The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session, Tuesday, July 01, 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. Humphrey made a motion to approve the minutes from the two (2) June 17, 1997 Board of Trustee meetings. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry read a notice from Miami Township Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey. The notice stated there was no objection from the Police Department to the transfer of a liquor license to Mascot Petroleum Co., Inc. dba Sunoco Food Market & Gas Pumps from Stop N Go Foods of Dayton, Inc.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Engineer advising the Township, the County will be bidding out the pavement line striping program. Any Township or Village can be included in the bidding process. If interested, a letter so stating must be submitted by July 01, 1997.
Mr. Ferry read two letters from the Clerk-Treasurer of the Village of Bethel, Ohio Mr. William D. Elliott regarding Miami Township’s proposal for Government Revenue Allocations. In the first letter, Mr. Elliott stated the proposal would reduce Bethel’s general fund budget by 34 percent. In the second letter Mr. Elliott advised the Board, the Village Council rejected the proposal as unacceptable.
Mr. Ferry read a letter directed to Chief Bailey from the Milford High School. Principal Jim Quatman praised the efforts of the Miami Township Police Department during the 1996-97 school term. Whenever there was need of assistance, the response was quick and professional. Mr. Quatman also praised the involvement of the force with proactive preventative activities with special mention of the Mock Crash.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Michael L. Cline, Superintendent of the Chillicothe City Schools. Mr. Cline extended congratulations to the Board on the opening of the Paxton-Ramsey Park.
Miami Township Administrator, Mr. David Duckworth presented the Board with an update on the progress of the Township Bikeway/Pedestrian system. An organizational meeting drew 17 interested residents. The next meeting will be held July 31, 1997.
Mr. Duckworth request the recommendation and decision on the Sign Truck Bid be tabled until July 15, 1997. The Board agreed.
Mr. Duckworth reported a draft lease has been submitted to Cinergy for property adjoining the South Park. The constant rains this season have prevented the development of the South Park.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 87 checks numbered from 620011 to 620097 for a total amount of $428,972.56. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth notified the Board he has received a request from Fire/EMS Chief, Jim Whitworth for a General Leave of Absence for Carol Fancher. Mrs. Fancher is expecting a child later this year. Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board grant Mrs. Fancher a General Leave of Absence for a period of 180 days. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to grant Carol Fancher a General Leave of Absence for a period of 180 days. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth reviewed a Lateral Entry Policy for Police Officers. This policy would allow qualified applicants the ability to by-pass the department’s written testing process assuming certain criteria are met.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to accept the Lateral Entry Policy for Police Officers. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth submitted a request from Chief Bailey for the conditional employment of Brett Simon and Larry Lantman. These individuals would be eligible for employment of the Township’s Lateral Entry Policy. Officer Simon is a certified K-9 officer and Officer Lantman is a certified DARE officer and accreditation manger for Milford. Mr. Uecker made a motion to offer conditional employment to Brett Simon and Larry Lantman. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Mrs. Schmidt voted "AYE, Mr. Uecker voted "AYE" and Mr. Humphrey abstained. Mr. Uecker made a motion to hold a Special Board of Trustees Meeting on July 15, 1997 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of interviewing candidates. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth submitted a request from Chief Whitworth for out of Township travel. Chief Whitworth requests approval to attend the International Fire Chief’s Association Conference August 20-27, 1997 in Dallas, Texas. The estimated cost is $1,803.50. (This is a budgeted expense). Mr. Humphrey made a motion to approve the Out of Township Travel requested by Chief Whitworth. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board approve the hiring of Jason Fogle as a seasonal employee at the rate of $7.00 per hour. Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the hiring of Jason Fogle as a seasonal employee at the rate of $7.00 per hour. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry advised the Board that the State Auditor will begin the 1996 audit on July 14, 1997.
Mr. Ferry requested authorization to attend a State Auditor mandated Investment Training on September 9, 1997 at the Sharonville Convention Center. The fee is $65.00. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize Mr. Ferry to attend the Investment Training Seminar on September 9,1997 and approved payment of the expenses. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Tom Siberski of 6220 Shadowhill Way in the Township advised the Board he has heard nothing but good comments about the Paxton-Ramsey Park.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Pending Litigation Pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(3) and to consider a Personnel Matter Pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) and to consider the Purchase of Property for Public Purposes Pursuant to ORC 121.(G)(2). Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize Miami Township Administrator David Duckworth to purchase .65 acres of property off Wade Road for $15,000.00 to gain a utility access to the Park. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 9:50 PM.
ATTEST___________________________________________ERIC C. FERRY, CLERK
___________________________________________ JEAN SCHMIDT, CHAIRPERSON