asphalt contract at the Paxton-Ramsey Park. The contractor recommends a 2 ½" layer of asphalt which will increase the cost $8,858.00. The Board approved.
Mr. Kevin Considine representing the Milford School Levy Committee presented the Board with an overview of the activities of the committee with regards to the levy issue up for vote in May. Mr. Considine asked the Board to support the levy.
Mr. Steve Rechtin of GRE Insurance Company at 6281 Tri-Ridge Blvd., Loveland, Ohio came forth to discuss the company’s recent request for a sign variance for their new building at Wards Corner. He gave reasons why the variance was requested. Township Planner, Larry Fronk stated he supports granting GRE the sign variance. They (GRE) will resubmit a variance request at the next Rural Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
Chairperson Schmidt asked Mr. Fronk to review the sign ordinance recently adopted.
With no further business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 9:45PM.
ATTEST__________________________________________CLERK, ERIC C. FERRY
__________________________________________CHAIRPERON, JEAN SCHMIDT