April 2010

           Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the township meeting room.  Those in attendance as follows:  Ron Paisley of 3310 Janet Dr.; Tim Swingle, Allen Deaver, Jeff Swingle, Jeffrey Cohen, and Jeffery Lloyd representing the fire department; Larry Taylor, township road superintendent; Derek J. Dozer, James R. Smith, and Bob Stephenson, township trustees; Bernadine E. Swingle, township fiscal officer.

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

        Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dozer.

        Agenda was approved as presented.

        Minutes were approved as presented.

        Public Participation; nothing called for.

        Fire Department Business; Deaver reporting.

·         Request is being made to continue with the purchase of a new copier for the department.  Cost quote from Professional Business Techniques stands at $4340.00 which includes the fax option.  There was not an option to trade the present copier in; this will allow the present one to be moved to the lower level for use there.  An additional fee of $350.00 will be charged for a service contract; this will cover any / all maintenance supplies and will be performed at the completion of 25,000 copies.  Dozer moved to proceed with the purchase, second by Smith and agreed by Stephenson.

·         Request is being made to purchase security cameras for various entry ways in the building and around the premises at the cost of $4795.00. This includes 6 outside cameras and 10 inside cameras.  The item was tabled until next meeting and following further discussion.

·         Request is being made to purchase 3 terminals (mini-computers) for the department at the cost of $200.00 for reconditioned units.  Motion made by Dozer to purchase them, second by Smith and Stephenson agrees.

·         A grant has been received from Federal Forestry in the amount of $14, 600.00 to help defray cost of installing the “Marks / Hi-band” radio system.  This is a 50 / 50 grant and will need to be paid by the department up front at which time reimbursement of $7, 300.00 will be made.  This is on a time frame of June 01, 2010; The money must be spent with a copy of canceled check and purchase order presented to them by this date.  Dozer moved to accept the grant as presented, second by Stephenson, Smith agreed.

·         Tim Swingle requested permission to purchase “E Learning Application” software to be able to allow further training for all fire / EMS personnel to keep their training / cards updated on line.  Also, the department would be able to track EMT, CPR, Fire cards etc. as to all members keeping current.  There are also materials available to allow OSHA, safety training, harassment training etc..  Currently there are 35 members on the department and cost would be $60.00 per person.  Dozer moved to accept this request, second by Smith, Stephenson agreed.

·         The Maysville Youth League uses the building for practice and training and has agreed to keep the ball field in White Cottage mowed as a return thanks.

Fiscal officer questioned Deaver as to who is responsible for mailing incoming checks / money from EMS services to Paumier Medical Services / newly acquired lock box in Columbus.  Deaver suggested Knox forward to the lock box any / all incoming revenue.  Envelopes for this have been provided to Knox’s’ office by the fiscal officer.

Fiscal officer asked who was responsible for keeping the “smokers” outside the front door emptied.  These were both on fire a few days earlier and were extinguished by the fiscal officer.

It was noted by the fiscal officer there are receipts missing from the following; CVS pharmacy since first of February, Lucas Truck Sales for service to a FD vehicle, and Valley National Gases.  These invoices cannot be paid until receipts are received.  Deaver assured her he would see to this issue.

Road Report; Larry Taylor reporting.

                Several of the roads are currently prepped for chip / seal.

Smith indicated to Taylor a road sign needs to be posted on Yost Road.

Much discussion followed re; road repairs and this season chip / seal to be completed.

It was noted to Taylor via the fiscal officer a call has been received requesting the patching of a hole on Rabbit Road in Fultonham.

Trustees Reports:

Stephenson reporting; A call has been received from Hittles Garage on Pinkerton re; water draining off the road onto his property.  It was noted the Hittle property lays considerably lower than the road.  Hittle will be advised to contact the Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Smith reporting; the area of Bob Boyd Refuse in Ironspot is a genuine mess.  Rubbish is covering his property, out into the road and in to the neighbor’s property.  Stephenson agreed to contact the Boyds’ to try to convince him to get it cleaned up.

                Smith also noted there is a culvert on Moxa – Darla Road that is still not draining properly and needs some attention.

Dozer reporting; on Huggins Road the ditch is breaking off and becoming a wash-out problem.

Old Business:

                Bids for chip / seal have been advertised in the Times Recorder and will be opened and let at the May meeting.

                Stephenson noted he was excused from the NIMS update training as he had received it while in the position of county sheriff.

                Hiring of part – time help was discussed.  An application was in place for one Jason Taylor.  All three trustees agreed he should be hired and to start work as soon as he is available.  Fiscal Officer was instructed to fulfill any / all obligations necessary to get him on board.

New Business:

Nothing to report.

Fiscal Officer reporting:

Notice has been received from the Ohio Secretary of State re: downloading of Ohio Issues Report for 2010.

A phone call from Dutro Ford has confirmed the order for a new pick-up truck.  It should be available for delivery approximately May 22, 2010.

Copy of a letter from OTARMA re; online training courses were made available to each trustee.

Copy of a letter from USDA re; notice of help available for needy families in the community was made available to each trustee.

Notice has been received from the Muskingum County Board of Elections re; the upcoming election to be held May 4, 2010.  Two precincts will be held at the fire department.

It was noted that the postmaster in White Cottage was very appreciative of township assistance in clearing snow from the entry to her parking lot.

Mr. Stephenson is currently working on a Records Retention Policy for the township.

A road employee has indicated on his work sheet that he was off duty without pay on Monday 03-01-2010 to see the doctor re; an injury to his shoulder when falling on the ice.  He has been compensated for those 4 hours per orders of township trustee board.

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

The next regular meeting will be held Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the township trustee meeting room.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.

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