The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, April 22, 1998 at 8:00 PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson, Edwin H. Humphrey called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. In attendance were: Chairperson, Edwin H. Humphrey, Vice Chairperson, Joseph W. Uecker and Trustee, Jean Schmidt.
Miami Township Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey, swore in new Police Officers, Thomas D. Risk and Nick L. Colliver. They were welcomed by the Board.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the April 07, 1998 Public Hearing and Trustee meeting minutes as presented. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Fire Chief, Jim Whitworth presented the March activity report. He noted that FF/EMTP Lynn Hausman is still off due to a knee injury with an anticipated return to work in September. New employee, Mike Holloway has completed all post offer examinations and will begin orientation on April 22, 1998. He also noted all 17 senior Knox Boxes have been installed. He also reviewed activity generated by the April 16, 1998 flood. He extended thanks to the Service Department and Police Department for their assistance.
Larry Fronk, Planning and Zoning Director presented the March report. Mr. Fronk noted he has completed digitizing the Zoning Resolution and has reformatted approximately half the Resolution. He anticipates completing the reformatting within the next two weeks. Total fees collected for March were $6,521.75.
Police Chief, R. S. Bailey presented the March Police Department report. He reported a good turn out for the open house of the new Community Police Center at the annex building. The Trustees and the Clerk complimented Chief Bailey and his department on the improvements made at the annex.
Mrs. Schmidt noted there will be a Community Issues Forum at 7:00 PM at Live Oaks on May 5, 1998. The focus will be the results of community surveys conducted in March.
Service Director, Walter Fischer presented the Service and Park report for March. Mr. Fischer noted this is the first report using the new software. He noted the FEMA projected have been completed on Dry Run Road. Baseball field upgrades began at the Paxton Ramsey Park. The Township pipe report is completed. Mr. Uecker requested an update of a request for assistance made by a resident at the last Board meeting.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from State Representative Sam Bateman to Mr. Mike Cook, Land Management Section Administrator of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Bateman requested consideration of Miami Township for the Nature Works grant (4th Round). The funding would assist the Township in the construction of a new restroom/concession facility at the Miami Meadows Park.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Auditor. The notice stated the Clermont County Budget Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 06, 1998 at 2:00 PM in the Clermont County Administration Building for the purpose of considering the Budget of the Clermont County Board of Health.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Department of Community Planning and Development advising the staff will consider the Torrey Place design plan April 21,1998 at 9:30 AM.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Henry C. Dolive, Anderson Township Administrator. The letter is addressed to Jean Schmidt. Mr. Dolive advised Mrs. Schmidt that Anderson Township has recently been named in two lawsuits and has in turn, filed for restraining orders to stop the construction of telecommunication towers until the local zoning process is followed. Mr. Dolive requested the Township contact there state senators and representatives to ask them to communicate to ODOT that their (ODOT'S) actions do not reflect the legislative intent of ORC 5501.311. He also asked if the Township would be willing to consider sharing in the cost of this legal action.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Linda Pennington regarding the Stand for Children Program. The second annual Stand for Children organizational meeting will be held April 23, 1998 at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Safety Center on Lebanon Road. The rally will be held June 7, 1998.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Lori Deatherage of 6521 Arborcrest Drive Loveland, Ohio. Mrs. Deatherage expressed her concerns regarding speeding motorists on Arborcrest Drive. She stated her concern for the safety of her 11 year old ,visually impaired child when he is outside playing. She requested the Police do more to help enforce the posted speed limit.
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that a petition for the establishment of a street lighting district for the Torrey Pines Subdivision has been received. The petition is signed by a majority of the lot owners within the subdivision. Mrs. Sharon Gordon of 6092 Balsam Drive came forward to speak on behalf of the lot owners. She requested the Board approve a street lighting district for Torrey Pines. Mr. Uecker made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-11providing for the procurement of a street lighting system for the Torrey Pines subdivision. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with additional information on the Community Development Block Grant Project. One of the requirements was to hire a consultant for the program. Mr. Mark Burgess of 5852 Winchester Drive has been hired. Mr. Burgess presented an overview of his ideas for the project. Mr. Burgess will present each proposed improvement with estimated costs.
Mr. Duckworth presented a report of comments generated by the newsletter article on an exclusive garbage contract. Mr. Duckworth recommended a professional survey of the Township residents should be conducted. The Board concurred.
Mr. Ferry presented information requested by the Board for off-site records storage. The estimate sets the cost at under $1,000.00 for a year. Mr. Ferry also requested the Township hire a temporary filing clerk for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, 24 hours per week at $8-$8.50 per hour.
Mr. Fischer presented an estimate for the cost of installing a frontage drain tile on Miami Valley Drive. Mr. Fischer estimated 30 hours of labor and materials would cost $2700.00.
Chairperson Humphrey announced the Public Hearing of Zoning Case #433 will continue at the next regular Trustee meeting on May 5, 1998.
Chairperson Humphrey announced the Township wide Free Yard Sale Week-end will be April 24-26, 1998.
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board, Spring Clean Up will be held May 1st and 2nd from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day. Township personnel will be on hand to assist the residents.
Chairperson Humphrey advised the Board the Public Hearing of Zoning Case #431 has been extended to June 16, 1998 at 7:30 PM.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 110 checks numbered from 66263 to 66372 for a total amount of $241,665.57, plus pay the payroll and payroll taxes for April 10 and April 24, 1998 totaling $272,430.76. Total expenditures: $514,096.33. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry presented the Board with the March 1998 Financial Statements. The Board members requested a more condensed statement in future months.
Fire and EMS Chief, Jim Whitworth requested authorization to solicit bids for a Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacer/Pulse Oximeter unit. The estimated cost for this items is $18,500.00. The department has secured funding via a EMS grant for $4,500.00 towards the unit . The department also has a unit to trade in at $3,500.00. The final cost for this item will be an estimated $10,500.00. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize the Township Administrator to solicit bids for the Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacer/ Pulce Oximeter unit. Bids are due May 19,1998 with bid opening at 8:00 PM, May 19, 1998. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Walter Fischer requested authorization to solicit bids for Playground Equipment for the Miami Meadows Park. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize the Township Administrator to solicit bids for the Playground Equipment for the Miami Meadows Park. Bids are due May 19, 1998 with bid opening at 8:30 PM on May 19, 1998.
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a request from Mr. Fischer to promote Jeff Kidder from Maintenance Worker 3 to Maintenance Worker 4 with an hourly rate of $12.85. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to promote Jeff Kidder from Maintenance Worker 3 to Maintenance Worker 4 effective immediately. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a request from Chief Whitworth to fill the vacant Lieutenant position and to create a new Lieutenant position. The promotion process will be; written examination, department officer's interview, assessment center, trustee interview. Current full time employees with one year of service, Fire Fighter II and Paramedic Certifications, and three years experience will be eligible to take part in the process. Mr. Uecker made a motion to fill the vacant Lieutenant position through the regular employment procedure. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize the creation of a new Lieutenant position in the Fire/EMS department and to begin the hiring process. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth asked that the EMS Billing Agreement discussion be tabled until the next regular meeting. The Board concurred.
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board set a date for the Grand Opening of Miami Meadows Park. He suggested a possible date of September 19, 1998. Mr. Duckworth also suggested possible hiring the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening concert at a cost of $15,000.00 and ending with a 10-15 minute fireworks show at a cost of $15,000.00. Mr. Duckworth stated he would solicit funding for this event from the companies that have been granted tax abatements. He stated that Mary Wolf has agreed she would head up a committee to plan activities for the opening. The Board requested Mr. Duckworth obtain additional information and report back at a later meeting.
Mr. Duckworth reminded the Board the League of Women Voters meeting will be holding a meeting on April 28, 1998, 6:30 PM at Mill Street Manor in Milford. The topic will be a discussion of various options for dealing with growth and development in Clermont County.
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with information on a payroll deduction program for the purpose of purchasing pre-paid tuition credits through the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. There is no cost to the Township. Mr. Duckworth recommended the program be offered to Miami Township full time employees. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize implementation of a payroll deduction program for the purpose of purchasing pre-paid tuition credits through the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Also authorizing Mr. Duckworth to sign any required agreements for the program on behalf of the Board. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt brought forth information on a special savings program (similar to a 401K) now available to public employees. There is a start up cost to set up the payroll deduction program. Mr. Duckworth will obtain additional information on the program and report at a later meeting.
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he had received a petition for the creation of a street lighting district for Deerhaven. He requested a date for a public hearing. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold a public hearing on the Deerhaven Street Lighting District during the regularly scheduled meeting of May 19, 1998. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth discussed the OPWC grant for the Dry Run Road bank stabilization requirement that the Township use the Clermont County Engineer for consulting and engineering services. Miami Township Attorney, John Korfhagen recommended entering into an agreement with the Clermont County Board of Commissioners to meet this requirement. Mr. Korfhagen recommended that Mr. Uecker not participate in the vote. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to enter into an agreement with the Clermont County Board of Commissioners to be in compliance with the ORC 5573.01 concerning the OPWC grant for Dry Run Road bank stabilization engineering. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mr. Uecker abstained from voting.
Mr. Duckworth congratulated Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey on being elected President of the 119th Class at the School of Police Command.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G) (3). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no further business to come before the Board, Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting at 1:29 AM.
ATTEST: ______________________________________________________________ Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Edwin H. Humphrey, Chairperson