Minutes
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 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, Attorney Allan Michelson
Mr. Kehoe read Rules of Conduct. At the Trustees June 18, 2007 meeting, he read this
statement and will repeat it for those who may not have been in attendance at that meeting. A
person is guaranteed a right to attend a public meeting, but not the right to be heard. A
disruptive person waives the right to remain and observe the meeting and may be removed from
the meeting. Audio and video recording is permitted as long as the equipment is silent and
obtrusive, self contained and self powered, so as not to present any safety hazard or interfere
with others ability to hear, observe, or participate in the meeting. Members of the public will be
permitted the opportunity to speak on any issue or concern which pertains to the township during
the portion of agenda devoted to public participation when recognized by the Chair. All comments
shall be directed to the Chair and a reasonable time limit of two minutes will be imposed. If there
is a group, please appoint a spokesperson. Speakers will approach the front microphone, state
their name and address so it can be entered into the minutes. No swearing or foul language will
be permitted. Members of the public will be afforded the opportunity to comment on other
portions of the meeting only as recognized and permitted by the Chair.
Minutes:
6/20/07 – Ms. Young motions to approve, Ms. Bowers seconded. All voting in favor.
7/12/07 – Ms. Bowers pointed out that the minutes need to reflect that the meeting reconvened
after the Executive Session. Ms. Bailey will correct for approval at Wednesday’s Workshop.
7/16/07 – Ms. Young moved to approve. Ms. Bowers noted that on page 6, John Burke’s name
wasn’t mentioned. She wanted to make sure that no one had an objection to his name being in
the minutes. No objection was noted. Ms. Bowers seconds to approve the minutes. All voting in
favor.
8/14/07 – Ms. Young motions to approve, Ms. Bowers seconded. All voting in favor.
Old Business:
Lot Split – Ms. Young stated that she would not be signing the lot split this evening. Ms. Bowers
asked if there was a problem with it. Ms. Young stated that there was. The problem was the
people involved in the lot split. She stated that Trustee Bowers was well aware. Ms. Bowers said
she had no idea what she was talking about. Ms. Bowers asked Zoning Inspector Alliss Strogin if
there was a problem with the lot split. Ms. Strogin replied there was not on a technicality
standpoint. Unless there was some other issue she was not aware of. Ms. Bowers stated that the
lot split had nothing to do with who’s in ownership or who’s buying. Ms. Young again stated that
she would not be signing. Ms. Bowers stated, “Just so you know, it’s not me”. Mr. Kehoe again
asked if it met all the requirements of zoning. Ms. Strogin replied that it did. Mr. Kehoe stated
that it is 2.98 acres, 264 feet of frontage. Ms. Strogin said that was correct. Ms. Bowers again
asked Ms. Young if there was a problem or issue. Ms. Young again stated that she chose not to
sign. She stated that there was not a problem that she sees at this time, but chooses not to sign.
There is no zoning issue that Ms. Young is aware of. Ms. Bowers and Mr. Kehoe approved the lot
split. Ms. Young did not sign.
Correspondence:
Letter from Shirley Bailey, Fiscal Officer – An office assistant, Joy Turpin, has been hired. She
will be there to help in the office, do back up, and learn what’s going on so that if there is a
problem where Ms. Bailey is out, she would be able to assist. Under the ORC, the Fiscal Officer
does have the right to hire somebody; however, the Trustees have the obligation to set the level
of compensation. There are currently three different job titles available: Assistant to the Clerk
and Trustee, Clerical Assistant, and Clerk’s Assistant. Compensation ranges from $8-$10 per
hour to $12,000 a year. Ms. Bailey would like the current three positions to be eliminated and set
a level of compensation for Joy at $10/hour with a job title of Office Assistant to the Fiscal Officer.
Ms. Young asked if we had hired her before a pay scale was set. Ms. Bowers stated that there
were already three set. She understands the letter to be asking the Trustees to clean up the
current situation. Ms. Young asked Ms. Turpin how long she had been working for us. Ms.
Bowers asked to read the letter into the record. (see attached) Ms. Young asked Ms. Bailey how
many hours she was looking at. Ms. Bailey replied, “Twenty”. Ms. Bowers moved to vacate all of
the existing compensations previous to tonight. Ms. Young asked if that would vacate Martha’s as
well. Ms. Bowers replied that Martha is not an assistant. She is a Visiting Clerk Trainer and is
hardly used. Ms. Young asked, “For two years”? Ms. Bowers replied that she comes in when
systems change, as she does all over, from time to time when necessary. Ms. Young stated that
she is in every time we do payroll. Ms. Bailey replied she is not. Ms. Bowers replied not that she
had seen. Ms. Young said she had seen her every time payroll is done. Ms. Bailey replied that
she had just done payroll and she was not there. Ms. Bowers restated that her motion is: To
vacate all of the positions and compensations and reinstate only one position identified as Office
Assistant to the Fiscal Office at the rate of $10 per hour. Ms. Young seconded the motion at
twenty hours a week. Ms. Bowers stated that the Board did not have the ability to tell her what
hours she could use. Ms. Bailey agreed. The ORC does not give that authority, only to set the
compensation. Mr. Kehoe stated that the Trustees could only approve the position and the rate
of compensation. Ms. Bowers stated that since Ms. Bailey doesn’t take all of her salary, it was
already budgeted for this year. Ms. Young wanted clarification to know that we would not have to
provide benefits for this employee. Ms. Bowers stated that a full time position was not being
approved. Ms. Bowers amended her motion for the position to be a single part-time position of
Office Assistant to the Fiscal Officer. Ms. Young seconded as amended. Mr. Kehoe clarified that
the Trustees were not setting hours but that this was a single part-time position. All voted in
favor. Ms. Young stated that she was unaware that Ms. Bailey was not taking her full pay.
Medina County Commissioners - Mr. Kehoe read a letter acknowledging Ms. Bowers participation
in the Medina County Home Cemetery Restoration Project. (letter attached) Ms. Bowers stated
that she appreciated Mr. Kehoe reading the letter. About a year ago she identified the cemetery
and asked that it be marked, preserved, protected and mapped, which was done. A number of
local residents have taken up the sword now and they actually are doing the cleaning. She
believes Mr. and Mrs. Heiszek and John Crawford are involved. They are doing the backbone
work – she just did the research. Ms. Young added Eli Beechee as someone who was involved.
McTigue Law Group – letter addressed to Trustees regarding statements made at 6/18/07
Trustee Meeting. Mr. Kehoe read the letter (see attached). Ms. Bowers suspected that the letter
may have been directed toward her. She stated that many residents had complained that they
relied on false statements when they voted last May. She has read a copy of the transcript. It
states, “They didn’t do their legal research. Mrs. Heiszek is a housewife and the last time I
looked, citizens don’t have to become paralegals or lawyers. The first amendment protects
misstatements of facts or in this case a misstatement of a point of law.” Ms. Bowers stated that in
deference to the request made by Ms. Heiszek through her attorney, she would use the word
misstatement instead of false. This doesn’t change the fact that the people who complained had
a right to complain and there was merit to the complaint.
Medina County Engineer – notice of road closing. Beck Road between Norwalk Rd. and Stone Rd.
beginning Friday, September 7th for approximately six weeks.
Minutes from August 2, 2007 Public Hearing – Board of Zoning Appeals
Grass Roots Clippings – Newspaper of the Ohio Township Association
Lafayette Township Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing of August 2, 2007 and August 8,
2007
Conditional Zoning – approval of zoning application and copy of lawsuit.
OSHA – 2-day session in Akron on Nov. 13-14, 2007.
Medina County Health Department – complaint about a Lance Road property.
Medina County Engineer – Bicycle Transportation Route Map. These routes lead to Cuyahoga,
Lorain and Wayne Counties.
Senate Bill 18 – Judge Sheeran in Franklin County has upheld the challenge brought by the
Prosecutors Office to Senate Bill 18. This bill took away the general welfare zoning authority of
townships. The Township of Lafayette, along with eight other townships in Medina County, filed a
lawsuit against the general assembly and won.
Medina County Health Department - Ms. Young asked about 5600 Lance Road. Discussion was
held with Alliss Strogin. Ms. Young asked how the Health Department had become involved in this
issue. Ms. Strogin replied that she had contacted them. The issue was not a zoning matter but a
health department issue. They were involved due to rodents.
Medina County Sanitary Engineers – Ms. Bailey reported that the igloos we had in place for glass
recycling have been removed due to inactivity. She listed the remaining nine locations available.
Ms. Young asked to have a list of current places posted outside the Town Hall.
