Sangamon Sun

Chester Township Board of Trustees met Aug. 7.

Here is the agenda provided by the Board:

Roll Call: All Trustees and the Fiscal Officer were present.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag The Board led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2019 Budget Discussion

The elected officials discussed the 2019 temporary budget, examining each department in detail. Chief Wargelin and Road Superintendent Mike Farrell were in attendance and offered input. Chief Purchase was available by phone.

Skye Hackathorn – Girl Scout Troop 71292

Nina, Natalie, Julia and Skye, all of Girl Scout 9th Grade troop 71292 at West Geauga High School, introduced themselves and explained their Silver Award project, which is 50 hours of community service. It is the highest award a Girl Scout cadet can earn. They will plan and complete a project to benefit the community; they are planning to build a picnic table, paint it and donate it to the 80 acre parcel at 11255 Chillicothe Road. They also wanted to hold a small public gathering to celebrate the park and the completion of their project. They wanted to name the park, and suggested the name Good Turn Trails, inspired by the Girl Scout phrase, “Do a good turn daily.” They were interested in creating a sign for the park.

Chief Wargelin on behalf of the Fire Department would donate the $60.00 requested by the girls for their project. Mr. Rogish would research the steps necessary to name a park. Mr. Rogish suggested researching the history of the property to assist in naming it.

Planning Committee

Anthony Nastasi updated the Board and reminded everyone of the kick off meeting on June 26 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. On Sunday at NDCL, the Cleveland Foundation is hosting Common Ground Training. The topic of discussion is “How to Build Thriving Multi-Generational Communities in Geauga County”. Four Committee members have registered to attend. Mr. Rogish suggested money be set aside for the Committee’s budget.

Approval of Minutes

2018-282. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting dated 5/10/18 as presented to the Board by the Fiscal Officer. Mr. Rogish seconded. Mr. Radtke, abstain (absent at 5/10/18 meeting); Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-283. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting dated 5/24/18 as presented to the Board by the Fiscal Officer. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Public Comments/Questions

Mike Kilroy asked the Trustees to post recognition of the Kiwanis’ flower basket contribution on the Town Hall sign Which trustees intend to do. Mr. Radtke informed Mr. Kilroy that the NOPEC grant funds have been transferred into the Kiwanis bank account.

Reena Kanner asked that the Fill-A-Cruiser June 30 event be advertised on the front sign which was also agreed to.

Department Business – Police Department

2018-284. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $8,779.68 payable to Hall Public Safety Upfitters, 8291 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087 for the purchase of emergency equipment necessary for the setup of the two new 2018 Ford Utility Interceptors, from 2081-760-750-0302 Motor Vehicle Accessories. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Mr. Mazzurco reported that Thompson Township was in need of a cruiser; Chief Purchase had previously recommended that Chester sell a cruiser destined to be removed from the fleet to Thompson. There had been a motion made in the past to dispose of two vehicles, which would be amended in the future.

Department Business – Fire Department

Trustee Rogish participated in negotiations for the Fire Department’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). There is a shortage of firefighters currently. The Agreement would increase the pay by $5.00 an hour in order to bring more people in and inspire the current staff to increase shifts. All CBA renewals (Fire, Road, Police) would be aligned timing-wise, to make the contract process easier.

Reena Kanner asked if all firefighters were paramedics, and commented on the closeness in pay for each; she felt paramedics should be paid more.

The Police and Road union negotiations would begin shortly.

2018-285. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the fire fighters union. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-286. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $36,000.00 payable to Chagrin Valley Paving for the repair and repaving of the north parking lot at the Fire Station from 2281-760-730-0080 Improvement of Sites. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-287. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the use of the Fire Station #2 parking lot by the Chester Christian Center for parking of hauling trucks and trailers for their annual classic car show on Saturday, July 14 (rain date July 21). Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-288. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the hiring of FF/EMT-P Patrick Knowlton at the starting rate of $14.22/hour, contingent upon his successfully passing a pre-employment medical evaluation and drug screening. Mr. Knowlton will serve a one year probationary period. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-289. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the hiring of part time FF/EMT-B Ryan Zitkowski at the rate of $13.42/hr. contingent upon his successful passing of a pre-employment medical evaluation and drug screen. Mr. Zitkowski will serve a one year probationary period. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-290. Mr. Radtke moved to approve a pay increase of $5.00 per hour for the part time Assistant Fire Chief to align with the pay increase approved in the collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2018. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Department Business – Road Department

2018-291. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign the snow plowing agreement between Chester Township and the Geauga County Engineer for the purpose of providing snow and ice control on county roads by Chester Township for the winter season of 2018-2019 for the agreed upon amount of $47,261.99. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Mr. Rogish had reached out to the Engineer’s office regarding an increase next year, to account for increased salt and fuel costs. An increase in payment to the Township would come next year.

2018-292. Mr. Radtke moved to accept the resignation of Anita Matic effective 6/27/18. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-293. Mr. Radtke moved to advertise for the part-time position of Road Department Administrative Assistant/Cemetery Sexton for Chester Township in the Maple Leaf, Chesterland News, Indeed.com and Township website. This is a part-time position with no benefits, not to exceed 1,499 working hours in a calendar year, and will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-294. Mr. Radtke moved to approve pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 515.10 (A) (7) disposal of the Township items in the table below. Items are no longer needed for use, have no value and will be disposed of. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Item Reason for disposition Flail mower No longer of value Chip box No longer of use Computer monitor No longer of use

2018-295. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $1,242.58 payable to Keystone Springs for a set of springs and U-bolts for truck #3, from 2031-330-323-0075 Repairs & Maint – Vehicle/Equipment. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-296. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $10,000.00 payable to Cleveland Plumbing for pipe jobs for the 2018 work scope from 2031-330-490-0000 Other/Supplies & Materials. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-297. Mr. Radtke moved to approve advertising for one part-time seasonal employee to perform grounds maintenance and other related duties as directed by the Road Superintendent, with no benefits and not to exceed 1,499 working hours nor 120 consecutive days in a calendar year, contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and physical test. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

One past applicant had never gone for the drug screening and got another job. Discussion was had on whether the motion to hire him should be amended or voided. Motions to hire are contingent upon passing a drug test.

2018-298. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $19,473.30 payable to Chardon Oil for the purchase of 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel based upon the discretionary needs of the Township as determined by the Road Superintendent. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

A letter would be composed and sent to the Geauga County Engineer requesting staking of the right of way on Sperry from Wilson Mills to Sherman for future tree work.

New Business

2018-299. Mr. Radtke moved to approve a Certificate of Need to be submitted to the Geauga County Auditor’s office for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads, and bridges in Chester Township as provided in ORC 5705.19 (G); at a rate not exceeding 1.0 mills for each one dollar of 2004 valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of 2004 valuation, for a continuing period of time, which levy is a renewal of an existing 1.0 mill levy first voted on in 2004. Said levy should be placed on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed

2018-300. Mr. Radtke moved to approve a Certificate of Need to be submitted to the Geauga County Auditor’s office for the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings and sites for such buildings used directly in the operation of a police department or the payment of salaries of permanent or part-time police, communications, or administrative personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.33 of the Revised Code, or the payment of the costs incurred by townships as a result of contracts made with other political subdivisions in order to obtain police protection, or the provision of ambulance or emergency medical services operated by a police department for the benefit of Chester Township as provided and authorized in Section 5705.19 (J); at a rate not exceeding 1.77 mills for each one dollar of 1994 valuation, which amounts to 17.7 cents for each one hundred dollars of 1994 valuation, for a continuing period of time, which levy is a renewal of an existing 1.77 mill levy first voted on in 1994. Said levy should be placed on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-301. Mr. Radtke moved to advertise for Chester applicants to fill a three year term ending April 2021 on the West Geauga Community Joint Recreational District Board; postings will include the Town Hall, website and other notifications as required by law through close of business 4:00 PM on July 3, 2018. Applications are to be received by letter or email. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Mr. Mazzurco reported that someone had shown interest in stepping in for the opening.

2018-302. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the use of the Town Hall meeting room on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from noon to 5 PM for a baby shower. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-303. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the use of the east pavilion and volleyball courts on Sunday, July 29, 2018 from 11AM to closing, for a WGHS Girls Volleyball tournament. The fee to use the courts will be waived. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-304. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign a letter to Tony Ramos of NOPEC regarding participation in the NOPEC Event Sponsorship Program. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Mr. Rogish asked if the letter had to be a motion; Mr. Radtke said he could not send on his own without asking the other Trustees, which constitutes a decision and necessitates public discussion.

Township Park

Mr. Radtke had reached out to Commissioner Joe Weiss but had not heard back from him. Mr. Mazzurco continued to wait for pricing on lighting in areas of the park.

Financial Items

2018-305. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the following intra-fund transfers as listed below. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Fiscal Officer’s Report

It appears that the EMS payments have been moved to the regular bank account. Mr. Richter would be closing several accounts as they are no longer needed, and the funds would be moved in to business banking.

Donations Received Received from Amount Description 1 Perennial Gardeners $100.00 2018 flower baskets

Open/Ongoing Items Mr. Rogish had obtained several samples of newsletters from local communities and suggested the Trustees plan for a fall newsletter. Mr. Radtke suggested they begin working with departments to get content prepared. Prices and distribution methods were discussed.

The exit interview policy was to be sent to Clemans Nelson for their review and input. Mr. Rogish wondered if it would be better to have a third party do the exit interview, or perhaps given to or mailed to the departing employee.

Upcoming Items/Deadlines 2019 tax budget “temporary” (Board of Trustees to adopt by July 15, submit to county by July 20) August 14, 2018 10:50 AM – budget hearings at the County

Discussions Mr. Rogish would attend the flag retirement ceremony June 23 2:00 PM at DeJohn’s Funeral Home. Chief Wargelin would see if some firefighters could attend as well.

Ohio DAS Cooperative Purchasing Program – Mr. Richter had asked for information on costs but had not yet heard back.

Reena Kanner suggested the Perennial Gardeners be thanked as well for their contribution to the flower baskets.

Executive session

2018-312. Mr. Radtke moved to enter into executive session at 7:47 PM pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G) (1) to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee or official. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

Fiscal Officer Craig Richter was invited into executive session. Public session was reentered at 8:28 PM and no further action was taken.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Radtke adjourned the meeting at 8:28 P.M.

http://www.chestertwp.com/Portals/11/resources/documents/minutes/2018/060718%20minutes.pdf