Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Tuesday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room of the administration building.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, William Rofkar, Matt Montowski, Shelly Garcia, John Gangway, Kevin Johnson, William Baker, Marty Auxter, Lisa Murphy and Bob Schanz.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve the July 9, 2024, Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the payroll, in the amount of $51,726.03. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
Notice from the Ottawa County Budget Commission regarding their meeting on August 13, 2024 was received.
A letter from the Ohio Dept. of Commerce Div. of Liquor Control was received regarding the new liquor permit for Herbs. The trustees spoke to Chief Gangway to see if there were any issues with this request. There were not, and the trustees will not be objecting this request.
A letter from the Board of Directors of the HOA’s representing the communities residing in the orbit of the Catawba Island Club was received. This letter states reasoning that they wish to see on-site EMS back on Catawba Island. The letter gives reasons such as more travelers to the area during peak summer months, “age-curve” of residents is trending upwards, more local attractions and water sports are drawing more and more visitors. They state that a careful and comprehensive study of emergency service needs in Catawba Island must be undertaken by an objective third party. Additionally, they state that safety, security and emergency services are fundamental expectations of residents. They state that they would like an invitation to attend the next CIT trustee’s meeting to discuss the next steps.
William Rofkar asked if anyone from the Board was here to discuss the letter. There was not. Diane Belden stated that she would let them know that no invitation is needed to come to the meetings, and a reply is in order so they don’t feel as if they are being ignored. All trustees agreed that they will be happy to discuss/answer the letter if someone from the Board comes to the meeting.
Maintenance
Supervisor, Kevin Johnson, stated he received two bids for compost grinding. Both quotes had the same services listed. Grinding raw wood material x2, hauling away 50% of the material, grinding yard waste and stockpiling 50% of twice ground mulch for Township use.
Barnes quote was for $23,500 and Lake Erie Tree Service was for $19,750.
Bob Schanz was here from Barnes and gave a brief statement regarding his quote.
Kevin Johnson stated that in the past when they used Lake Erie Tree Service, they had issues. He stated that Barnes always did a good job and he has no issue with them.
The trustees agreed that the increased amount is worth knowing that we are getting good, quality service if we go with Barnes.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve Barnes for the compost grinding as quoted for $23,500. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Kevin also stated that his one-ton truck is still not fixed and remains at the Ford dealership.
Matt Montowski stated that he and Kevin have been in communication with Sports Master regarding estimates to get the tennis, basketball and shuffleboard courts resurfaced.
Fire/EMS
Marty Auxter stated that the Touch-A-Truck fund raiser will be at the Catawba Island Club this Saturday July 27th.
New Business
Matt Montowski received a complaint from a Hickory Ridge resident regarding speeding. They are requesting the trustees look into lowering the speed limit in that area. It is currently 25 MPH. Matt got with Chief Gangway regarding this issue and Chief Gangway stated that the ORC (Ohio Revised Code) regulates the posted speed. The township does not control this. They request that when issues arise, please call the department, and they will do their best to try to help slow the drivers down in that area.
Matt Montowski stated that the new monitors and battery back-ups have been installed and are working properly.
Matt Montowski stated that the Parks Board will not meet this month as they do not have enough people to make a quorum, which is common this time of year with vacations and such.
Matt Montowski stated that the Zoning Commission is also not meeting this week due to lack of business.
Matt Montowski gave the June Zoning Report. There were 13 permits and 6 variances issued for a total of $2,577.16 collected.
Matt Montowski stated that the Chicken BBQ was a huge success and thanked everyone involved.
Diane Belden gave the EMS Quarterly Report for the second quarter. There were 172 calls for service with an average response time of 9 minutes and 5 seconds.
Diane Belden stated that there will be a gathering for Tuskegee Airman, Harold Brown on August 15 at 9:00am at his grave site at the Catawba Island Cemetery for his 100th birthday.
Diane Belden stated that she received a text from Quintin Smith regarding trash along NE Catawba Rd. Quintin would like to see something done to rid the trash along this area (sinage, cameras, manpower to pick up trash). This was also discussed at the last trustee meeting. The trustees stated that this is a State Route and perhaps ODOT would be able to help. They also spoke to Chief Gangway who stated that trash is coming from various sources, and not just someone driving by and throwing stuff out the window. Trash flies out of garbage trucks, boats being hauled, construction vehicles and other sources. The manpower and the expense needed to try to combat something that is coming from many sources is not that simple.
Diane Belden stated that may be the trustees could look into a volunteer group to go out and clean up the area. Diane stated that she would look into this, and she will get back with Mr. Smith.
Lisa Murphy questioned what all is allowed on the bike path. Chief Gangway stated that the ORC dictates what is allowed, but things such as walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, pedal bikes and Level 1 & 2 E-bikes are allowed.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion.
All voted aye. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
The next meeting will be Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Diane Belden, Chairman Shelly Garcia, Fiscal Officer