The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday, February 18, 1997 at 8:00 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Jean Schmidt called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. In attendance were; Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph Uecker.
Ed Humphrey made a motion to approve the February 04,1997 Board of Trustee Meeting minutes. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Police Chief R. Steven Bailey presented the Police Departments’ Officer of the Month Award for January to Officer William Paul.
Chief Bailey presented the Meritorious Service Commendation to Miami Township Police Explorer, Jamie Schoenwetter for services performed while on duty, January 05, 1997.
Fire Chief, James Whitworth presented the Board the January Department activity report. Of special notice, the replacement of the basement sewage sump at the North Station has begun. Other items of note during January included a multiple casualty incident at Kroger’s (25 victims; 5 transported) due to pepper gas release.
Police Chief Bailey presented the January Police Department report. Of special note; there has been a notable decrease in property damage offenses, however the number of theft offenses has increased. The Department has continued the recruitment process for new officers.
Service Director, Walter Fischer presented the Service Department report for January. Mr. Fischer advised the Board, Beech Road is now open on a temporary basis. The final asphalt work, seeding and minor ditch grading will be finished when weather permits.
Gloria Condelles, Zoning Director presented the January Zoning Report.
Mr. Ferry read Resolution Number 20-97 from the Clermont County Board of Commissioners resolving to initiate vacating procedures for the remaining portion of Green Alley situated within the Unincorporated Village of Mulberry in Miami Township.
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth recommended the Board approve and appoint as Probationary Police Officers, Mr. Steven Burgess with an effective employment date of March 11, 1997 and Mr. Michael Noble with an effective employment date of March 10,1997. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to appoint as Temporary Police Officers, Mr. Steven Burgess with an effective employment date of March 11, 1997 and Mr. Michael Noble with an effective employment date of March 10, 1997. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with Resolution 97-10 authorizing a tax abatement to R.C. Billiter Associates, Inc. Ed Humphrey made a motion to adopt Resolution 97-10 authorizing a 60 % tax abatement on real property for a period of five (5) years to R.C.Billiter Associates, Inc. through the Rural Enterprise Zone Legislation. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a recommendation from Chief Whitworth to reject the Fire Pumper Bid received on February 04, 1997. The next action will be a re-bidding process that will take place within the next two months. Reason for rejection is the bid exceeded a reasonable price established by the Fire Department and the design did not comply with the specifications. Joe Uecker made a motion to reject any and all bids for the Fire Pumper. Ed Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board explore the possibilities of changing the proposed location of the tennis courts at the community park before putting the project out for bidding. The Board authorized Mr. Duckworth to have the architect submit revised designs for the tennis courts for review at a later Board meeting.
Mr. Duckworth reported the Township Service and Safety Committee has met and began discussions on a Solid Waste District for Miami Township. It will be a couple of months before the committee is ready to offer a recommendation.
Mr. Odell Owens of 1143 Tarkington Lane registered a drainage complaint in January. The Township Service Director has determined the subject ditch is part of a natural drainage feature. The matter has been referred to the Clermont County Engineer for review.
Mr. Duckworth reported on the discussion with the Miami Township Zoning Commission regarding the language of the zoning resolution pertaining to telecommunication towers. The Commission is interested in obtaining information on telecommunication towers. Mr. Duckworth advised this will take some time to compile.
Joe Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including checks numbered 61676 to 64090 for a total amount of $702,386.70. Ed Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Fischer presented the Board with a resolution to authorize the Township to sell road salt to the Milford Exempted School District. Ed Humphrey made a motion to adopt Resolution 97-08 authorizing David Duckworth, on behalf of the Township, to enter into a contract for the sale of road salt to the Milford Exempted School District. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Fischer reported on a problem of mud on Township roads from building contractors. We have had an increase of complaints recently. Mr. Fischer requested authority to notify all developers that mud tracked out on township roads will not be tolerated and is in violation of O.R.C. 5589.10. It was determined a decision on this matter be tabled until legal counsel is present which will be at the March 04,1997 meeting.
Mr. Fischer requested authorization to solicit bids for Ground Maintenance of Township Parks, Cemeteries and Administration Buildings. Joe Uecker made a motion to authorize the solicitation of bids for the Ground Maintenance of Township Parks, Cemeteries and Administration Buildings for 1997 with the bid opening on March 18,1997 at 8:30 PM. Ed Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Ed Humphrey made a motion to hold a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees on March 18, 1997 at 7:00 PM for the Public Hearing of Zoning Case # 424. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a recommendation from Police Chief Bailey regarding the promotion of Officer Mark Ziegelemeyer to Police Sergeant effective February 23, 1997. Ed Humphrey made a motion to promote Officer Mark Ziegelemeyer to Probationary Police Sergeant effective February 23, 1997. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Chris Shad of 5958 Creekview Drive commented on the problem of mud on the roadways.
There were no other public comments.
Joe Uecker made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Matter pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1). Ed Humphrey seconded the motion.. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Ed Humphrey made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Joe Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
Joe Uecker made a motion to authorize Fire Chief Jim Whitworth to investigate allegations of misconduct against Al Carrier, part time firefighter paramedic. Ed Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE".
With no further business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 9:35 PM.
ATTEST______________________________________________CLERK, ERIC C. FERRY
______________________________________________CHAIRPERSON, JEAN SCHMIDT