December 2014

NEWTON TOWNSHIP MINUTES 12-9-2014

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. 

Sherry Ziemer, John Phillips, Tim Bankes, Bob Mock, Township residents; Larry Taylor, Road Maintenance Supervisor; Allen Deaver, Larry Geiger and Craig Knox, Jake Lutz, Kevin Curry of the Fire Department;  James R. Smith, Robert Stephenson, Charles Elson, Township Trustees; Derek J. Dozer, Township Fiscal Officer.

Meeting was called to order by Trustee Smith at 7:00pm.

Pledge to the flag was led by James R. Smith.

Agenda was approved as read.

Minutes were approved as presented.

Public Participation:

Kevin Curry – There is a big problem with garbage and house contents being thrown out onto the yard in the front and back of the house at 2870 Jenkins Drive.  Former residence of Robert Newcomer.  He requests that a letter be sent to the Bank who owns the house.

Fire Department Business

22 Fire Runs, 56 EMS for a total of 78 for month.

Presented new Drug Testing policy to clarify tests and close some loopholes in current policy.  Policy was accepted as written by all 3 trustees.  Trustee Smith made motion to accept and implement the new policy as written.  Motion was seconded by Trustee Stephenson and all three agreed.

January 17th is Fire Banquet,  Dinner at 6pm.  Trustees agreed to fund $1,500 of the cost.  Specifically the food and rental to be covered with Township funds as appreciation for service.

2 boilers as in the building and having problems with one of them so down to 1.   The oldest of the two boilers is believed to have a cracked heat exchanger.  Pony circulating pump on other boiler was around $1500 and needed replaced.  Hopefully no more problems for a while.

Had a short in lights on one truck and got it repaired.

Presented 2 trucks for possible purchase.  A rescus truck like was viewed after last meeting and a tanker.  This will replace 2 old trucks which will be traded in and these are demos which saves around $130,712 over specing and ordering them new.  The plan if approved will be to Trade engine 1082 in for $90,000 and use that toward a downpayment.  Rescue 1083 will be traded in for $23,000 and that money will be used to equip the new Rescue truck with shelves, etc.  The remainder of the amount could be financed over 10 years with the remainder of the $10,000 for downpayment being due in the middle of January and the first payment will be due in January of 2016.  Discussion around the trucks ensured.   Trucks both have around 10,000 miles on them.

Trustee Smith made the motion to purchase the two demo fire apparatus from Finley Fire through Pierce on state bid.  Trustee Elson seconded the motion and all three trustee agreed.  Resolution 1-12-9-2014 was signed to confirm the agreement from Fiscal Officer Dozer to move forward with the financing and purchase of the equipment.

Road Report

Larry Taylor

·         Found some salt with Henderson Trucking.  It was agreed to purchase 50 tons from them asap.

·         The Hewitt/Bounds fence issue is still ongoing and up in the air.  Bud Chess is involved.

·         Muddy on hill.

·         Guardrail is still needed, has called a couple of times.  Trustee Stephenson agreed to call Mr. Davis.

Old Business

Nothing new at this time.

 New Business

None.

 Trustees Reports:

Smith – Nothing further.

Stephenson – Nothing further.

Elson – Nothing further.

 Fiscal Officer reports:

Copies of Bank Reconciliation, payment register, minutes, and monthly Grassroots Clippings was made available to all trustees.

Asked if were giving $100 Christmas bonus for Larry and Jason Taylor.  All 3 trustees approved.

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

Motion to pay the bills was made by Trustee Stephenson, Smith seconded and all three agreed.

Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 29th, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Fire Department.

Meeting adjourned at 8:42pm.

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. 

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