New Business:
Zoning Amendment
A public hearing concerning proposed zoning text amendments was held earlier this evening
regarding sexually oriented businesses. There was no opposition to the proposals. Mr. Kehoe
pointed to a box containing background information and the negative effect that sexually oriented
businesses have on areas that they come into. Sexually oriented businesses can not be zoned
out of the area. It is illegal. The Commission worked for nearly two years to come up with a
solution. Mr. Kehoe thanked Karen Schoonover, Marlene Oiler, Ms. Winslow, and Ms. Strogin for
their time and effort to come up with these changes for zoning. Ms. Young moved to accept the
proposed zoning text amendments for the sexually oriented businesses as presented September
17, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Bowers seconded, noting that they are sections 304.1, 304.2, and
304.5h. All voting in favor. Karen Schoonover was asked if she would like to make any
comments. She relayed that it was a difficult process and opened the eyes of our zoning
commission when we realized that this was something that was necessary to protect our
township. The zoning commission has tried to protect the township from the secondary effects of
these businesses. That is all by law that we can do. The Trustees have an additional regulation
that they can take the time and determine whether it would benefit the residents regarding
regulations and regulating hours should a business come into the area. That would be handled
through the Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Hollish asked where the township had zoned to put these
businesses. Karen replied that it was in the light-industrial area and was shown on the map
available. Mr. Hollish asked if in future years as this area may be absorbed by Medina City, if
there was a provision for rezoning. Karen replied that it would need to be addressed at that time.
She stated that the commission can only enact land use regulations. We can not say that these
businesses can not come into the township. Karen added that she appreciated the support from
the Trustees. Karen and the Board were acknowledged for the great work they had done on this
issue.
Medical Insurance – Frank Harmon, the Insurance Agent with Ohio Insurance Services Agency,
reported that the health care was up for renewal on October 25th. He handed out information to
the Trustees. He related a couple of options. One would be a plan change with Anthem and
adopt a health reimbursement arrangement. He has also spoken with Medical Mutual. Their
monthly rate would be about $3800. This would be less than where Anthem is today. Medical
Mutual would be able to do a benefit match. Mr. Harmon asked if he could come to a workshop
session to go into further detail. Ms. Bowers asked if Frank works with the CCAO’s program. He
replied that he can. Ms. Bowers stated that the county is leaning towards CCAO at the first of the
year. There is room in their tiering to allow others to come in. Frank replied that is an option, it is
a self-funding plan. Some counties in the past have booted out their smaller partners after a few
years. Mr. Kehoe asked if it is renewed and a great deal comes through from the county that we
would be interested in, what would happen with the contract with Frank. Frank replied that we are
on a month-to-month contract. To be reinstated, underwriting would have to reoccur. Frank will
plan to be at the workshop on Wednesday to go into further detail. He will fax details beforehand
to Ms. Bailey.
Financial Report:
Ms. Bailey handed out copies of the report to the Trustees. She then read the report aloud. (see
attached). The requisitions were presented: Service Department – total of $3, 027.00, Fire &
Rescue – total of $4,626.46, Grand total of $7,653.46. Ms. Young moved to approve the
requisitions. Ms. Bowers asked Chief Sheppard if our SCBA units are up to snuff. How
compatible are they with areas around us? Chief Sheppard stated that they still pass all the
tests. Mr. Kehoe asked about the cost of a single tank. The Chief replied $3500 - $4000. Ms.
Bowers asked if what we have is what departments around us are using. Chief Sheppard
responded that everyone uses various styles. Some of the tanks are up to 20 years old. They
are tested every five years. He stated that there are FEMA grants to help with upgrading of
packs. He is not sure how some departments are approved for these grants and some others are
not. Our department is compatible with approximately 75% of the other departments. Ms. Bowers
seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Department Reports:
Ms. Young moved to accept the reports as submitted. Reports submitted were: Fire Department,
Service Department and Zoning Report. Ms. Bowers seconded the reports and all voted in favor.
Alliss Strogin spoke regarding the Tel-Com Pioneers Organization. This is the largest
philanthropically private-owned and funded charity organization. One of the nation-wide
programs they sponsor is the Hug-a-Bears. These are handmade bears that are given to the
police, fire, and hospital personnel to help calm young children. Ms. Strogin gifted 25 of these
bears, on behalf of the Tel-Com Pioneers, to Chief Sheppard. She had previously gifted 25 to
the Sheriff’s Deputies. She stated that she is happy to donate more if the need arises. The
Trustees and audience thanked Ms. Strogin.
Fire Department – Jim Sheppard was asked to update the Board regarding daytime staffing.
