Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 21, 2009
Meeting called to order: 7:03 p.m., having been properly advertised as required by O.R.C. 121.22, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Trustee Donald Butler, Trustee Lynda Bowers, Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey. Absent: Trustee Lee
Kehoe.
Presentation by Cloverleaf Local School District Superintendent Daryl Kubilus –
Key Points:
• Introduced Mr. Mike Maloney – Community Information Coordinator
• School District is very large – 119 square miles
• Currently have five buildings with approximately 3,000 students
• Five Year Strategic Plan adopted August 2009
• Discussed 7 Strategies within the Strategic Plan
• Cloverleaf is currently measured as “Effective” and this is not good enough
• New school will be for Pre-K thru 4th grade. Will hold 1,200 students in 130,000 square feet. Cost: expected to
come in under $25 Million. Preference is to utilize local contractors.
Minutes – Mr. Butler requested to table the Minutes of August 17, 2009 due to the absence of Mr. Kehoe and to have
the attachments referred to provide.
Fiscal Report – Ms. Bailey reported the following balances:
Checking - $1,080,579.20
Investments - $1,747,590.17
HRA Acct. - $18.57
Total Checking - $1,080,560.63
Mr. Butler asked for details on the Certificate of Deposit that was rolled over at the August meeting. Ms. Bailey did not
have the requested information with her.
RESOLUTION 27-2009 – A RESOLUTION INCREASING 2009 PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND
FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BY $8,000.00, AND TOWNSHIP FISCAL OFFICER – TEMPORARY
ASSISTANT BY $250.00. Ms. Bailey explained that there are currently three people having unemployment benefits paid
at this time. This is due to extensions granted by new laws. Ms. Bowers noted that some of the unemployment benefits
stretch back to three years ago and extensions were filed to renew those claims. The line item to pay for Martha Evan’s
services is also lacking necessary funds. Ms. Bowers moved to approve Resolution 27-2009 reluctantly. Mr. Butler
reluctantly seconded the motion. All voting in favor. Motion passes.
Medical Insurance – Mr. Butler reported that the medical insurance renewal for the township includes a 9 ½ % increase
($5,455.00). The policy would run approximately $75,000.00. In order to do a comparison, medical information had to
be forwarded to an agent (recommended by Martha Evans) for them to provide comparisons. Until that information is
processed, Mr. Butler moved to accept the renewal as presented. Anthem has changed the prescription program to a
tiered program, with a maximum out of pocket prescription amount of $1,000/person or $2,000/family. The employees
will bear the burden of the additional $2,000.00. The only other option is to not renew the policy and do without medical
insurance. Mr. Butler moved to accept the presented renewal policy and take a look at the new information when it
comes in.
Ms. Bowers explained that the new deductible amount would not take effect for a few months and therefore would not
affect the employees for a period of time, so she is inclined to second the motion. A quote had been obtained from
Medical Mutual in November 2007 and found to be significantly higher. Ms. Bowers asks if this is the same program. In
a conversation with Frank Harmon, current agent, Ms. Bowers was told that Mr. Harmon had quoted this plan to Mr.
Butler three weeks ago and it was found to be $20,000.00 higher. Mr. Butler explained that the plan had been changed
from a tradition plan and the number of people was different. The plan had been changed about a year ago resulting in
approximately a $30,000.00 savings. A discussion was held on the differences in the plans. Ms. Bowers was told that
there is only one plan that the Ohio Township Association, through an Ohio Consortium, gets the break on. The plans
are available through Aetna, Anthem and Medical Mutual. Mr. Harmon had indicated to her that his discussion with Mr.
Butler was instead of going with a $20,000 increase, it may make more sense to go an extra $1000 a piece on the
deductible, making a $4,000 increase to the Township. Mr. Butler would like to have another source quote the
insurance. Discussion was held on what information was provided to the Trustees.
Ms. Bowers seconded the motion to renew the health insurance for the time being under the new program. All voting in
favor. Motion passes.
Mr. Butler stated that in the past the township had double insured police cars and for that reason would like to shop
other sources for the insurance. Ms. Bowers stated that the township had not double insured police cruisers by
accident. There had been a pending lawsuit, and at the recommendation of legal counsel and the insurer, this was
done at a reduced premium for a period of time.
Correspondence – Ms. Bowers explained that action needs to be taken by the Board with regards to the Tax Documents
from the Budget Commission. The Commission will be meeting on September 25th. The Police Levy was reviewed; it
has been rolled back to 2.3 mills. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Butler agree to leave the levy at 2.3 mills.
Ms. Bowers reported that Lafayette Township’s valuation has increased $1.1 million in the past year based on the
Budget Commission projections for 2009-2010. In the past three years it has increased $21 million. This is due mainly
to new construction. The voted levies that work off of a dollar amount are spread out over that $21 million increase,
causing everyone’s effective rate to decrease.
Department Reports:
Fire – Fire Chief Jeff Hall presented a monthly report, a list of items for auction, a bid from Ruggles - Troy Township
Volunteer Fire Department for the old squad, and pricing for refurbished Physio Lifepaks to use as data in determining
value for these items at auction. Chief Hall reported that Ruggles – Troy has expressed great interest in purchasing the
old squad. There had also been interest from a department in West Virginia, but they have not responded further. Lodi
Fire Department has expressed interest in the old Physio monitors.
Chief Hall explained that some items on the auction list have no value. It has come to Chief Hall’s attention that there is
a county auction in a few weeks. Mr. Butler feels the items should be put up for auction.
Ms. Bowers reported that she had sent information about the vehicles (dump truck and old squad) to the Ohio Township
Association. At that time, she found that the county was putting together a single auction scheduled for October 21,
2009. The auction will be mainly large equipment and the old vehicles can be included. A proportionate amount of the
advertising is charged to the township for the auction, which is significantly less than it would cost to advertise on our
own.
The old police cruiser was stripped and prepared for auction at a cost of $146.00. This will be charged against the
amount the vehicle brings in at auction.
Discussion was held on communications between the Trustees. Mr. Brown, Auctioneer, has agreed to hold the received
bid from Ruggles – Troy Township, with no commission, if it turns out to be the highest bid on the old squad. Chief Hall
recommended adding the old pumper (101-3) to the auction as well. It is an unsafe vehicle to be utilized as fire
apparatus and Chief Hall will not allow the vehicle to leave the station for calls. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Butler are in
agreement to add Pumper 101-3 to the auction list.
RESOLUTION 28-2009 – A RESOLUTION APPROVING DISPOSAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY NO LONGER NECESSARY
FOR ANY PUBLIC PURPOSE. Ms. Bowers presented Resolution 28-2009. Discussion was held regarding the old
squad and the current bid as well as the list of items presented by Chief Hall being included in the auction. The 1985
Pumper with an International chassis and Grumman Firecat body was added to Resolution 28-2009. Ms. Bowers
motioned to approve Resolution 28-2009 to sell the 1992 Chevy Ambulance, the 1985 International Fire Engine, the
1995 Ford Dump Truck, and the list of items no longer needed for any public purpose supplied by Chief Hall (provided
the auctioneer is willing to take those items). Mr. Butler seconded the motion. All voting in favor. Motion passes.
Discussion was held regarding the Physio heart monitors. They would be worth just under $2,000 a piece. Lodi has an
interest in these monitors. Ms. Bowers motioned to remove the Physio heart monitors from the auction list. Mr. Butler
seconded the motion. All voting in favor. Motion passes. Mr. Butler recommends accepting the offer that Lodi presents
for the Physio heart monitors.
Chief Hall reported that at the request of Trustee Kehoe, he and Assistant Chief Brad Winter have reviewed the
Requests for Proposals (RFPs). A letter was presented to the Board with recommendations for the top three companies
that the Chief feels would best suit the needs of the department. Mr. Butler recommends waiting until Mr. Kehoe is
present to continue with a discussion of the RFPs.
Chief Hall reported that Sutphen Fire Apparatus is coming along with the new fire truck and it is expected that it will be
delivered before the end of the year. The Board was reminded that they have yet to decide on a method of payment for
this truck.
Chief Hall presented an application of employment to the Board. The applicant is already a trained fire fighter.
A late requisition was presented for the repair of a Thermal Imaging Camera. The factory has indicated that the camera
can be upgraded for a cost of $4,275.95. This would make the camera equal with an $11,000.00 camera. The camera
has been out of service for 2 – 3 weeks. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the repair and upgrade of the Thermal Imaging
Camera since this is a safety issue. Discussion was held as to where the funding would come from. Ms. Bowers moved
to make a $4,400 appropriation to Thermal Imaging Camera from the unappropriated balance in the Fire Fund. Mr.
Butler seconded the motion. All voting in favor. Motion passes.
Ms. Bowers mentioned that on October 15, 2009 there will be a Trustee Training Session that the Fire Department
Officers may be interested in. The session will be about the update of the 911 technology. It will be held at the Sheriff’s
Department training room and will also have the Health Department there to discuss the H1N1 virus. The most recent
information states that about 40% of responders could be out at any time due to this virus. Chief Hall stated that he has
been attending those meetings.
Service – no additional information presented.
Police – Ms. Bowers reported that the Ford Expedition did not pass its routine E-check. Deputy Rohr has indicated that
the vehicle can either be sent to be repaired or do nothing; his recommendation is to do nothing. The vehicle had
recently completed a full service check with no problems noted except those for normal wear and tear. Ms. Bowers
suggests checking with Mr. Thorne to see if the township needs to act on this issue.
Ms. Bowers asked if the meeting with Assistant Prosecutor Bill Thorne had been set up; this item could be discussed
with him at that time. Mr. Butler stated that the meeting was to cover the Noise Ordinance issue and that has already
been solved. No meeting has been set up. Discussion was held as to the reasons for a meeting. Mr. Butler requests a
list from Ms. Bowers of items to discuss with Mr. Thorne and then a meeting will be set up.
Ms. Bowers reported that the Sheriff’s Department and the Deputies have set up a Sexual Predator Seminar for the
residents of Lafayette Township and Chippewa Lake Village on October 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the University Center.
This is for adults only and free software will be distributed to allow for policing of computers.
Cemetery – Ms. Bowers reported that there have been recent sales. She will attend software training in November. Mr.
Don Weiland’s work is progressing well. He is more than half done with the restoration of the Waltz Cemetery. The
budget amount spent is consistent with the amount of work completed.
Zoning – Ms. Alliss Strogin presented the requested information with regards to Handicap Ramp Fees. She proposes:
• A ramp that is only going directly into a door with no need for a deck to turn around should have the fee waived
completely.
• A ramp needing a deck to reach the door level with a turn around should have the basic fee of $25 for a deck with
the cost of the first 100 square feet of the deck waived. (The total cost would be $25 instead of $50)
• If the deck is larger than 100 square feet, the first 100 square feet should be waived.
Mr. Butler moved to amend the Zoning Fee Schedule as presented by Ms. Strogin. Ms. Bowers seconded the motion.
All voting in favor. Motion passes.
Ms. Strogin reported that the area of concern on Lake Road has been taken care of with help from the Fire
Department.
Ms. Karen Schoonover reported that a date for the Comprehensive Plan Open House has been set for Thursday,
October 22, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. A location will be decided so that flyers can be distributed and the information can
be placed on the website. Ms. Schoonover would like to send Thank You notes to all who served on the Comprehensive
Plan Steering Committee and requests reimbursement for the cost of the stamps. Mr. Butler and Ms. Bowers do not
have a problem with the reimbursement requested.
Halloween Party – The Township will sponsor a Halloween Party on October 31, 2009, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This will
be placed on the website.
Trick or Treating officially will be October 31, 2009, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Junk Vehicle Law Update – Mr. Butler requests to table this item due to the absence of Mr. Kehoe.
Chippewa Lake Project Update – Ms. Bowers reported that she has not received additional information. The last word
heard is that the project is moving forward; the target date to open the hotel is Spring 2010.
Snow Plow Program – Mr. Butler requests to table this item until applications and procedural guidelines are in place.
Tax returns and household income should be accounted for in the application. Ms. Bowers reported that there is a
State House Bill in process that will set income qualifiers at 200% of the poverty level.
Memorial Day Celebration – Ms. Bowers reported that some residents have indicated a desire to reinstitute a Memorial
Day Celebration for Lafayette Township. There used to be one, but was stopped. Ms. Bowers asks for permission to
form a committee to look at this project. Mr. Butler agrees to the committee.
ADA Compliance for Town Hall – Discussion was held on the need to meet the requirements requested by the Board of
Elections. Grant money will be applied for by the requested party to take care of the issues.
Mr. Butler moved to pay the Warrants of the Township.
Public Participation:
Ms. Karen Schoonover – asked if the Trustees would be providing donuts and cider at the Comprehensive Plan Open
House. The Trustees will authorize reimbursement after the event.
Ms. Laura Gushue – stated that she would be happy to share information that her business utilizes when working with
people who have to qualify financially for their services.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:34 p.m.
Requisitions – Chief Hall explained that he was advised by Mr. Dale Roberts of Padgett-Young as well as the Insurance
Claim Adjuster to have the affected items repaired or replaced and submit the invoices to the Insurance Company for
reimbursement. Mr. Butler moved to approve the requisitions as presented. Ms. Bowers seconded the motion. All
voting in favor. Motion passes.
Firefighter Application – Ms. Bowers moved to approve the hire of Shane Jenkins to the Lafayette Township Volunteer
Fire Department at the recommendation of Chief Hall. Mr. Butler seconded the motion. All voting in favor. Motion
passes.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Approved: ________________________ ________________________
Donald Butler, Trustee
________________________
Lynda Bowers, Trustee
________________________
Lee Kehoe, Trustee
_________________________________
Shirley Bailey, Fiscal Officer