The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session at 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 02, 1997 at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Jean Schmidt called the meeting to order. Miami Township Clerk, Eric Ferry called the roll. In attendance were Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker, The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 19, 1997 Board of Trustee Meeting as presented. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Fred Humphries, Miami Township’s Safe Communities Project Coordinator presented a report on the project highlights. Mr. Humphries displayed a Safety Town model. The Safety Town is a training tool specifically geared to pre school aged children. Mr. Humphries suggested ways to generate the money needed for the project including Donations from the public and selling advertising space on the sides of the buildings. Mr. Ed Humphrey made a motion to support the concept of the Safety Town and asked for the combined support of the Miami Township Safety Services to have the Safety Town in operation by summer 1998. Mr. Humphrey also asked Mr. Fred Humphries to serve as a volunteer consultant on the project. Mr. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Andrew Pugh of Troop 244 reported on his planned Eagle Scout Project which is to make Longfield Park playground a safer place for children by adding cushions of wood chips under the equipment . The Miami Township Service Department will install drainage pipes and concrete curbing.. The project will take approximately 100 man hours and will be completed over the next two week ends. The estimated cost is $2800.00. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize distribution of funds from the General Fund to cover the cost of this. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Engineer stating they are programming repairs and improvements to Buckwheat Road (CR-24). It is anticipated that these improvements will include a designated left hand turn lane on Buckwheat Road at both SR 131 and SR 28. Estimated completion of the intersection improvements is 1999.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Deborah A. Spaulding , Branch Manager Cincinnati Bell Telephone. Ms. Spaulding apologized for recent difficulties (busy lines to any incoming calls) during the week of August 11, 1997. Cincinnati Bell will issue a credit for one month of service ($1,541.79) on the next billing.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize re-advertising for bids for a Fire staff vehicle. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 115 checks numbered from 62391 to 62505 plus Payroll for a total amount of $588,054.73. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Larry Fronk, Director of Planning and Zoning for Miami Township requested authority to establish two steering committees for land use studies on Upper SR 28 and SR 131. The Board approved the request.
Mr. David Duckworth, Miami Township Administrator requested the Board authorize applications for Ohio Public Works Commission Funding to improve Dry Run Road and Ibold Road. He also requested expenditure of $2,000. 00 for pre-engineering services. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 97-30 authorizing Miami Township to submit application for Ohio Public Works Commission Funding to improve Dry Run Road. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mr. Humphrey made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 97-31 authorizing Miami Township to submit application for Ohio Public Works Commission Funding to improve Ibold Road.. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Walter Fischer, Service Director recommended the Board set the weekend of October 3rd and 4th for the 1997 Fall Clean Up. Mr. Fischer requested approval to hire a guard service to prevent dumping after hours. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to establish the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, 1997 for the Fall Clean Up. Hours of operation will be 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM both days. Mr. Humphrey also moved to authorize the hiring of a guard service and extra trash removal service. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE.’
Mr. David Duckworth, Township Administrator discussed holding a contest open to the public to name the new Park (currently referred to as the South Park). It was decided the winning name will be announced
the first meeting of December 1997. Mr. Duckworth will establish the rules and publicize the contest.
Mr. Walter Fischer presented an update of the new park construction. There have been some changes in the drawings. The ball fields have been relocated. He will have an update on the extra costs at the next meeting. The Police Department remodel project is going well. The tennis courts at Buckwheat Park should be finished by Saturday, September 13, 1997. The Paxton-Ramsey Park will be seeded and no trespassing and no motorcycling signs will be posted.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to go into Executive Session to consider personnel issue pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(I) and to discuss pending litigation pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(3). 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."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt Resolution 97-32 authorizing Mr. Eric Ferry, Miami Township Clerk, to file an appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals from the decision of the Clermont County Budget Commission regarding the allocation of the Local Government Fund and Local Government Revenue Assistance Fund. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt tabled discussion of the 1998 Estimated Budget until the September 16th meeting .
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to increase Jim Whitworth’ s salary to $56,000.00 annually effective August 01, 1997. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to renew David Duckworth’ s contract effective March 11, 1997 through March 11, 1998 at a salary of $66,000.00 Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to hold a Special Meeting on September 14, 1997 at 7:00 PM at the back pool location in Miami Trails. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:00 PM.
ATTEST:__________________________________________ERIC C. FERRY, CLERK
_________________________________________JEAN SCHMIDT, CHAIRPERSON