The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 23, 1999 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. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to approve the March 02, 1999 minutes. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon role call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Uecker advised the public that after the Department Reports, The Public Hearing will be opened.
Fire and EMS Chief, James Whitworth presented the February activity report. He noted the 1997 pumper has returned from Pierce/Oshkosh in Wisconsin and appears to be improved and in service.
Chris Snow, Information Services Manager presented the February accomplishments. He advised the Board of future planned projects.
Kristine Mick, Recreation Coordinator presented a report of her activity during February. She also updated the Board on special events planned for the Miami Township Parks.
Larry Fronk, Director of Planning and Zoning reviewed the activity in the planning department during February. He noted the addition of a new table to his report to track all subdivision reviews. The zoning activity included six commercial alterations and new business permits during the month.
Police Chief, R. Steven Bailey reported on the departments February activities.
Service Director, Walter Fischer reviewed "Walt’s Quick Picks". He reported the season total for snow removal stands at 3385 tons of salt used and a cost of $161,231.63.
Chairperson Uecker opened the floor to the public for discussion of the Woodspoint /SR 28 traffic light concerns.
Chris Duffy of 5933 Woodspoint Drive representing the residents of Woodspoint came forth to thank the Board for their decision to support putting a light at their intersection (Rt 28 and Woodspoint). She stated they are interested in a pro-active way to control the safety with future commercial development just North of Woodspoint Drive.
Sandy Garrison of 5912 Woodspoint Drive spoke of the upcoming new driver’s (11) on Woodspoint Drive which will add to the traffic problem. She also stated her concern with the additional traffic problems the apartments will bring. She asked the Board to do whatever they could to get a traffic light installed at Woodspoint and Rt 28.
Paul Anderson of 5586 Hoffman Road asked the Board why they will allow beer sales at the grand opening of the Miami Meadows Park. The Trustees responded they felt the opening was a controlled event in a secure area and the safety and well being of the residents would not be in jeopardy. Mr. Anderson voiced his objection to the beer sales at the park. Mr. Anderson’s daughter also voiced her disapproval.
Mr. Al Hernandz of 5917 Woodspoint Drive asked what the traffic light would cost. Mr. Duckworth estimated the cost between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00.
Mr. Jim Thompson of 5941 Woodspoint Drive stated he felt the number of lanes the residents have to cross to go West is what makes the difference where a light should be installed and that’s where the money should go. He also asked about the park opening plans.
Mr. Jeff Milhofer of 1201 Woodspoint challenged the Board members to attempt to get onto Rt 28 West during the height of the traffic rush.
Debbie Lantman of 5921 Woodspoint Drive asked if there were any other businesses that might be considering developing this area that we could approach for a Tif.
Ira Perry of 5948 Woodspoint Drive asked how the light on Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, Cook
Road and Weber was able to be installed. The Board responded that it was a joint effort
between the County and the Township. The equipment installed was used. The State will not
allow the use of used equipment for a State intersection.
Michele Hernandz of 5917 Woodspoint Drive asked what they can do to make ODOT sit up and
take notice of the seriousness of this problem.
Harvey Bailey of 1203 Woodspoint Drive challenged the Trustees to attempt to turn onto Rt 28 from Woodspoint at 7:15AM and 4:45 PM.
Shelly Higgins of 6253 Forest Crest Court requested the Board look very hard at the general fund when approving the appropriations tonight. She stated the same problem of needing to come up with fifty to seventy-five thousand dollars could happen again next year.
Mark Sherry of 5936 Woodspoint Drive thanked Chris for her work.
Chairperson Uecker asked for any other comments. There were none.
Paul Anderson of 5586 Hoffman Road stated that the Trustees vacated his road in 1979. He has been asking for a resolution of this error. The Township continues to maintain the road (which is not legal). In trying to refinance, the title search showed the road does not exist, (because it has been vacated) therefore they (the bank) will not grant the loan.
Chairperson Uecker asked Township Administrator, David Duckworth to write a letter to the Department of Transportation and include attendance listing from tonight and explain the urgency to have a traffic light at Woodspoint and 28. Just reference that they were here and we heard from a number of residents.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control advising a license transfer request to Clermont Golf LTD dba Oasis Golf and Conference Center. There were not objections from the Township.
Mr. Ferry read a letter directed to Jean Schmidt from Ohio State Representative, Sam Bateman regarding motor vehicle registrations in Clermont County and the traffic light at the intersection of SR 28 and Woodspoint Drive. He stated his office has been informed that an agreement was reached between the Township and the department that the Township would provide planning and installation of the light while ODOT would provide the signal poles. Mrs. Schmidt advised the Board that she and Mr. Duckworth were on a conference call with ODOT and Mr. Bateman after receiving this letter, do to the fact that there has never been such an agreement. ODOT admitted they had misrepresented the situation to Mr. Bateman and will correct the information.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Ohio Township Association regarding the proposed three cent tax increase. They asked the Trustees to write a letter in support of the proposal. Trustee Humphrey made a motion to draft a letter of opposition to the proposed three cent gas tax. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry read formal notices from the Clermont County Department of Planning and Development regarding Torrey Place, Section 2, The Hunt Club, Section Five and Hawthorne Meadows PUD, Section 1. Formal action was scheduled to take place today at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Chief Jim Whitworth to Mr. Steve Rooks, Manager Burger King Restaurant. The letter thanked Mr. Rooks and Burger King for their donation of food and beverage to the Township’s Fire and EMS personnel during a lengthy emergency incident on March 10, 1999.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Anne Smith to the Miami Township Fire and EMS Department. The letter praised the department for prompt, professional and friendly response on March 10, 1999 at Cinergy Corp.
Mr. Ferry read a letter directed to Chairperson Uecker from Don Paxton, Vice President of Brisben Companies apprising the Board that Brisben Stone Bridge, Inc. will be the general partner of a multi-family residential development located in or within a one-half mile radius of the Township.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to send a letter to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency suggesting that Mr. Brisben should be making some major improvements, mainly a traffic light at his intersection and SR 28. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry read a letter from Becky Jauch, Committee Chair- BSA Troop 888 . Ms. Jauch requested the Board issue a letter of recognition to Chad Boyd for his accomplishment in earning his Eagle rank. He will receive the rank at a Eagle Court of Honor on April 11, 1999.
Chairperson Uecker opened the Public Hearing on Street Lighting District-Deerhaven Subdivision, Block A-Section 6. Mr. Ferry read the legal notice. Mr. Miller who owns all the lots in the subdivision was present. There were no questions from the Trustees. There were no adjacent property owners present. There were no communications relative to the case. There were no comments from any person in attendance. Chairperson Uecker closed the public hearing. Jean Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-07 providing for the procurement of a street lighting system for Deerhaven, Block A-Section 6. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Miami Township Administrator, David Duckworth presented an update on the grand opening event for the Miami Meadows Park. He reported that radio station WGRR has submitted a proposal for radio promotion of the event. He also reported he has located a corporate sponsor for this expense. The Board approved the advertising plan.
Mr. Fronk presented the property maintenance code for the Board to review.
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with the revised communications policy. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt the Communications Policy as presented with a change to Section 3, last paragraph from (should not to shall not). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to appoint Karen Luman to the Miami Township Rural Zoning Commission as a replacement for Karl Schultz. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Chairperson Uecker reminded the members of the following up coming events;
Spring Clean-Up April 30th and May 1st.
Brush Days May 21st and May 22nd at Miami Meadows Park
Grand Opening Miami Meadows Park - July 17th
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 107 check numbered from 69001 to check number 69230 for a total amount of $931,985.05 plus payroll and payroll taxes for March 12, 1999 in the amount of $150,400.75. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Ferry presented the Board with the February 1999 financial report.
Mr. Duckworth presented three out-of-township travel requests for approval;
Detective Mike Henderson to attend a seminar in Marietta, Ohio April 13-14 $125.00
Officer Tom Risk to attend a seminar in Jacksonville, Florida April 19-23 $1618.50
Detectives Mike Henderson and T.J. Spencer to attend a seminar April 26-28 $270.00
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to approve the out-of-township requests. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to make a conditional offer of employment as full-time fire fighter-paramedics to Ralph Vilardo, Vince Bee and Raymond Edward Lillich. And that we establish an eligibility list for future personnel consisting of and in order; Steve Wyan and Mike Susanek. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that Clermont 2001,Inc. has organized a countywide liter clean-up effort to coincide with Earth Day which is April 19th. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to support the Clermont 2001 Litter Program. Mrs. Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Fronk recommended the week end of April 23rd,24th and 25th as the Township Wide Free Yard Sale weekend. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold the free Township Wide Yard Sale the weekend of April 23rd,24th and 25, 1999. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented the Board with the 1999 Annual Appropriation Resolution for approval. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 99-06 amending the Township’s 1999 Annual Appropriation. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth advised the Board he has received a street lighting district request for Weber Oaks, Section 1 which consists of 47 lots. Dennis Null of M/I homes is the owner of all lots. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to hold a Public Hearing regarding the petition for a Street Lighting District for Weber Oaks, Section 1 on April 20th, 1999 during the regularly scheduled Board meeting. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Shelly Higgins, 6253 Forest Crest Court stated that Trifolds is not opposed to the stop light at the corner of Woodspoint and Route 28. She stated she would type up her comments from tonight and asked that they be included in the official minutes of this meeting.
There were no other public comments.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(3) and to prepare for collective bargaining sessions with public employees pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(4). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth requested authorization to bid the Lemming House project. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go to Public Bid for the Lemming House Project. Mr. Duckworth was informed by Mr. Fischer after the meeting, that this item was omitted in error from the regular agenda. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to go to Public Bid for the Lemming House Project. Bids to be received by 8:30PM and opened on April 20, 1999, Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Uecker adjourned the meeting at 10:55 PM.
ATTEST ____________________________________________________________________________
Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Joseph W. Uecker, Chairperson