January 2008

NEWTON TOWNSHIP MINUTES 01-10-2008

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the township meeting room at the fire department.  Those in attendance were; Ralph Landerman, Jim Landerman and David Searls, township residents; Craig Knox, Allen Deaver, Larry Geiger and Jeff Swingle of the fire department; Derek J. Dozer, Charles R. Elson and James R. Smith, township trustees; Bernadine E. Swingle, township fiscal officer.

Meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by chairperson, James R. Smith

Agenda was approved as presented.

Minutes were approved as presented.

Public Participation:

Bids for the 1988 Ford pick-up of the fire department were presented to be opened.  Bids ranged from $270.00 to $1857.00 with the bid going to Kurt Browning at the $1857.00 bid.

The Landermans’ voiced concern of mailboxes located on both sides of Huggins Road and limiting access to the full width of the road.

Fire Department:

Deaver reporting; the computer server has crashed and is at the shop.  He determined that all information on the drive should be salvaged.  He has now ordered a battery back up for same.

The new software for EMS reporting should be installed early next week.  The lap tops for the medics are on schedule to arrive by the end of the month.

A recent fire at Moxahala Park is the first large fire in the area since purchase of the ladder truck.  Reports show it performed very well and approximately 15,000 gallons of water was used to combat the fire.  Fire personnel thanked the trustees and employees for coming on the scene with the backhoe for assistance in controlling the fire.  Loss in the fire was approximately $300,000.00.

Deaver was asked by the Fiscal Officer for updated records of a fire department roster and a current inventory of the fire department.

E M S report; Knox reporting;

            New EMT classes have recently started within the department.  There are 5 members from Newton F D, 8 from outside departments and 6 are in for refresher courses.  Outsider fees will cover the costs of local members; books will have to be covered by the township.

            The annual fire fighters banquet will be held January 19, 2008 at Eaglesticks.

            Monitors and keyboards for the front of the medics have been priced higher than previously quoted.  An additional amount of $1500.00 more making the total at $10,000.00.  All three trustees agreed to this purchase and the increase in price.

            Annual statistic reports for both fire and EMS were presented to the board for review.

            Road Maintenance, Larry Taylor reporting

            All “STOP” signs in the township were checked last week and are in a good state of repair.

            The repairs needed from the OSHA reports are nearly completed as requested.  The electric repairs need to be checked by the trustees for accuracy.  The need of a larger fuse box may be in order.

            Estimates for a new arm mower / tractor were presented for review.  This item was tabled for the present time and will be reviewed further in the very near future.

            The white International (clutch problem) truck has been taken to Lucas’ Truck Repair and a “sensor” is being replaced.  Repairs should be completed by Friday, January 11, 2008.

            The retired  salt spreader has been converted into a berm box for use applying stone / berm along roadsides.

            Old Business:

            Ironspot residents have voiced great concern once again about trash at a residence and the problems with large amounts of waste products present.  Dozer agreed to go talk to the resident.

            New Business:

            The possible purchase of a new tractor and mower was once again discussed.  The tractor (John Deere 6230 with an arm mower) would cost approximately $59,900.00.

            Trustees reports:

            Elson states there is still a large hole in the road at the end of Crock Road at S R 93.  The township road workers have been working on this.

            Dozer asked the fiscal officer to check on financing of the tractor through the OTA master lease program.

            Note was made by Dozer that he had held a safety meeting on December 31, 2007 with both full time road employees.

            8:30 pm meeting went into executive session for work evaluations of both C. Knox and A. Deaver of the fire department personnel.

            9:30 pm meeting out of executive session and returned to township business.

            Fiscal Officer reporting:

            Cell phone service contract has been updated to allow 2100 minutes per month for all (4) four township phones.

            One Cheryl Staron of the Muskingum County Community Development will be present at the April 10, 2008 regular township meeting re; a water line to be installed on Rosehill Road by the County Commissioners.

            A member of the Muskingum County Health Department will be at the regular meeting of trustees on February 14, 2008.  This will be reference to a levy to be on the March ballot.

            Notice has been received from the Office Of Muskingum County Recorder re; County and Township zoning resolutions.

            C.R. Elson and J.R. Smith were reminded they need to turn in their calendars / hours worked for 2007.

            A new edition of the State Sunshine Laws was presented to all three trustees.

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

The next regular meeting will be February 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the township meeting room at the fire department.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 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.