Sangamon Sun

Chester Township Board of Trustees met  July 5.

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 Hearing

2018-313. Mr. Radtke moved to open the public hearing on the proposed 2019 Chester Township budget at 6:01 PM. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

The elected officials discussed the proposed 2019 budget. There was no input or questions from the public. 2018-314. Mr. Radtke moved to close the public hearing on the proposed 2019 Chester Township budget. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-315. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the 2019 temporary Chester Township budget. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

Walt Waetjen, President – West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Board

Prior to 2004 the WGCJRD had received $5,000 per year from both Russell and Chester Township, which was used for capital improvements at the West Geauga Commons. Chester stopped the payments after the Spellman issue, and Russell followed suit. WGCJRD has appealed to the Kiwanis, Baseball Federation, and soccer clubs and are now asking Chester and Russell Township for donations. The playground at the West Geauga Commons would be refurbished at an approximate cost of $23,000.00, hopefully to begin at the end of July. Most of their budget is consumed by annual maintenance. Mr. Radtke asked if they had considered a levy; they had done one in the past, but it failed. Mr. Rogish asked if they had approached the school Board for funding; they had not. The park itself is in Russell Township; Mr. Rogish thought that more Russell residents would use it than Chester residents; he also suggested reaching out to the 1545 Park District for funding and strongly recommended the WGCJRD approach the school board.

2018-316. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $6,000.00 for the West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District from 1000-760-720-1202 Improvement of Sites Buildings/Parks & Recreation for capital improvement projects. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Nick Gorris – Geauga County Engineer’s Office

Mr. Gorris discussed the resurfacing of Heath Road, which is being done in conjunction with Munson Township. More work would need to be done than initially anticipated; Mr. Gorris was requesting a change order for the project which would be split between Chester and Munson. The contractor has graciously donated a load of asphalt, a savings of $2,000.00.

2018-317. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $15,000.00 payable to Chagrin Valley Paving Inc. at the recommendation of the Geauga County Engineer for a change order. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Approval of Minutes

Two sets of meeting minutes approved at the last meeting had the vote lines reversed causing Mr. Radtke to abstain from voting on minutes from a meeting he had actually attended.

2018-318. Mr. Radtke moved to void motions 2018-282 and 2018-283. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-319. 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. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-320. 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. Mr. Radtke, abstain; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-321. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting dated 6/7/18 as presented to the Board by the Fiscal Officer as amended. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Public Comments/Questions

The public had no comments or questions for the Board.

Department Business – Road Department

2018-322. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign a letter to the Geauga County Engineer requesting their survey staff stake the right of way on Sperry Road between Wilson Mills and Sherman. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-323. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign a letter of intent notifying Gates Mills of Chester Township’s intention for participation in OPWC Round 33 grant funding for the improvement of County Line Road. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-324. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign a letter of intent to the Geauga County Engineer for participation in the OPWC District 7 grant funding for the improvement of County Line Road. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-325. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $4,138.44 payable to Ironhawk Industrial Supply for three sets of plow blades from 2031-330-323-0075 Repairs & Maint. – Vehicle/Equipment. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-326. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $7,500.00 payable to Mr. T’s Painting for sandblasting and repainting of trucks #4 and #6, from 2031-330-323-0074 Repairs & Maintenance/Outsourced Work. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Department Business – Fire Department

2018-327. Mr. Radtke moved to accept a leave of absence effective July 15, 2018 for up to 90 days for Frank Sterle. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-328. Mr. Radtke moved to grant a 90 day leave of absence to Chandler Heppert effective 6/22/18. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-329. Mr. Radtke moved to approve up to $31,832.62 payable to Sutphen Corporation for the repair of engine 3424, from 2281-230-323-0301 Repairs and Maintenance/Motor Vehicles. These repairs are the result of the truck being struck while on the scene of another motor vehicle crash. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

A check for approximately $30,000.00 would be received from PERSO in the future.

Old Business

2018-330. Mr. Radtke moved to void motion 2018-252. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

New Business

2018-331. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the 2018 Chester Township recertified permanent appropriations totaling $7,472,111.16 as presented by the Fiscal Officer. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-332. 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 fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, or sites therefore, or sources of water supply and materials therefore, or the establishment and maintenance of lines of fire alarm telegraph or the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, or the purchase of ambulance equipment or the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company pursuant to Section 5705.19 (I); at a rate not exceeding 1.80 mills which is $0.18 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five years, which levy is a renewal of an existing levy of 1.80 mills. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

2018-333. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the adoption of the following resolution declaring it necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation: Be it resolved, by the Board of Trustees of Chester Township, Geauga County, Ohio, two-thirds of all members elected thereto concurring, that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation for the benefit of Chester Township 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, for 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, for the payment of the costs incurred by townships as a result of contracts made with other political subdivisions in order to obtain police protection, for the provision of ambulance or emergency medical services operated by a police department, or for the payment of other related costs, , pursuant to Section 5705.19(J) of the Ohio Revised Code, and such levy is a renewal of an existing 1.77 mill fire and EMS levy, at a rate not exceeding 1.77 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.177 for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time which levy is a renewal of an existing levy of 1.77 mills first voted on in 1994, first due in calendar year 2019. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

The phrase “fire and EMS” contained in the motion above was discussed; it was believed to be an error. Mike Petruziello asked what the levy generated continuously; the amount was approximately $438,000.00.

Reena Kanner asked to confirm there would be a renewal levy left. Mr. Radtke read a list of levies.

Judy Zamlen-Spotts asked how much of a surplus the Police had in their budget. Carryover into 2019 was $576,000; they would be in a deficit in 2021.

2018-334. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the adoption of the following resolution declaring it necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation: Be it resolved, by the Board of Trustees of Chester Township, Geauga County, Ohio, two-thirds of all members elected thereto concurring, that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation for the benefit of Chester Township for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads and bridges in municipal corporations, counties, or townships pursuant to Section 5705.19(G) of the Ohio Revised Code, and such levy is a renewal of an existing 1.0 mill road and bridge levy, at a rate not exceeding 1.0 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 0.10 for each hundred dollars of valuation for a continuing period of time, which levy is a renewal of an existing levy of 1.0 mills first voted on in 2004, first due in calendar year 2019. Mr. Rogish seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Radtke, yes; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

Mike Petruziello asked how many Road Department levies are already continuing. The Trustees said that this would be the first one. It would generate $345,741.00.

2018-335. Mr. Radtke moved to appoint Greg Poe to a position on the West Geauga Community Joint Recreational District Board for the term expiring April 30, 2021. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-336. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the use of the west pavilion at Parkside Park on July 8, 2018 from 11 AM to 4 PM for a birthday party. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-337. Mr. Radtke moved to provide police service to assist with pedestrian traffic from 8 AM to 2 PM for the upcoming August 18 Historical Foundation flea market community event. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Township Park

The Chester Township Park District, who originally oversaw Parkside Park, proposed a Memorandum of Understanding which would allow them to work with the Trustee liaison to help monitor conditions, make recommendations and obtain pricing for park-related items. Trustee Mazzurco had a company come out to the park and assess safety issues that needed to be addressed. The Park District would assist the Park liaison, currently Trustee Mazzurco, as the responsibility is too much for one person to handle.

Mike Petruziello asked for a copy of the Memorandum. Judy Zamlen-Spotts asked if Mr. Mazzurco was paid when he had done prior work for the park. Trustee Mazzurco respond yes; his company bid on the work and won the bid. Mr. Radtke asked if a Memorandum with the Park District was necessary, as the Park District was currently helping the Trustees. Mr. Mazzurco said the memorandum stated that the Park District would view the property and bring bids to the Trustees. Mike Petruziello asked why they weren’t volunteering their help. Joe Weiss said the Park District is willing to help the Trustees on a formal basis. The Memorandum would be valid for one year. Mr. Radtke was concerned with the Probate Court’s involvement, with all the past issues they experienced. Trustee Radtke wanted to protect the assets of the Township. Would the Memorandum open that door again? The Park District would lose 1545 funding if they converted to a 511.

Mr. Petruziello stated the Park District made personal accusations against him to the school district that were false. He found it disingenuous that the Park District would not operate as citizen volunteers but would perform the work only as a 1545.

Judy Zamlen-Spotts asked Mr. Mazzurco if any of the Park District commissioners supported his campaign. Mr. Mazzurco answered yes, as other citizens in Chesterland had also supported his campaign.

Dal Lanese did not like the Memorandum idea; she found it “really fishy”.

Ven Paoletto asked if the Memorandum had been run by legal. The Prosecutor’s office reviewed and commented on it. Mrs. Paoletto pointed out that the language stated the Memorandum would renew automatically. Mr. Radtke preferred to have the term renew on an annual basis.

Mr. Rogish’s concern was a repeat of what the Township went through in the past with legal fees. He was assured by the Prosecutor that since no money would be exchanged, she was confident that third party interference would not be effective in this arrangement.

Judy Zamlen-Spotts said you’re being used as a vehicle to allow grants to come through you. It was similar to the Veterans Administration when they work with Purple Heart Homes. There is definitely an exchange of money here, she stated.

Joe Weiss said that was untrue. They could not get grants on their own, for land owned by the Township; the Township would have to approve. The Park District would not have any control over dollars. He repeated that all they wanted was to help the Trustees.

Mike Petruziello said if Mr. Weiss and the Committee are that passionate about helping, they would do it as volunteers, not as a 1545. They are still under Judge Grendell’s control and sooner or later the Township would be back in court again. He felt that the Judge would find something to come after the Township for.

2018-338. Mr. Radtke moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding presented by the Park District to help assist the Township Park liaison. This document has been reviewed by the Geauga County Prosecutor. Mr. Rogish seconded. Mr. Radtke, no; Mr. Rogish, yes; Mr. Mazzurco, yes. Motion passed.

Mr. Radtke’s opposition was due to past experience and adversarial history with the Probate Court.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee met on June 26. Mr. Radtke encouraged those present to attend the meetings and spread the word. The meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The next meeting would be on July 24.

Financial Items

2018-339. Mr. Radtke moved to approve the following intra-fund transfers as listed below. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-341. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign the EFT direct deposit transactions as listed below. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Payroll Date

Starting Transaction

Ending Transaction

2018-342. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign the following checks as listed below. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

2018-343. Mr. Radtke moved to approve and sign the following withholding vouchers as listed below. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Fiscal Officer’s Report

The EMS funds are now being deposited into business checking. The HRA account is now inactive as HRA billing goes into the main business banking account. Mr. Richter wanted to close the EMS account and move the funds into business banking which will then be swept into the investment account. The HRA account has a zero balance and will be closed. A CD of cancelled checks has been supplied by First National Bank at an extra charge of $25.00 per month; the checks appear in the statements as well. The CD would be discontinued.

2018-344. Mr. Radtke moved to make the following changes to the bank accounts with First National Bank. Mr. Rogish seconded. Vote unanimous; motion passed.

Close account 95025033 titled EMS Rescue Close account 95025032 titled HRA health Remove the CD submittal

Open/Ongoing Items Newsletter – samples of area newsletters had been provided by Mr. Rogish for the other Trustees to view.

Exit interview policy – most of the old Chapter 11 of the policy manual is in the new policy manual, in different spots.

Upcoming Items/Deadlines Mr. Richter reported that the 2019 tax budget would be submitted to the County over the weekend.

August 14, 2018 10:50 AM – budget hearings at the County

Discussions Naming a Township park – the Girl Scouts have been put in contact with the Historical Society to obtain a history of the 80 acre parcel. The Salamone family had also been contacted to get in touch with the Scouts.

Don Rice, Superintendent, Metzenbaum Center wanted to appear at a Trustee meeting to make a presentation. Mr. Radtke would provide Mr. Rice with a meeting schedule.

Mr. Richter discussed election costs with putting levies on the ballot. It costs approximately $15,000.00 to the Township whenever there are levies and/or elected officials on the ballot. The thought was to look into continuing levies in the off years and other levies on the ballot when elected officials are up for reelection. It would save $15,000.00 every other year.

Reena Kanner thanked the Trustees, the Police Department and the community for their efforts and support of the USO on Saturday’s Fill-A-Cruiser event. The next event would be held on June 29, 2019.

Executive session

2018-345. Mr. Radtke moved to enter into executive session at 7:53 PM pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G) (4), preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment; and 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.

The Fiscal Officer and Police Chief were invited into the executive session. Chief Purchase left the executive session at 8:35, and the board reentered public session at 8:55 PM. A sick leave policy would be put on an agenda for discussion.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Radtke adjourned the meeting at 8:55 P.M.

http://www.chestertwp.com/Portals/11/resources/documents/minutes/2018/070518%20minutes.pdf