February 2021

NEWTON TOWNSHIP MINUTES 2-9-2021

Newton Township Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.  Those in attendance were Jason Taylor, Road Maintenance Employee for the Township; Craig Knox, Fire Chief; James R. Smith, Robert Stephenson and Derek Dozer; Township Trustees and Paula Frank, Fiscal Officer. Also in attendance were township residents:  Tom Samson, Marty Smith, Mitch Smith and Kim Smith.

Meeting was called to order by Trustee Dozer at 6:00 pm.

Pledge to the flag was led by Derek Dozer.

Agenda approved.

Minutes approved.

Public Participation:  Mr. Samson -  Rodayle drive fence issue – right-of-way problem.  Dozer—if an entity has the right-of-way, it does not mean that the entity will use the right-of-way.  Resident cannot get his truck into his driveway because of the fence.  His neighbor is just being difficult to get along with.  The fence post is literally 12” from his paved driveway.  He feels it is a safety issue when cars meet there, let alone a school bus and a car.  Smith—there are no restrictions in Newton Township on the use of the township right-of-way.  Smith asked Tom to leave after he became disruptive. Dozer—suggested getting it surveyed and then take the fence down if in fact it is in the right-of-way.  ****Corrected at 3/9/21 meeting – should read “take down the fence in that small section”, not the entire fence.*****

Fletcher Road Bridge –Smith family—would the trustees consider moving the road onto their property to get rid of the curve.  If the engineer is going to build the bridge, then the township would build the road.  Resident should smooth it and clear it and then the engineer can come out and approve it and then the township could go forward with establishing the road.  The board all agreed that they would be willing to do that.  The residents want the road closed from the new road to their property.  The residents will be in contact with the county engineer’s office to get the process started.

Foxfire—Neil Cornett – people are running into the ditch by his house.  He is wondering if a street light could possibly be added to the power pole so people can see the curve.  Jason suggested maybe they could replace the reflectors on the posts.  Jim said he would call AEP and set that up.

Fire Department Business: 

Chief Knox— Boilers both went down at the same time.  They have both been fixed and they are getting the motor rebuilt from the one to have as a reserve in case one blows up again in the future.  Restrooms are moving along.  Drop ceilings were started today.  Walls are up and getting painted.  They are ready to rent the equipment to paint the gym ceiling.  Dozer suggested that they take all safety precautions when using that equipment.  M-1082 had has a “bounce” and Dutro’s believes they have figured out the problem – finally.  Plow on the utility truck is not functioning properly.  They could not get the plow to do down today when using it.  They are going to try to get it fixed.  They may need the road crew to help clear the drive and lot if the plow cannot be fixed. 

Josh Weaver has turned in his resignation but it was a bit ambiguous so Craig is in touch with Mark Zhangi to write a response to him.

Andy James – has been asked to go back to just a firefighter and resigned his Lieutenant spot.

Assistant Chief—none.

Road Report – Jason Taylor— Lots of snow!  They have a lot of cinders left but they are wet so they may have to truck in some sand to use in place of them.  New dump truck is missing a large piece of tail pipe.  Jim told him to take it to Rod’s Tire Town and get it fixed.  Jim  mentioned that the building out back of the existing building needs a floor so they could use it.  Bob said he would research the cost of the Brightspan salt domes.

Old Business – More conversation regarding the Roydale Road fence.  They agreed that they need to only take out a section of the fence—not the whole fence.  They feel they need to curve the fence into the property owner’s property.  They will take out 25’ of that fence when the weather breaks.  The board all agreed on this decision.

New Business – None.

Trustees Reports:   

Stephenson— Lynn Sidwell – Workman Road – called him this morning and she was complaining about no guardrail on the hill.  Bob told her there has never been a guardrail there. 

Smith—none.

Dozer—none. 

Fiscal Officer Report:

·         Distributed Grassroots Clippings. 

·         Presented the following resolutions for approval and signatures:

o   02/2021 – To set up permanent appropriations for the fiscal year 2021. 

·         Road Mileage Certification needs signed approving the township mileage for 2021.

·         CDBG Grant – information presented.

·         Census Bureau – township boundary – has it changed or is it the same.

Trustee Stephenson made a motion to pay bills.  Trustee Smith seconded the motion.

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

Next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Fire Department.

Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

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