Chief Sheppard reported that day time staffing started mid-July. There are generally two people
staffed. Currently the medics are not participating. When there are short days, he makes himself
available to be the second. This staffing is allowing the Chief to accomplish additional tasks, such
as keeping the equipment in better working order, replacing supplies, station cleaning, projects,
etc. Chief Sheppard will attend the Safety Committee Meeting and asked if Ms. Young was
attending also. Ms. Young replied she will be there in November. Ten out of twelve meetings
have to be attended to receive discounts. Chief Sheppard stated that there are other
departments that have been contacting him regarding the day time staffing and are interesting in
seeing how it is working for us. Mr. Kehoe stated that this started out as a trial project, and it
seems that things are working out well for the most part. Scheduling seems to be the most
challenging aspect.
Service Department – Ms. Bowers reported about the crossover on Carsten Road. Mr. Figgers
got a quote for the work back in June and we have held off until the Engineers Office could be
contacted. There are some water issues and that problem is contained on private property.
There is nothing the Township can do about it. Ms. Bowers would like to authorize the culvert
replacement. It is $2600. Ms. Bowers checked the Road and Bridge Accounts and there are no
more funds set aside for culvert crossover, as we have done seven this year. There is funding in
other line items that can be utilized to cover the costs. HSH will be replacing the culvert. Ms.
Bowers motioned to authorize HSH to replace the crossover culvert on Carsten Road for $2600.
Mr. Kehoe seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Bike Paths – Ms. Bowers reported that she met with the County Engineers Office and had a
conversation with Mike Salay regarding the Bike Paths. She also talked with Karen Schoonover in
zoning. We are working on putting together a ten year plan for maintenance on our roads. With
the completion of Lance Road, the township is pretty much where it should be and shouldn’t be
seeing the expensive road projects for the next few years. The Service Department will be
concentrating on setting back ditches and berming. The township is looking at the possibility of
incorporating a bike lane in the areas where there are trails that don’t meet up. This would be in
cooperating with the County Engineers Office. There is funding available for this. Ms. Young
stated that we should be focusing on our ditches and berming first. Ms. Bowers replied that she
had stated that and it would be done over the winter. She had recently done a road ride with the
County Engineers Office and they are very pleased with the townships berming and our ditches.
There are some places where the ditches need to be further set back and our service department
can address that by cleaning from the backside. Unfortunately, they were installed too close,
therefore it is an installation and not a maintenance issue. The County has been issuing permits
to allow the ditches to come in line with the drive pipes. We are trying to work to keep that from
happening in the future. Mr. Kehoe stated that the township needs to follow the requirement. Ms.
Bowers asked Mr. Figgers if we still have township identifier signs. ODOT is remarking their state
routes and they have notified the county that if we have signage to go up, now is a good time to
put it up.
Old Business:
Chippewa Lake Fire Department Parking Lot – Mr. Kehoe asked to review the bids received to
resurface the parking lot. Lytle – chip & seal - $7570; Perrin - $17500 – clean entire area,
asphalt, approx. 17000 sq. ft., grating would be $2500 extra, about $20,000 total; Most & Stanley
Asphalt - $14,620 – paving & compacting to 2 ½ inches of single layer asphalt in parking lot;
$16,394 – 17543 sq. ft. – 2 ½ inches of asphalt – 2 layer installation. Ms. Young asked what our
financial situation is. Mr. Kehoe replied the money is in the account. Ms. Young stated that with
the heavy equipment we need to do the job right. Ms. Young motioned to approve Most & Stanley
Asphalt (option 2) to asphalt for $16,394 with Ms. Bowers seconding. All voting in favor. Ms.
Young stated that Most & Stanley had high references. Mr. Kehoe asked Ms. Bailey to contact
Mr. Most and ask them to move forward. Once it is guaranteed, it would be guaranteed for the ’
07 season.
Corner of Egypt & Carlton Road – Ms. Young asked what was happening with this corner since
Ms. Griswell has been contacting the Trustees. Ms. Bowers replied that she has sent an email
and referred this to the County Engineers Office. The feedback she is getting is this is a part of
the whole issue down there and we are waiting for the engineering. Ms. Young relayed that Ms.
Griswell doesn’t feel that this has any bearing. Ms. Bowers stated that if it is not part of this issue,
then it is a property owner issue.
Deerview & 42 – Ms. Young has received several calls regarding the mess on this corner. Ms.
