The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in Special Session on Friday, September 24, 1999 at 10:00 AM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Joseph W. Uecker called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the role. Attending were Joseph W. Uecker, Jean Schmidt and Edwin H. Humphrey. The purpose of the meeting was a public hearing to explore the Township's desire for a Township Limited Home Rule enactment and any other business to come before the Board.
"As Chairperson, I (Joseph W. Uecker) would like to state, first and foremost, that it is my belief that House Bill 187 is introduced and is passed and enacted into law on September 20, 1999. Quite frankly, it's so positively affecting township statewide, that I believe it is the most significant piece of legislation for townships since townships were first created. It finally begins the leveling process of the playing field with our municipal neighbors. It allows us to diminish the walls and barriers that keep us from truly integrating with our municipal neighbors as well. And I believe it also sets the stage for enabling future legislation for townships as a whole."
Trustee Jean Schmidt stated " that one of the most significant pieces of this legislation is that it finally defines what an urban township is. That is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, because there are so few of us, large townships tend to become overlooked by the general assembly. When you have thirteen hundred and nine townships in the State of Ohio but less than sixty with populations above 15,000, it's easy to see that we are overlooked. Second, it will make it easier for the state legislature in the future to pass enabling legislation that will benefit large townships. Urban townships have often times, different needs than our rural neighbors. And the general assembly has never had a mechanism to address those specific needs. They now have that. Home Rule II, house bill 187 did many, many things for townships in the State of Ohio. But the best thing it that it did was to finally codify what a large township is. And I'd like to add in conclusion, that our neighboring incorporated areas have that similar definition. You are a village if you are under 5000 in population and you are a city if you are over 5000 in population. That has worked for them and has allowed cities to have special legislation passed specifically to their needs and we hope, in the days to come with the state legislature that large townships will be able to find that same mechanism."
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth presented a general summary of the new limited home rule legislation. He reviewed the procedure required to adopt limited home rule government for Miami Township. The Board of Trustees need to adopt a resolution to become a limited home rule township. The resolution shall become effective thirty days after the date of its adoption unless the Board receives a request for a special election.
Mr. Ferry stated he did not expect the limited home rule government regulations to have a dramatic affect on the Township's finances.
Chairperson Uecker invited the public to comment.
Tom Siberski of 6220 Shadow Hill Way stated he was attending the meeting in support of adopting the limited home rule government.
Mary Makley Wolff of 5847 Monassas Run Road stated she was also in support of adopting limited home rule government.
Mrs. Schmidt stated that this bill is equally important to smaller townships.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth asked Miami Township Service Director, Walter Fischer for the completion date of the Lemming House project. Mr. Fischer stated it was still mid-October. Mr. Duckworth reported there have been numerous requests for information and fees to rent the facility. The Board discussed fee structures, rules and regulations and use of alcohol at the facility.
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Uecker adjourned the meeting at 10:50AM.
ATTEST:__________________________________________________________________________
Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Joseph W. Uecker, Chairperson