Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, December 17, 2007
Meeting called to order: 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Trustee Lee Kehoe, Trustee Lynda Bowers, Trustee Donna Young, Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey
Minutes:
11/19/07 – Ms. Young asked to have a correction to page 4 to change her reason for abstaining she had no knowledge
of the information prior to the meeting. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the minutes with the correction, seconded by Ms.
Young. All voting in favor.
Correspondence: (tape was not complete, correspondence information came from notes)
• Medina County Commissioners – extended the brokerage agreement with C B Richard Ellis, Inc.
• Medina County Auditor – Pictrometry information
• Medina County Department of Planning Services – Proposed zoning map amendment – submitted by Stanley
Scheetz. Zoning Inspector Alliss Strogin reported that the map has been tabled until the 1st of the new year.
• James Bennett – dismiss lawsuit
• Safety Council Holiday Luncheon
• Medina County Department of Planning Services – proposed amendments to the Medina County Subdivision
Regulations
• Lafayette Township Zoning Commission – zoning map amendment submitted by Stanley Scheetz
• Planning Commission – link from township re: Chippewa Resort text amendment
• Karen Schoonover – update from 12/4 – items tabled
Financial Report:
Ms. Bailey presented the Financial Report balances. A copy was passed to Ms. Young. Ms. Young asked if the police
department has been invoiced. Ms. Bailey reported that there is $123,000 yet to be invoiced, and that should be the
end of it. Ms. Young asked for copies of the invoices.
Requisitions:
Ms. Bailey presented the requisitions by department. Grand total of $3,155.78. Ms. Young noted that the bathroom
supplies come out of the Service Department and yet they do not have a bathroom. Ms. Bowers stated that it is a part
of their job. Ms. Bailey also clarified that it is a maintenance item that falls under the Service Department. Ms. Young
moved to approve, Ms. Bowers seconded. All voting in favor. Mr. Kehoe asked Chief Sheppard if he was doing the
repair work on the fire building. Chief Sheppard replied that he is doing the work, mostly caulking and weather-stripping.
Recognition of Trustee Donna Young:
Mr. Kehoe recognized that this was basically Ms. Young final meeting as a trustee. He offered Ms. Young his thanks for
the time and effort that she has put in to the township business for the past eights years as a trustee. Mr. Kehoe noted
that Ms. Young will be spending more time with her granddaughter. The audience applauded. Ms. Young turned over
her keys to the township hall to Mr. Kehoe.
Department Reports:
Fire Department – Ms. Young moved to accept the report as submitted. Mr. Kehoe reported there is a brochure
regarding Open Burning in Ohio. Copies can be made for those who are interested. Ms. Young suggested having
copies available at the Clerk’s Office. He advised the audience to use caution when burning and to make sure what is
burned is legal.
Zoning – report received.
Police – end of year report received. Officer Clark reported on the year’s activities up through December 14, 2007.
They are just about 4,000 calls at this point. Officer Clark offered reminders for the holiday season: make sure doors
are locked when you leave, leave radio or TV on.
Old Business
Day Time Staffing at the Fire Department – a recommendation has been made to continue the day time staffing. Mr.
Kehoe reported that there have been some concerns that those on day time staffing are getting bored. A program
needs to be developed to allow the firemen to do productive work or get out and do something helpful to the township.
Mr. Kehoe proposed that day time staffing continue for another six months with the trustees taking a serious look at what
is happening. Mr. Kehoe has set up a committee made up of township individuals to give input as to what should be
happening with the fire department. This would be for building, equipment, etc. There are some fire people involved in
the committee. Jack Chester is one of the members. Mr. Kehoe read from the original proposal which states that
personnel will rotate between the two stations and perform a variety of duties as assigned, including maintenance,
stocking, cleaning of equipment, hose and hydrant testing, and mapping. They would also participate in community
service programs when possible through fire prevention education including use of the safety trailer and health
maintenance education including sponsored blood pressure checks and CPR education classes. Ms. Bowers asked
how much of this activity actually occurred during this past six months during this trial. Mr. Kehoe asked Chief Sheppard
to respond. Chief Sheppard replied that no one had come and asked for the log books. He reported that there has
been some hose testing, cleaning of trucks, more than he can name. Ms. Bowers asked if they are bored, is there not
enough on the list to do. Chief Sheppard reported that there are three people from day time staffing at the meeting. He
asked Dennis Lafferty to come respond. Mr. Lafferty reported that there is some boredom in the process, because
when their jobs are done for the day, they are standing by waiting for calls. If there are no calls, it can be a boring day.
Ms. Bowers asked if there was more available for the fire fighters to do. Chief Sheppard replied that they had gotten a
little bit of the hydrant testing done, though not as much as he would have liked. He reported that they had been doing
some cleaning, laundry, inventory, thermostat installed, cleaning outside, rearranged the office. Ms. Bowers asked Mr.
Lafferty if he had anything else to add. Mr. Lafferty reported that they run the small engines, check the SUBA bottles,
change batteries in the SUBAs, and other numerous things. Ms. Young asked Mr. Lafferty if he was bored. Mr. Lafferty
replied that he is not. Ms. Young asked if he could think of other things to do. Mr. Lafferty reported that he is usually
too busy when he does the staffing to think about other things. Ms. Young moved to approve six more months of day
time staffing, seconded by Ms. Bowers. This will go through the end of June 2008. All voting in favor. Chief Sheppard
stated that the one comment that was overlooked completely is the fact that the staffers are there to answer the
incoming fire calls. The township has not had to call for mutual aid and he has had the flexibility to go to the zoning
meeting and committee meetings that he should attend. Chief Sheppard can do these things knowing that there is staff
here to answer any calls. That is the purpose of the program. Mr. Kehoe reported that Chief Sheppard had mentioned
a lot of false alarms are occurring at the Tech Center. Chief is responding by himself and not sending equipment until it
is checked out. This is happening up to five times a day. Ms. Bowers asked if this was testing or what the problem was.
Chief Sheppard responded that there is a glitch in the system. He is trying to help figure out where the glitch is with ten
phone calls a day. The problem appears to be at Akron University in Akron. When he shows up at the Tech Center,
they are unaware that the alarm has sounded. The dispatch center in Akron has been receiving alarms. Mr. Kehoe
stated that this is something that takes time to settle out. Mr. Kehoe also stated that the Chief is correct in stating that
the purpose of the day time staffing is to insure that personnel are at the station or nearby to respond to a need. He
agreed there is a need for that service in the township.
Township Hall Rental Rate Proposal – Mr. Kehoe stated there is a proposal that he would like to keep as a proposal at
this time. He feels the township needs to acquire someone to check the town hall before and after it is rented. This
would be a paid position. Mr. Kehoe stated that if anyone was interested in this type of position, let the township know.
New Business:
Fred Borman – proposed changing a road in the cemetery due to sites being sold in the current driveway. Ms. Bowers
reported that this is a resurrected proposal that had been made in 1998 and the prices have not been changed. Ms.
Bowers recommends putting the proposal aside until the budget has been determined. Mr. Kehoe stated that the total
amount for this proposal is $1325.00. The proposal was tabled.
Wood From Trees Cut by Township – Mr. Kehoe reported that there is wood from two trees that the township paid to
have cut down over by the Chippewa Fire Department. A suggestion has been received that the wood be given to the
Fire Association so it could be cut and sold as a fundraiser. Mr. Kehoe stated that there have also been comments
heard that the wood should be utilized for families that are in need. He asked for suggestions from the board. He also
asked the firemen if they would be willing to cut the wood and perhaps get some PR out of the situation. Mr. Kehoe
stated that the township has a log-splitter that could be utilized. Ms. Young asked why the township has a log splitter.
Ms. Bowers stated that it had probably been there for years. Chief Sheppard asked how the wood from previous trees
had been disposed of. The Trustees responded that it had been taken to the side of the road or left on the owner’s
property. Chief Sheppard replied that the log splitter had not been needed at that time then. Ms. Bowers stated that
she has not seen the log splitter. Mr. Kehoe has also not seen the log splitter, but Chief Sheppard has. Ms. Young
stated that she heard it belongs to one of the employees. Ms. Bowers stated that a decision has to be made that the
wood has no value and the value would be in what the volunteers do with that wood, or the township has to offer the
wood for public bid and if no reasonable bid comes in, then it can be declared of no value. The township property can
not be given away if it is deemed to have value. Ms. Young moved to declare that the wood has no value and should be
donated to the fire association to do with as they please. Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion. All voting in favor, with Ms.
Bowers stating that the value of the wood comes from what the volunteers bring to it by making it into wood that could be
marketed. The value is currently not there. Ms. Young stated that the trustees need to find out whom the log splitter
belongs to and if it is not township property it should not be stored on township property.
RESOLUTION 28-07 – AMENDING PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE ZONING FUND THRU A TRANSFER
FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $8000.00 RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 14, 2007. Ms. Bailey
reported that this is to cover payroll for the annual payment for the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning
Appeals. Ms. Bowers stated that this resolution was requested of Ms. Bailey by the board to bring a number when the
payroll amount was figured by determining the number of meetings that would be held this year. The Zoning
Commission had 35 meetings this year. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Ms. Young. All
voting in favor.
Openings on Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals – Mr. Kehoe reported there are four openings on these
boards. A couple letters have been received by interested parties. If others are interested, a letter of intent needs to
be submitted by the beginning of the year.
Comprehensive Plan – Ms. Young asked about the progress of the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Kehoe
stated that they have been working. Ms. Bowers asked Mrs. Baker if they were in the process of finalizing. Mrs. Bakers
reported that Mr. Arnold is compiling the information. It is taking a little longer than anticipated.
