Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, November 19, 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:
10/15/07 – Ms. Young is deferring since she was not present at the meeting. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the
minutes, seconded by Mr. Kehoe. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Kehoe voted to approve, Ms. Young abstained.
10/24/07 – Ms. Young moved to approve the minutes, Ms. Bowers seconded. All voting in favor.
10/29/07 – Ms. Bowers moved to approve, Mr. Kehoe seconded. Ms. Young had not been at the meeting. Ms. Bowers
and Mr. Kehoe voted to approve.
Correspondence:
• Time Warner – notice of price increase.
• Time Warner – switching of programming and channels
• Medina County Commissioners – Expo to be held on 12/12/07 at Medina County Community Center. A booth may
be acquired if wanted.
• Ohio Insurance Services – Delta Dental is increasing their rates to $65.06 / month / subscriber. This is an
increase of $23.98 / month.
Financial Report:
Ms. Bailey presented the Financial Report (see attached). Copy handed to Ms. Young.
Requisitions:
Ms. Bailey presented the requisitions by department. The Service department is requesting a 2008 1-Ton Pickup. Ms.
Bowers asked to delay the items dealing with this purchase until the issue is discussed by the board. The grand total for
requisitions is $41,772.39. Excluding the pick-up truck and light bar package will decrease the amount by $26,648.66
and $2,096.00. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the requisitions excluding the pickup and light bar package. The new
grand total will be $13,027.73. Ms. Young seconded the motion. All voting to approve.
Department Reports:
Reports were received from the Fire Department for October, Service Department through 11/10/07, and the Zoning
Department. There was no police report submitted. Ms. Young moved to accept the fire, service and zoning reports as
submitted. Ms. Bowers seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
Fire Department - Jim Sheppard went over the report that had been approved. In October there were 27 calls – 14
were fire. Most of them were open burns and false alarms. There was only one major fire. There were 23 EMS calls in
October. In 2007 there have been 82 fire calls and 271 EMS calls. Total man hours of 154 for fire and 144.75 for
EMS. Training is where a lot of the time is accrued. In October there were 332.75 hours of training. Total man hours
for 2007: fire – 582.5, EMS – 1,560.25, Training – 2,253.25. In Chippewa Village there was 1 fire call for October. For
2007 there have been 14 fire calls and 30 EMS calls in the village. We have had to call for mutual aid for fire 2 times
and 7 times for EMS this year. We have given mutual aid for fire 13 times and for EMS 17 times during 2007. Chief
Sheppard then asked for questions from the audience.
• With mutual aid, do the recipients pay the township? Chief Sheppard replied that with fire calls there is no
repayment. For EMS, we follow the same policies that their township uses.
Chief Sheppard commented on open burning. It has been a problem this year. EPA mandates what constitutes open
burning. A small 2 x 3 fire is permissible. The fire department is finding more illegal fires being burned. They will either
put the fires out or advise the homeowners to extinguish the fire.
• Diane Wenslow asked how our EMS numbers compare this year to last year. Chief Sheppard stated that we are
steadily running about 30 calls over last year. By the end of the year he anticipates about 420 total calls being made
between fire and EMS.
• Laura Gushue asked about the progress of upgrading the air packs. Chief Sheppard stated that the 2007
standard has not been able to be met by the manufacturers. He is looking at upgrading our equipment to the 2004
standard. He feels it would run around $30,000.
• Ms. Gushue drives down Spencer Lake and has noticed that a house that burned back in April has a tarp flapping,
quite a lot of debris and is an eye sore. There had also been a couple houses burn in Dover Highland a couple weeks
ago and they have already been torn down in less than a week. She asks about the differences. Chief Sheppard
replied that he has no control of the area after it is burned. With the two houses in Dover Highlands, the owner (Premier
Homes) and the insurance were all on the same page. The one on Spencer Lake is still an open issue. Ms. Gushue
asked if the two homes in Dover Highlands were owned by a builder. Chief Sheppard replied they were Premier Homes.
Ms. Gushue asked if the cause of the fire was known. Chief Sheppard replied it is noted as undetermined. The
insurance company has brought in their investigator. There is nothing noted as suspicious. Ms. Gushue asked if the
sheriff was brought in. Chief Sheppard replied that they were brought in, but do not have anyone trained in arson
investigation. If arson is suspected, the Sheriff’s Office is brought in. Ms. Gushue stated she was surprised the houses
were torn down if the cause is undetermined. Chief Sheppard replied that the investigators had been there and pictures
had been taken. One of the houses was burned from exposure due to the first fire. Ms. Gushue asked what our
response time was. Chief Sheppard replied 13 minutes. Mr. Kehoe added that there were people who collected
information from the insurance companies and that it is undetermined at this time. Six months from now, if more
information is acquired, the result may change.
• Tom Pindroh asked what the concern was with open burning. What problems are seen. Chief Sheppard replied
that the biggest concern is the EPA. They regulate open burning. There are times he is concerned if there is a fire
hazard or smoke hazard to a neighboring property. There can be ashes blowing to a neighbor or into the woods. He
stated that he does not drive around looking for open burns. Mr. Pindroh clarified that he wanted to know what the Chief’
s safety concerns are in resident areas with regards to open burns. Chief Sheppard stated that if he deemed it a
hazard, he would put it out. In most cases, it must be a small fire, be attended, and have an extinguisher with them. Mr.
