Minutes: March 11th, 2014

Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees

Meeting Minutes

March 11, 2014

The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Matt Montowski on Tuesday, March 11, at 7:35 p.m. in the conference room.

In attendance were Gary Mortus, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Karen Shaw,
Dan Barlow, John Gangway, John Hazzard, Kristin Hazzard, Pam Rahm, Bob Rahm,
Lorrain Croy, Adrienne Hines, Richard Hines, and Randy Riedmaier.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

William Rofkar made a motion to approve the February 25 Board of Township Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Gary Mortus made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $56,133.12. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Correspondence

The following correspondence was received by the township:

A letter from David Downing expressing his desire to return to the Catawba Island Township Police Department in a part-time patrolman position following his retirement. In the letter he noted that following a 60 day mandatory break in service he would be available to return to work on or after July 1, 2014.

A letter from Bob Danklefsen requesting use of the Community Hall on June 15 for a family Reunion.

The Trustees agreed Bob Danklefsen could use the Community Hall and waived the fee.

A letter from the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office regarding their Annual Meeting of the Ottawa County Township Association to be held April 8 at the fairgrounds.

A letter from Frank Harmon of Ohio Insurance Services Agency, Inc. regarding healthcare benefits and an offer to hold Employee Benefit Meetings to discuss benefits with members.

Gary Mortus asked Karen Shaw to send out a survey to employees to see if they are interested in attending an informational meeting.

A safety recall notice from the Ford Motor Company for the 2010 and 2011 Crown Victoria police vehicles.

An invitation to Pop-Up Talent a fundraiser sponsored by Leadership Ottawa County to support the United Way’s Pop-Up Adventure Play Program.

A letter from Hylant and the Ohio Plan Package Policy Renewal for review.

An invitation from Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare Campus to attend a Legislative Dinner Thursday April 10 or a Legislative Breakfast Monday, April 14 to learn more about their facility and services.

A letter from Larry Fletcher, Executive Director Ottawa County Visitors Bureau and Lake Erie Shores and Islands West. Enclosed was the 2013 Summary of Activities and Accomplishments from the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau.

A letter from Marcy Kaptur regarding Economic Development Funding Opportunities for 2014.

Fiscal

Fiscal Officer Karen Shaw presented the February 2014 financial reports and bank reconciliation. There were no questions or concerns.

Zoning

Matt Montowski said there were two permits and one variance issued for the month of February with a total of $358.88 collected in fees.

New Business

Resident John Hazzard said he received a letter from the township regarding his property and an alleged encroachment on the nature preserve owned by the township. He said he believes the individual monitoring the preserve from the Blank Swamp Conservancy is looking at incorrect pins. John Hazzard said he feels he is being harassed as it is the second letter he has received from the township and he thought the issue was resolved last year.

The Trustees agreed to work with John Hazzard to resolve the ongoing issue and told him they would follow up with him following review of the property pin placements and markings.

Resident Bob Rahm said mailboxes in his association were damaged by a township snowplow and he was asked to request reimbursement for the cost to replace them.

Gary Mortus explained two ways the township damages mailboxes; by slushing the mailbox with snow or by hitting it with the snowplow. He said if they hit the mailbox with the snowplow the maintenance employees usually replace the mailbox. Gary Mortus said if the mailbox is hit by snow slush the township can not replace all of those mailboxes. He said it is the nature of wet heavy snow or hard snow is subzero temperatures. Gary Mortus said in this case the driver said the mailbox was hit with snow.

William Rofkar said government entities are not required to reimburse individuals for damage because accidents happen. He said in the case of a personal vehicle being hit by a township plow the individual’s car insurance would cover the expense and not the township. He said the township has a governmental exemption from such claims although as a courtesy they do work with individuals to repair mailboxes that were hit by snowplows occasionally.

Adrienne Hines introduced her friend, Lorrain Croy, who is running for Common Pleas Judge in Ottawa County.

Lorrain Croy spoke briefly about her background, qualifications, and those who endorse her as a candidate for Judge. She spoke of characteristics she felt important to being a Judge including her integrity evidenced by her endorsements, her being fair and impartial, and her strong sense of community. Lorrain Croy said she is passionate about her public service and devoted to the citizens of Ottawa County. She invited Trustees and those in attendance to visit her website at lorraincroy.com.

Gary Mortus moved to adopt a Resolution for the 2014 Township Road Resurfacing Project including road repairs WHEREAS, the condition of Chatham Drive, North Carriage Lane, North Concord Circle, Elmwood Drive, Cedar Street, and Poplar Avenue is deteriorating, and WHEREAS the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office has estimated the entire resurfacing project to be $183,441.55 and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the township Trustees of Catawba Island to proceed with said resurfacing project and give the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office the authorization to prepare the bid packages and open submittals on their behalf.

William Rofkar seconded the motion, and the roll being called upon the question of adoption of this resolution, the vote resulted as follows:

Matt Montowski, aye; William Rofkar, aye; and Gary Mortus, aye. Resolution Adopted.

Matt Montowski said they met with the engineers’ office recently to review the roads for repairs needed in 2015 and the engineers’ office will be looking for a TRQ from the township based on the meeting results. He said the question regarding a bike path on West Catawba Road was brought to their attention but the engineers said there is only a 40 foot easement on West Catawba and in order to have a bike path a 60 foot easement is required.

Karen Shaw asked if there is a Community Hall rental fee discount for Zoning Board members.

The Trustees agreed there is no rental fee discount for Zoning Board members.

Gary Mortus made a motion to waive any public hearing for the liquor license for the proposed restaurant on 3266 NE Catawba Road. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.





___________________________ _____________________________
Matt Montowski, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer

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