Bowers stated that this has been referred to ODOT some time ago more than once. This is an
erosion issue. The township has not heard back from ODOT.
Palker & Columbia – Ms. Young stated that there is a hogweed issue at the stream. Ms. Bowers
stated that the Department of Agriculture has been out there several times. Ms. Young asked if
they had spoken with the property owners. Ms. Bowers replied they have. All property owners
are cooperative except one. The Department is working with that owner. The season has passed
so they are going to wait until spring to continue. The township’s service department has treated
some plants for a disabled person. The Park District and the Department of Agriculture have
been in and treated areas. They believe that they have treated all the plants except for the one
property owner who will not permit treatment. They are planning to work with that owner in the
spring. Ms. Young clarified that we have one homeowner not cooperating. Ms. Bowers stated
that the Department of Agriculture and the Health Department are handling the situation. Mr. Bob
Vernick, from the audience, asked if this were the Black Plague, would the township just stop and
not do anything about it. Ms. Bowers stated that they have not stopped, it is being pursued by
the Department of Agriculture and the Health Department. Mr. Vernick continued (not audible on
tape), and Ms. Bowers replied that they have some authority, but can not storm onto your
property. Mr. Vernick questioned why they could not go in and annihilate this plant that is causing
so many problems. Mr. Kehoe stated that residents have private property rights. Ms. Bowers
stated that they are following the proper procedures. Mr. Vernick didn’t understand why we as a
community could not go in and eradicate it ourselves.
New Business:
Open Records - Ms. Bailey presented the Open Records Mission Statement. She attended a
Fiscal Officers Meeting and learned that the State Attorney General has come up with an Open
Records Mission Statement. Public records are available for any one to view. The state has
asked that the township set up special times when the records can be viewed and for records
request to be submitted. Ms. Turpin will be handling the public records requests. Most records
are public. If there is a question, the township has the right to check with the prosecutor before
records are handed out. Ms. Bowers added that the Attorney General’s Office wants these
policies in place by September 29, 2007. Ms. Young asked for a copy to be put in her mailbox
and for this matter to be postponed until Wednesday’s session. Mr. Michelson suggested
changing the area that spells out the costs to be changed to “the township will maintain a
schedule of the costs”. This will save having to revise the resolution every time the production
costs change.
Training Program – Mr. Kehoe reported that all employees of the township must be trained
regarding public records. This does not include volunteer firemen and EMTs. This is a directive
from the Attorney General’s Office. Training is available from Oct. 3rd through the beginning of
December.
Police Building Renovation – Ms. Bowers reported that she has been to the building with an
architect, the zoning secretary, zoning chair and Ms. Bailey. This building can be renovated to
house the Clerks Office, Zoning, a conference room and a filing room. This would be less
expensive than the school building currently being used. Duct work would need cleaning, carpet
replaced, a door installed, and possible mold mitigation. Ms. Bowers is working on this project
and will have something for the Trustees to look at on Wednesday. If the building can be
converted the township can opt out of the lease on the school, giving them ninety days and have
the township out by the end of December. Mr. Kehoe stated that the township would need to let
the school district know by the end of September. He would like a copy of the existing floor plan
of the police building.
Ambulance Billing Service (Life Force) – Ms. Bowers reported that Ms. Bailey had contacted her
regarding trying to find the policy for ambulance billing. Neither was able to find one. Chief
Sheppard has suggested that the township look at billing the insurance companies. Lafayette is
one of two or three departments that is not billing. Residents are not billed, but non-residents
are. Ms. Bowers is not suggesting that we bill residents, but that their insurance companies be
billed. To the extent that the insurance companies don’t pay, the remainder can be soft billed and
waived. The township is not saving the residents any money by not billing their insurance
companies. Based on the number of calls last year, residents vs. non-residents, and looking at
the collection on non-residents, Ms. Bowers believes that when we have eight to nine months of
history, we should be able to roll back at least 1 mill of our collection if we collect from insurance
companies. Mr. Kehoe asked how much that would be. Ms. Bowers replied about $46,000 –
$50,000. (She added that since the first of the year, just in zoning permits issued on valuation,
we have gone up $4,416,000.) The township may be able to roll back the levy on the fire levy as
well as the levy in the police department just passed. (Chief Sheppard off tape) Ms. Bowers
replied that we can leave the ability to collect in place without collecting excess funds not needed.
