Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
November 23, 2021
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room of the administration building.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, John Gangway,
Ernie Wylie, Dan Barlow, Jack Madison, Kevin Joyce, Vicki, Wheatley, David Belden, Ann Rumpf, Randy Riedmaier, and Jack DeVore.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve the November 9, 2021 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 the last regular payroll, in the amount of $98,422.27. Total on the bills includes a payment of $43,174 to Statewide Ford for the new police Explorer. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
A letter from Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney James VanEerten, Sheriff Stephen Levorchick, and OCDTF Commander Matt Gandee regarding Ottawa County Drug Task Force 2022 Funding and a request for a contribution proportionate to the population in our political subdivision.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve a donation of $3,250 to the Ottawa County Drug Task Force for 2022 Funding. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
A letter from Robert Schraidt giving notice of resignation from his position as a township police officer and his last day of employment as November 28, 2021.
William Rofkar made a motion to accept the resignation of Robert Schraidt effective November 28, his final day of employment. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Police
Police Chief John Gangway presented a quote for rifle ammunition from Kiesler Police Supply for $982. He said they have some handgun ammunition that is no longer needed and Kiesler is willing to take the ammunition back as a trade in for $580 and credit our account.
Matt Montowski made a motion to purchase rifle ammunition from Kiesler Police Supply for $982. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
John Gangway said the new police car was delivered this week and the estimate for graphics is $425.
Trustees agreed Davenport Sign and Art should install vinyl graphics on the new police car per the provided estimate of $425.
Diane Belden made a motion to hire Austin Troike as a full-time police officer at $22 per hour with benefits with a full-time start date of December 11 for a six month probation period. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Fire
Diane Belden made a motion to approve Chris Boyd, current chaplain, as a member of the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department for a one year probation period. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
John Gangway requested to use the Community Hall on November 29, for a family bereavement meal.
Trustees agreed John Gangway could use the Community Hall as requested and waived the rental fee.
Maintenance
William Rofkar said the leaf vac was down due to a fuel pump issue that has since been repaired in house. He also said the restrooms at Heigel Park and the West Harbor Boat Launch have been winterized.
Zoning
Matt Montowski said Trustees will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, to hear three zoning cases.
New Business
Kevin Joyce, Ohio Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land, said he represents a national organization with a mission to save land for people. Kevin Joyce said he looks for opportunities to transfer undeveloped land from private hands and put it into public hands so that it can be used for recreation, conservation, and public uses. He said there is a nine acre parcel located at 531 NE Catawba available for sale with water access.
Kevin Joyce said they look for a willing seller, a willing buyer, and a path to funding. He said his organization partners with both the seller and the buyer and he outlined how the process works to obtain funding for the transaction.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve Kevin Joyce, Ohio Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land, to pursue funding for the property located at 531 NE Catawba in order for the parcel to be turned over to the township. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Trustees agreed to meet with the Parks Board on Wednesday, December 15, at 5:30 p.m. to follow up with members regarding expectations and answer a few questions recently asked by the Parks Board.
Diane Belden said Wreaths Across American is scheduled for Saturday, December 18, at 11:00 p.m.
Jack Madison said Ottawa County Park District members would like to discuss their vision for a multi-use path in the township at the Trustees next regular meeting scheduled for December 14 at 7:30 p.m.
William Rofkar made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Matt Montowski seconded the motion. All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Diane Belden, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer