Minutes: October 25th, 2022

Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees

Meeting Minutes

October 25, 2022

The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman William Rofkar on Tuesday, October 25, at 6:03 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, Jack Madison, Brad Schwan, Ann Rumpf, Nikolai Blumensaadt, Dorothy Baker, William Baker, Mike Hablitzel, Bryan Baugh, Lisa Murphy, John Woods, and
Randy Riedmaier.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

Matt Montowski made a motion to approve the October 11, 2022 Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Diane Belden made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $374,561.78. The total includes a partial payment of $113,190 to Gerold Construction for the construction of pickleball courts at Heigel Park and a payment of $190,000 to the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office in support of the West Catawba Road Safety Improvement Project widening from Sand Road to Cemetery Road. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Correspondence

A letter from the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office regarding the West Catawba Road Resurfacing and Safety Improvement Project completion and expressing appreciation for the township’s support and cooperation during construction.

A letter from Mary Lue Carroll expressing appreciation for allowing the TOPS organization to meet at the Community Hall on Tuesday evenings.

A letter from Jannah Wilson, Park District of Ottawa County, regarding the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Master Plan project and invitation to an Open House on October 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

A postcard invitation from Shores & Islands Ohio for their Annual Meeting on November 15, 2022.

The 2022 Annual Report from STAR Ohio.

Maintenance

Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Johnson presented quotes for mulch grinding from Lake Erie Tree Service for $17,500 with all product left on site and from Barnes Nursery for $24,600 including removal of product.

Matt Montowski made a motion to contract with Barnes Nursery for $24,600 for mulch grinding and removal of product per provided quote. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Kevin Johnson said the new snow box for pushing snow has been received. He said they also had to replace the four tires on the International truck.


Fire

Brian Washburn said fire department members responded to 34 EMS calls and 11 fire calls for a total of 45 calls responded to in September.

Brian Washburn presented an application for membership from Paul Logsdon. He said the applicant has passed a background check and physical.

Diane Belden made a motion to accept an application from Paul Logsdon as a new member of the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department for a one year probationary period. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Parks

Brad Schwan said Parks Board members continue to work on designing the signs for the Nature Preserve sign kiosk and trail improvements. He said they are also working to create a community speaker list.

Brad Schwan said concrete was poured for the pickleball courts at Heigel Park. He said he believes they still intend to drill and set the fence posts this fall and the surfacing will be completed next spring. Brad Schwan said multiple layers need to be placed and the temperature cannot drop below 52 degrees for it to set properly so it will likely be mid to late spring before the project is completed.

New Business

Matt Montowski said he received an email from Brian Caldwell regarding the sign welcoming folks to Catawba Island. He said the sign looks tired and asked if he could make a donation toward a new sign in exchange for the old sign.

William Rofkar said that is not allowed because it is public property and the sign would need to be auctioned off. He said if the township does get a new sign in the future the old sign would be auctioned on GovDeals.com

William Rofkar presented a quote from Musicians’ Alley for a public address or PA system at the Community Hall for $656.65 featuring two microphone inputs and the ability to use with Bluetooth. He said the unit is portable and can be charged to operate by battery and taken outside for Wreaths Across America or other presentations. A stand for the unit as well as a microphone and microphone stand is included. William Rofkar said an option for wireless microphones would be an additional $198.

Trustees agreed to purchase the new PA system from Musicians’ Alley, including the wireless microphone option, for use at the Community Hall and elsewhere in the township as needed for a total of $854.65.

Ann Rumpf asked if the tennis courts are going to get resurfaced in the future. She said there are areas in the court where the ball does not bounce well.

Trustees agreed the tennis courts have been a concern and they will look into getting the courts resurfaced in the future.


Lisa Murphy asked if Trustees would consider making Trick or Treat not on Halloween but rather the weekend nearest to October 31. She said it is not convenient for parents coming home from work.

Matt Montowski said Trick or Treat has been on October 31 for as long as he can remember.

Diane Belden said Trick or Trick is one night a year and she likes it being on Halloween.

William Rofkar said it is something to consider.

Lisa Murphy expressed concern about Route 53 being blocked off occasionally and traffic congestion in and around Miller Ferry.

Police Chief John Gangway agreed heavy traffic in the area is cyclical. He said when they patrol in the area and notice a backup they will stop and direct traffic. John Gangway said he is not opposed to asking the dock master to be more aware of the situation and work to keep individuals off the road, however, it will still happen occasionally. He said they will continue to monitor and work to improve the situation.

Lisa Murphy said she would like Trustees to consider hosting meetings via Zoom because she cannot make it to every meeting.

William Rofkar gave a brief update on the Boat Launch Project and said the area has been surveyed to determine elevation for the new restroom so it does not get flooded. He said completion will be prior to next Memorial Day.

Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.


___________________________ _____________________________
William Rofkar, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer