Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
June 23, 2020
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Matt Montowski on Tuesday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Karen Shaw, Dan Barlow, John Gangway, Kevin Gibbons, Louie Wargo, Jordan Davenport, Tony Rumpf, Ann Rumpf,
Brent Bucci, Holly Bucci, Loretta Hayes-Hill, Tammy Manley, Brian Foster, Amber Foster,
Dan Holan, Flint Heidlebaugh, Ken Canada, John Pekar, Eileen Pekar, Tom Kern, Nancy Kern, Mike Antonyzyn, Therese Chambers Arth, Richard Helsper, John Anthony, John Meister,
David Belden, Jim Stouffer, Jack DeVore and Randy Riedmaier.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Diane Belden made a motion to approve the June 9, 2020 Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $107,453.33. The total includes a payment of $37,368 to Hylant Administrative Services for property and liability insurance and a payment of $10,499.96 to Pavement Technology for road pavement preservation. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
A letter mailed to Ottawa County Engineer Ron Lajti and copied to the Township Trustees from Ann Rumpf regarding concern for the condition of East Basin Drive in the Gem Beach area. It was requested to make the project a priority as the road runs along a seawall and is deteriorating.
A postcard from the United States Department of Agriculture, Ottawa-Lucas East County Farm Service Agency regarding 2020 Crop Certification Deadlines and the Corona Virus Food Assistance Program Deadline.
Fire
Matt Montowski presented Dan Barlow with a Certificate of Recognition from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal for 50 years of selfless giving and dedication to fire and emergency services. Throughout his career with the Catawba Island Township Fire and EMS Department, he has made a significant impact on the fire service that will be felt for years to come. His commitment to public safety sets an example for first responders and citizens all of over Ohio.
Fire Chief Kevin Gibbons said the fire department will be present at the Catawba Island Club fireworks being presented on July 3 at the golf course location and not at the pier as in past years.
Jim Stouffer thanked the township police and fire departments for helping to make the fireworks at CIC possible in these times as it allows a sense of normalcy and the golf course location allows for social distancing.
Maintenance
Maintenance Supervisor Dan Barlow presented a quote from Henry W. Bergman, Inc. to apply dust suppressant on the driveway leading to the compost facility.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve a contract with Henry W. Bergman, Inc. for $1,295 to apply dust suppressant. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Dan Barlow said maintenance personnel installed the third dock at the West Harbor Boat Launch.
Police
Karen Shaw read a Letter of Commendation recently presented to Sergeant James Stewart from Police Chief John Gangway regarding an incident occurring the night of June 10, 2020 where he was dispatched to a possible trespassing complaint with the report of a subject firing a weapon on the dock at Miller Boat Lines. Upon arrival Sergeant Stewart was met by a man who was facing him and holding a 9mm pistol. The man then turned and discharged 12 to 15 rounds. This highly volatile and dangerous situation did not end in a violent manner because of Sergeant Stewart’s experienced, calm and even-tempered response. This insured not only his safety but the safety of the subject involved. Sergeant Stewart’s continued leadership sets the example of excellence our officers strive to achieve. Police Chief John Gangway commended Sergeant Stewart on his actions of that date which represent great credit upon himself and reflects the highest traditions of the Catawba Island Township Police Department.
New Business
William Rofkar said they have been looking into the East Basin Drive situation for a few years and the Ottawa County Engineer’s office is aware of the problem. He said they are moving slowly forward and looking for the best way to repair the road with guidance from the Engineer’s Office.
Holly Bucci expressed concern for the safety of individuals driving golf carts on East Basin.
William Rofkar said the project could move along faster if residents petitioned the township and then home owners would be assessed for the cost. William Rofkar said they are currently working with the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office for the best repair solution and to line up funding sources such as available grants, etc. as they prefer not to assess property owners.
Tammy Manley discussed her concern with the limited options available for golf carts traveling in and around Gem Beach as over the years certain roads and access to the beach have been cut off.
Matt Montowski said the limited access through Gem Beach Marina is a private matter.
Another gentleman discussed his concern for the speed limit being designated 35 miles per hour on Twin Beach Road.
William Rofkar explained how efforts have been made in the past to lower speed limits especially on Wine Cellar Road as it is a public road with a 35 mile an hour speed limit with a parking lot on one side making it necessary to cross the road to a popular restaurant. He said the Ohio Department of Transportation has protocols they stick to and do not deviate from because township trustees or mayors want the speed limits lowered, rather they want speed limits to be standard across the state.
Conversations relating to speed limits, safety, and golf carts continued for an extended period of time.
A gentleman expressed concern with EMS response time especially following a recent call to an accident where EMS was already responding to another accident.
Matt Montowski said the average EMS response time is nine minutes.
Jordan Davenport said he is not in favor of golf carts on township roads because he does not believe they are safe and if Trustees were to consider allowing golf carts on public roads he would hope they would put the issue to a vote so that individuals who are not in favor of golf carts on public roads could also have a voice.
Diane Belden made a motion to talk to the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office about performing a study on Twin Beach Road to lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
A resident asked who owns the recyclers and said he notices people have dumped toilets and recliners.
Trustees said there is some contamination at the recycling area and also at the compost facility, but township personnel are beginning to catch some of the individuals.
William Rofkar said he would like the township to draft a letter to Put-In-Bay Township Trustees requesting they contract with Port Clinton EMS for services responding to the Miller Ferry. He said our new contract with the City of Port Clinton includes an additional charge of $315 for ambulance runs exceeding the minimum run total and for this reason we no longer feel it is appropriate for Catawba Island Township to assume the expense of EMS transports originating from Put-In-Bay.
William Rofkar made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
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Matt Montowski, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer