The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Township Trustees was called to order by William Rofkar at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.
Present were William Rofkar, Robert Schroeder, Gary Mortus, Pat Cerny, Jack DeVore Matt Montowski, Bill Fritz, Ann Rumpf, John Smothers, Mark Rethenar and Jack and Ginger Grummel.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
Robert Schroeder made a motion to approve the Board of Township Trustee Meeting minutes as presented from July 28, 2009. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, aye.
Gary Mortus made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $21,456.55. The motion was seconded by Robert Schroeder. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, aye.
Correspondence included:
A check for the second half of the Real Estate Settlement taxes from the Ottawa County Auditor’s Office in the amount of $392,942.39.
A thank you email from Craig Gorris for the timely resolution of the old boat that was stored in the lot adjacent to his property.
A thank you letter and enclosed Group Rating Fact Sheet from The Frank Gates Service Company for our continued participation in the Ohio Workers’ compensation group rating program.
Certificate of Membership from the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program.
A thank you letter from Port Clinton Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester and Port Clinton City Schools Superintendent Patrick Adkins for our contribution to the funding of the “COPS In School Program”. The cost is $43,156.80 for 180 school days. Port Clinton City School’s will pay 50% with the remaining 50% being divided between Erie 11%, Portage 11%, Port Clinton City 45% Bay 12% and Catawba 21% (just over $4,500).
A letter was received from James Hughes in regard to being prohibited from erecting a building on agricultural land in 1999 at Catawba Island and he is requesting restitution for this taking.
A memo from the Ottawa County Board of Elections regarding the correct procedure for filing a tax levy with the Board of Elections.
William Rokar opened the discussion to the floor.
There were a couple concerned residents at the last meeting and the Board of Trustees also had some questions about the drainage from the new condominiums being built at Gem Beach by Jack and Ginger Grummel. Gary Mortus invited the Grummels to attend the Trustee meeting so their responses could be entered into the minutes. Jack Grummel introduced Mark Ruthener from McCartney and Associates who is the engineering firm that surveyed and completed the drawings and permitting process for the drainage portion of the project. They have worked with the County Engineer and the Ohio EPA on this project, all permits have been secured. Jack Grummel stated they will be happy to answer any questions. Gary Mortus stated the grade has changed from two weeks ago and it is more of a finished grade and it appears most of the drainage is heading toward the lake.
Gary Mortus asked Mark Ruthener to comment on the drainage for the proposed building. He stated the flow across the property is going to the storm sewer system and out to the beach. Ginger Grummel stated the drainage has all been improved and it has been re-directed. Gary Mortus stated Dave Brunkhorst, County Engineer, would like to take another look the changed drainage plans. Jack Grummel stated Dave Brunkhorst looked at the plans in the spring and nothing has changed since then. Gary Mortus stated, if nothing has changed, Dave will see this. Jack Grummel stated there are catch basins in place now as before the water was just laying there. The township and the Grummels and the county will amicably work on all of the drainage issues. The township thanked the Grummels for their attendance at the meeting to answer questions.
On October 4, 2009, William Fritz and Jack Mortus have organized a golf outing at CIC for the area fire departments. William Fritz asked the Township Trustees if the fee could be waived for the Community Hall on that day to hold a luncheon after the outing. The Trustees have waived the fee.
John Smothers has been working with Reggie Langford on the gypsy moths this summer and the adult traps have been gathered. The amount has been substantially up. Schoolhouse Road is the problem area. The burlap banding seems to work well. The deadline for signing up with the state for spraying is September 1. An application will be filled out and egg masses will be counted.
Ann Rumpf was in attendance because of the condominiums being built at Gem Beach and she is concerned about the drainage. She is happy to see that it is being addressed, but she is worried about beach erosion because of the building that will be built closest to the beach. William Rofkar stated the zoning on this property is already in place and condominiums are permitted and the Building Department would be monitoring the construction aspect of the project.
Jack DeVore asked Mr. Grummel if he is planning on cleaning up the area around the roller rink. Mr. Grummel replied he is in the process of acquiring title to all the boats that were left there. It is a very lengthy process. They are forty-five to sixty days out from actually having the makeshift one-dollar sale. By the end of this winter it should all be cleaned out.
Gary Mortus stated there are two applications that were received by the Fire Department and approved with complete backround checks; Brianne Christensen and Dale Gorko. Gary Mortus made a motion to accept these two applicants for a one year probationary period, seconded by Robert Schroeder. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, abstain; William Rofkar, aye.
Gary Mortus is in favor of the “COPS in School Program” but not for a three year period because if there would be a change of Trustees he would not want to commit future boards to a program that could become controversial. Gary Mortus made a motion to commit to a one year period for the “COPS in School Program” for the Port Clinton City School District for the amount of $4,531.00 for the 2009-2010 school year. Robert Schroeder seconded the motion. All voted aye.
William Rofkar stated a quote was received from Mullens Tree Service for $220.00 to grind a stump in the road right of way on Sand Road across from Five Bells. The stump will be removed by Mullens.
Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn seconded by Robert Schroeder. All voted aye.