The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday, July 15, 1997 at 8:00PM at the Miami Township Civic Building. Chairperson Jean Schmidt called the meeting to order. The pledge of allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the roll. In attendance were Jean Schmidt, Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker. Mr. Uecker made a motion to approve the June 24, 1997 and July 01, 1997 minutes from the Board of Trustee meetings. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Fire/EMS Chief Jim Whitworth presented highlights from the June 1997 Department report. The driver-operator 2 class is continuing. The class is now mandatory for full time employees and optional for part time employees. Chief Whitworth reported that Firefighter-Paramedic Bill Richardson is on injury leave. Mr. Richardson fell while on duty and broke his wrist. Also Steve Wells who injured his leg at home. Mr. Wells will be off work approximately 4 weeks and Mr. Richardson will be off approximately 4 months.
Planning and Zoning Director Larry Fronk reviewed the June 1997 activity in the Zoning and Planning Department. The upgrade to the zoning software continues on schedule. It is expected to be fully operational in August. New home starts for June were 23. The year to date new home starts are 141 which is down 67 from the same time in 1996.
Police Lieutenant Daryl Poe presented highlights from the June 1997 Police Department report. The crime rate in Miami Township decreased to the lowest level since March. The department concluded recruitment efforts on June 2nd. The top four candidates are scheduled for pre-employment exams during the last week of July.
Walter Fischer, Service Director, presented the department report for June. The South Park ODOT permits have been approved. The Paxton Ramsey Park Contractor has completed the punch list and a walk through is scheduled this week. Resurfacing is scheduled to being the first week of August. The sub-base is installed for the tennis courts at the Buckwheat Park and the contractor is to start July 28, 1997 or before. Mr. Fischer request authority to get additional grading work performed at the Community Park to correct a drainage problem with the front field.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from Police Chief Steve Bailey regarding the issuance of a liquor license to Brutas Inc. DBA Wolfies Tavern at 1151-55 SR 131 in Miami Township. The Miami Township Police has no objection.
Mr. Ferry read a letter from the Clermont County Engineer regarding the safety sign program. The signs requested by Miami Township have been ordered and should be installed by October 1, 1997.
Mr. Ferry read a notice from the Hoxworth Blood Center. Local and national blood shortages are occurring and blood donors are needed. A blood drive will be held at St. Andrew’s Parish Center, 522 Main Street in Milford and at Park 50 on Monday, July 28, 1997 from 2:30PM to 8:30PM.
Mr. Bill Knepp presented the new president of the Greater Miami Township Performing Arts Center, Mr. Matt Snow. Mr. Snow assured the Board, plans will continue to go forward as previously presented.
Mr. David Duckworth, Miami Township Administrator advised the Board he has received comments back from Cinergy on the lease of the 26 acres off of SR 131. Most of the questions are insurance related. Mr. Duckworth will review the questions with the Township insurance agent . Mr. Duckworth stated he should be able to present a recommendation by the next regular Trustee meeting.
Mr. Duckworth recommended the Board hire Brett Simon for the position of probationary police officer with the Miami Township Police Department. Mr. Duckworth recommended Mr. Simon’ s employment be effective August 3, 1997 at a starting rate of pay at $14.32 per hour. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to hire Mr. Brett Simon as a probationary police officer effective August 3, 1997 at $14.32 per hour. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Walt Fischer reminded those in attendance the Miami Township Beat the Heat 5K run and fitness walk is Saturday, July 19, 1997 at 8:30AM. The course starts at the Paxton Ramsey Park. Proceeds to benefit the Shrine Burns Hospital. Local sponsors are Time Warner Cable, Lykins Companies and Fifth Third Bank.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to pay the bills of the Township including 41 checks numbered from 62088 to 62128 for a total amount of $479,474.84. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Duckworth presented a draft Nepotism Policy prepared by John Korfhagen. Mr. Uecker made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 97-27 modifying the Miami Township Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual to establish an anti-nepotism policy. Jean Schmidt seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Jean Schmidt voted aye. Joseph Uecker voted aye and Ed Humphrey voted nay.
Mr. Duckworth requested the Board schedule a public hearing on August 19, 1997 during a regularly scheduled Trustee meeting to consider the establishment of a street lighting district for the Paxton East subdivision. Mr. Humphrey made a motion to hold a public hearing during the regular Trustee meeting of August 19, 1997 to consider the establishment of a street lighting district for the Paxton East subdivision. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to move the regularly scheduled August 5, 1997 Trustee meeting to July 29, 1997 at 9:00 PM. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Tom Siberski announced a Run-Walk in support of Muscular Dystrophy sponsored by the March of Dimes will be held Saturday, April 25, 1998.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to go into Executive Session to consider a Personnel Matter pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) and to consider the Purchase of Property for Public Purposes pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(2) and to prepare for Collective Bargaining with Public Employees pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(4). Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Humphrey made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Uecker seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to authorize the immediate hiring of 3 new full time fire fighter/paramedics for the Miami Township Fire/EMS Department. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:01PM.
ATTEST________________________________________ERIC C. FERRY, CLERK
________________________________________JEAN SCHMIDT, CHAIRPERSON