Minutes

LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Special Meeting & Budget Meeting

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

 

Meeting called to order:  5:36 p.m.

 

Members Present:  Trustee Lee Kehoe, Trustee Lynda Bowers, Trustee Donald Butler, Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey.

 

Budget:

Road and Bridge – Mr. Kehoe would like a breakdown of the salary account for 2009 by Friday, October 31, 2008.  After discussion by the board, it was determined to put $10,000.00 in Motor Vehicle License Tax, $10,000.00 in Gas Tax, and $10,000.00 in Permissive Tax.

 

Cemeteries – Mr. Kehoe stated that there is $3,000 anticipated revenue plus any carry-over for the cemetery budget.  Ms. Bowers reported that she had spoken with Mr. Don Whalen and has received an estimate that would not exceed $5,000 (supplies, materials and probing graves) to restore the broken stones.  The easement survey for Crush Cemetery can be completed for less than $1,500.  The computer software should be acquired for less than $500.00; however Ms. Bowers suggests waiting for the new UAN program for cemeteries which would be free.  Repair for the gravel drives would be about $2,500.00.  Ms. Bowers clarified that the board had previously agreed to “jog” the driveway around any burial sites at Waltz Cemetery. 

 

Ms. Bowers reported that she had spoken with Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thorne and shared with him the Attorney General opinions that had been distributed at State Conference.  A new opinion, issued 8/12/08, states that “Boards of Township Trustees have a duty to repair and re-erect monuments and tombstones in public cemeteries within their jurisdictions when the repair of re-erection is necessary to “keep it in good repair” within the meaning of RC57517.11”.  Mr. Thorne indicated that he would be looking into this further.  Ms. Bowers commented that she feels the trustees have a responsibility to keep up the cemeteries.  This can be done for no more than $11,000.00. 

 

Discussion was held about whether it is the responsibility of the township to do the upkeep on the stones.  The Board appropriated $9,500.00 for the cemetery budget and agreed to discuss the specific projects for approval in the spring of 2009.  Ms. Bailey stated that an appropriation out of the General Fund will need to be made for the additional $6,500.00.  Ms. Bowers commented that there are 1,000 lots to be sold in the cemeteries, with the money for those going into the cemetery fund. 

 

Zoning – Ms. Bowers commented that Lafayette’s Board of Zoning Appeals salaries appear to be high.  The board is currently being paid for site visits at a meeting rate.  Discussion was held by the board regarding site visits.  The Board agreed that if a formal visit needs to occur, it will be paid for, but an informal drive-by in preparation would not be paid at the meeting rate.  Ms. Bowers will discuss this with the Board of Zoning Appeals.  She will present the formal Zoning Budget on Friday, October 31st. 

 

Fire and Rescue – Interim Fire Chief Jeff Hall presented the proposed Fire & Rescue Budget.  The salary schedule is being simplified based on certification.  Discussion was held by the Board regarding the pay schedule.  Mr. Butler called for an Executive Session once Chief Hall discusses with the Department about going to a monthly pay schedule.  Ms. Bailey requested a breakdown of the volunteer rankings from Chief Hall. 

 

After discussion by the Board and Chief Hall regarding staffing of three volunteers during the day and the new pay rates, the proposed salary line item is $175,000.00.  The board continued reviewing the budget line by line making adjustments as necessary.  The proposed budget is attached. 

 

It is proposed that Fire / EMS Vehicle #107-3 be disposed.  The usable medical equipment has been stripped off. 

 

Chief Hall suggested the Board consider the purchase of a new fire engine.  The department currently has a 1985 truck and two 1994 trucks.  The ’85 has a 2-man cab and the original steel tank as well as manual transmission.  A new truck would cost approximately $400,000.00.  In 2010, the emissions standards will be changing, which will increase the cost by about $30,000.00.  If the township were to become involved in regionalization, it would not affect the reasons for purchasing this new truck according to Chief Hall.  Ms. Bowers asked Chief Hall questions about the condition of the truck.  Along with regular maintenance issues, Chief Hall states that the ’85 truck will need new tires soon.  Ms. Bowers would like justification for purchasing a new truck.  Mr. Kehoe stated that what we have is old technology and we should be looking at new technology.  Chief Hall would like to make sure that the purchase of new vehicles is spaced in a more appropriate manner.  Firefighter Steve Kile commented that the ’85 truck cannot pump water at a rate to keep the other trucks working properly. 

 

The board would like Chief Hall to research a new truck.  Ms. Bailey will also add a Vehicle Replacement account line in the budget for 2009.

 

Chief Hall stated that the department is missing revenue from billing options.  Ms. Bowers asked the board to consider billing the insurance companies of township residents for services utilized.  Any amount that the insurance company does not pay would be waived for the residents.  Chief Hall stated that billing could also be done for the usage of the fire engines. 
Assistant Chief Brad Winter will be bringing forth a proposal for insurance billing.

 

Requisitions – Mr. Kehoe read aloud the proposed requisitions. 

·        Fire Department – Staples (189.22), Phillips Defibrillators (34,098.85)

·        Administration – Staples Safe & Envelopes (378.63), USPS (168.00), Staples (9.98)

·        Zoning & Admin. – Staples (79.22)

·        Service Department – Medina Tractor (88.92)

Mr. Kehoe moved to approve the above mentioned requisitions.  Mr. Butler seconded the motion.  All voting in favor.  Motion passes.

 

Mr. Kehoe reminded everyone that there is a budget meeting on Friday, October 31st at 3:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Butler moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kehoe.  All voting in favor.  Motion passes.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

 

Approved:________________________                                ________________________

                                                                                                Lynda Bowers, Trustee

 

 

                                                                                                ________________________

                                                                                                Donald Butler, Trustee

 

 

                                                                                                ________________________

                                                                                                Lee Kehoe, Trustee

 

_________________________________

Shirley Bailey, Fiscal Officer