The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, October 20, 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. Attending were Edwin H. Humphrey, Joseph W. Uecker, and Jean Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 06, 1998 meeting. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Miami Township Fire Chief, James Whitworth presented the September activity report for the Fire and EMS department. He noted the old wooden turn out gear lockers were replaced with an open rack system at the Central and South stations. He noted that Miami Township Fire and EMS has received approval as an EMT training site.
Mr. Larry Fronk, Miami Township Planning and Zoning director presented his written report for September. He advised the Trustees that he had completed interviews for the part-time zoning inspector position and has made a recommendation to the Township Administrator. He also noted he has completed the local census address update. He found 731 addresses in the Township not on the census listing. The information has been forwarded to the Census Bureau.
Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey presented the Police department activity report for September. He suggested the Trustees, at their convenience, read pages 3 through 8 of the report regarding the Community Policing Bureau activities. On the 17th of November the Citizens Police Academy graduation will be held.
Walter Fischer, Service Director presented the Service, Cemetery and Parks report for September. He noted the resurfacing project has been completed. Jeff Weigel finished 2nd in the Clermont County Snow Plow competition. The Miami Meadow concession/restroom project is progressing on schedule. The Cemetery collected $4828.85 in lot sales and funerals in September.
Mr. Ferry read two notices from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. One notice was for Robert Dunbar & Co Inc dba Greenies at 1079A-B SR 28 in Miami Township and the second notice was for Lykins C Stores Inc 1164-1248 US 50 in Miami Township. There were no objections and not hearing requested.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Clermont County Board of County Commissioners. The agency review meeting is scheduled for October 20, 1998 at 10:00 AM.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Board of County Commissioners advising receipt of the Bridgehaven Subdivision design and formal review on October 27, 1998 at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Cincinnati Capital Properties thanking the Trustees for approving the enterprise zone tax abatement for the Attachmate project.
Mr. Duckworth, Miami Township Administrator informed the Board that representatives from Multifold were present to answer questions and concerns regarding their tax abatement. Mr. Richard Douglas of Flach Douglas & Co.,LPA re-stated the request to have the tax abatement currently granted to Multifold International transferred to IPBM Real Estate Co. Mr. Douglas introduced Mr. Hugh A. "Bud" Mc Adam III, President of International Paper Box Machine Co. ,Inc. Mr. Douglas presented an overview of the company’s history and plans for the future. Chairperson Humphrey requested clarification of the relationship between Multifold, IPBM and IPBM Real Estate companies. Mr. Douglas explained that Multifold and IPBM merged. When refinancing this year, the IPBM Real Estate Company was created as a wholly owned subsidiary of IPBM. Mrs. Schmidt voiced her concerns; "My biggest fear with this particular abatement request is our ability to retain the integrity of the abatement process in the future. The incentive program in Ohio will sunset next year. It’s a five year ability to offer incentives to get business and industry into Ohio and to keep it out of Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Four years ago, I was very, very active in begging the State legislature to continue the abatement process and one of their chief concerns was job promises’ versus job retention. Two weeks ago I echoed my concerns that you had promised 58 jobs and we started out with 38 and are now down to 35. Today I had the luxury of being with Speaker Davidson for a little over an hour and a half at a meeting at the Midland Corporation with a group of people regarding some infrastructure improvements with the County. These were road project improvements. Speaker Davidson along with members of the Ohio Leadership were there to listen to our pleas. Out of the clear blue sky, with no provocation by any member in attendance, Speaker Davidson talked about the sunset of the incentive program and she cautioned us at the table regarding some of the legislators concerns with the program, especially in two areas; job promises versus the job number kept and re-assignments. She said that when they look at reissuing the incentive program at the State next year, they are going to look at communities like ours with a microscope and see if we have complied with the concerns that were addressed four years ago. I’m very concerned because you’re only at 35 maybe 36 employees and when we started this five years ago you were at 38. You’re saying you hope to have 40 pretty soon, maybe by the year’s end. That’s a far cry from what was promised. I also have to look at what’s in the best interest of this community. Both in the short and the long run. One of the things that we always hope occurs with tax abatements is that the companies will come forth and do something philanthropic for the community albeit taking on a clean up project on a highway or putting money into a good cause through the schools or the police department or the fire department or something like that. I have checked and I have not seen any visual philanthropic activity from Multifold International. I’m very uncomfortable in granting this request. Quite frankly, on the personal property, we have one year to go on it and they’ve met that goal. I don’t mind a re-assignment for that but I do mind a re-assignment for the real estate because in a year I’m going to go back before the State Legislature and beg for the incentive projects to continue in Ohio because they are important to our future and I don’t want to have to go up there and explain this because I’m not comfortable with it." Mr. Uecker stated; "Not an easy issue. Jean, I understand what you’re saying and I agree with pretty much of your points as well. Two weeks ago, my major concern or problem with assignments is often the case what we’re seeing is where a company is given an incentive to come into our community and be members of our community and then the owner sells out, takes the money and runs. The other company comes in and asked for the same incentive. In my mind at that time it’s no longer an incentive, it’s a subsidy and I have a major problem with that." Chairperson Humphrey reviewed the original abatement commitments. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to deny the request to assign the Multifold International real estate and personal property tax abatements to IPBM Real Estate Co. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that Mr. Fischer has recommended entering into a contract with Pioneer Fence Supply Company in the amount of $35,910.00 for the Linda Way Privacy Fence Project. Mr. Duckworth requested authorization to enter into a contract on behalf of the Board. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth, on behalf of the Board, to enter into a contract with Pioneer Fence Supply Company in the amount of $35,910.00 for the Linda Way Privacy Fence Project. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that Mr. Fischer has recommended entering into a contract with Donohoo and Associates in the amount of $48,000.00 for the Miami Meadows Playground Observation Area and Sandbox Project. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize Mr. Duckworth, on behalf of the Board, to enter into a contract with Donohoo and Associates in the amount of $48,000.00 for the Miami Meadows Playground Observation Area and Sandbox Project. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Humphrey continued the Public Hearing on the request for a street lighting district at the Woods at Miami Trails, Section 5/6/7. Mr. Duckworth reviewed the lighting placement plan from Cinergy. The light that was in question is not in the final plan. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-31 providing for the procurement of a street lighting system for The Woods at Miami Trails- Sections 5,6, and 7. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Humphrey reminded the Board that Halloween Trick or Treat will be celebrated in Miami Township on Saturday, October 31 from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 85 checks numbered from 67676 to 67760 in the amount of $87,588.47 plus the October 9, 1998 payroll and taxes in the amount of $137,671.35. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry presented the September Financial Statements to the Board.
Mr. Duckworth reported he has received a request regarding the assignment of tax abatement incentives currently granted to Technology Flavors and Fragrances (TFF) to MANE-Seafla. MANE-Seafla has recently acquired TFF’s seasonings division. TFF has met the personal property investment commitment and the real estate investment. The employment commitment was for 31 jobs, they currently employ 26 with a high level of 28. The original agreement was granted to Seafla,Inc. on April 6, 1993. It was reassigned to TFF. The Board members discussed their concerns about reassigning this abatement, again. It was discussed that the abatement process was created to bring new business, jobs and growth to the area. While the original real estate investment and personal property investment commitments have been met, the Board determined that reassigning the tax abatement would not be in the best interest of the Township or the tax abatement program. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to deny the request for reassignment of tax abatement incentives from Technology Flavors and Fragrances to MANE-Seafla. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has been notified by the Clermont County Enterprise Zone Manager that the Henry P. Thompson Company, located at 501 TechneCenter Drive is planning to relocate to the City of Milford. They currently lease space in Park 50. They have requested a tax abatement from the City of Milford thus a relocation waiver is needed before the abatement request can be considered by the Milford City Council. Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board not object to the relocation. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to grant a relocation waiver to the Henry P. Thompson Company. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with personnel actions for consideration. part-time FF/Medic David Hoffman has submitted a letter of resignation. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to accept the resignation of Fire Fighter/Paramedic David Hoffman. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
There are 8 candidates in consideration for 5 full-time FireFighter/Paramedic positions and 3 candidates for the Information Services Manager position. The Board needs to set a date for interviews.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to schedule a Special Meeting on Friday, October 30, 1998 at 8:30 AM at the Miami Township Civic Building for the purpose of interviewing candidates for positions currently open and any other business that may come before the Township. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth submitted a request from Chief Whitworth to give the part-time Fire/EMS personnel a four percent pay increase. The last increase for this group was August , 1997. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-35 providing for pay increases for various part-time Township employees. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth submitted a request from Mr. Fischer to remove John Zellner from probationary employment status and placed into regular employment status with a pay rate increase to $16.20 per hour.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to remove John Zellner from probationary employment status and place him into regular employment status with a pay increase to $16.20 per hour. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with a request from Mr. Fronk to offer conditional employment as a part-time zoning inspector to Mr. Fred Humphries. Mr. Uecker made a motion to extend a conditional offer of employment as a part-time zoning inspector to Fred Humphries. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adjust the starting hourly rate for Lisa Doss and Diane Slage as Police Department Records Clerk to $10.82. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
The Board recently approved the promotion of Barry Mesley and Steve Monterosso as Fire/EMS Lieutenant’s. There were 2 other candidates in contention for the position. Chief Whitworth requested that an eligibility list be established by the Board for Bill Richardson 1st on the list and David Jetter 2nd on the list.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to establish an eligibility list for a period of one year for the position of Fire/EMS Lieutenant. 1st on the list; Bill Richardson. 2nd on the list; David Jetter. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to reschedule the November meetings to the 10th and 24th at 8:00 PM. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that he has learned that the city of Loveland will be holding a special town meeting on Thursday, November 5th to discuss the development of White Pillars. The meeting will be held at the Loveland High School from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. He suggested a show of force from township elected officials and appointed staff.
Mr. Fischer announced the salt bid results from the Southwest Ohio Purchasers for Government, a co-op that we have participated in for the last four years. This year’s bid from Central Salt at $29.13, IMC Salt at $31.25, Morton Salt at $24.78, and Cargil Salt $27.33. These prices represent a reduction of $6.47 per ton over last years prices. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to award the salt contract to Morton Salt at $24.78 per ton and authorize Mr. Duckworth to sign the contract on behalf of the Township. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with two out-of-township travel requests. One for Assistant Fire/EMS Chief Dan Mack to attend the National Fire Service Emergency Medical Services Staff and Command Course in Tampa, Florida November 12-17. Estimated cost $1,595.00. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to authorize out-of-township travel by Dan Mack to Tampa, Florida to attend the National Fire Service Emergency Medical Services Staff and Command Course at a cost not to exceed $l,600.00. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Fischer requested authorization to attend a Carte Graph training program in Columbus, Indiana November 12-13. The estimated cost is $250.00. Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize out-of-township travel by Walter Fischer to attend a Carte Graph training program in Columbus, Indiana November 12 & 13 at a cost not to exceed $250.00. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
The Loveland Board of Education requests endorsement by the Board for the 5.17 mill bond issue on the November 3rd ballot. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-33 in support of the Loveland School District’s 5.17 mill bond issue for the renovation of existing school buildings and the building of a new middle school. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 98-34 in support of the Loveland School District’s Student Health Advisory Council known as P.A.W.S. (Promoting and attitude of wellness in our schools). Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Gary Serber of 1054 Webber Road representing T.R.I.F.O.L.D.S. presented a letter to the Clerk.
There were no other public comments.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining sessions with public employees pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(4). 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."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting at 10:20 PM.
ATTEST _____________________________________________________________________
Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Edwin H. Humphrey, Chairperson