August 2007

NEWTON TOWNSHIP MINUTES – 08-09-2007

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, 08-09-2007 at 7:00 pm at the Newton Township fire Department.  Those in attendance were; Raymond Dodson, Allen Milatovich, Bob Mock, Chad Novaria, Todd Dawson, Bob Stephenson, Nathan Stotts, Ralph L. Stotts, Isabelle Stotts, Linda Carson Dicks, Deborah Carson, Kim Stotts, Sonie Stephenson, Mr. and Mrs.Bob Heslop, township residents.  Allen Deaver and Craig Knox of the fire department.  Derek Dozer, Charles R. Elson and James R. Smith, township trustees and Bernadine E. Swingle, township Fiscal Officer.

Meeting was opened at 7:00 pm by Dozer, chairperson.

Agenda was approved as presented.

Minutes were approved as presented.

First order of business went to the fire department and EMS representatives.

            Deaver reporting:

            The ladder truck is now in full service.

            South Zanesville Fire Department has requested borrowing and use of Engine 1081 for approximately 2 weeks while their main engine is out of service for repairs.  All three trustees agreed this was permissible.

            The walk in cooler has ceased to function as the main cooler on the roof is not working and has considerable age to it.  A-1 Heating & Cooling was in today and determined the only way for repairs was to replace the entire cooling mechanism.  Approximate cost would be $2800.00.  All three trustees agreed this was best as it would be more cost effective than a new cooler.

            Approximately 120 Army reservists will be on site from Friday through Sunday for training both here and at the former Columbia Cement location.  They will be housed at the fire – department, but the township is not responsible for food.

            Knox reporting:

            E M T classes will be starting August 20 and last through approximately October 17.  The training is being presented through Grant Hospital and consists of mostly outside agency participants.

            Newton Township EMS has been awarded a grant from the state division of EMS,

            Both Deaver and Knox were questioned by the trustees as to proceedings taking place with Community Days Committee activities.  It was reported the Country Music Hall of fame has scheduled a square dance for September 29, 2007 which is part of Community Days weekend.  Mr. Phil Barnett has contacted Martha Sterling of the community day’s committee to see if that was a major problem and there is usually a Saturday evening dance scheduled during that particular week end.  It was in perfect agreement with Sterling and the Committee.  The chicken Bar-B-Q is to be held on September 30, 2007.

            The annual golf outing, hosted by the fire department is scheduled for October 7, 2007 at 11:00 am at Eaglesticks.

Public Participation;

            Several residents from the Stine Road / Foxfire Road area were present to voice their frustrations with the condition of their road.  They are concerned about areas of the road that are cracking and breaking up.  Many questions arose as to what the intent of the trustees was to repair / maintain this road.  They had heard it was to be chip / sealed over the asphalt and they were very adamant about this as they much preferred a layer of asphalt.  The road maintenance crew has already cut out and replaced the bad sections of road with hot mix and all residents present were in complaint of that.  The trustees assured them they were attempting to do what was best for everyone involved.  Trustees assured them they were hearing the message being presented and were still in the decision making process of road maintenance for the entire township for the remainder of this working season as funds are limited.  Trustee Smith presented to the entire group an estimate received from the Muskingum County Engineers office of $91,830.00 for 1 ½” of asphalt to 1.6 miles of Stine Road.  All those present were informed that money is not available to do this in completion at this time.

            Some drainage problems, narrow roads, and trees hanging in the roads on Thompson Run Road were also expressed by residents in attendance.

Trustees Reports:

            Smith reporting; the water drainage situation on Moxadarla near Maysville Schools has been opened up through the McConnell property and looks to be working well.

            The situation of trees in the road and narrow roads i.e.; Thompson Run was discussed.

            An estimate has been issued for the chip / seal of E. Darlington  and Leffler Road.  Smith requested this be considered when the county comes in to finish the chip / seal on Yost and Mahon.

            Elson had nothing to report.

            Dozer reporting; he has been notified by Muskingum County Soil and Water Dept. that an 18’ culvert is needed on Lavona Drive in Avondale.  Some discussion arose as to this being township property vs. private property.  Smith agreed to check on this situation and report back at the next meeting.  Dozer also agreed to check with the Engineers’ office to verify this being on township road inventory.  This project will proceed accordingly.

            Dozer also noted  he has met with Nate Atkins for discussion of some communication problems with employees.  He is planning to meet with Terry Elson in the very near future and will then meet with both of them together.

            Trustees agreed a special meeting would be called on August 23, 2007 @7:00 pm to meet with each road employee individually for concerns / problems with their work situation.  Scheduling for this is:  S.Lantz @7.00, G. Swingle @ 7:30, T. Elson @ 8:00 and N. Atkins @ 8:30.

Fiscal Officer Report:

            Receipts are still not being turned in for the fuel being purchased at the Duke station by the fire department personnel.

            Copies of the following reports / communication were given to all trustees in their monthly reports:

                        Zoning Basics and Practical Applications meeting notice from OTA.

                        A Citizen Advisory letter from OhioEPA on two applications for Zanesville.

                        Notice of Compliance update for public notice for employees.

                        Grassroots Clippings newsletter.

                        Copy of Letter to Paul Slack / Community Days re; placement of storage building on township property.

                        Copy of letter to Mr. Bolyard re; junk cars in E. Fultonham.

            A notice from Muskingum County EMA re; a meeting for all township elected officials will be held at the Perry Township Fire House on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 7:00 pm.

            A notice has been received from OBWC that we have not met the necessary goals to be allowed in the premium bonus pool for the year of 2008.

            Also, a notice has been received from OBWC re; the injury of a firefighter while fighting a fire recently.  He apparently came in contact with some electrical wiring but was not injured severely.

                 A notice of rate change has been received from Anthem Insurance.  This was acceptable with all three trustees.

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the fire department trustee meeting room.  Notice has been posted on the main entrance of the fire department.

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 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.