February 2006

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, February 9, 2006 @ 7:00 PM in the township meeting room at the fire department.  Those in attendance were; Jeff Darrah representing the Maysville Youth league, Jacob Lutz, Larry Geiger, Tim Swingle and Craig Knox representing the Fire Department, Derek J. Dozer, Charles R. Elson and James R. Smith, township trustees and Bernadine E. Swingle, fiscal officer.

             Meeting was called to order @ 7:04 pm by chairperson, Dozer.

             Agenda was approved as presented.

             Minutes were approved as presented.

             First order of business went to Jeff Darrah of the youth league, requesting use of the ball field in White Cottage for the summer season.  He indicated they would keep the grass / weeds mowed, provide necessary upkeep to the diamond in general and keep the trash picked up.  He also indicated he would make every effort to keep the area alcohol free as requested by the township officials.

             Fire Department business; Larry Geiger reviewed the latest reports of injuries / medical expenses from one ______ who fell at the department early in December.  It was agreed by all three trustees and the fire department that a settlement of $1500.00 presented to the department by _____ for all fees be accepted and paid as it stands.  A waiver of disallowing any further action will be / has been signed by _______.

            The current septic system of the department is not adequate for a public building as has been determined by the EPA.  Plans have been submitted to the department by the EPA and necessary proceedings have begun.  It appears at this time that a “mound system” will be required by the EPA department.

            Geiger indicated that Deaver, Geiger and Knox will be attending FDIC conference in Indianapolis at cost of $630.00 each plus housing.  This was approved by all three trustees.

            An estimate has been received and presented for completing more finish work in various rooms within the fire department building.  This was reviewed by the trustees and was agreed to be an acceptable price.  All three trustees agreed to begin this work as soon as deemed necessary.

            Deaver. through Geiger has submitted a Major Expenditure Proposal for the year of 2006.  This was reviewed by the trustees, all three trustees agreed to acceptance of the expenditures for the first quarter “only”at this time.

             Knox, reporting for EMS indicated that beginning of January, 2006, private insurances will allow emergency agencies to bill for non-transport fees.  Indications of this procedure; diabetics who might be in insulin shock / close to diabetic coma or any other non-life threatening conditions that need only treatment at the scene.  Knox offered to draw up a proposal/policy for trustees approval at the next meeting.

            Fiscal Officer did request Knox to contact the Horton Co. for a proposed delivery date of the medic on order.  This information has been requested by Ross, Sinclair and Associates of OTA to determine a date to transfer funds to our account to cover cost of same.

             8:15 pm, trustees went into executive session to discuss personnel issues.

            8:20 pm, meeting returned to regular session.

             Trustees Reporting:

            Smith; a tree on the corner of Main Street and Ransbottom Road in Ironspot is blocking vision of traffic and the resident, one Bill Loterbaugh has agreed to have the tree removed at the township expense.

            There is berming that needs to be completed in the Avondale area at points of new blacktop in the 2004 season.

            The culvert on Butler Road that was discussed at the January meeting has been checked in great detail and has been determined that a “new / larger” culvert will not eliminate the problem as the road prior to the culvert is lower than the culvert itself.

            The sink hole that has continued to be a problem on Linn Drive has been checked by Smith.  The culvert, being in more than one piece, has come apart and caused the sinking of the road in that area.  It was decided by all trustees that Smith will pursue getting estimates on this area and will talk to the County Engineer to compare what they might charge to do the same when they meet with him on February 16. 

            It has been noted that one Tina Harper is attempting to buy the “Big Top” building/ property in Avondale to open a restaurant.

            Elson; just requested a report from the Fiscal Officer as to a list of roads that were chip / sealed in 2005.  Currently, Payne, Yost, Leffler, Ridgley, Workman, Slack, Opera and Rucker are on the list.  An updated list will be presented at the next meeting.  Elsons’ concern is East Darlington as it is deteriorating fast.

             Dozer; is currently working on the township newsletter and will present it for approval at the March meeting.

            In contacting Jarretts’ garage personnel re; the old fire department building, they are willing to land contract a deal if possible.  Fiscal Officer was asked to contact the bank to set this up to begin as soon as possible.

             Fiscal Officer reporting:

            Notice has been received from OBWC re; ______.  He has been to Dr. Thompson in Zanesville and further back surgery has been deemed necessary by the doctor.  At this time BWC personnel are not agreeing to allow this in accordance with the original accident.  They will keep the township posted on the details of further action.

            A letter re; allowance of block grants from the Muskingum County Community Development has previously been mailed to each of the three trustees for availability to attend same.

            Notice has been received from “UNIZAN” bank that the merger with The Huntington National Bank should be effective as of March 1, 2006.

            Notice has been received from the Muskingum County Township Association that the annual spring banquet will be held on March 30, 2006 at Pleasant Grove Church.  More details to follow.  

             All bills presented were deemed to be valid expenditures and were to be paid.

             Next regular meeting will be held March 9, 2006 at 7:00 pm at the fire department in the Trustees meeting room.

             Meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.

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.