The regular meeting of the Board of Township Trustees, Newbury Township was called to order at 7:30 p.m., June 6, 2007, with all trustees present.   Minutes of the previous meetings were approved upon a motion by Mr. Quigley, a second by Mr. Skomrock, and a unanimous affirmative vote.  

Fire activity reported by Mr. Fagan included 45 calls, with 220 year to date.   Mr. Fagan reported that the Fire Department trustees had decided not to accept the Dodge Durango in lieu of the General Fund contribution towards concrete drive repair.  Mr. Lair said that he would look into the possibility of selling the police vehicles by placing them on a GovDeals Internet auction site, which has been used successfully by Geauga County in disposing of used vehicles.

Road activity reported by Mr. Hollis included crossover pipe installation and ditching on Crestwood and Pekin, and 3 days of work in cemeteries prior to Memorial Day.  A sign installation update was discussed as a safety topic for the evening.  Mr. Skomrock reported that Auburn Twp is refusing to allow the township to do the crossover pipe and ditching on their end of Valley Rd. as a possible resolution to drainage issues reported by Mrs. Hanley at a previous meeting.  Therefore, a letter was sent to the Hanleys explaining that no action could be taken by the township at this time to attempt to resolve these issues.  It was reported that Clean-up Day activity was a little lighter than normal.  The trustees all commented on the excellent job that the Sheriff’s Department did with traffic control both on Clean-up Day and during the Memorial Day services and parade.

The Fiscal Officer reported that the May financials had been emailed in pdf format to the trustees and members of the Financial Review Committee.  The Fiscal Officer discussed the draft 2008 tax budget that he had prepared, with the Tax Budget hearing to be held either on 6/20 or 6/27.  It was noted that this budget could not include projected revenue from the 1.9 mill Road Levy, as that levy will expire unless renewed by a majority vote this November.  To continue the process toward getting renewal of this levy on the November ballot, Mr. Quigley moved to adopt Resolution 2007060601 Requesting the Board of Elections to Place a Levy on the Ballot of a Replacement of a Tax in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation For the Purpose of Roads and Bridges.  Mr. Skomrock seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

Blanket Certificates approved by signing prior to or at this meeting:
B.C. #    Date    Payee    Amount
    93-2007    6/6/2007    Various Vendors    $3,500.00
Purchase Orders approved by signing prior to or at this meeting:    
P.O. #    Date    Payee    Amount
    14-2007    6/6/2007    Sunrise Springs Water Co. Inc.    $77.25
    14-2007    6/6/2007    Sunrise Springs Water Co. Inc.    $77.25
    15-2007    6/6/2007    First Energy    $1,324.23
        Total:    $1,478.73
Warrants approved by signing prior to or at this meeting:    
Check #    Date    Payee    Amount
29502    6/2/2007    David J. Lair               - DL    $1,014.13
29503    6/2/2007    Douglas J. Zimperman        - DZ    $1,220.31
29504    6/2/2007    George Mansfield            - GM    $1,139.92
29505    6/2/2007    Glen Eric Quigley           - GQ    $733.77
29506    6/2/2007    Janice M. Blair             - JB    $783.77
29507    6/2/2007    Jack Lashley                - JL    $886.91
29508    6/2/2007    Jas. Rick Phifer            - JP    $1,317.68
29509    6/2/2007    Karen E. Endres             - KE    $931.13
29510    6/2/2007    Linda C. Nokes              - LN    $672.73
29511    6/2/2007    Marge Hrabak                - MHR    $410.38
29512    6/2/2007    Randal R. Hollis            - RH    $1,726.13
29513    6/2/2007    Randal O. Hollis            - ROH    $1,151.88
29514    6/2/2007    Timothy A. Mansfield        - TM    $1,170.18
29515    6/2/2007    William J. Skomrock, Jr.    - WS    $648.77
29516    6/2/2007    NATIONAL CITY BANK    $3,294.38
29517    6/2/2007    Treasurer of State    $806.26
29518    6/2/2007    Ohio Public Employees Deferred Comp. Pro    $1,120.00
29519    6/2/2007    Ohio Public Employees Retirement System    $7,539.87
29520    6/6/2007    United Healthcare Insurance Co.    $5,864.87
29521    6/6/2007    Delta Dental    $605.48
29522    6/6/2007    Reliance Standard Life Insurance    $443.98
29523    6/6/2007    P.E.R.S.    $0.02
29524    6/6/2007    Flag Store    $436.20
29525    6/6/2007    Windstream    $304.17
29526    6/6/2007    ComDoc Inc.    $488.45
29527    6/6/2007    News Herald    $130.76
29528    6/6/2007    Newbury Printing Co.    $80.40
29529    6/6/2007    National City Bank    $50.43
29530    6/6/2007    Thomson West    $129.50
29531    6/6/2007    Geauga County Maple Leaf    $118.40
29532    6/6/2007    Tom Berigan    $121.50
29533    6/6/2007    John Omerza    $135.00
29534    6/6/2007    Jim Phifer    $121.50
29535    6/6/2007    VFW Post 1068    $182.85
29536    6/6/2007    FASTENAL CO.    $121.85
29537    6/6/2007    Speedway SuperAmerica    $406.99
29538    6/6/2007    Tractor Supply Co.    $267.25
29539    6/6/2007    Newbury Auto Parts Inc.    $159.94
29540    6/6/2007    EAB Truck Service Inc.    $885.37
29541    6/6/2007    Hans' Truck & Trailer Repair, Inc.    $346.46
29542    6/6/2007    Auburn Pipe & Plumbing Supply    $1,880.70
29543    6/6/2007    Verizon Wireless    $72.40
29544    6/6/2007    Geauga Concrete Inc.    $191.00
29545    6/6/2007    Sunrise Springs Water Co. Inc.    $77.25
29546    6/6/2007    Barnes Auto Parts    $129.98
29547    6/6/2007    Junction Auto Sales Inc.    $393.69
29548    6/6/2007    Chagrin Oil & Gas Co. Inc.    $1,474.73
29549    6/6/2007    Dominion East Ohio Gas    $236.42
29550    6/6/2007    Sidley Inc.    $20.11
29551    6/6/2007    First Energy    $1,823.75
29552    6/6/2007    Grainger    $4.87
29553    6/6/2007    Newbury Hardware    $355.16
29554    6/6/2007    Junction Auto Sales Inc.    $393.69
        Total:    $45,023.32

