October 2004

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, October 14th, 2004 at 7:00pm at the Newton Township Fire Department.

Those in attendance were:  Derek J. Dozer, Charles R. Elson, and James C. Geyer, township trustees and Bernadine E. Swingle, township clerk.  Larry Geiger, Tim Swingle, Allen Deaver and Craig Knox of the Fire Department.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by chairperson, Jim Geyer.

Agenda was approved by all three trustees, as well as the minutes from the last meeting.

Fire Department

Public access policy to the new building was presented by Geyer and reviewed by all trustees and all Fire Department personnel present.  Trustees agreed that the fire chief and each of two assistant chiefs be allowed the discretion on determining fees and whom and how many persons would be in attendance at one time.  Following further discussion, the issue was once again tabled for further discussion and will be presented at the next meeting.

Internet phone service to the building is still an issue as limited service is available.  It was advised by the trustees that a contract agreement not be pursued until later in the year or at the beginning of next year when the budget is determined.

Deaver gave notice to the board that Pam Deaver requested use of the facility for a boy scouts weiner roast and Angie Enancho has requested the same on another date.  Trustees agreed this was satisfactory.

Discussion was at great length regarding hiring and firing of department personnel.  It was agreed by all trustees and fire personnel present that the fire officers would be responsible for the majority of application, interviewing, etc.  and would come before the board with recommendations of new personnel to be admitted to the department.  It was noted by the trustees that there is presently a limit of 45 personnel on the department at one given time.  Anything varying from that would need to be brought before the board before proceeding.

Notice of funds from insurance company covering wind/rain was presented for signature.

Septic system for the facility was discussed.

Trustee Reports

Elson had nothing to report aside from the fact that Slack Rd. has undergone a mojor overhaul by the road crew and is much improved.  Opera, Ridgley, and Workman will be next as weather permits.

Dozer reported that he had been contacted about a drainage problem at Broadvue and Maysville Pike and advised that the county will need to be contacted in Spring 05 to determine a solution.  Dozer also noted an Avondale drainage issue.

Geyer noted that a Crock Rd. resident has complained about Sidwell trucks being overloaded and doing major damage to his road.  Geyer has been in contact with the company and they assured repairs are being done for any damage they may cause.

Old business

County Prosecutors Office has provided resolutions and advertisement material to sell the old fire house.

Geyer requested from the other trustees that he be allowed to contact B&H Carpet to install a piece of existing carpet in the old Fire Station before it is viewed by perspective buyers.  Both Dozer and Elson agreed this was acceptable.

Shopping for furniture for the new building has been put on hold for a few more weeks.

New Business

The existing appropriations were examined in detail to determine if changes would be necessary for the upcoming new year.  It was agreed by all three trustees that most all of those were appropriate for another year.

Clerk

Shelly Materials is having an Open House at the Chesterhill plant on Oct. 23rd.

Notice from the Ohio Industrial Commission that 50% relief has been given for an injury suffered by a township employee.

All bills were accepted as valid expenditures and were to be paid as presented.

Next meeting will be held October 28th, 2004 at the new Fire Station on SR 22 at 7:00pm.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

2nd Monthly Meeting

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, October 28th, 2004 at 7:00pm at the Newton Township Fire Department.

Those in attendance were:  James C. Geyer and Derek J. Dozer, township trustees and Bernadine E. Swingle, township clerk, and Tim Swingle of the fire department.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by chairperson, Jim Geyer.

Agenda was approved by all three trustees, as well as the minutes from the last meeting.

There was no public participation.

Fire Department

The computer on the boiler has been adjusted and is supposedly working correctly.

A representative from a lock company has been checking to see about updating locks.

Consideration of installing a barrier to block portions of the building has been studied by fire personnel.  Nothing secure is in place at this time.

Geyer presented the invoice of the renewal levy advertising to be paid by the department.

Clerk presented recommendation that township pay flat fee for chief's phone and this was approved.

Lighting in front lot is a priority.

Trustee Reports

Geyer asked for availability of possible funds available for repairs to the snow plow on the Ford truck.  It was deemed funds were available.

Geyer also noted that the three culverts will be installed in the Tipton Lane area as soon as possible weather permitting.

Considerable amount of work has been completed on Ridgely Road and minor repairs are needed on Opera and Workman.

Dozer had nothing to report. 

Old business

Ads for the old fire house have appeared in the newspaper for 2 weeks.  No inquiries to this point.

New Business

BJAM has once again performed surveys of families living within 300 feet of the township garage for usage of well water.  None found.  Report presented.

Clerk

A letter has been received that an old claim from a fire fighter was again denied by the Industrial Commission.

A letter has been received from OBWC regarding a township employee.  It appears unlikely the individual will work again by the information received.  

All bills were accepted as valid expenditures and were to be paid as presented.

Next meeting will be held Friday, November 12th, 2004 at the new Fire Station on SR 22 at 7:00pm.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Newton Township has made every effort to ensure all the information listed on this website is accurate and up to date.  This information can and may change without notice.  Meeting overviews are meant to serve as short informational updates on township business.  We can not be responsible for any inaccurate or omitted information.