February 2015
NEWTON TOWNSHIP MINUTES 2-10-2015
Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Ty J. Dierkes from Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, Jerry Lavy and Jim Porter, Muskingum County Commissioners, Sherry Ziemer, John Phillips, Township residents; Larry Taylor, Road Maintenance Supervisor; Larry Geiger, Allen Deaver, Craig Knox, Fire Department; James R. Smith, Robert Stephenson, and Charles R. Elson, Township Trustees; Derek J. Dozer, Township Fiscal Officer.
Meeting was called to order by Trustee Stephenson at 5:59pm.
Pledge to the flag was led by Robert Stephenson.
Agenda was approved as read.
Minutes
Error was corrected regarding start time being 6pm last month. Approved.
Public Participation:
Mr. Ty Dierkes from Bolin-Dierkes was present to discuss the indigent funeral expenses and talk about the costs associated with it. Mr. Dierkes’ services were needed to cremate an extremely obese indigent resident recently. Mr. Dierkes proposed that the Township make a policy and consider going into a contract with Bolin-Dierkes to stabilize and know the costs in case this comes up in future. Discussion ensured.
Fire Department Business:
Knox reporting:
- January Stats EMS – 56, Fire – 15, 71 Total.
Deaver reporting:
- Rear in of medic was worked on at Lucas.
- Server crashed and was repaired.
- Software will be looked at through a place called TechSoup for a greatly reduced cost of around $900, compared to thousands for retail. Company helps non-profit organizations. Trustees were grateful for the work to get the discounted software and support the purchase if it can be worked out.
- Proposing a seminar in May. Would like to bring in 3 speakers on May 29, 30, 31. Will be a reasonable cost to those outside our department and expect most of our staff to participate. Have found at least one outside donor to defray some of the cost. Trustees agreed to pay for the speakers with the understanding that there has to be a level of participation to pay for a vast majority (75% or more of the cost) or the event will be cancelled. Trustee Stephenson made a motion to hold the dates and put initial deposits on the speakers until it is known how many outside participants sign up. Trustee Smith seconded the motion and all 3 agreed.
Road Report
Larry Taylor
- Received bolts, nuts and washers for the upgraded signs but no signs yet.
- Old Glory will need attention once the weather warms up.
- Culvert in Avondale needs fixed.
- Culvert on Lavonna drive was discussed.
- 2-3 bad spots on Stine Rd will likely need patched.
- There are holes on Broadvue and McFarland that need filled.
Old Business
Smith – Boyd trash in Ironspot is getting really bad. Will be looked at from fire hazard standpoint and letter will be sent out to have public hearing on the matter.
Trustee Stephenson made a motion to notify the Boyd’s of the nuisance that exists on their property and notify them of a public hearing on March 10th at 6pm prior to the Township Meeting at the FD. Trustee Elson seconded the motion and all 3 agreed. FO Dozer to notify Boyds.
Stephenson – Dilts Lane/Workman Road vacated road discussed. Hobart Stewart wanted to know if the property had or could be vacated. County Engineer said that the project was started and there was ultimately no cul-de-sac built so the project was halted.
Tractor was discussed. 3 companies were looked at for tractors. Franklin came in with the best price for the equipment needed and were will to give $8,000 in trade in for Old Oliver tractor. New tractor is on a State bid and will be financed over 3 years if financing can be worked out for purchase price of $56,825.85
Trustee Smith made motion to move forward with financing and ultimate purchase of T4.85 New Holland Tractor through Franklin tractor on State bid price with LMS-5HB MoTrim Mower for $56,825.85 with 36 month or similar financing if available. Trustee Stephenson seconded the motion and all three agreed.
Elson – Patching of holes needs to happen once weather breaks.
New Business
Smith – None.
Elson – None.
Stephenson - None.
Trustees Reports:
Elson – Nothing further
Smith – Nothing further.
Stephenson – Nothing further.
Fiscal Officer reports:
· Presented payment registers, fund status reports, bank reconciliation, grass roots clippings.
All bills presented were deemed to be valid expenditures and were to be paid as presented.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 6:00pm at the Fire Department.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.
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