Fire Applicants – Mr. Kehoe reported that there are two applicants for positions with the fire department.
Susan Boggs – Mr. Kehoe read highlights of Ms. Boggs application. Ms. Boggs’ father is a chief with Medina. Ms.
Bowers asked if Ms. Boggs would be staying with Medina Fire as well. Chief Sheppard replied he thought she would for
awhile. Ms. Young moved to approve Ms. Boggs and seconded by Ms. Bowers. All voting in favor. Ms. Bowers added
that the acceptance is conditional upon the usual background checks.
John Broemalkamp – Mr. Kehoe read highlights of Mr. Broemalkamp’s application. Ms. Bowers asked if the Chief had
interviewed the applicant personally. Chief Sheppard replied he had. Mr. Broemalkamp has located to this area. Chief
Sheppard does recommend this applicant subject to background checks. Ms. Bowers moved to approve and Ms. Young
seconded the hiring of Mr. Broemalkamp. All voting in favor.
Public Participation:
Stan Vitkovic – asked if a letter could be sent to Mr. Kovack with regards to the latest appraisal and Mr. Kovack’s
behavior in determining values. Ms. Bowers reported that the state legislature has been bombarded with complaints
from Medina County. There is a committee working on a resolution that limits the aggregate amount of an increase.
She understands that the committee will also require that the Auditor utilize at least one certified appraiser. Ms. Bowers
will be keeping an eye on this legislation and hopes that the Lafayette Trustees will support legislation of this nature.
Mr. Vitkovic received applause for his comments.
Sue Heiszek – expressed thanks to Donna Young for her years of service to the township.
A member of the audience presented Ms. Young with a letter of thanks to read at home.
Laura Gushue – asked about the results of the siren tower locations and clarification of the amount of money being paid
for fire department shirts. Ms. Bowers replied that locations were not received and the filing deadline was missed.
There were no specific locations offered. Ms. Bowers stated that if funds had been available and a successful
application had been made (which require specific locations) we may have been eligible for funds. The sirens run about
$15,000 a piece. Ms. Gushue asked if the full expense would now be on the taxpayers. Ms. Bowers affirmed. Ms.
Gushue asked who was at fault that the locations were not made. A member of the audience asked how long the
window of opportunity was available. Ms. Bowers stated that once we are notified that mitigation funds are available, the
applications have to be in very quickly, usually about a week. The applications ask for specific information. Ms. Bowers
stated that she did not receive the information that was asked for. Chief Sheppard asked what Ms. Bowers did with the
information. Ms. Bowers replied that she received circles, but no recommended locations. Chief Sheppard stated that
was up to the board. Ms. Bowers stated no specific locations in right-of-ways was given as requested. This was a
conversation that may need to be had at another time. Ms. Gushue stated that she would like to know the outcome of
that conversation since it may cost the township $90,000. Mr. Kehoe stated that the township was not moving forward at
this time and would have to believe that there will be another opportunity for grant money in the future. Chief Sheppard
stated that the grants are usually 50/50 with the townships. Chief Sheppard did call the man who installed the previous
sirens and he received maps and locations that were not specific to a spot, but left options. Chief Sheppard stated that
he did not drop the ball. Mr. Kehoe and Ms. Bowers discussed that the information was received after the deadline had
passed. Chief Sheppard continued by stating that he went to a professional and he is not a siren installer. Mr. Kehoe
stated that we do still need to choose locations and we need to know how the sound is produced. The siren at Lions
Park can not be heard due to topography, etc. A knowledgeable person needs to be utilized to suggest the absolute
right position. Ms. Young stated that Chief Sheppard had used a professional. Mr. Kehoe replied that he had only
drawn large circles on the map. Ms. Young asked Chief Sheppard who does this in the other townships. Chief
Sheppard replied the same guy he had talked with. Ms. Young stated that for the record it is not the fire chief’s
responsibility according to the county to select siren locations. Chief Sheppard stated that there is a little responsibility
in Medina City. As far as installations, the townships make that decision. Ms. Young asked for clarification of when
Chief Sheppard refers to the township he is referring to the trustee board. Chief Sheppard responded that it could be a
siren committee or what ever the township decides. Most townships hire a professional. Ms. Young stated that it is not
the norm for a fire chief to do this job. Ms. Gushue asked if any of the other townships have full time fire chiefs. The
board replied they do. Diane Wenslow asked how many sirens the other townships have. Chief Sheppard responded
with the various townships. Ms. Young suggested that Chief Sheppard check with these other townships and find out
who decided where their sirens should go. Chief Sheppard stated that the fire chiefs he has checked with do not have a
clue.
Ms. Young moved to pay the warrants of the township. No warrants were presented.
Ms. Young moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kehoe.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.