The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 8:00 PM. 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 October 05, 1999 Board of Trustee meeting minutes. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Fire & EMS - Chief Jim Whitworth presented the report. He mentioned that the 1997 Pierce pumper seems to be working at this time. Two more evaluations will be done to determine if the vehicle meets expectations.
Information Systems - Chris Snow, Information Services Manager reviewed the September activities and future plans for the department.
Parks and Recreation - Kristine Mick, Director presented the September report. She reviewed plans for November and December, starting off with a Thanksgiving Friendship on November 23rd at the Lemming House from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. The event will be for preschool children ages 3-5. She recommended creating two annual events at the Lemming House, a Lighting of the Tree Ceremony and Lunch with Santa. The Board approved.
Planning and Zoning - Larry Fronk, Director presented his department's report for September. He noted that Gordon Construction has been clearing the site of the Kenworthy Office/Warehouse project at the end of Meijer Drive.
Police - Chief R. Steven Bailey presented the Board with the September activity report. He noted the department is a full partner with Cincinnati in the Circle Cincinnati project.
Service - Walter Fischer, Director presented September's report. He noted the department won the 1999 CarteGraph Asset Management Award.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding the issuance of a liquor license to Bellray Inc.dba Wolfies Tavern. There is no objection.
Mr. Ferry read an invitation from the Clermont County Board of Commissioners to the groundbreaking ceremony for the 800 MHz Radio Communications system on November 8,1999 at 10:00 AM. Mr. Ferry read from the County Commissioner's Journal #287. The following roads have been placed in the Miami Township public road system; T-2587 (0.134 miles) Windrow Lane and T2660 (0.100 miles) Wildflower Court in the Chadwich Farm subdivision and T-2131 (0.042 miles) Woodspoint Drive.
Mr. Ferry read a legal notice from the Clermont County Commissioners who adopted resolution # 163-99 declaring the necessity of constructing certain improvements for the County Waterworks System, Clermont County Sewer District, County of Clermont, Ohio. The proposed improvements consist of an 8-inch water main extension from the intersection of Loveland-Miamiville Roads and Wards Corner Road east to Veralois Lane.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Engineer advising salt will be available for pick up on Friday, November 05, 1999 from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Engineer commending Miami Township for being pro-active in establishing a long-range plan to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian pathways in Miami Township.
Mr. Ferry read an announcement from the Clermont County Engineer that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 17th at 12:00 noon to officially open the I-275/US Route 50 interchange improvements.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from James L. Turner, President Cinergy. The letter was addressed to Mrs. Schmidt and reviewed information regarding the new bill giving all Ohioans the opportunity to select their own electric supplier.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Mrs. David A. Neal. Mrs. Neal requested permission to hang a plaque in the lobby of the Miami Township building. The plaque honors a scholarship fund created in memory of David Neal, a former paramedic with the Miami Township Fire and EMS. The Board approved the request.
Mr. Ferry read a thank you letter from Bob and Linda Bergholz of 6766 Little River Lane, Miami Township. The letter was in reference to the recently adopted property maintenance code for the Township.
Jean Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-43 providing for the procurement of a street lighting system, dispensing with the second reading and declaring an emergency. Edwin H. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry opened the one (1) salt truck bid received. Kaffenbarger Truck Equipment Co. $35,000.00 Option 1 450.00 Mr. Humphrey made a motion to accept the bid into the record and turn it over to the Service Director for review. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Uecker opened the Public Hearing on the Street Lighting District-The Hunt Club, Section 3/4/5. Mr. Ferry read the legal notice. Mr. Larry Sprague with Grand Communities Limited representing the applicant presented the request for approval for a lighting district for the Hunt Club, Section 3/4/5. The Trustees had no questions. There were no adjacent property owners. There was no communication relative to the case. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to close the public portion of the meeting. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go out for bid on this project. Bids to be accepted at 8:00 PM on December 21, 1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth presented the Board with changes to the draft of the Lemming House Rules and Regulations. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt the Rules and Regulations for the Lemming House. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize David Duckworth or his designee to sign contracts regarding the rental of the Lemming House on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to set a bid opening date of December 7th at 8:00 PM during the regularly schedule meeting of the Board for the Ibold Road Bank Stabilization project. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 238 checks numbered 70884 to 71128 for a total amount of $300,208.05. Plus payroll and payroll taxes for October 08 and October 22, 1999 in the amount of $312,133.65. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry presented the Board with the September 1999 Financial Statement. The Board approved.
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board consider making a final offer of employment to Kristie L. Bednarik for the position of FF1/EMTP. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to make a final offer of employment to Kristie L. Bednarik for the position of part-time FF1/EMTP. Her rate of pay to be $9.50 per hour and the effective date of employment is November 04, 1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board consider extending conditional offers of employment to Todd Harley, Brock Murphy, Steven Popp, and Bradford Wessner for the positions of part-time FF/MEDIC. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to extend conditional offers of employment to Todd Harley, Brock Murphy, Steven Popp and Bradford Wessner for the positions of part-time FF/MEDIC. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that Fred Humphries, part-time zoning inspector, has resigned his position effective November 01, 1999. Mr. Humphries cited health problems as his reason for resigning. Mr. Duckworth requested authorization to advertise for a new part-time zoning inspector. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to advertise for a part-time zoning inspector. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested authorization to send Police Officer's Todd Peters and Rob Heideman to a seminar on "Reducing School violence" at the Salt Fork State Park, November 14-16. Estimated cost if $620.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize the out-of-township travel request at an estimated cost of $620.00. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board consider 3 dates in November/December for the Cinergy Community Outreach Program. The Board determined the possible dates as December 6,7 or 8, 1999. Mr. Duckworth advised he would check with Cinergy and get back to the Board.
Mr. Duckworth notified the Board that he has received a tax abatement application from Lykins Companies, Inc. for a new 12,000 square foot facility to be located on US 50 adjacent to the South Safety Services facility. They are requesting a 7-year, 60 percent abatement for both real and personal property taxes. Mr. Denny Begue of the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce presented his support of the abatement. The Board had no questions. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to grant the 7 year 60 percent abatement for both real and personal property taxes as requested by Lykins Companies, Inc. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with a resolution to appoint John Korfhagen as Part Time Law Director for Miami Township. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-42 appointing John C. Korfhagen as part-time Law Director, dispensing with the second reading and declaring an emergency. Mr. Korfhagen will be paid a salary of $52,000.00 annually through December 31, 2000. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to enter into a contract for legal support services with John Korfhagen and the firm of Burreson, Bradford and Hill at a fee of $700.00 per month. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board schedule a public hearing for the establishment of a street lighting district for Section 5 of Mitchell Farm. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to schedule a public hearing for the proposed street lighting district for Section 5 of Mitchell Farm on December 07, 1999 during the regularly scheduled Trustee meeting. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board schedule a public hearing for the establishment of a street lighting district for Weber Oaks, Phase 3. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to schedule a public hearing for the proposed street lighting district for Weber Oaks, Phase 3 on December 07, 1999 during the regularly scheduled Trustee meeting. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested approval to advertise for bid a Station Vehicle Exhaust System for the North and South Safety Services buildings with a bid opening December 07, 1999. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize advertising for bids for a Station Vehicle Exhaust System for the North and South Safety Services buildings with a bid opening on December 07, 1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested approval to advertise for bids for a Heavy Truck Lift System for the Fire/EMS Department. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize advertising for bids for a Heavy Truck Lift System. Bids to be opened November 16,1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Walter Fischer requested the Board approve extra work #6 on the Lemming House in the amount of $8,980.00 to replace rear porch columns and a 6" concrete slab, remove plaster and paint from the front porch and trim and fur out the back porch walls. Also extra work #7 in the amount of $2661.78 for brick allowance, truck point and replace brick and remove and replace rotted wood at various areas of the house. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve extra work orders #6 and #7 as presented. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board approve resolution 99-44 authorizing a change in the speed limit on Hilltop Way. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-44 reducing the speed limit on Hilltop Way to 25 MPH, dispensing with the second reading and declaring an emergency. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt the following Proclamation. We the Board of Trustees of Miami Township hereby proclaim that the week of November 14-20, 1999 be observed as American Education Week in Miami Township and encourage all citizens to extend their commitment to public education and to the future of our children by supporting our community's schools through the contribution of their time and energy. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-45 accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget commission with exception of the estimates of the distribution of the local government fund and local government revenue assistance fund and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor, dispensing with the second reading. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Laura Hoyer of 335 Wiltsee Avenue, Miami Township requested the Board look into a noise problem caused by motorbikes racing in her neighborhood.
Becky Fatute of 5547 Hoffman Road, Miami Township expressed her thoughts regarding the police investigation and alleged retaliatory actions within the department.
Paul Knepp of 1366 State Route 131, Miami Township congratulated Mr. Uecker, Mr. Ferry and the park renewal committee for a successful election.
Donald F. Shoop of 5858 Menno Drive, Miami Township expressed concerns for the condition of the pavement on Menno Drive. He asked when the road could be repaired and possibly widened. He also spoke on behalf of the Mulberry Wesleyn Church stating they were appalled that the Board set trick or treat night on Sunday.
Mr. Bill Knepp of 826 State Route 131, Miami Township first presented Mr. Ferry with the Miami Glen rent for November 1999 to October 2000. He made a suggestion that the Board consider changing the name of Miami Township to Glen Meadows Township. He also expressed his thoughts on the recent election.
Barbara Risk, wife of a Miami Township Police Officer, spoke of her concerns about the alleged intimidation in the police department and the stress it is causing her family.
Karen Lunkenheimer, wife of a Miami Township Police Officer spoke of her concerns about the problems the stress in the police department is causing.
Mark Duermit of East Knollwood Circle, Miami Township discussed his concerns about misleading statistics in a report on crime in the township that was issued by the Chief of Police in a local newspaper.
John Swing, Miami Township Police Officer addressed the Board with his thoughts on the problems in the department.
Heather Burgess, a Miami Township Police Officer spoke about her fears that by speaking out tonight she will lose her job. She also discussed her concerns about the stress in the department.
James D. Young of 5266 Smokey Road, Williamsburg addressed the Board regarding the on going problems in the Police Department.
Tom Risk, a member of the executive board of the FOP offered the services of the FOP to assist the Board in resolving the situation in the Police Department.
Chris Petrocelli, wife of a Miami Township Police Officer, asked the Board, the Police Chief and the Officers to remember each person is accountable for his actions.
Al Fatute, Miami Township Police Officer discussed his views as to the problems that have not been addressed since the letter of no confidence was issued.
Fred Fatute, Miami Township Police Officer spoke on behalf of Kris Hackman whose husband, Officer Mike Hackman was involved in the shoot out this past weekend. Her concerns regarding the conditions in the police department were relayed.
There were no other public comments.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go into Executive Session to prepare for negotiations with public employees pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(4). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Uecker adjourned the meeting at 11:10 PM.
ATTEST: __________________________________________________________________________ Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
__________________________________________________________________________ Joseph W. Uecker, Chairperson