The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, June 02, 1998 at 8:30 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Edwin H. Humphrey opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. Attending were, Edwin H. Humphrey, Joseph W. Uecker and Jean Schmidt.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the May 19th meeting minutes as presented. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry read a memorandum from the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission. An evaluation form, of the flood recovery efforts experienced by the Southern Ohio communities impacted by the March 1997 floods has been prepared.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding the transfer of a D5 liquor permit to Richard J. Reinert DBA Joeys Bar & Grill at 1220 SR 28 from Reda Beard Inc DBA Joey's Bar & Grile. There were no objections to the transfer.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development regarding Miami Township Zoning Case #434- Township Department of Planning and Zoning. On May 26, 1998, the Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed format changes.
Mr. Ferry read a letter directed to the Trustees from Charles W. Russell of 5493 Country Lane, Milford. Mr. Russell conveyed compliments on the performance of Miami Township Police Officer, Steve Burgess. Officer Burgess had the occasion to stop Mr. Russell on May 8, 1998 for running a stop sign. Mr. Russell noted in the letter, that Officer Burgess was calm, professional and polite while doing his job.
Mr. Ferry read notice of a Clermont County-wide Community Convention on Saturday, June 13 from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. at the Eastgate Holiday Inn. The event is sponsored by Cinergy, Clermont 2001,Inc., The Leadership Institute and OSU Extension. There is no admission charge.
Mr. Ferry opened bids for the walking trails at Miami Meadows Park.
Service Director for review and recommendation. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth presented the Board with the Fire Department recommendation to purchase an EKG Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacemaker/Pulse Oximeter from Physio Control for the bid amount of $17,600.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the purchase of an EKG Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacemaker/Pulse Oximeter from Physio Control for the amount of $17,600.00. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with the recommendation from Mr. Fischer to award the playground project to David Williams and Associates, Inc. The total bid for the project and options 1 and 2 is $88,036.00. Mr. Uecker made a motion to award the Playground Project to David Williams and Associates, Inc. for the total bid of $88,036.00. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board consider implementing an EMS billing procedure. Assistant Chief Dan Mack has prepared a through review of the procedures used by other township's in southwest Ohio. Miami Township's legal counsel, John Korfhagen has had concerns regarding receipt of funds and record keeping. Mr. Duckworth stated he has not found any other township's record keeping and receipt of funds procedures to be in violation of state requirements. Mr. Ferry stated his concern is that he would have no control if a third party billing company receives the monies. Mr. Ferry requested a decision be delayed until the June 16th meeting to allow him time to review the options and speak with the auditors office.
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board consider a more expansive citizen's survey to obtain opinion's on several township service related issues including garbage collection. He recommended the Board consider Opinion Research Associates to conduct the survey at a proposed cost of $6,500.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to enter into a contract with Opinion Research Associates to conduct a Miami Township Citizen's Survey at a cost of $6,500.00. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that the Township has a unique opportunity to form a partnership with the County on the Dry Run Road Bank Stabilization Project. The County Engineer will provide the complete engineering work (estimated value $50-60,000.00) in exchange for the Township's assistance in the purchase of culverts they need for the Dry Run Road Bridge Project. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth, on behalf of the Township, to enter into an agreement with the Clermont County Engineer to jointly work on the Dry Run Road Project. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board, the Public Hearing on Zoning Case # 431 has been extended to June 16, 1998 at 7:30 PM. Miami Township Planning and Zoning Director, Larry Fronk advised the Board he has received a request from Mr. Ryan asking for another extension. The developers, Parrott and Strawser have pulled out of the project.
