Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2022
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman William Rofkar on Tuesday, November 8, at 6:00 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, Dan Barlow, William Moore, Jr., Jack Madison, Bryan Baugh,
Lisa Murphy, Carl Sorgen, and Randy Riedmaier.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Diane Belden made a motion to approve the October 25, 2022 Board of Trustees public hearing meeting minutes and 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 last regular payroll and the third quarter CIVFD payroll, in the amount of $82,655. The total includes two payments totaling $26,370 to C.L. Fox Contractors, Inc. for trail improvements made in the Cedar Meadow Nature Preserve for which the township has been approved for a $20,000 reimbursing grant from the Park District of Ottawa County. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
A thank you note from Evelyn Albrecht expressing her appreciation for all that township police personnel do for them and a donation to the police department.
A letter from Rob Krain of the Black Swamp Conservancy regarding the stone-base trail being installed in the Cedar Meadow Nature Preserve and the need for drainage pipes under the trail lengthwise to allow the free flow of water from one side to the other. He stated there are wetlands present and it is important to ensure that the trail construction does not affect hydrologic flow that would negatively impact wetland resources on the site. Rob Krain recommended plans be made to address invasive species entering the disturbed areas of forested wetlands where the walking trail was cleared from a path only a few feet to more than 25 feet wide. He said there shall be no further plans for the trail through the forested wetlands or earthwork of any kind conducted. Rob Krain also reminded the township to keep an open line of communication with regard to any activities that could impact the natural resources of Cedar Meadow Preserve.
A Public Notice from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners regarding Senate Bill 52 that became effective October 11, 2021 with regards to large utility facilities. A public meeting will be held at the courthouse on December 13, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
A letter from Lisa Murphy requesting allowances be made for individuals unable to attend township meetings in person.
Maintenance
Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Johnson said leaf pick up continues although they are a little behind schedule. He said they are also working to have the cemetery cleaned up by the end of the week.
Fire
Will Moore said Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department members responded to 26 EMS calls and 10 fire calls for a total of 36 calls responded to in October.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve new member Paul Logsdon to attend volunteer fire fighter school through EHOVE for $575. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Parks
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve an additional expenditure of $1,800 to C.L. Fox Contractors, Inc. for a limestone path extension of 165 feet from the entrance in the Cedar Meadow Nature Preserve and an additional 8” crossover pipe at the entrance. This change is an addition to the original approved contract of $24,570 for the limestone path project. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Jack Madison said the township Parks Board is happy with the new path in the Cedar Meadow Nature Preserve and rain will help to settle in the stone. He said the Park District of Ottawa County will provide Parks and Trails Improvement Grant Program signs to be posted at the preserve entrance in the near future.
Trustees agreed they will send a thank you letter to the Park District of Ottawa County for the grant funding of $20,000 when it is received as well as send an announcement to the local newspapers.
Zoning
Matt Montowski said there were fifteen zoning permits issued in October, three variances and one conditional use requested for a total of $2,495.76 collected in fees.
Matt Montowski said there will be a zoning public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on November 22 prior to the next regular Trustee meeting.
New Business
Dan Barlow shared ideas for the Veterans area in the cemetery and a discussion took place regarding a proposed new wall at the Veterans Memorial area and mounting of the military plaques on the wall rather than leaving them on stands.
A lengthy discussion took place regarding a proposed memorial wall. Carl Sorgen shared his thoughts and ideas on the project.
Matt Montowski made a motion to approve the payment of expenses for the Township Trustees
and the Fiscal Officer to attend the 2023 Ohio Township Association Winter Conference in January. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Dan Barlow said the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department is requesting nonperishable food donations and would like to use the lobby of the administration building as the collection location from now until December 20. He said donations will then be delivered to two local food pantries.
Lisa Murphy said she is making a formal request for Zoom conference availability for when individuals are not able to attend township meetings. Lisa Murphy said she believes the township is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing a way for individuals with disabilities to be able to attend meetings and presented a letter requesting the provision with reference to section 35.130 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
William Rofkar said they will consult with legal counsel and see what is required.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Diane Belden seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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William Rofkar, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer