the Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, August 18, 1998 at 8:00 PM in the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Edwin H. Humphrey called the meeting to order. The pledge of allegiance was given. Chairperson Humphrey made a motion to appoint David Duckworth, Miami Township Administrator, as acting Clerk. Mrs. Jean Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE." Mr. Duckworth called the roll. Attending were; Edwin H. Humphrey, Joseph W. Uecker and Jean Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the corrected July 21st, 1998 and the August 04, 1998 meeting minutes. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Humphrey introduced Alicia L. Battelle of Girl Scout Troop 1090. Miss Battelle stated her troop is working on attaining the Gold Award, which is the highest honor in Girl Scouts. As part of the requirements, they need a 50 hour community project. Troop 1090 has chosen building a gazebo as their project. They presented the Board with a letter outlining the project and sponsorship funding. The estimated cost is $4,210.00. The Troop would like the Board to grant approval for placement of the gazebo on either side of the lake at the Miami Meadows Park. Miami Township Service Director, Walter Fischer stated he has met with the Girl Scouts and they have selected two possible sites in the park. The Board members approved the placement of the gazebo in the park.
Chairperson Humphrey introduced Boy Scouts from Troop 621. They were attending the meeting in the quest to earn a communications merit badge.
Fire and EMS Chief, James Whitworth presented the July 1998 activity report for the departments. He noted the preparations continue for the Lieutenant’s selection process. Chairperson Humphrey noted the report shows a commendable increase in the number of new inspections, re-inspections and public education hours year to date.
Director of Planning and Zoning, Larry Fronk presented his department report. He noted he attended a training workshop on July 21st related to the LUCA Program. The Census Bureau local maps are missing a large number of streets in Miami Township, so the job of updating will take more time than originally anticipated.
Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey presented the Police Department report for July. He reported that K-9 Officer Lucky was injured last night while in pursuit. He had to have emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen. He will recover and be able to return to duty. He noted on July 29th, the Department received $32,250.00 as the first reimbursement from the Department of Justice COPS Program.
Service Director, Walter Fischer presented the Service and Parks reports for July. He noted the paving pipe replacement project is nearing completion and the Sign Truck is completed and in service. He noted the cemetery receipts for July were $2,101.00. The Trustees commended Mr. Fischer and the Service Department employees for the excellent job they did in getting the park soccer fields ready for last weekends tournament. Mr. Fischer noted the walking trail in Miami Meadows Park is completed. The park is not officially open, however the gates are open due to continuing construction. The Trustees discussed possible safety problems with people going into the park before it is officially opened.
Mr. Michael E. Gilligan of 5741 Lindaway Drive (last house bordering the park) stated effective this past week end he and his neighbors lost the use of their backyard privacy. There was continual traffic on Park Drive early morning until dark Saturday and Sunday. The noise and dust were unbearable. He asked that the sound barrier be erected before the park opens. Mr. Duckworth and Mr. Fischer discussed the fact there was no consensus for the construction of a sound barrier wall. Mrs. Schmidt asked that Mr. Gilligan obtain signatures of at least 95 percent of the residents whose property abuts the park with their preference…a tree line or a solid sound barrier. Mrs. Schmidt also voiced concerns regarding the impact a privacy fence would have on the affected residential property value and asked Mr. Gilligan to contact a realtor.
Cynthia Kegley of 1548 ST RT 131 stated she has no barrier between her property and the park. She stated she felt a mound with a planting of shrubs on top would be a solution to the privacy issue.
Mr. Duckworth read a notice of public hearing. The Board of Commissioners of Clermont County, Ohio, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 23, 1998 at 2:00 P.M. for the purpose of collecting evidence with regard to the costs and benefits of maintaining a land registration system in the county.
Mr. Duckworth read a notice from the Clermont County Auditor, Linda L. Fraley advising the Clermont County Budget Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of reviewing the 1999 Budgets and review of the estimated 1999 Local Government and Local Government Revenue Assistance Funds on Thursday, August 20, 1998 at 10:00A.M.
Mr. Duckworth read a notice from the Clermont County Auditor, Linda L. Fraley with a copy of the minutes from the Tax Incentive Review Council meeting on June 9, 1998.
Mr. Duckworth read a notice the Clermont County Planning Commission will meet August 25, 1998 at 5:00 P.M. to act on The Preserve at Webers Run, Phase One-Formal Plan.
Mr. Duckworth read a letter from Dawn and Mark Woodruff expressing gratitude for a job well done on July 18th by the Miami Township Fire and EMS Department.
Mr. Duckworth read a letter directed to the residents of Oakland Subdivision from James A. Miller regarding the petition presented to the Board at the August 4, 1998 meeting.
Mr. Duckworth reviewed a memo updating the Board on the August 9, 1998 meeting with representatives from township police, fire/EMS, service and zoning to discuss the complaint filed by the residents of Oakland Drive. Every department made an inspection of the subdivision . The trailer and port-a-let have been moved off the roadway. Mr. Bill Hines, who is the developer, has agreed to clean the mud and dirt off the street and has stated his company will pay for an additional ½ inch of asphalt on Oakland Drive. Estimated cost is $7,500.00 for a 2 inch asphalt overlay. (recommended by Mr. Fischer) If Oakland Drive is to remain the construction entrance to Millbrook Farms-Phase III, Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board add Oakland Drive to the 1998 paving program. Miami Township Attorney, John Korfhagen discussed the legal rights of the Township regarding regulating use of certain streets by vehicles, streetcars, or trackless trolleys ( ORC 4511.07) when signs giving notice are posted. The Trustees determined to continue allowing Oakland Drive to remain the construction entrance to Millbrook Farms-Phase III and to approve the paving of Oakland Drive via change order to the 1998 contract.
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board reschedule the Hunter’s Valley-Cottontail Drive Lighting District Hearing from September 1, 1998 to September 15, 1998. There has been some difficulty in obtaining the names and addresses of all property owners for notification. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold the Public Hearing of the Hunter’s Valley-Cottontail Drive Lighting District request on September 15, 1998 .
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board, Zoning Case #431 has been continued until September 15, 1998.
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board, a Public Meeting will be held September 24, 1998, 6:30 P.M. at the Boyd E. Smith School, sponsored by the Clermont County Water and Sewer District.
Mr. Duckworth reported to the Board an update on progress with the Lemming House project. Three firms submitted proposals for the project. Mr. Fischer and Mr. Duckworth met with each of the firms pursuant to the ORC 153.67. He recommended selection of Inglert & Kolber as the Architect/Engineer for the Lemming House project. A fee of $27,127.00 has been negotiated. This equates to approximately 7% of the estimated cost of the project. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to enter into a contract on behalf of the Township with Inglert & Kolber as Architect/Engineer for the Lemming House project at a fee of $27,127.00. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 121 checks numbered from 67111 to 67231 for a total amount of $186,160.13 plus the August 14,1998 payroll and taxes in the amount of $143,966.34. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the July financial reports to the Board.
Chief Jim Whitworth advised the Board he has been approached by the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Southwest Ohio District Director, David Price of Xenia, Ohio to serve on the legislative committee. The position will involve about four meeting per year, usually in the Columbus area. If the Board approves, Chief Whitworth plans to accept the appointment. The Board approved.
Chief Whitworth reported Miami Township was well represented and made a positive contribution to the outcome at the August 7th Auxier Gas Company explosion and major fire. He stated he was proud of everyone’s effort.
Mr. Fischer presented the Board with a request to lower the speed limit on Cottontail Drive (T-2287) to 25 miles per hour. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-23 establishing a 25 miles per hour speed limit on Cottontail Drive (T-2287),from Cook Road to.476 mile. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented a request from Chief Whitworth for the Board to grant conditional employment to Jonathan Pawlak and Maria Gonzalez, candidates seeking part-time employment with the Fire and EMS Department. Mr. Uecker made a motion to extend a conditional offer of part-time employment in the Fire and EMS Department to candidates Jonathan Pawlak and Maria Gonzalez. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board approval of the Information Services Manager job description. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the job description for the position of Information Services Manager as presented. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented a request from Chief Bailey requesting the Board grant conditional employment to Diane Slagle and Lisa Doss, candidates seeking employment with the Police Department. Ms. Slagle is a candidate for the full-time Records Clerk position and Ms. Doss is a candidate for the part-time Records Clerk position. Mr. Uecker made a motion to extend an offer of conditional employment to Police Department Records Clerk candidates Diane Slagle and Lisa Doss. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented a request from Larry Fronk for approval to hire a second part-time Zoning Inspector. The inspector would work approximately 20 hours per week. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize a second part-time Zoning Inspector position. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to establish Saturday, October 31, 1998 from 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. for Halloween Trick or Treat in Miami Township. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the Fall Clean-Up program for Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. each day. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve holding the Fall Free Garage Sale Weekend October 2nd,3rd and 4th,1998. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold the Township Auction October 3, 1998 beginning at 9:00 A.M. and authorize Mr. Duckworth to initiate proceedings for the auction. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Fischer presented the Board with a change order for the building project at the Miami Meadows Park. Cinergy has required a Pull Box for the underground wiring at a cost of $2463.54. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the change order for a Pull Box at a cost of $2463.54. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth to apply for the Safe Communities Grant. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
There were no public comments.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Issues pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) and to discuss Pending Litigation pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(3). Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize the hiring of five (5) full-time Firefighter/Paramedics to fill the open full and part-time positions. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. John Korfhagen to proceed with the motion to vacate the arbitrator’s decision in the Jim Young case. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting at 11:10 P.M
ATTEST________________________________________________________________
David Duckworth, Acting Clerk
Edwin H. Humphrey, Chairperson