Pindroh asked what is considered a small fire. Chief Sheppard answered 2 x 3. Mr. Pindroh asked about a fire that is
10 ft. in diameter with 20 foot high flames. Chief Sheppard stated it depends on where it is located. Mr. Pindroh stated
it is 50 ft. off of a property line. Chief Sheppard stated that would be a hazard. Mr. Pindroh asked if embers bouncing
off a neighbor’s house, causing a house to fill with smoke would be a hazard. Chief Sheppard replied yes. Mr. Pindroh
has had a problem with a neighbor for a year and a half regarding this issue. Chief Sheppard asked for an address.
Mr. Pindroh stated that it was on file, he has called many times in the last year and a half. Mr. Pindroh stated it is
located on Cantwell Trail in Bennington Point. Chief Sheppard stated that he has received a lot of calls for the area off
of Continental. Mr. Pindroh stated that the fires are about 60 ft. from his house. Chief Sheppard stated that he can only
put out the fires he is called on. Ms. Bowers asked what is done with habitual offenders. Chief Sheppard replied that he
turns them into the EPA. Ms. Bowers asked if he had turned in anybody in lately. Chief Sheppard replied not lately.
Ms. Bowers stated that she is familiar with the one that Mr. Pindroh is talking about and it is the same offender. Mr.
Pindroh restated his concerns with the embers and stated that the fire department will come out, law enforcement will
come out and will discuss with the property owner. After they leave, the fires get bigger and are not put out. They are
unattended overnight. Three weeks ago a fire caused a stain of soot and oil on the back of his house. He has been
working with Lafayette and feels it is being ignored. Chief Sheppard stated that his records show that in most cases
where they have been called, they put out the fires. If the fires are restated after they leave, he doesn’t know what to
say. Ms. Bowers stated to Chief Sheppard that she has discussed this one with him three different times, and he is
aware which one it is. Chief Sheppard stated he thinks he knows which one – there have been several up in that area.
Ms. Young asked if Chief Sheppard can pull the records and find out how many calls he has had. Chief Sheppard
replied he can pull all his Ryan Road calls. Ms. Bowers stated that is one she had asked Chief Sheppard to report to
the EPA. Chief Sheppard stated that the homeowner is not very nice when the fire department comes. Mr. Pindroh
stated that he would like to see the records. Mr. Kehoe stated that we need to move forward with this, especially if it is a
habitual problem. Chief Sheppard thinks it is the same place he has called the EPA to. He does not have any arresting
or ticketing powers. A member of the audience asked if the Sheriff had powers to handle this situation. Ms. Bowers
replied it falls under the Fire Department. Chief Sheppard stated that his powers are limited in that area.
• Jan Pindroh asked if it is within her legal right if the fire department has been out and puts the fire out and yet it
still burns, can she take her hose and put the fire out? Chief Sheppard stated that she would run the risk of
trespassing. His Department and EPA also have to be wary of trespassing. Ms. Pindroh stated that she is not able to
even protect her own house. Chief Sheppard replied that unfortunately that appears to be the way. However, if she can
hit it from her property, that would work. Mr. Kehoe asked if there is permission from the neighbors to use their land, is
that a problem? Chief Sheppard stated that if it is an illegal fire he can do that. He has the authority. Ms. Young asked
if a permit is needed to have a legal fire. Mr. Kehoe stated a permit is not needed for a legal fire. A member of the
audience stated that he believes the EPA has a regulation that a fire must be 1000 ft. from an inhabited dwelling. It
sounds to him that this fire is in violation of that. Chief Sheppard stated that anything over 2 x 3 must be 1000 ft. from
property. Mr. Pindroh stated that this fire has been an ongoing illegal fire and nobody ever does anything about it.
Chief Sheppard stated that he can’t say nobody ever does anything about it. It may happen a lot - that he is not aware
of. Mr. Kehoe volunteered to moderate a meeting regarding this issue if necessary.
Service Department – Ms. Bowers stated that we have a scheduled replacement of the 1 ton truck for 2008. Typically
large trucks are not available through state funding towards the end of the year. The Service Department has found
one that is an F350, 4x4 with a snow and tow package. It can be ordered at the 2007 state bid cost. The total would be
$26,648.66. The light package would be an additional $2100. Ms. Bowers stated that the department is doing very well
in budget and in fact is ahead of the budget. It would not be a problem to purchase the truck in this year’s budget. Ms.
Bowers reported that the township has a resident who works for Meyer Products, LLC. The resident contacted Ms.
Bowers to tell her about a program they have that tests plows and they try to give them to government agencies. This is
a free program. Ms. Bowers believes this package to be worth more than $5400.00. The township would have the
option to stay with the program season to season. The only requirement for the program is that the service department
keeps notes as to the amount of usage, type of usage, how the plow is performing. Meyer Products would come onsite
to check occasionally for wear and tear. Ms. Bowers reported that this particular vehicle would be a gas engine. She
has been looking at diesel engines. Northeast Ohio is a non-attainment area for EPA in air pollution. In 5-7 years, most
government fleets will probably be required to use the low sulfur diesel fuels. The township is currently in compliance on
most of the equipment we have. The economy is not supportive of acquiring this vehicle in a diesel format. Mr. Kehoe
asked if this vehicle would have a tow package and for plowing. Mr. Figgers confirmed. Ms. Bowers reported that she
had checked to make sure that if this vehicle is not low sulfur fuel compliant that it would not bar the township from some
of the grant programs that are coming up. The township has enough vehicles that qualify that we would still be eligible.
Mr. Kehoe stated that this vehicle would be replacing the 1-ton dump truck with a 1-ton pickup. Ms. Young noted that it
is replacing the vehicle that the trustees just approved the $2100 for. Ms. Bowers reported that the new vehicle would
not be available for 60-90 days. Ms. Young asked about the tail gate repair. Mr. Figgers replied that was for a different
truck and that it had rotted out after 13 years. The tailgate was rebuilt, not replaced. Mr. Kehoe asked if there would be
an additional cost to prepare the vehicle for the plow program. Mr. Figgers replied that the only cost would be
transportation to Gallion, Ohio. Meyer’s will reimburse Newell Equipment for the labor to install the plow. Ms. Bowers
restated a question from the audience asking if the new truck would have a dump box. She stated that she had
discussed with the service department and the feeling is that the township has sufficient coverage with the remaining
dump boxes. A member of the audience asked what size the engine was. Ms. Bowers replied it is an F350, 6.8 liter.
Another audience member asked if the service department will be snow plowing with this truck. Ms. Bowers replied they
would be plowing the small roads in Chippewa Lake with this truck. Mr. Kehoe replied it would possibly also be used in
the developments around the cul-de-sacs. Ms. Young asked what trucks would be plowing the roads. Mr. Figgers
replied there are currently three trucks for plowing and that would continue until and with the purchase of the new truck.
The new truck would be utilized in the Chippewa Lake area, parking lots, areas where they need a tighter turn radius
and for the Senior Snow Plow Assistance. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the truck and light package under the state
bid program along with authorizing the Service Department to enter into an agreement for the Field Test Plow Evaluation
Program with Meyer Products. Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion. Mr. Kehoe and Ms. Bowers voted to approve, Ms.
Young abstained as she had no knowledge of the information prior to the meeting.
Resolution:
The Medina County Soil & Water Conservation District presented the Watershed Plan to the township at a prior Trustee
Meeting. They suggested at that time that the township sign a resolution that would support the program. UPPER
WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER BALANCED GROWTH INITIATIVE RESOLUTION OF JURISDICTIONAL SUPPORT. Ms.
Bowers stated that at the last meeting, it was said by some that this was coming on the township in a hurry. Ms. Bowers
checked her files and found that this proposal was talked about in April 2005 and also December 2006. There have
been numerous opportunities within the county to learn more about the project. Our Zoning Board has also been
involved in some of these meetings. The Zoning Commission in Lafayette Township has started to work on language for
repairing corridor protection. Ms. Bowers distributed information regarding this to the trustees. Ms. Bowers motioned to
approve the resolution of support, Ms. Young seconded. All voting in favor.
Corrected Page
County Engineer Purchasing Agreement:
Mr. Kehoe reported that the township has received from the County Engineer an agreement for the sale of merchandise
to township/villages. The township has until the end of the year to come to an agreement with them. Ms. Bowers stated
that this is the annual purchasing agreement entered into every year that affords the township the opportunity to
participate at the commissioner’s better bulk price. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the purchasing agreement, Ms.
Young seconded. All voting in favor.
Cemetery Lots:
Ms. Bowers moved to approve deeds for two lots for Carl White at $200 a piece in Waltz Cemetery. Ms. Young
seconded. All voting in favor.
Public Participation:
Dave Hollish – questioned what the service department was doing with a driveway on Lance Rd. Ms. Bowers replied that
is a driveway that had been installed improperly against the township road. It was required that it be removed, the
service department went to take care of the township portion in the right-of-way. The permit requirements are being
enforced in making the driveway be reinstalled at the homeowner’s expense. Mr. Hollish asked if the homeowner would
be reimbursing the township for the right-of-way work. Ms. Bowers replied that there is no authority to do so. The
township has an obligation to keep the roadways safe.
Robert Watford – traveled through the new subdivisions and noticed two streets had no stop signs. Is the township not
installing stop signs? Mr. Kehoe asked for the particular location. Ms. Watford believes it is in Ryan Farms. Ms. Bowers
replied that perhaps she is referring to Dover Highlands where there are private roads without stop signs.
R. J. Stallard – has lived here for 35 years and thinks that this year the roads have been kept up and the grass mowed
better than he has seen it in 35 years.
Mr. Kehoe moved to pay the warrants.
Mr. Kehoe moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Bowers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.