The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, June 15, 1999 at 8:00 PM in the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Joseph W. Uecker called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the role. Attending were; Joseph W. Uecker, Jean Schmidt and Edwin H. Humphrey. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the June 01, 1999 Trustee Meeting minutes. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Chairperson Uecker suggested that to complete old business from the last meeting and to facilitate everyone’s schedule, he would entertain a motion to go into an Executive Session to discuss a complaint against a public employee. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a complaint against a public employee pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(1). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Schmidt made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board hire an independent investigator for the investigation of a complaint regarding the Chief of Police. Miami Township Attorney John Korfhagen and Mr. Duckworth met with Mr. Richard Tessendor and Carl Tabor of RIC Security Consultants. Mr. Korfhagen has prepared a contract for services if the Board approves. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-25 authorizing the Township Administrator to enter into a contract with RCI Consultants as a management consultant. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, call voted "AYE." The Board asked that an estimated time for results be reported at the next regular meeting.
Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey presented a Humanitarian Service Commendation to Citizen Police Academy alumni, Diana Combs, Eric Davis, Harry Evans, Tim Jefferies, Donna Luessen, Kathy Teski, Issac Anderson and Lisa McDaniels. These people were involved in the end of the year security measures implemented at Milford High School and Milford Junior High School. Also honored for assisting with the search was Dan Bryant, Miami Township Police Chaplain.
Fire and EMS Chief, Jim Whitworth presented the department report for the month of May. He noted the training room at the North Station is being refurbished.
Information Services Manager, Chris Snow presented the Board with a report of May activities.
Kristine Mick, Parks and Recreation Director presented her report. She noted the first summer camp will begin next week at Paxton-Ramsey Park and the first event at the Community Park will be tomorrow – a teddy bear and doll show and clinic.
Planning and Zoning Director, Larry Fronk presented the zoning report. He noted the revenue is up from last year.
Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey presented the Police activity report for May. He noted the number of hours put into assisting the schools last month.
Walter Fischer, Service Director presented the Service, Cemetery and Parks reports for May. He noted that construction continues at Miami Meadows playground and on Dry Run Road.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development noting they have received the formal plan for Weber Oaks, Section 4 and it will be reviewed June 22, 1999.
Withdrawal of conditional employment for Michael Susaneck for the position of Fire Fighter/Paramedic. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to withdraw the offer of conditional employment to Michael Susaneck. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Removal of Information Services Manager, Chris Snow from probation and a pay increase. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to remove Chris Snow from probation to full time employee effective June 07, 1999 at an annual salary of $47,250.00 Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize back pay in the amount of $91.80 be paid to Jason Beckett, part-time Fire Fighter/EMT. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth was notified the Township has received a petition for the creation of a street lighting district for the Woodcreek Subdivision , which consists of 143 lots. He recommended the Board schedule a public hearing on the request pursuant to ORC 515.03. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold a public hearing on the request for a street lighting district at the Woodcreek Subdivision be held during the next regular Board meeting on July 6, 1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with two out-of-township travel requests for approval.
Authorization to send Police Officer Bill Adams to the Annual School Resource Officer
Conference, July 10-16, 1999, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Estimated cost $1,475.00
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize sending Police Officer Bill Adams to the Annual School
Resource Officer Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida July 10-16, 1999 at an estimated
Cost of $1,475.00. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Authorization to send Assistant Fire Chief Harold Thiele and Captain Dean Miracle to an Arson
Seminar, June 16-18, 1999 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Estimated cost: $500.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a
Motion to authorize Assistant Fire Chief Harold Thiele and Captain Dean Miracle to attend an
Arson Seminar, June 16-18, 1999 in Chillicothe, Ohio at an estimated cost of $500.00. Mr.
Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Fischer requested authorization to remove a driveway pipe at 5695 Melody Lane. The pipe has rusted through and collapsed. The blockage creates a large backup of storm water on the neighbor’s lots and runs out onto State Route 131. The Board decided to table a decision until the next meeting to try to work out an alternative solution to the problem.
Chairperson Uecker announced that the Township has joined the South West Ohio Township Association (SWOTA). The organization was created to attempt to bring more influence to issues affecting larger townships in this region.
Mrs. Schmidt reported she will be attending the next CLOUT meeting on June 25th to wrap up the Home Rule decision and discuss other issues including annexation. Mrs. Schmidt also thanked Chief Whitworth for his work with her on the Trauma rules legislation.
Mr. Humphrey announced he has been recruited by the Ohio Township Association to serve as their representative on a task force being put together by Governor Taft to review training and certification for fire and EMS facilities.
Mr. Charles Russell of 5493 Country Lane expressed his views regarding the complaint against Police Chief Bailey. He supported Chief Bailey and the Board.
Lynn Taylor of 1075 Bridlepath Lane, Loveland, Ohio presented his opinion on the complaint against Chief Bailey.
Mr. George Elliot of Finch Lane voiced his support for Chief Bailey and discussed some problems he has had in the past with police officers
Mark Duermit of Wind Field Hills asked if a rumor that the Township had talked about disbanding the police department and contracting with the Sheriff’s office. Chairperson Uecker responded that was a particularly viscous rumor that has absolutely no basis.
Sgt. Al Fatute spoke of his concerns for retaliation against the officers who signed the letter of no confidence and other issues.
Harry Evans of 1574 Georgetown Road, a member of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni group spoke of his feelings regarding the police department situation.
Becky Fatute 5547 Hoffman Road , wife of Sgt. Fred Fatute spoke of her concerns for the well being of her husband, retaliation and other issues relating to the police department problems.
Debbie Vance of 5814 Ashby Court spoke in favor of the police officers
Pat Arnold of 6915 Paxton Road applauded the Board for their decision.
There were no other public comments.
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation pursuant to ORC 121(G)(3). Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Uecker adjourned the meeting at 10:35PM.
ATTEST: ________________________________________________________
Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Joseph W. Uecker, Chairperson