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board, the Public Hearing on Summerfield Street Lighting District will be held on June 16, 1998 at 8:30PM.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to pay the bills of the Township, including 82 checks numbered from 66598 to 66679 for a total amount of $200,518.13 plus the May 22, 1998 payroll and payroll taxes in the amount of $143,068.28. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth submitted 3 Out of Township Travel Requests. 1. Assistant Chief Thiele and Captain Dean Miracle - June 30-July 02, Columbus, Ohio - Electrical Fire Investigation training. Estimated cost; $1080.00. 2. Chief Whitworth, Assistant Chief Thiele and Assistant Chief Mack - Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Conference - Columbus, Ohio - June 23rd and June 24th - Estimated cost; $930.00. 3.Police Officer Michael Noble - Annual DARE training program - July 7th - July 11th - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Estimated costs; $1,525.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the Out of Township Travel Requests at the estimated costs. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Fire/EMS Assistant Chief Dan Mack presented the Board with a proposal for a Paramedic Bicycle Unit. Assistant Chief Mack requested permission to proceed with this project. They would like to put a "limited version" of the team in place during the Frontier Days parade. The Milford Fire Department is interested in using the bicycle medics. The Trustees concurred the Paramedic Bicycle Unit was a good idea and authorized putting a "limited version" in place for the Frontier Days parade.
Mr. Fischer requested authorization to purchase an International salt truck cab and chassis through the ODOT State Purchasing program. The bid total is $46,286.00. This truck will be outfitted the same as the previously purchased truck. Construction is anticipated to take 4 to 6 months. Mr. Uecker made a motion to proceed with the state bid to purchase a salt truck cab and chassis for $46,286.00. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board grant conditional employment to Greg Thomas and Steve Coley for the positions of part-time FF/EMTP. Offering conditional employment will allow the Fire/EMS Department to complete the pre-employment process for these two candidates. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to grant conditional employment to Greg Thomas and Steve Coley for the position of part-time FF/EMTP. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has yet to hear from ODNR on the status of our grant for the restroom/concession stand. We should know later on this week. The Board determined a special meeting could be called to set bid date for the project as soon as we know if we will receive the grant.
Mr. Fischer presented the 1998 resurfacing recommendations for Miami Township streets. He requested the Board review the list and make any suggestions at the next meeting.
Mrs. Schmidt, a member of CLOUT, brought to the Boards attention a study the National Institute of Building Sciences is conducting regarding Ohio's building standards law. The results of the study will help guide the legislature in its consideration of changes to this law. A series of pubic forums will be held across the state to gather information from local government and building and safety professionals. Mrs. Schmidt requested the Board authorize Mr. Duckworth to look into our participation in this study. Chairperson Humphrey asked Mr. Duckworth if he would present this to the Safety Committee for comments and participation. Mr. Duckworth agreed.
Mrs. Schmidt spoke with the Board regarding the Anderson Township Telecommunications issue. A couple of months ago, Anderson Township requested support for litigation defending local zoning authority. Now they are planning for the appeal which they feel will be necessary. They submitted a draft resolution appointing Wood & Lamping as the Township's legal counsel for the preparation of an amicus brief in our behalf and authorizing the equitable share of costs in this preparation and filing. After a brief discussion, Mrs. Schmidt requested a decision be tabled until the June 16th meeting. Mr. Uecker went on record saying he felt the Township needs to join in this fight. Mr. Humphrey went on the record as being "on the fence"
Mr. Duckworth announced he will be out of town the first meeting in July. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to suspend the first meeting in July (07/07/98) until the next regularly scheduled meeting on July 21, 1998. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker discussed the future improvement at the intersection of Branch Hill-Guinea and Cook-Weber. He stated he discussed with the County engineer, the possibility of performing a study to see if the Township can justify a four-way stop or temporary traffic signal. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to enter into a contract with a traffic engineer to study the intersection of Branch Hill-Guinea and Cook-Weber roads for a four-way stop. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
A representative of the Milford Basketball Association advised the Board they will be using Craig Gordon Construction. Mr. Duckworth advised the group and the Board that the residents of Linda Way are upset with the Board for planning to allow park access after dusk. Mr. Duckworth stated the Township has acquired the 20 acres in front of the park and suggested moving the location of the sports arena to that area. The Board determined construction should be delayed until information on the sewer installation on State Route 131 is available.
There were no public comments.
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting at 10:15 PM.
ATTEST _____________________________________________________ Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
____________________________________________________ Edwin H. Humphrey, Chairperson