Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Tuesday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room of the administration building.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, William Rofkar, Matt Montowski, Karen Shaw,
John Gangway, Kevin Johnson, Brian Washburn, Kevin Howe, Dan Barlow, Jack Madison,
Bryan Baugh, David Belden, Dorothy Baker, William Baker, Randy Riedmaier, and Jack DeVore.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve the December 28, 2021 Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. Diane Belden seconded the motion. Vote on the Motion:
Diane Belden, aye; William Rofkar, aye; Matt Montowski recused himself because he was not present for the meeting. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the payroll, in the amount of $59,738.64. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Fiscal
Fiscal Officer Karen Shaw presented the December 2021 financial reports and bank reconciliation. There were no questions or concerns.
Karen Shaw presented the Annual Appropriation Resolution for the Fiscal Year 2022.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adopt the Annual Appropriation Resolution for the Fiscal Year 2022 as presented by the Fiscal Officer in the amount of $6,055,000. William Rofkar seconded the motion. Vote on Motion: Diane Belden, aye; William Rofkar, aye; Matt Montowski, aye; Motion carried.
William Rofkar made a motion to allow the Fiscal Officer to create Blanket Certificates in 2022
not to exceed $15,000 at any one time assuming adequate appropriation amounts are available. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve a Then and Now Purchase Order for Lexipol in the amount of $3,080.28 from the Police Fund for the annual law enforcement policy manual update and daily training bulletins. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Maintenance
Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Johnson said he would like to get quotes for grinding.
William Rofkar agreed quotes should be obtained with an option for hauling material off site.
Zoning
Matt Montowski said there were a total of 56 new home permits issued in 2021 and 35 variances requested with a total of $21,965.99 collected in zoning fees for 2021.
Fire
Representing the fire department, Brian Washburn reported members responded to 6 fire calls and 19 EMS calls in the month of December.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve a contract with ESO for $1,590 including a one-time fee of $595 for the set-up and online training and a recurring annual fee for ESO Fire Incidents of $995. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Brian Washburn discussed using Box for CIVFD backup cloud storage with an annual cost of $480.
Diane Belden reported that Port Clinton EMS responded to 92 calls on Catawba for the first quarter; 112 second quarter; 164 third quarter; and 139 fourth quarter for a total of 507 calls responded to in 2021. She said our contract agreement is for 409 calls so there were 98 runs over the agreed upon number at a rate of $315 each for a total of $30,870 now due in overage fees. Diane Belden said Port Clinton EMS reported an average response time of 9 minutes and 40 seconds.
New Business
Jack Madison presented an estimate of $970.34 for lumber from Carter Lumber to be included in the total cost for a future sign for the Cedar Meadow Preserve. There will be additional costs associated with the sign to be presented in the future.
Matt Montowski said Louise Terry contacted him offering placement of a Free Little Library at the township administration building.
Trustees agreed placement near the future Cedar Meadow Preserve Sign behind the administration building would be a good location.
William Rofkar said Spring Clean Up days are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, and Fall Clean Up days are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
William Rofkar acknowledged the passing of Don Rhodes, Charter Member of the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department.
Karen Shaw reported there were 34 cemetery deeds issued and 46 burials in 2021.
Diane Belden moved to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT the CONCEPT of “THE ISLANDER TRAIL”
WHEREAS, the Park District of Ottawa County is developing a plan for the construction of a multi-use trail from the north part of Catawba Island to the south end of Catawba Island; and
WHEREAS, a trail offering a safe, family friendly, beautifully landscaped, scenic pathway for residents and visitors, that can be used for nature walks, bike rides, jogging, strollers and wheelchairs to have some peace away from the busy roads and enjoy Catawba Island, could be a beneficial resource for our community; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to support projects that increase the value of surrounding properties, promote healthy lifestyles, and serve as a community asset to provide economic benefits and increase the quality of life and appeal of Catawba Island Township;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP Board of Trustees do hereby
1. Support the initial concept of “The Islander Trail”, a Catawba Island Multi-Use Trail to be developed by the Park District;
2. Support the design development by collaborating parties led by the Park District, and
including this Board and local officials; and
3. Anticipate the future presentation of a proposed Route Map, Design Structure, and Financing Plan for further approval by the Board.
RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this Resolution be forwarded to the Ottawa County
Park District.
William Rofkar said it is such an early concept that he cannot jump on board with his signature at this time. He said he is not against the project but does not understand why a resolution is sought at this time and cannot sign anything that gives the appearance that he is behind it at this point.
Jack Madison said he wanted the Trustees to sign a letter of intent for the North Point Preserve.
Diane Belden said Assistant Prosecutor Davia Kasper was consulted on the matter and suggested the resolution verbiage. Diane Belden said she liked the resolution because it says Trustees support the concept.
Matt Montowski said Davia Kasper said perhaps the resolution is a good idea since there is not a lot of information available at this time.
Matt Montowski said we do not have any details as to where the bike path is going to go and he feels it is way too preliminary.
The motion died on the floor for lack of a second.
Diane Belden shared cards with colorful artwork and written by second grade students from Immaculate Conception School of Port Clinton thanking Catawba Island police for keeping them safe and protecting the community.
Reorganization for 2022
Chairman Diane Belden turned the meeting over to Fiscal Officer Karen Shaw for the purpose of electing a Chairman for 2022.
Karen Shaw asked for nominations for Chairman for 2022.
Matt Montowski made a motion to appoint William Rofkar as Chairman for the calendar year 2022. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried
Karen Shaw declared William Rofkar Chairman for 2022 and turned the meeting over to him.
William Rofkar asked for nominations for Vice Chairman for 2022.
Diane Belden made a motion to appoint Matt Montowski as Vice Chairman for the calendar year 2022. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried
Trustees agreed to change the bimonthly Township meeting time to 6:00 p.m. The meeting days will remain the same on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
The Trustees agreed to maintain oversight of the following departments in 2022: Matt Montowski, Zoning; Diane Belden, Police and Fire; William Rofkar, Roads, Cemetery and Buildings.
The Trustees agreed Matt Montowski will continue to serve on the Regional Planning Board and
Diane Belden will serve as the alternate. William Rofkar will serve on the Port Clinton City Schools Business Advisory Board. Chairman William Rofkar will attend the Ottawa County Health Department annual meeting. Diane Belden and William Rofkar will serve as Board Members on the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board and Diane Belden will serve as the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board Chairman.
Trustees agreed Catawba Island resident Randy Riedmaier shall serve as the civilian member of the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board.
Matt Montowski made a motion to reappoint Sandy Erwin to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a five year term expiring December 2026 and reappoint Flint Heidlebaugh and Brian Caldwell as BZA alternates for one year terms expiring December 2022. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski made a motion to reappoint Paul Shaw to the Zoning Commission for a five year term expiring December 2026 and reappoint Gregory Hart and Matt Gottron as Zoning Commission alternates for a one year term expiring December 2022. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
The Catawba Island Township Zoning Land Use Plan remains in full force and effect through March 24, 2025.
Matt Montowski made a motion to continue paying members of the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals a mileage and meeting allowance of $50 per meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Diane Belden made a motion to reappoint Reggie Langford, Brad Schwan, Brian Washburn, Jack Madison, and Vicki Wheatley to the Park Board for a one year term through 2022. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Trustees agreed to keep the current cemetery fee schedule, zoning fees, and community hall rental fees the same for 2022.
Diane Belden made a motion to increase the pay rate of part-time zoning inspector Todd Bickley from $29.84 to $35 per hour; increase the pay rate of part-time seasonal cemetery maintenance employee Ernie Wylie from $18.79 to $22 per hour; and increase the pay rate of part-time administrative assistant Patty Wildman from $12.95 to $16 per hour. In addition, increase the hourly rate for the following full time employees: John Gangway, James Stewart, Todd Parkison, Devin Pollock, Kevin Johnson, Dave Behrens, and Chris Scott by 6% all effective the pay period beginning Monday, January 3, with a pay date of January 19, 2022. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Reorganization (Continued) Page 5
January 11, 2022
Trustees agreed pay rates will not change at this time for Austin Troike who began full time duties on December 11, 2021 at a wage rate of $22 per hour and Jakeb Aldrich who was recently hired at $19 per hour and will begin working on January 18, 2022.
Trustees agreed Patty Wildman will assume the responsibility of updating the CIMS cemetery program, answering cemetery inquires, and consulting with individuals for niche plaque orders.
Trustees agreed the casual labor wage rate will remain the same at $16.00 per hour in 2022.
Matt Montowski made a motion to provide health care coverage to all eligible township employees and elected officials in 2022. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski made a motion to continue to purchase police uniforms and related items for officers from approved suppliers or reimburse officers for said items with an annual allowance for full-time officers of $650 and part-time officer(s) $250. The unused balance of the annual allowance shall not be carried over from year to year. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Trustees agreed the mileage reimbursement rate will continue to be the same as the IRS mileage reimbursement rate. The IRS mileage rate for 2022 is 58.5 cents per mile.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
William Rofkar, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer