Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, October 15, 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 (asked to
be excused due to family emergency), Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey
Presentation of Watershed Balanced Growth Plan – Mr. Kehoe introduced Jeff Van Loon and Gary
Norcia of the Medina County Soil & Water Conservation District. Packets were passed out to
members of the audience. A portion of Lafayette Township sits in the Upper West Branch of the
Rock River Watershed. In September of 2005, the Ohio Lake Erie Commission selected this as
one of four watersheds to serve as pilot project areas to develop a balanced growth plan. In
conjunction with the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the Rocky River Watershed Council and the
twelve local communities with the watershed, the Rocky River Watershed Planning Partnership will
develop Priority Conservation Areas and Priority Development Areas. The Lake Erie Balanced
Growth Program recommendations include:
• A regional focus on land use and development planning in the Lake Erie basin.
• The creation of local Watershed Planning Partnership to designate Priority Conservation
Areas and Priority Development Areas.
• The alignment of state policies, incentives, funding, and other resources to support
watershed balanced growth planning and implementation.
• The implementation of recommended model regulations to help promote best local land use
practices that minimize impacts on water quality and provide for well planned development
efficiently served by infrastructure.
The Upper West Branch of the Rocky River Watershed involves Lafayette Township, Medina
Township, York Township, Montville Township, the City of Medina, Litchfield, Chatham, Brunswick,
Brunswick Hills Township, Sharon, Granger Township and Liverpool. Mr. Norcia explained the
contents of the folder he passed out. He explained that the state said that they would offer
incentive packages to help this plan succeed. He explained what criteria were used to determine
Priority Conservation Areas and Priority Development Areas. He also explained areas determined
to be Priority Agriculture Areas. Mr. Norcia presented a map detailing only Lafayette Township and
reported that the Ohio Lake Erie Commission stated that if the Township was willing to apply the
criteria of the Watershed to the entire area, the incentives would be applied to the whole area as
well. He stated that the designated areas are not restrictive; however, state incentives may not be
applied if the designated areas are not followed. This is a voluntary program. The maps were
prepared with information obtained from the County Engineers Office 2004 fly-over. Another fly-
over was done this spring and that information will be updated to the maps when available. The
wetland layer was not available when the maps were compiled and will also be added. Mr. Norcia
stated the Commission will be asking the Trustees of all the effected townships for a resolution of
support in November or December. If 75% of the jurisdictions agree and 75% of the land area
agrees, then the commission is eligible for the state to endorse the plan and incentives become
available to the supporting jurisdictions. Ms. Bowers asked for clarification if supporting the
concept doesn’t mean adopting the map. Mr. Von Loon replied it is supporting the concept as it is
presented by them. The map basically shows the township’s current zoning. Mr. Vernak asked
how many areas they have been doing this research in. Mr. Von Loon replied that there are four
pilot areas. Mr. Vernak asked how long this study had been going on. Mr. Von Loon replied that
they are almost starting year three of the three year study. Mr. Vernak said, “But you want our
answer in November”. Mr. Von Loon stated that they would like that, many township have already
stated they are ready to go. Mr. Vernak stated that our township would only have weeks to give an
answer. Ms. Bowers stated that this process has been going on in the county for a couple years
and our zoning commission has had information on this all along. The Trustees have also been
aware. Mr. Vernak asked about the general public. Ms. Bowers stated that this was part of the
process; the Commission is going from Township to Township to present this information. We
happen to be one of the last to be scheduled. Mr. Von Loon stated that the only township with
concerns so far is Liverpool, due to property values possibly varying. Mr. Hollish asked if he would
be able to sell his property to a developer even if he is not in one of the designated Development
Areas. Mr. Von Loon replied this is a free market system – the zoning dictates what happens on
your property. A member of the audience asked what the major advantage would be to the way it
is now. Mr. Norcia replied that the areas designated may be available for state incentives. Jim
Sheppard asked if there was any way that this relates to being assessed property wise because it
is in the system. The men replied “no”. There is no assessment for this designation. Dwayne
Novak asked how we draw water from Lake Erie, yet he puts into the Muskegan Watershed. He
thought that where you draw water is where you return water. Mr. Von Loon explained that Lake
Erie has an agreement with the municipalities that if water goes over the line, it must come back
through the sewer lines if they exist. It is not exactly a one-to-one. Mr. Norcia explained that the
agreement was meant to keep water from going way away from Lake Erie. The gentlemen left the
Lafayette Township map with the Trustees.
Minutes:
9/17/07 – Ms. Bowers motioned to approve, seconded by Mr. Kehoe. Motion carried.
9/19/07 – Ms. Bowers motioned to approve, seconded by Mr. Kehoe. Motion carried.
Correspondence:
• Letter from Medina County Prosecutor for copy of the Townships Public Records Policy. Ms.
Bailey has supplied that to them.
• Lorman Education Services – Document Retention and Destruction in Ohio seminars. Mr.
Kehoe stated that if Ms. Bailey would like to attend a seminar, she can.
• Medina County Commissioners – Resolution accepting and awarding a bid for replacement
of a culvert no. 38 on Westfield Rd. in Lafayette Township. Also resolution approving use of
subdivision drainage maintenance funds for repair work in Ryan Farms Subdivision Phase II.
• Notice of Road Closing – Greenwich Road between Lake Road and Hulbert Road beginning
10/15/07 for 57 days.
• Medina County Sanitary Engineering Department – cost to connect into water lines will
change from $3,500 to $4,000 effective 1/1/2008.
• Medina County Safety Council – October meeting on 10/16/07. Jim Sheppard and possibly
Ms. Young would attend.
• Grassroots Clippings
• U. S. Department of Agriculture – Information for Medina County livestock producers. There
is an Environmental Quality Incentive Program.
• Medina County Economic Development Cooperation – minutes of the 9/20/07 trustee
meeting.
• Senior Voice! – asking for a resolution supporting the continuation and strengthening of
traditional medicare.
• Chatham Township Open House – October 16, 2007
Fiscal Report:
Ms. Bailey reported that it was Ms. Young’s turn for the bank reconciliation and she had turned that
in today. Ms. Bailey read the report aloud (see attached). Ms. Bowers asked if the old emergency
ambulance levy would be able to be disposed of this year or if it would need to carry over until next
year. Ms. Bailey replied that is being check into. Mr. Kehoe asked for the Resolution that was
going to be presented be deferred until Wednesday to have Ms. Young’s input.
Requisitions:
Ms. Bailey reported the totals: Service Department - $30,016.77 (this includes 1300 tons of ice
control), Fiscal Office - $351.68, Zoning - $163.12, Fire & Rescue - $964.00, General Fund -
$85.00. Ms. Bowers moved to approve the requisitions, seconded by Mr. Kehoe. Motion carried.
Drug Free Workplace – Ms. Bailey reported that she had spoken with Mr. Thomas O’Reilly of
Solutions Behavioral Healthcare. He suggested training to occur on a Tuesday and Thursday
evening in November. Ms. Bailey asked for possible dates. Ms. Bowers asked Chief Sheppard if
he had suggestions since his is the largest group needing to participate. He had no suggestions.
Mr. Kehoe stated that all employees of the township need to take the training. He instructed Ms.
Bailey to set up the time and let everyone know. Supervisory training will occur on the same
nights.
Statement to Correct Misinformation – Ms. Bailey read a statement to correct statements made by
Ms.Young at the September 17th Trustee Meeting with regards to Ms. Evans time spent in the
Fiscal Office during payroll times. (see attached) Ms. Mullinax asked Mr. Kehoe if he felt it was fair
to present this statement without Ms. Young being present. Mr. Kehoe replied he would not
comment. Ms. Bailey replied that the misstatements were already on the record and she wanted to
clear the record before more time passed.
Department Reports:
Fire Department – Chief Sheppard reported that he had presented an application for a possible
member. There will be a 36 hour basic class the beginning of November. He has had the
application for about a week. The nominee has experience with the Coast Guard and water
rescue. This applicant would bring the department to about 40 members. Chief has had a few
resignations recently and would like to replace those people. Mr. Kehoe asked if a background
check had been performed. Chief Sheppard replied nothing more than what was presented by the
candidate. He would like the Trustees to approve him on a temporary basis due to the time issues
of the Trustee Meetings and the availability of the class. Ms. Bowers asked if the background
check could be done by Wednesday when the next meeting would occur. Chief stated he would
see if he could put something together. He further added that he felt every application should be
approved on a temporary basis. All candidates are on probation for the first year, but when
someone is approved, if something were to come up in the checks, the applicant could be
disregarded. In order for the applicant to attend the class, he needs to be semi-approved. Ms.
Bowers asked if the Chief was recommending the applicant. Chief Sheppard replied that he has
interviewed him; he has background with the coast guard and seems very interested. Ms. Bowers
motioned to approve Mr. Rasmussem subject to background check and driver’s license check and
verification from the township’s insurance. Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion, commenting that the
applicant had been in the Coast Guard for 10 years and has experience. Motion carried. Chief
Sheppard commented that he may have to get approval for the classes before the next Trustee
Meeting.
The Chief asked if the billing for LifeForce had been increased. The Trustees replied that had
been taken care of at the last meeting.
Chief Sheppard reported that he had spoken with Mr. McBride regarding taking down trees and the
Township will receive something in writing.
Chief Sheppard stated that John Lanzer, a volunteer who recently resigned, has had some medical
problems that seem to be ongoing. Chief would like for Mr. Lanzer to still be able to participate with
the association. He would also ask the Trustees to recognize the years of service that Mr. Lanzer
has with Lafayette Township. He was with the department for over 20 years. Mr. Kehoe asked if
Mr. Lanzer could help administratively or with training. Chief Sheppard replied that he could help
out with the association with fundraising and attending meetings.
Ms. Bowers asked Chief Sheppard if he had identified the three locations for sirens that he had
been asked to do at the last meeting. Chief Sheppard replied, “No, I kind of skirted around it and
said I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to do that this time around, but, if you…” Ms. Bowers asked why
we would not want to do that. He replied, “because of all the trouble I had getting the last ones
done.” He stated that he had learned the knowledge that is required to put a siren in, but it was
like starting from scratch and he had taken a lot of hassle for it. Ms. Bowers asked when the
Trustees would have the locations. Chief Sheppard replied, “I was just throwing that back at you
guys. You need to do a study, you need to go talk to…” Ms. Bowers stated that had been done,
Chief Sheppard had attended with her. Chief Sheppard replied that had been three years ago.
Ms. Bowers stated that the land hadn’t changed. Chief Sheppard stated that it should be
professionally done instead of being put on his shoulders. Ms. Bowers stated that Mr. Bodett is
willing to meet with him. Chief replied, “All you have to do is give him a call and tell him you’re
interested.” Ms. Bowers stated that as the Fire Chief, he should do that. Chief Sheppard replied
that the Fire Chief is not the weatherman. No other Chiefs do this, he is the only one who deals
with weather sirens in the county, as far as a Fire Chief goes. Ms. Bowers respectfully disagreed.
There is a window of opportunity to get these done, so she will do it. Trustee Kehoe stated that
the Chief needs to talk with Mr. Adams to determine the locations. He will not need to erect the
sirens. Beyond that, there will be a turnkey operation. Ms. Bowers stated that the installation
company prefers to install the sirens. All that is needed from the Chief is the locations. The Chief
needs to review the study with Mr. Adams and determine the locations. Chief Sheppard stated that
he would call Dan and tell him that the Township is looking at three more sites and would relay his
recommendations to the Trustees. Mr. Kehoe stated that with the possibility to save the Township
funds and utilize a grant we need to be prepared to do so.
Mr. Kehoe asked about the proposal submitted to remove trees by the Chippewa Station. Chief
Sheppard replied that would be to trim the ash tree, remove the maple tree, and trim the other
trees on our side of the fence. The proposal is for $1350. Chief Sheppard suggested leaving the
wood and allowing the Fireman’s Association to cut it up and use it as a fundraising opportunity.
The wood is township property and does have worth. Mr. Kehoe reminded the Chief that the
parking lot was going to be paved so consideration needs to be taken in stacking the wood. Mr.
Kehoe moved to approve the proposal submitted to remove and trim trees at the Chippewa Station
with the stipulation that the township have written authorization to go onto the neighbor’s property
to remove the tree. Ms. Bowers seconded the motion. Motion carried. Chief Sheppard stated that
he has verbal approval and should have no problem with written authorization. Mr. Hollish spoke
from the audience and volunteered to help determine where the sirens should be placed. Ms.
Bowers stated that Emergency Management should plat those locations.
Chief Sheppard reported that he has checked on pricing for the updating of the air packs. He
spoke with Finley Fire. To bring the township’s packs up to the 2002 standards, it will be about
$32,500. To replace the current air packs and bring them to the 2007 standards, which is a
stricter standard, it would be about $120,000. There are other issues to consider; high-pressure
vs. low-pressure, extra tanks, weight factors, etc. Chief Sheppard stated that some of the older
packs are farther from the standard than others. The packs can also be outfitted with a locator for
about $150/each. The department last used the air packs at a fire in April 2007. They are used
often in training. The packs are tested every year.
Service Department – 309 tons of salt has been purchased for this winter. The Medina County
Engineer offered a price of $36.70/ton. Dwayne Novak asked what the price of an average ton is
normally. Mr. Kehoe stated that this price is a better price than what the retail value would be. Ms.
Bowers stated that the township boundary signs will be delivered to ODOT for installation on the
state routes. She would like to budget next year for the remaining roads to have the boundary
signs.
Zoning – no additions to the report.
Police – Ms. Bowers reported that the Trustees from the Sheriff’s Office jail had weeded around
the Township Hall. Deputy Clark has been inventorying the contents of the Police Building. Ms.
Turpin will be inventorying and boxing the records.
Old Business:
Police Building Renovation – there are no current plans to submit. Topic is deferred.
Cemetery Plots – Ms. Bowers reported that a recommendation has been made to identify the lots
and offer them as cremation burial sites. She will make that recommendation to the board in the
new set of rules. She will also recommend that the sign be cleaned up or replaced. Mr. Kehoe
asked if the township would be buying back the plots that are already owned. Ms. Bowers replied
that after 40 years, they are marked as abandoned. That would not be the ideal way to go forth,
as there are recognizable names in the cemetery. It will take time to proceed with the process.
Old School Building – Ms. Bowers sent a letter to the Cloverleaf School Board after the last
Trustee Meeting. She read the letter aloud. (see attached) The letter is to let the school district
know the intentions of vacating the building sometime in the next six months. Ms. Bowers stated
that she had the opportunity to speak with a few of the school board members last week and they
indicated that they have received the letter but have not had the opportunity to have a formal
meeting. Mr. Kehoe stated that the wrestling group has requested to remain in the building. He
stated that the Trustees would be filling out a lease this evening to continue with them while the
Township is in the building. This would also apply to the 4-H Railroad Group and the Young
Marines.
Licensing of Sexually Oriented Businesses – Mr. Kehoe noted that information has been received
from James Bennett of the Prosecutor’s Office. The Trustees need to come to an agreement as
far as licensing. Zoning has already been completed.
New Business:
None
Public Participation:
1. Dave Hollish – asked the hours of operation for the Service Department. Ms. Bowers
replied that they are allowed to get their 40 hours in how they see fit due to weather constraints
and in a way to best not incur overtime. Mr. Hollish stated that perhaps he would document more
of what the Service Department is doing on their own personal time. He wanted to make sure that
the Service Department was not coming in too early and then not leaving until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
and then sitting around drinking coffee. Ms. Bowers replied that they do take breaks occasionally.
2. Jack Heiszek – There had been an assertion made that vandalism had occurred on
township property. Mr. Heiszek states that there is no record of this at the Sheriff’s Department.
Ms. Bowers disagreed, stating that she had spoken with Deputy Scott Simonton who took the
report, and Mr. Heiszek was welcome to speak with him as well. Mr. Heiszek asked what the
vandalism was. Ms. Bowers replied, “I couldn’t tell you.” Mr. Heiszek asked if there was an
insurance claim. Ms. Bowers replied no, it was not significant enough to rise to our level of
deductible. Mr. Heiszek again stated that there should have been a report made. He also asked if
vandalism had occurred, and trucks were being taken home, why are they not being taken home
now. Ms. Bowers replied that it was the Service Department’s discretion. Mr. Heiszek stated that
he did not understand. He continued by asking the same questions previous asked again. Mr.
Heiszek then stated that he thought this was all hype.
3. Sue Heiszek – asked a question for Mr. Blank. Mr. Blank would like to know when the signs
are going to be put up by the railroad tracks. Ms. Bowers replied it would be done when they were
completed with the road.
4. Frank Masik – representing his son’s baseball team. There are 12 kids that play in Medina
City. They are trying to gain entrance to the league, and have come up against some large egos
that don’t want to let them join. They are interested in being able to play on the field here in
Lafayette. Mr. Kehoe stated that there is a youth baseball league that plays on these fields a
significant amount of the summer. He is not sure how the schedules would work together. Mr.
Masik replied that their team is flexible and can play their home games at any time. Mr. Kehoe
stated that the current team has a priority on the fields and they would need to be contacted. Ms.
Bowers asked if the children were township children. Mr. Masik replied they are intermixed
throughout Medina County. Ms. Bowers stated that a conversation had taken place with the
Prosecutor’s Office before Mr. Kehoe was on the board. There had been a previous situation
similar to this and the Prosecutor’s Office advised the township at that time that because these are
public fields, the township needs to work out a way to share and share alike. No one group can
dominate the fields. Ms. Bowers suggested to the Board that Mr. Masik submit a list of their needs,
have the current group do the same, and let the township see if a way to accommodate both can
be arranged. Mr. Masik stated that his team is only looking at about 12 days over the 4 months.
The teams are self-insured. Ms. Bowers stated that she would give information to Mr. Masik after
the meeting.
Warrants:
Mr. Kehoe moved to pay the warrants of the township.
Ms. Bowers moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kehoe.
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.