This issue will be carried over for Wednesday. Mr. Hollish asked about soft billing for the
residents. He is concerned that old-timers insurance premiums may go up if they are hit multiple
times. Ms. Bowers replied that she had check on that and has been told that it does not happen
with that kind of billing. If it did, the township could look at that. Mr. Hollish feels that we should
not be doing any billing since the tax payers are paying already. Ms. Bowers asked, “Even if it
allows us to reduce taxes?” Mr. Hollish restated that the oldtimers may be in situations where they
may need more service. Ms. Bowers asked what the consequence to them would be if the
insurance is paying for the service. Mr. Hollish stated that their rates may go up $800-$900. Ms.
Bowers replied that they don’t pay Medicare/Medicaid. Mr. Kehoe stated that this is something to
be looked at and discussed.
Severe Weather Mitigation Funds – Ms. Bowers reported she would like to submit a grant
application to receive these funds. In the past, EMA recommended that the township have five
sites, the board would only authorize applications for two. Other townships are putting them up in
road right-of –ways and where there are railroad crossings. From the recent tornadoes, the
township may get a notice. If so, the township will have thirty days to get the applications in. Ms.
Young stated that Ms. Bowers needed to discuss this with Chief Sheppard. Ms. Bowers stated
that all that is needed is three locations from Chief Sheppard as to where the coverage is
needed. (Chief off tape) Trustee Kehoe and Bowers stated that we then need to have the
service department get it done.
Medina General Hospital ER Expansion – Ms. Bowers reported that Curtis Perkins had
approached her and reported that they are asking all the townships to consider resolutions in
support of the expansion for the emergency room facilities. Ms. Bowers also spoke with Mr.
Holman as well to see if they were in agreement. They responded that they are. She presented
RESOLUTION 25-2007 – IN SUPPORT OF MEDINA GENERAL HOSPITAL’S REQUEST FOR
CONSIDERATION TO EXPAND EMERGENCY SERVICE FACILITIES. Ms. Bowers read the
resolution. Ms. Young asked if Mr. Holman wanted the support. Ms. Bowers replied that they do
want the support of all of the townships that utilize Medina General. Ms. Young feels that this is
asking us to get involved in a spitting match. From a nurses point of view she has no problem.
From a political point of view she is not sure why we would. Mr. Kehoe suggested deferring this
issue until Wednesday. All agreed.
Cemetery – Ms. Bowers reported that the old sections of the cemetery were laid out in 6-grave
plots rather than 4-grave plots. The graves were small back then. There are a number of sites
that only have four grave occupied, leave two graves open. She has contacted many of those
people to see what their intentions are for the vacant graves. A core group of people are
interested in abandoning two graves sites in their plats. The township can repurchase them for
the price that was paid. Ms. Bowers has researched and found the minutes of the cemetery,
which were handwritten. On May 16, 1930, the cost of graves was $5.00. This is the maximum
the township is permitted to pay to buy back gravesites. In 1937 they went up to $5.25. There is
a practical difficulty if people want to do burials on these plats. There is only room for one casket
if there are already four caskets in the plat. She feels the township should be prepared for when
this situation arises. Mr. Kehoe asked if the township can restrict the use due to changing times.
Ms. Bowers stated that we would need to find out. There are about fifty such plats. Mr. Kehoe
asked if the township could get those that are abandoning to sign a letter of abandonment. Ms.
Bowers replied that they would need to sell it back to the township for $5.00 and then the
township would star it to not be resold. It can be gifted to the township.
Warrants – Ms. Bowers moved to pay the warrants of the township.
Public Participation -
Sue Heiszek – referred to letter from Mr. McTigue. On the meeting of June 18, 2007 Ms. Bowers
and Mr. Kehoe made statements saying that she had admitted to making false statements
through her attorney. Ms. Heiszek asked Mr. Kehoe if he was going to make an apology and
retraction for statements made by him and Ms. Bowers. Mr. Kehoe said he would not make a
statement for Ms. Bowers. He stated that if there was a misstatement, they will be misstatements
and change the terminology. Ms. Heiszek asked Ms. Bowers why she would not apologize. Ms.
Bowers clarified that the residents who complained that they were misled and relied on false
information, she’ll use the word incorrect or misstatements, rightfully had a right to complain. She
will retract the word false statements and use the terminology specifically used by her attorney,
“misstatements”. Ms. Heiszek feels that is not what her attorney said.
Dave Hollish – question about records request. Will the time be available for people that work?
Ms. Bailey stated it would be 11-2. Requests can also be mailed in, called in, faxed or emailed.
He also asked about the sirens. The Trustees clarified that this would be for new sirens. The
siren goes off the first Saturday of each month at noon. Mr. Hollish reported that he does not
hear his siren. He also referred to the service department taking trucks home due to vandalism.
He checked with the Sheriff’s Department and said they have no vandalism reports since 2002.
The Clerk’s Office also had nothing. He said that the clerk said sometimes it is not reported. Ms.
Bowers replied that it was reported. Mr. Figgers reported that he filled out statements for that
report. The clerk would not have those records. Mr. Hollish wanted to know who determines
when something would or would not be reported. The Sheriff’s Department may need to make
more patrols in these areas during off-hours. Time was called from the audience.
Jack Chester – Every January a dinner / auction is held. The monies collected this past year
were approximately $1600. He would like to hear from anybody within the township who is
destitute and needs money for distribution. This year most of it was given to the church for
distribution. The audience and Trustees applauded. Mr. Chester asked how the comprehensive
plan is coming. A member of the committee reported that it will hopefully be completed by the end
of the year. Mr. Chester reported that our fire and rescue squad have saved and now have
about $800,000 - $900,000 for a new facility. Each year we wait we’re losing 5 – 10%. Ms.
Bowers reported that it is budgeted for next year. Mr. Kehoe said that he had mentioned to the
Chief that we need to get started on this project.
Lisa Takach – asked how many resolutions we have for this year. Trustees replied 25. Ms.
Takach spoke to Ms. Young acknowledging that she is coming up for re-election and asked how
many of these she had introduced. Ms. Young asked what bearing this had. Ms. Young did not
feel that her election was an issue tonight. The Trustees reported that it was a matter of public
record.
Amy Gangle – secretary of Cloverleaf Youth Wrestling. She asked the Trustees to consider
extending their lease in the school building. With the lease in the air, they are in limbo with
regards to their practice for the 50 boys and girls. She would like the trustees to consider a short-
term lease for the remainder of the time the township is in the building. Mr. Kehoe asked when
the program would end. She replied they will meet Nov. 1st through the end of February. Ms.
Bowers stated that she had no problem going month to month. Ms. Young asked when they met.
Ms. Gangle reported that it is an evening program and they leave their mats down (large mats).
They currently use three room, breaking the children up by age level. Ms. Young and Mr. Kehoe
are agreeable to letting the group use the school till the end of the year.
Robert Vernick – responding to remarks made by Ms. Takach. Ms. Young stated that he did not
have to defend her. Mr. Vernick asked Ms. Young what powers she had when she took office.
She had been in charge of the police department and had a lot of control that was taken away.
Ms. Young replied that she went to zoning this year. Mr. Vernick replied, “That’s my point
though. She’s asking a question. What are you supposed to do? We have no power”. Ms.
Young responded that you take it up with the one that runs the township. Mr. Vernick addressed
Ms. Bowers. He asked her how many times she had contradicted herself to the police, the fire,
everything. She would not even take minutes any more. Ms. Bowers said she does not take
minutes. Mr. Vernick said the tape recorded minutes we used to have, “We’re not allowed to have
anymore”. Ms. Bowers replied that the tape recorded was currently recording and he was able to
request a copy. Mr. Vernick said that according to Ms. Bowers it’s not admissible, it’s got to be
handwritten. Mr. Kehoe stated that he did not understand the comment. Mr. Vernick said that we
used to have tape recorded minutes all the time until about six months ago when they were
stopped. Ms. Bowers reported that was when the equipment was being vandalized. It has been
fixed and we are currently taping. Mr. Vernick asked if there was a police report for that. Maybe
we should buy new tapes. Mr. Kehoe reported that we do buy new tapes. Mr. Vernick asked Ms.
Bowers if she is still involved in real estate. She replied that she is a broker and has a company
in Wadsworth. Mr. Vernick said, “It’s kind of ironic. It’s like the fox watching the chicken coop. I
care about the property in Lafayette Township”. Mr. Kehoe called time. Ms. Bowers stated that
she is not up for election and Mr. Vernick is not running against her.
Sherry Hall – This is the first meeting she has attended. She is disappointed to watch the
Trustees argue among themselves. A member of the audience asked where she had been. Mr.
Kehoe reminded the audience that they need to act like ladies and gentlemen.
Ms. Young moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Bowers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.