Minutes: August 9th, 2022

Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees

Meeting Minutes

August 9, 2022

The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman William Rofkar on Tuesday, August 9, at 6:00 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, Dan Barlow, Brad Schwan, Ann Rumpf, Toni DeLuca, Sis Bush, Rita Thomas,
Bill Verne, David Belden, Mark DiAsio, Dorothy Baker, William Baker, Lisa Murphy, and
Randy Riedmaier.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

Matt Montowski made a motion to approve the July 26, 2022 Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Matt Montowski made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the last regular payroll, in the amount of $51,369.33. The total includes a payment of $6,273 to Seacom Computer for police vehicle computers and a payment of $7,164 to The Kreimes Company for seal coating around the maintenance building, fire station, and compost facility driveway. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Correspondence

One bid was received and opened for the West Harbor Boat Launch Improvements Project. A Design Build Proposal from Focht Construction Company was received for $532,100.

William Rofkar said the proposal will be reviewed for discussion at the August 23 meeting.

A letter from Ric Michaels requesting township assistance regarding political signs in The Cliffs neighborhood and indicating he sees the signs as an expression of hate.

Matt Montowski said that Township Trustees have been advised by the prosecutor’s office that political signs are considered freedom of speech. He said Ric Michaels will receive a letter of response from the zoning office indicating political signs are considered freedom of speech and no further action will be taken.

An email from George Wight regarding his recent accident while pulling out of the township parking lot recycling facility. He indicated the cause as visibility to his left blocked by the township sign and suggested altering the sign. George Wight also asked about township rules regarding Airbnbs and indicated he has concerns.

Matt Montowski responded to George Wight and stated the township will watch the driveway in the future along with the new street across from the township parking lot. Matt Montowski further replied that House Bill 563 has still not been decided at the state level and that the township does not allow rentals less than 30-days.


A letter from James Saffran requesting to sell back six cemetery spaces to the township for the price that was paid for them in 2019, a total of $1,950 (six spaced at $325 each).

Notification from the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineering Department of Backflow Assembly Annual Test Report Overdue Notice. The new deadline is September 1, 2022.

The 2021 OHIO811 Annual Report.

Fiscal

Fiscal Officer Karen Shaw presented the July 2022 financial reports and bank reconciliation. There were no questions or concerns.

Karen Shaw said the township received the second half real estate property tax settlement with a net distribution of $735,302.72.

Zoning

Matt Montowski said there were thirteen zoning permits issued in July and two variances and an appeal requested for a total of $1,383.86 collected in fees.

Maintenance

Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Johnson said the backflow preventer annual testing at various township locations is scheduled for tomorrow.

Kevin Johnson said following recent air conditioning repairs at the Community Hall he is getting quotes to replace one or more of the aging air conditioning units.

William Rofkar said after further consideration of a previous discussion regarding cemetery burials, and in consideration of township maintenance personnel, he feels the township should no longer perform burials on Sunday or holidays.

Matt Montowski said he spoke with a couple funeral directors and they said other cemeteries do not perform Sunday and holiday burials.

Diane Belden said she feels refusing burials on a Sunday or holiday seems harsh if that is the only day that works for the family.

William Rofkar made a motion to no longer perform burials on Sunday or holidays. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. William Rofkar, aye; Matt Montowski, aye; Diane Belden, opposed. Motion carried.

Police

Police Chief John Gangway requested to close Carolina Street and Basin Drive in Gem Beach from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 25, for the annual Team Mary 5k.

Trustees agreed Carolina Street and Basin Drive could be closed as requested for the Team Mary 5k event.


Fire

A discussion took place regarding Port Clinton EMS contracted services.

Diane Belden agreed to schedule a work session with CIVFD Chief Kevin Gibbons and Kent Johnson of Port Clinton EMS to go over the new EMS contract. Diane Belden confirmed the work session will be open to the public.

New Business

Diane Belden requested Wreaths Across America be held on Saturday, December 17.

Trustees agreed Wreaths Across America can take place at the township cemetery as requested on December 17.

A lengthy discussion took place regarding short term rentals.

Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.




___________________________ _____________________________
William Rofkar, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer