Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 21, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Trustee Lee Kehoe, Trustee Lynda Bowers, Trustee Donald Butler, Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey
Mr. Kehoe introduced Superintendent Dr. Bruce Hulme. Dr. Hulme stated that he has spoken with the Board of
Education and they are in agreement in the Township can continue to use the old school building. Dr. Hulme then
presented a Five Year Cloverleaf Strategic Plan (2008-2012). Over the next 12 weeks, there will be action teams
formed. All members of the community are encouraged to participate. After the presentation, Dr. Hulme answered
questions from audience. Ms. Karen Schoonover complimented Dr. Hulme and the school district for the job they have
done. Dr. Hulme stated that this community is the most supportive he has come across. Ms. Bowers asked if Cloverleaf
is the largest geographic district in the state. Dr. Hulme replied that it is in the top five but not the largest. This does
cause busing to be problematic. Mr. Dave Hollish asked about condensing some of the bus stops. Dr. Hulme replied
that safety is always an issue with the buses. Mr. Hollish asked about cutting busing with budget cuts. Dr. Hulme replied
that in the last six years, busing has only been cut once for six months. The district does not cut busing because of the
safety issue. Mr. Hollish asked about future buildings with the district. Dr. Hulme replied that the hope is to build a
Preschool – 4th grade building without asking for a bond issue by utilizing the sales tax money. The project has
increased by $8 million dollars, so is currently on hold. Ms. Dianne Wenslow asked if the district has a decline in student
enrollment. Dr. Hulme replied that the county is increasing in enrollment, but our district is declining. The reason for
new facilities is the economic factor. Funds of approximately $20 million are expected to become available from the
state. Mr. Sandy asked what the graduation level was for the district. Dr. Hulme replied 94%. No district in the state
actually hits 100%, even though that is the goal. Dr. Hulme stated that this is a great district. Cloverleaf has improved
from one of the lowest performing school districts to one of the highest.
Minutes –
3/17/08 – Regular Meeting – Motion by Mr. Butler to approve with a second by Ms. Bowers. All voting in favor.
4/1/08 – Special Meeting – Motion by Ms. Bowers to approve with a second by Mr. Butler. All voting in favor.
4/9/08 – Public Hearing – Motion by Mr. Butler to approve with a second by Mr. Kehoe. Ms. Bowers abstains. Mr. Butler
and Mr. Kehoe voting in favor.
4/16/08 – Public Hearing – Motion by Mr. Butler to approve with a second by Ms. Bowers. All voting in favor.
Correspondence –
Mr. Kehoe noted that Saturday, May 3rd will be Lafayette Township Clean-Up Day. Trash containers will be in the Town
hall parking lot. No tires will be accepted and paint must be in a solid state.
• Letter from John Burke – Fix It Fund home improvement program launches on 5/5/08.
• 3rd Annual NEO Snow and Ice Technologies Workshop on 5/15/08.
• Frank Gates University – Ohio State Fund Workers Seminars
• Ohio EPA Citizens Advisory - Final ozone plan
• Department of Planning Services – letter to Karen Schoonover and the Zoning Commission regarding zoning text
preparation.
• Medina County Safety Council – 53rd Annual Safety Awards Banquet on 4/15/08. Lafayette Township received an
Outstanding Safety Award.
• Grassroots Clippings
• Minutes of Medina County Economic Development Corporation meeting of 3/20/08
• Several minutes from Lafayette Zoning Commission and BZA: 8/30/07, 9/13/07, 1/10/08, 2/5/08, 3/10/08, 3/15/08,
3/25/08
• Notice of BZA public hearing on 4/23/08 on a request for variance for John Overholt
• Office of the Prosecutor – concerning multiple uses on one commercial lot. Only one use is allowed.
Financial Reports -
Ms. Bailey noted that Mr. Butler had reviewed the reconciliation for this month. The checking account balance is
$865,836.87, Investments are $1,522,219.72, totaling $2,388,056.59.
Requisitions –
Ms. Bailey presented the requisitions. Service Department - $547.54, Fiscal Officer - $3,239.42 (includes office
furniture for new building), Zoning - $82.82, Fire - $16,159.63. Mr. Kehoe explained some of the fire expenditures:
$3504.77 for gas leak repair at Chippewa Lake station, jet hydraulic stacker, steal platform and hardwood dolly for
$1547.00, from Finley Fire Equipment, 3 jumbo Harrington fittings and mounting kits. Firefighter Kile explained Siamese
valves. Mr. Kehoe continued his explanation of expenses with repairs to Unit 101-2 for $2325.00 with W. W. Williams.
The other expenses are for less expensive items. Ms. Bailey stated the grand total for requisitions is $20,065.41.
Ms. Bowers asked if all the fire department vehicles were up to standards now. Mr. Kehoe replied he could not answer
that at this time.
Mr. Butler motioned to accept the presented requisitions, seconded by Ms. Bowers. All voting in favor.
Department Reports –
Reports were received from the Fire Department and Service Department.
Police – Mr. Butler stated that he received a letter dated 3/27 from the Sheriff’s Department representative stating that
the Collective Bargaining Contract prevailed over the contract with Lafayette Township concerning layoffs. In a letter
dated 4/3, another letter was received stating that the Sheriff’s Office is working with the Medina County Commissioners
to overcome the obstacle of laying off employees. If the layoff takes place, it would be effective 5/1/08. Mr. Butler
stated that he has had conversations with the Sheriff, and was told that the Sheriff feels he can save two of the
positions. He is working on the third and would get back with Mr. Butler. Commissioner Pat Geisman spoke with Mr.
Butler and is trying to help with the situation. She is suggesting a meeting with Bill Thorne, Gary Johnston (County
Labor Attorney), Sheriff Hassinger, and Mr. Butler. It is hoped this meeting will occur this week. Mr. Butler stated that
the agreement is not as strong as it should be and has some conflicting problems. Ms. Sue Heiszek asked where Mr.
Michelson figured in on this. Mr. Butler replied that he doesn’t figure in at this point. Ms. Heiszek asked if the township
had paid Mr. Michelson. Mr. Butler replied that he had talked with him for less than five minutes. Ms. Wenslow asked
why the contract had not been looked over by an attorney. The board informed her that the original contract was written
by Prosecutor Bill Thorne. The revised contract was written by Attorney Michelson. A gentleman from the audience
asked if positions or people were being eliminated. Mr. Butler replied it was a person who could possibly go. Our
contract calls for three deputies. Ms. Heiszek asked if there had been consideration to take that clause out of the
contract. Mr. Butler replied that the meeting he is having will be to go over the contract and work things out. He feels
that now that numbers are known from the passing of the levy, it will help to make the contract more meaningful within
the budget. Ms. Heiszek stated that the levy had been passed at 2.5 mil. Mr. Butler replied that now we know how much
money we have. Ms. Heiszek stated the money is not to exceed $289,900. Mr. Hollish stated that the bottom line is we
are still going to have three deputies and the low man with seniority would be the one out.
Zoning – Mr. Kehoe asked Mr. Norm Bedford to speak about the situation he is having. Mr. Bedford lives at 7339 Lake
Road and has had a water problem in his neighborhood for years. Recently a neighbor had water surrounding her
house on three sides, another neighbor had water in his yard flowing from her yard and his yard had a river in it. The
Medina County Sanitary Engineers looked at the situation and decided that a culvert is plugged up. Mr. Bedford is
concerned about where all this water is originating from. He described the elevation of his property. He suggests
enlarging a ditch in the back of his property. Mr. Kehoe asked if the water in the back of Mr. Bedford’s property is
coming due to changes in property. Mr. Bedford replied he is not sure. The water is coming from the wooded area
behind his land. Ms. Bowers stated that the county engineer’s office contacted her and indicated that this is not their
issue. At the township’s request, they did go out and look at the problem. Their office feels the issue is definitely the
culvert that goes underground on Lion’s Park. Lion’s Park is not a dedicated road, but a private driveway. Lake Road
is a county road and not maintained by the township. The problem seems to be contained within the private property.
The owner has been advised of what they need to do by the county agencies. The township is not permitted to go on
private property to do work or spend township funds. The property owners would have recourse against each other and
may be the way it has to be worked out. Mr. Bedford stated that the source of water is getting continually worse. Ms.
