Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2024
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Tuesday, November 26, 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, Mary Jane Porozynski, Dorthy Baker, William Baker, Kevin Gibbons, Jack Madison, Scott Hines, Nancy Eisenstadt, Louie Wargo, and Chris Cellier.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve the November 12, 2024, 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 payroll, in the amount of $ 107,493.47. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
Nancy Eisenstadt was present and wanted to thank the Board for the quick action they took on the trailer on NW Catawba Rd. The trailer was a hazard and needed to be removed. She just wanted to stop in and say a formal “thank you” to all involved.
The Catawba Island Club sent a request to the trustees for dates that they would like to use the Community Hall and Parking Lot for various events throughout 2025. All trustees agreed to allow this use at the same cost as last year ($1300 for the year).
A formal complaint was received via email from Shannon Pilny regarding the property at 1631 N. Anchor Ave. She states that this property has excessive debris and trash accumulating and is overgrown with weeds. It is not only unsightly but could attract pests and pose a health hazard. She stated that the association has sent several letters to the home owner and even placed liens on the property and the owner refuses to comply. She is asking the township trustees to step in to help clean up this property. Matt Montowski stated that he will personally look into the issue.
Maintenance
Supervisor Kevin Johnson stated that leaf pick up is continuing and will continue until the first major snow fall.
William Rofkar would like to recognize our maintenance department for helping out the Historical Society with the installation of the new windows they received. They didn’t have anyone to help with the install so the maintenance dept. was able to step in and help them out.
Fire
Chief Gibbons turned in two quotes for turn-out gear as the old gear is nearing the end of the recommended service life. The first quote is from Atlantic Emergency Services for 12 sets of coats and pants for the Fire Department in the amount of $42,720.00. However, if larger sizes are needed, the cost will be slightly more.
Diane Belden made a motion to approve the quote for Atlantic Emergency Services not to exceed $45,000. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
The second quote was from Fire Safety Services for 12 pair of boots and helmets for the Fire Department in the amount of $11,184.00.
Diane Belden made a motion to approve the quote from Fire Safety Services as presented. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Diane Belden asked what will happen to the old gear once the new turn out gear is received. Chief Gibbons stated that the old gear would most likely be donated to the Rotary as they have in the past. He also stated that they have additional inventory to donate as well. Per the trustees, an inventory of surplus items will be needed prior to anything being donated/given away. Chief Gibbons stated that he will complete a Fire Dept. inventory and advise the trustees.
Chief Gibbons reported that MES is on site now servicing the Jaws Extract Tools and the Ladder Testing will be completed by the end of the year.
Police
Chief Gangway stated that Omni Fiber is working on the phone/internet services for the Fire Dept. as it has been down for the past week. They have already fixed the Police/Admin. issues and hope to have the Fire Dept. issues fixed today.
Chief Gangway requested the trustees approve Bradley Hale as a new full-time police officer. He is currently working at Crestline PD and would like to start him at $26/hour with an increase to $28/hour after a six-month probation period and then to $30/hour after one year. It was discussed as to when a good start date would be and all agreed on December 10, 2024.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve Bradley Hale as a full-time police officer at the starting rate of $26/hour with increases as discussed (including benefits) and a start date of December 10, 2024. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Chief Gangway stated that Officer Danklefsen is working out very well and has already been working some shifts alone.
Parks
Jack Madison stated the Parks Board is working on the grant for an adult exercise area at Heigle Park. They are working on getting quotes and hope to have something at the next meeting.
Jack stated that he spoke to Jerry Davenport about getting the signage for the kiosks and at Cedar Meadows. He is hoping to have something around the first of the year.
New Business
Matt Montowski made a motion for the trustees and fiscal officer to attend the OTA Winter Conference & Trade Show January 29-31, 2025. This would include reimbursement for housing, food, milage and registration. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
William Rofkar stated that the County Engineer’s Office submitted an email regarding the paving of Colony Club Dr. The township submitted a TRQ back in May to allow the County to bid this project out for them. The estimated cost of this paving project is $89,666. They recommend a 2” hot mix overlay without removing the existing surface course for Colony Club Drive. Once the bid comes back, the trustees will then come back and make a motion to pave.
William Rofkar made a motion to be included in this bidding project and authorizes the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office to prepare the bid packages and open submittals on their behalf.
Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Diane Belden stated that the Volunteer Fire Dept. Dependents Fund Board met this morning to take care of business for the year.
Diane Belden stated that she received a call from John Davenport stating that the Rotary would like to donate and install windbreaks for the fence on the pickleball courts. She stated he is getting more information on what all this entails and she will present to the board once she has that information.
Diane Belden had a few questions regarding the new website for the Township and what the protocol is to make changes/corrections on the site. She stated it looks very pretty and is very well done, but she did notice some inaccuracies that need fixed. A discussion was held and it was decided for all to make a list of anything that needs changed/updated and give to Mary Jane who will then get with Levi (the township web designer). It was noted that this is still a work in progress and once Levi is completed with the site and it is fully up and running, we will be able to make the changes in house.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion.
All voted aye. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:42 a.m.
The next meeting will be Tuesday December 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Diane Belden, Chairman Shelly Garcia, Fiscal Officer