August 2008
NEWTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES 08-14-2008
Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the township meeting room at the fire department. Those in attendance follow; Craig Lenhart, Charles Darnell, Larry Lenhart Sr., Roberta Lenhart, Charlie Schneider, Millie Schneider, Harry Ross, Anna Ross, Wayne Karr, township residents; Troy Deaver, Shane Stephenson, Todd Hensley, Wendy Bryan, Josh Bryan, Craig Knox, Allen Deaver of the fire department; Derek J. Dozer, Charles R. Elson, and James R. Smith, township trustees; Bernadine E. Swingle, fiscal officer.
Meeting was called to order at 7:03 by James R. Smith, chairperson.
Agenda was approved as presented.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Public Participation was first order of business; most of the township residents were present to re-hash the road situations of the last two business meetings of the township. There appears to remain some dissention as to what the majority desires as well as not being able to agree with neighbors on the whole issue. Mr. Karr requests asphalt be replaced and a tax assessment be added to his taxes. Trustees heard the request and are asking for a petition of signatures on that particular street as to the desires of the majority involved. Sunset Drive is strongly requesting “Slurry Seal” and “Now”. They are not in favor of having an assessment added to their taxes.
Mr. Ross of 3245 Jenkins Drive is requesting “deer crossing” signs be posted on his street as there have been several instances of deer / car collisions. Trustees assured him they would be posted immediately.
Several residents requested dollar amounts for asphalt application for their individual street which was provided by Mr. Smith.
Fire department business was next on the agenda; Knox reporting.
July shows a total of 69 emergency responses - - 2 no responses.
August to date has 24 emergency responses - - no missed calls.
$17,000.00 was billed for July vs. cost factor of $8000.00 for paid personnel.
Additions to the parking lot signs are being updated as requested by the election board.
Deaver reporting:
A new rotation system has been initiated for officers / personnel of the fire department.
Promotions to Lt. for the period of 08-06-2008—02-06-2008: Josh Bryan,
Todd Hensley and Jeremy Yarger.
Promoted from Lt. to Captain: Shane Stephenson.
The promotions were sworn in by Derek Dozer, township trustee.
Knox presented a new contract for: Fire Suppression Services Billing Policy for approval by the trustees. This would allow the department to bill the insurance company involved in any structure fire that the department might be called to control. This would affect residents of Newton Township only and billing would be for $500.00 only which is what the state allows. All three trustees agreed for Knox to continue with the pursuant of the necessary documentation to do this.
Road Report; Larry Taylor
The new culvert / bridge has been installed in the area of 2970 Workman Road.. Widening of the road and opening of ditches is being completed at this time. A bank at 4490 Workman Road is currently being removed with agreement of the residents at this location.
Maysville Regional Water Department has completed the clean up of Yost Road and is preparing to sow grass seed.
Bush Run Road and Porter Run Road have both been ditched and necessary upgrades completed in preparation of chip / seal application. Ridgley Road is currently being brought to the same condition.
According to Taylor, 20 – 20 Enterprises is planning to be back in the township by the end of August or Early September.
7:45 pm the meeting went into executive session with fire chief Deaver re; fire personnel matters. The meeting returned to regular session at 8:00 pm with permission given to Deaver to continue with the necessary reprimands of noted fire personnel.
Trustees Reporting:
Smith: Requested both Dozer and Elson to meet him in the very near future in Avondale to change some STOP signs. They both agreed they were available to do that.
Elson: Slack and Opera Roads need to be added to the Chip / Seal listing for 2008.
Dozer: Has been in contact with Denis Wiers re; the alley closure on Fultonrose Road.
According to Smith, Pidcock Road has been chip / sealed by the county; needs to be dedicated and will then be turned over to the township for maintenance from this time forward.
Fiscal Officer Reporting:
Copies of the following correspondence has been provided to each trustee;
Coal Combustion by-product purchase agreement from AEP.
Notice of impending DTV transition from Time Warner cable.
Copy of the current Muskingum County Health Department newsletter.
Copies of letters sent to G. Jadwin and D. B. McConnell re; the removal of
Their names from street light assessment listing.
Copy of LGF proposed allocation for 2009 from the Muskingum County Auditors’ Ofc.
All three trustees signed the notice to be returned to the office before the County Budget Commission meets on August 27, 2008 at 10:00 am at the courthouse.
New contract for the employee health insurance was presented for review and approval. All trustees agreed to continue with the current coverage with the noted increase.
The new contract for property and liability insurance is up for renewal from OTARMA. This contract was reviewed and updated as deemed necessary by both the fire department and the trustees.
Request was made of Mr. Smith for a copy of the minutes from the recent JEDD meeting for the township files.
All bills presented were deemed to be valid expenditures and will be paid as presented.
The next regular scheduled meeting will be September 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the township meeting room at the fire house.
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.