Bowers replied that Mr. Bedford could ask the county to do work on his property, but she is not sure they would agree.
Mr. Kehoe suggested that perhaps the Zoning Inspector may need to see if a problem has been created by changing
the land. Ms. Bowers suggested that a possible source could be that the county did go and blow out pipes last summer
along Chippewa Road. Now that they are running the way they are supposed to, the water may be running through at a
higher volume.
Ms. Bowers motioned to move into executive session for personnel issues of compensation and appointment. Mr.
Kehoe seconded the motion. Roll call: Bowers – yes, Kehoe – yes, Butler – yes.
Executive session convened at 8:04 p.m.
Mr. Butler moved to reconvene the regular meeting at 8:38 p.m., seconded by Ms. Bowers. All voting in favor.
Old Business
Appointments to Zoning Commission and BZA – Ms. Bowers moved to make 2008 Zoning Commission Appointments
effective immediately of: Karen Schoonover (reappointment), Peggy Folk (alternate), and David Hollish (alternate).
Also, Board of Zoning Appeals appointments of: Nanci Shanley (member), Jack Chester (alternate), Paul Calvo
(alternate). All newly appointed members from this time forward must agree to a commitment in the first year of two units
of education that are put on by the Medina Department of Planning Services, or a similar unit of education, and one unit
of education for every year thereafter of their appointment. Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
New Business
Drug Screening – Ms. Joy Turpin explained the research that had been done to compare three companies with regards
to drug screening for the township. The township currently has a relationship with Lodi Hospital. The Fiscal Office felt
that On The Clock would provide the best solution at this time. Mr. Kehoe motioned to choose On The Clock as the
drug screen provider for the township. Mr. Butler seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
Port-A-Potties – The port-a-potties are located at the ball parks at Lion’s Park and the town hall. Mr. Butler explained
the request received from Mr. Mike Mahoney concerning the port-a-potties and ADA compliance. Ms. Bailey explained
that the township currently pays $68/month/per unit with cleaning once a week on four units. Mr. Mahoney has
requested an additional cleaning each week at a charge of $125/month/unit. To change to an ADA unit, the charge
would be $125/month/unit. Mr. Kehoe spoke with the gentleman who cleans the unit, who felt that the units do not need
to be cleaned twice a week. Ms. Bowers expressed concern about not having units that are ADA compliant. Mr. Kehoe
feels that if an additional cleaning is requested, it should be at the leagues expense. Ms. Karen Schoonover asked how
we were put on notice for ADA compliance. Ms. Bowers replied that anything the township does needs to be ADA
compliant as a public entity. Since the league is requesting ADA compliant units, they should be provided. Mr. Kehoe
stated that last year there was an ADA unit and a regular unit at each field. He heard that the ADA unit was not used.
Ms. Bailey stated that for four months the township pays $1500/unit. Ms. Nanci Shanley asked how the township had
been put on notice. Ms. Bowers replied that the association had requested ADA units and that put us on notice. Ms.
Shanley asked if the township had shopped for prices with different companies. Ms. Shanley also suggested going to
only one ADA unit at Lion’s Park. The township currently uses Miller’s. Mr. Kehoe asked if Mr. Mahoney ordered the
units, why didn’t he order an ADA unit. Ms. Alliss Strogin asked if the association had been approached to pay for the
units. Mr. Kehoe asked about the buildings that the association is building on the property. Ms. Bowers replied the
building had been approved by the previous board of trustees and went through a variance process. Mr. Kehoe asked
who owns the building. Ms. Bowers replied once the building is attached to the land, it is township property. The
association has also requested to have a section of fence replaced, according to a conversation with Mr. Butler. Ms.
Bowers suggested that the board needs to decide if the township is going to pay for recreational facilities with the
taxpayers dollars or not. Mr. Butler understands that the association has exclusive use of the field and this is a public
field. Ms. Bowers stated that after discussions with representatives of the ball teams, the prosecutors office, and a
previous board the decision was made that the trustees should approve a schedule based upon the leagues request.
The league is to be open to sharing the fields. There was a request for the fields earlier this year that was sent to Mr.
Mahoney by Ms. Bowers who stated that it needed to be worked out and it was worked out. Mr. Kehoe responded that
the board had not approved a schedule. Ms. Bowers replied that what had been approved is that the assocation would
be allowed to manage the schedule, understanding that they had to share. Ms. Bailey stated that she has had calls
from people requesting to rent the hall as well as the ball fields at the same time. The board feels that they should have
a copy of the schedule that is approved by the trustees. Ms. Shanley requested that the schedule also be published.
Ms. Bowers stated that the property was donated to the township with a deed restriction that it must always be made
available to the ball association. It is not exclusive to them however. Mr. Kehoe asked for a copy of the deed
restriction.
Mr. Kehoe motioned to have only one ADA unit at each park pumped out once a week, with monitoring to ensure this is
adequate. Ms. Bowers seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
Old Safe Disposal – Mr. Kehoe explained that there is an old safe at the old police building that does not work properly.
Rup’s has offered $100 for the safe and will haul the safe away. The combination does not work properly and can not
be relied upon to open. Ms. Bowers moved that the safe in the old police building is a piece of township property that is
no longer needed for a public purpose and has no value except scrap value which has been determined to be $100,
and that the township scrap the property to Rup’s. Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
(At this point, the recording device stopped working. The following minutes are based upon notes taken at the meeting.)
RESOLUTION 13-2008 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRUSTEES TO SIGN DEEDS PREPARED BY THE
FISCAL OFFICER FOR THE SALE OF CEMETERY LOTS WITHOUT DELAY AS SALES OCCUR. Ms. Bowers moved to
adopt Resolution 13-2008, seconded by Mr. Butler. All voting in favor.
Ms. Bowers reported that she had spoken with Mr. Fred Boorman with regards to the cemetery driveway. Mr. Boreman
stated that the driveway has children’s graves buried there and he should be able to maneuver a driveway around
them. He does feel that an additional driveway is needed.
Dispatch Service Contract for Fire and EMS – An invoice has been received for $10,017.00 to cover the dispatch
services for 2008. Fees are based upon previous year’s calls. The amount has decreased this year. Ms. Bowers
motioned to approve the Dispatch Services Contract, seconded by Mr. Kehoe. Mr. Butler abstains. Motion passed.
RESOLUTION 11-2008 – A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH A POLICY TO ENCOURAGE PRE-SUBMISSION
DISCUSSION FOR ZONING AMENDMENT AND SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS. Mr. Kehoe questioned the Comprehensive
Plan being mentioned in this resolution since it has not been approved. Ms.Bowers replied she was told to include
possible document expected to be approved when she spoke with the Prosecutor. Ms. Karen Schoonover stated that
this would allow and encourage a form of communication from the Trustees to the Zoning Commission. Ms. Bowers
replied this is a statement of preference. It would not be an amendment to the Zoning Code. Mr. Kehoe stated that the
resolution does not stipulate which people, such as the Zoning Chairman, the Chairman of the BZA, the liaison, etc. Ms.
Bowers moved to table this resolution until the next trustee meeting.
RESOLUTION 12-2008 – A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION
CONSIDER THE BENEFIT OF AMENDING THE LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THE
ABILITY FOR TOWNSHIP BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO SECURE REASONABLE EXPERT ADVICE, STUDIES OR
OTHER FORMAL AGENCY REVIEWS AT A COST TO BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT PRIOR TO ACTING ON ANY
ZONING AMENDMENT OR SITE PLAN PROPOSAL. Ms. Karen Schoonover stated that she does see the validity in this
resolution. Ms. Bowers motioned to accept Resolution 12-2008, seconded by Mr. Butler. All voting in favor.
CRO (CHIPPEWA RESORT OVERLAY) RESOLUTION – Ms. Bowers will send a copy of this resolution to Mr. Butler and
Mr. Kehoe.
Public Participation –
Ms. Sue Heiszek – asked about going back to 2 meetings per month. After discussion, it was deemed that this meeting
had gone especially long due to the presentation and the executive session. With summer coming up, it is not
warranted at this time.
Mr. Kehoe moved to pay the Warrants of the Township.
Mr. Kehoe moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Butler.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.