The Washington Township Board of Trustees met in Regular Session on January 5, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Government Center, 8200 McEwen Road. President Young opened the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES OF PRECEEDING MEETINGS
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the pre-meeting minutes and the minutes of the Regular meeting held December 15, 2008, and the Special Meeting held December 30, 2008.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-003
FISCAL OFFICER’s Business
The Trustees have requested that a Year-to-Date Income/Expense Report be presented on a monthly basis. As of December 31, 2008, Washington Township has collected from all funds $23,297,673.41 and has dispersed in all funds $21,570,607.20 for a positive cash carryover of $1,727,066.21.
CITIZEN CONCERNS
Pamela Johnson, 67 Boundbrook Drive, expressed a concern about the twenty minute response time of the Fire Department to a fire near her home.
Ms. Lightle indicated that the Township’s records indicated that the call was dispatched at 5:08 a.m.; however, since Ms. Johnson called in on a cell phone, there may have been some difficulty in determining what time the call was actually received. The Township recorded the time of the call at 5:08 a.m. and the first engine arrived eight minutes later.
Ms. Johnson indicated that the pictures taken were time stamped and she did not believe that the first engine was there in eight minutes. Ms. Lightle asked to see her pictures.
Ms. Lightle further indicated that eight minutes is fairly standard in terms of a response time at that hour. As the fire chief had indicated to Ms. Johnson earlier, Ms. Lightle informed her that Washington Township has a volunteer fire department and also has both full-time and part-time employees. At that time of the day, volunteers would have been the ones dispatched.
In terms of her zoning issue, Ms. Lightle indicated that her concerns about her neighbor were investigated over a two and a half month period of time and the Township was unable to acquire any evidence that a business was being conducted at her neighbor’s home. There is no question that there are things going in and out of their garage, but there is no proof that a money transaction took place.
Going back to the fire issue, Ms. Lightle commented that the fire was contained to the garage. She complimented the crews for this achievement. Chief Gaul added that some of the ceiling tiles were pulled in the kitchen, which is located next to the garage. Based on her pictures, Chief Gaul indicated it was a big fire and it was quite a job to contain. Ms. Lightle indicated that there was a partial knockdown at 5:22 a.m. and the fire was placed under control at 5:43 a.m.
Mike “Slinger” Gibney, 1441 Beaushire Circle, in “the greatest township in the State of Ohio” observed that in all of the meetings, the Township is very careful to make sure businesses do not have big banners and signs and that everything meets specifications and codes. He congratulated the Township for that. He noticed four signs within about 600 feet that directed where St. Rt. 725 and I-75 is located. One of the signs was hidden behind a tree. This was corrected, but about 500 feet further, there is another sign. Further down, about 200 feet, there is another sign. Even further down, there is another one, which is behind a pole. He wanted to bring this to the Trustees attention, even though it may be outside their authority. He does not believe all of these signs are necessary.
Public Works Director Mike Wanamaker indicated that ODOT has their standards. He did not realize that there were three or four signs in a row like that. He indicated he would look into it and make a comment to ODOT about it.
STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP REPORT
Board President Joyce Young presented the State of the Township Report.
Washington Township
2008 State of the Township Report – The Year in Review
Presented January 5, 2009
It’s always a challenge to report on the annual accomplishments of Washington Township because there is so much to celebrate. The past year also gives me a great deal of pride as I report on the extraordinary milestones of 2008.
Of exceptional note, the Washington Township Fire Department in August became the first in the Miami Valley to achieve accreditation by The Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The distinction, representing the highest standards of excellence, is shared with just one other department in southwest Ohio and five throughout the state. The five-year accreditation process included the formation of a strategic plan for improving emergency services and has launched us in a direction that will continue to enhance services far into the future.
Another great milestone was marked early in the year when Administrator Gary Huff retired after 23 years with the township, including ten at its helm. During his tenure, he skillfully led the township through a period of extensive growth and development, in terms of both population and services. His retirement came at a time when citizen satisfaction levels are an exceptional 95 percent.
Jesse Lightle assumed duties as township administrator immediately upon his retirement. A seamless transition was possible, in part, because Jesse spent the previous 18 months as deputy administrator, learning all aspects of township operations and overseeing fire, recreation and development services departments. We are fortunate to have her capable leadership.
Of great significance to all the residents of Washington Township was the overwhelming vote on November 4 when citizens voted to affirm their choice of local government by defeating a measure to form a commission charged with formulating a merger between Centerville and the township. The November vote culminated months of discussion and debate, beginning with the presentation of two reports – the Steen Study by the township and the University of Toledo Report commissioned jointly with the city.
The discussion stirred a level of citizen involvement and participation that hasn’t been matched in years. Many became active in maintaining township government through a citizen campaign called Washington Township Forever. Their efforts are deeply appreciated by many in our community, including Washington Township elected officials who believe that townships represent grassroots government at its best.
Besides merger, citizens faced two other important choices when they voted in March on replacement levies that raised 3 mills for fire and .7 mills for recreation services. The Fire Levy passed with 68 percent of voters giving their approval and the Recreation Levy passed with an affirmative vote of 61 percent.
I note with great pride that every precinct in the city and township supported both of these levies. Their passage will enable the township to continue the current high level of service for another five years.
Other challenges in 2008 included the great September windstorm which blew through the area, leaving a wake of fallen trees, severed utility lines, and buildings without power. Following the storm, neighbors helped neighbors, sharing power and water, checking on seniors, and hosting impromptu neighborhood barbecues.
Emergency personnel responded to a record number of alarms, sheriff’s deputies patrolled neighborhoods on their bikes, and our Public Works crews logged 9,600 hours, working intensely to remove nearly 1,000 truck loads of debris. This way of pulling through and pulling together will serve us well in 2009 as we look for positive, creative ways to work together with all public entities.
Many other notable events happened in 2008. Our sheriff’s substation hosted the first Family Fun Night where parents and children met their local police, had some fun and games, and learned about safety.
Our Development Services staff focused attention on inspections, taking a proactive approach to the challenges of our current economy so that property values stay high in the township. Our recreation center continued its fine and creative programming, paying homage this year to the 2008 Olympics with its summer camp program. Recently, trustees promoted development services director Jo Scott to deputy administrator. Jo will continue in her role as development services director while adding human resources and special projects to her duties.
Last, but certainly not least, our Finance Department kept careful watch on taxpayer money. The Auditor of State again issued an unqualified opinion recognizing the township’s financial statements and accounting practices. We are proud to have achieved the highest rating that is presented.
Trustees look forward to 2009 as a year that emphasizes unity. We believe that Centerville/Washington Township is one community and that it’s vital that our local governments work together on common goals and a common vision. We are fortunate to have many outstanding public organizations in our community, including a school district with a new performing arts center that benefits the entire community with its artistic programs. We pledge anew to focus our efforts on unity and cooperation not only with the city, but also with businesses, community organizations and public entities such as the schools, library and park district.
ANNUAL BUSINESS ITEMS
Regional Assessments and Allocations
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the expenditure of approximately $13,784.82 to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for the 2009 membership dues.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-004
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the expenditure of $12,717.84 to the Miami Valley Fire EMS Alliance for the Township’s 2009 Alliance contribution.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-005
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the expenditure of $7,418.74 to the Dayton Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team for 2009 membership dues.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-006
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Township’s 2009 financial contribution to Hithergreen Senior Center in the amount of $116,000; said amount to be paid in four equal quarterly installments.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-007
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Township’s 2009 financial contribution to Centerville-Washington Township Historical Society in the amount of $69,025; said amount to be paid in four quarterly installments.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-008
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the expenditure of approximately $5,394.06 to the South Metro Regional Chamber for the Township’s membership dues for 2009.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-009
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Township’s 2009 financial contribution to Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management in the amount of $5,993.40.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-010
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves Washington Township’s 2009 membership to the Dayton Development Coalition, Dayton, Ohio, for a one-year membership at a cost of $7,500.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-011
REAPPOINTMENT OF LAW DIRECTOR
It is required by the Ohio Revised Code for the Board of Trustees to appoint the law director annually. Staff is recommending the reappointment of Surdyk, Dowd & Turner, Co., LPA and Bob Surdyk as law director.
President Young asked for a motion to read the Resolution by title only.
It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, to read the resolution by title only.
Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2009-012
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
RESOLUTION RETAINING SURDYK, DOWD & TURNER CO., L.P.A. AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO ADVISE AND REPRESENT THE TOWNSHIP IN VARIOUS MATTERS
President Young asked for a motion to pass the Resolution on for the second and final reading.
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to pass the Resolution on for the second and final reading.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-013
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
President Young asked for a motion to suspend the reading of the Resolution on two separate days.
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to suspend the reading of the Resolution on two separate days.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-014
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
President Young asked for a motion to read the Resolution for the second and final time by title only.
It was moved by Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mrs. Young, to read the Resolution the second and final time by title only.
Vote on Motion: Snyder, aye; Young, aye. M2009-015
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
RESOLUTION RETAINING SURDYK, DOWD & TURNER CO., L.P.A. AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO ADVISE AND REPRESENT THE TOWNSHIP IN VARIOUS MATTERS
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder to adopt Resolution HR2009-001 in its entirety as follows:
HR2009-001
RESOLUTION RETAINING
SURDYK, DOWD & TURNER CO., L.P.A.
AS LEGAL COUNSEL TO ADVISE AND
REPRESENT THE TOWNSHIP IN VARIOUS MATTERS
WHEREAS, Washington Township has elected to become a limited self-government form of township government under Chapter 504 of the Ohio Revised Code; and,
WHEREAS, R.C. §504.15 requires a limited self-government form of township government to appoint a Township Law Director; and enables a township to employ additional legal counsel; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, that Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co., L.P.A. be employed to provide legal services to the Township and that Robert J. Surdyk of that firm be reappointed as Law Director of Washington Township.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co., L.P.A. be paid the rate of $165.00 per hour for the services of an attorney and $75.00 per hour for the services of all paralegals. In addition, Surdyk, Dowd & Turner Co., L.P.A. shall be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred upon the submission of appropriate documentation.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. HR2009-001
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
Departmental Business
Insurance
The Township has secured Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide healthcare benefits for Township employees. The Township agreed to join the Ohio Benefits Cooperative in association with securing this benefit.
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves a resolution and enters into the necessary agreements and fulfills the duties associated with membership in the Ohio Benefits Cooperative.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-016
ADDENDUM
Election of 2009 Officers
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to nominate Lee. Snyder as President and Joyce Young as Vice-President.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-017
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to close the nominations.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-018
Mr. Zobrist requested a call of the roll for a vote on Lee Snyder as President for the year 2009.
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
Mr. Zobrist requested a call of the roll for a vote on Joyce Young as Vice-President for the year 2009.
Roll Call: Young, aye;
Snyder, aye.
Mrs. Young turned the meeting over to the new Board President, Mr. Snyder.
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
None.
CHECK REGISTER APPROVAL
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Regular Check Register dated January 5, 2009, in the amount of $101,681.26, said amount having been certified and appropriated.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-019
It was moved by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Snyder, that the Board approves the Recreation Refund Check Register dated January 5, 2009, in the amount of $982.00, said amount having been certified and appropriated.
Vote on Motion: Young, aye; Snyder, aye. M2009-020
Trustee Comments
Mrs. Young wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Mr. Snyder commented that he saw former Trustee Blair at the meeting; however, he left the meeting early before he could congratulate him on being sworn in for his new job. He also thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and wished them a Happy New Year.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:05 P.M.
All formal actions of the Board of Trustees of Washington Township concerning and relating to the adoption of resolutions and/or motions passed at this meeting were adopted in an open meeting; and of any of its committees resulting in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with the law, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
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President
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Fiscal Officer