The regular meeting of the Board of Township Trustees, Newbury Township was called to order at 7:30 p.m., October 7, 2009, with all members present.   Minutes of the meeting of September 15, 2009 were approved upon a motion by Mrs. Blair, a second by Mr. Skomrock, and a unanimous affirmative vote. 

The Trustees, Fiscal Officer and audience recognized Linda Phillips upon the occasion of her retirement from the position of Cemetery Sexton, noting her 25 years of service to the township in that position.  Ms. Phillips was presented with a plaque in appreciation for her service.

The Board recognized Mr. Bill Phillips from the Geauga County Department on Aging, who is attending tonight's meeting on his own time to speak in support of Issue #4, the Department on Aging Senior Services replacement levy.  According to Mr. Phillips, the replacement levy sought if approved would result in a $9.43 increase per 100K of assessed valuation when collection begins in January 2011.  Mr. Phillips provided numerous statistics that demonstrated the increasing need for senior services in Geauga County.

Ann Wishart provided a summary written report of cemetery activity to date for 2009 to the trustees, and presented an oral report of this information.  Road activity reported by Mr. Hollis included asphalt patch application, berm repair, pipe installation, roadside mowing, joint repair on Lucky Bell, digging of the footer for the park entrance sign, and repair of trucks and equipment.  Mr. Hollis presented a proposal for a newer crack sealing technology to be considered for Lucky Bell Lane.  It was noted that Auburn Township had applied for Issue 2 money for their end of Lucky Bell, and it was suggested that Newbury apply for Issue 2 money for the Newbury end of Lucky Bell.

Mrs. Endres provided an update on the Neighborhood Stabilization grant.  All 12 letters went out, with only two non-responses so far.  Mr. Snively said that he had spoken to a number of the recipients who had initial concerns but following Mr. Snively’s explanation most are satisfied with the project.  So far, 2 people have signed on, 4 people are opting in, 2 have given no response, 2 don't want to opt in but will address identified issues on their own, and 1 person wants to rehab his own property.  One property is in a probate situation that may complicate action in that case.  Mrs. Stusek said that the trustees could follow a process for the township to do an abatement, in which case the action could move forward without a response from the property owner.  Mr. Snively noted that the owners of PCs have decided to opt in.  The current goal is to see some demolition starting in late October or November at the latest. It was noted that there might be a chance to shift money to other projects but generally agreed it would be best to continue to focus on the Kiwanis Lake community.

Mrs. Endres said that several Commission and ZBA members are interested in attending some zoning related seminars, located near Columbus and in Westlake; the trustees were very supportive that each individual on both boards get a chance to share in continuing education.  Mrs. Endres also reported that Mangia is tying into the sewer system.  In response to a question regarding the current condition of several of the “Welcome to Newbury” signs, the trustees said that they would review the condition of each sign with Mr. Hollis, and repair, replace, or remove signs as appropriate.

Mr. Fagan reported 32 fire calls last month, with 346 year to date through today.  He reported that the Fire Department planned to hand out candy and glow sticks at the annual Halloween event at the fire station.   Halloween hours were established for the 31^st of October from 6pm to 8pm upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, second by Mrs. Blair, and a unanimous affirmative vote.

Mr. Lair presented summary information regarding the September 2009 financials, noting that the township had received $129,917.76 for the month, with $1,446,839.08 year-to-date, and had spent $206,103.80 for the month, with $1,054,039.11 spent YTD.

Mr. Snively reported following a Chagrin River Watershed Partners meeting that they will try to raise annual membership fees no more than 1%, but in fact plan to hold to a zero percent increase for 2010.  It was noted that the Partners have averaged about 2.4 dollars in grants for each dollar contributed by member communities.

Mrs. Blair reported 232 incidents for September handled by the Geauga County 911 call center and the Sheriff, stating that the primary reason for an increase in activity is on the traffic stops.  As another indication of the proactive law enforcement activity being maintained by the Sheriff’s Department, it was noted that a high volume of routine patrols have been maintained through Scranton Woods

Mrs. Blair provided an Oberland Park update, reporting that 5 acres in front has been landscaped and seeded.  A meeting scheduled for October 15th will continue the formalized planning process with the goal to have the majority of the park work completed by next spring.   Mrs. Blair also reported that the township had received an earned discount from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation of $248.48.

Mrs. Blair reported that as a result of the trustee’s approval of an additional 8 hours of work at a cost $360 from Inventure, Clay Burnett is providing several added features and additional consulting work.  A Google Analytics portion is being added to better track website activity, and an online feedback form will be provided for suggestions from citizens.   Also being considered is the addition of maps and directions to township landmarks.  Cemeteries will be added as new departmental page, and recreation information is to be added, with online signup a possibility.  The website has received 1228 views in the last 30 days.

Mr. Skomrock discussed town hall repairs, and reported on his upcoming attendance at the annual Geauga County Soil and Water banquet.  Mr. Snively read a thank-you note from Karen Endres for the township's sponsorship of her for participation in the Leadership Geauga program. 

It was decided by the trustees that in order to expedite the judgment entry process on the Bell Shire property, Resolution 2009100701 would be adopted accepting the negotiated settlement, upon a motion by Mrs. Blair, a second by Mr. Snively, and a unanimous affirmative vote.   This meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m., upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, a second by Mrs. Blair, and a unanimous affirmative vote.