Mrs. Blair reported that 9-1-1 activities included 248 calls for police and emergency medical and fire for May.  Mrs. Blair discussed the Workers’ Compensation program and cost-reduction activities that have been participated in by all, and read a letter to all Newbury Township Employees, presenting gift certificates to Mr. Hollis for distribution to his employees.  Mrs. Blair also said that she had gift certificates for the other township employees, and would like to host a dinner for the Fire Department to express the Trustees’ thanks for their participation in the safety training activities that have resulted in a substantial reduction in Workers’ Compensation premium costs for the township.

At 8pm, the bid opening for paving of a portion of Pekin Rd. and Elm Drive (corrected 7/18/07 to Snow Road) was held, with results as follows:
Vendor                    Bid
Chagrin Valley Paving        $219,967.00
Kokosing Construction Co.        $211,988.50
Ronyak Paving Inc.            $177,360.00
The Shelly Co.            $208,259.15
Shelly & Sands, Inc.            $213,250.00
It was reported that the bid documents would be forwarded to the County Engineer’s office for review prior to their recommendation of award.

Mr. Quigley reported on visit from Newbury School’s third grade class and read a portion of one of the letters sent to the trustees following their visit.  Mr. Quigley reported on the upcoming relocation of the Steven Douglas Company from Munson Township to the building formerly occupied by Journey Chiropractic.  The final site plan of the Impulletti operation at the former 84 Lumber location has been received.  Mr. Quigley reported on the recent court hearing involving the All-Erection Crane case; the ZBA procedural portion of the case was dismissed, although the zoning resolution is still being reviewed to insure it is not “capricious and arbitrary”.  Mr. Quigley reported on a letter being sent to Sonny Battaglia confirming that a review by the Trustees and the Geauga County Prosecutor’s office has not found any basis for reclassification of any of Mr. Battaglia’s Newbury PD time to LE status.

Mr. Quigley reported on an ongoing discussion with the Park Board regarding the HUD Grant for the Oberland Park project.  Mr. Quigley is still working on a final agreement for a township electronic billboard sign with Nacy Panzica.  Mr. Quigley reported on the demo of the proposed 8’x4’ animated sign, and stated that a review of such signs has concluded that they do not pose a safety hazard in the form of driver distraction.

In response to an audience question, the trustees explained the rationale into a current investigation as to whether the Grange Park property could be sold.   Because the property in front of the Grange Park property may be for sale, the combination of these two parcels might make a good location for an economic development site.  However, the legality of the sale of the Grange Park property still has to be determined, and the trustees re-affirmed that this is a very preliminary study that is not likely to result in any action in the near future.

Mr. Quigley discussed Adult-Oriented zoning control initiative, which would also include a township licensing process.  He has forwarded this information to the Zoning Commission for their consideration as a proactive measure designed to make township zoning able to properly control any potential location of such a business within the township.  Mr. Quigley discussed issues with maintenance of South Newbury Cemetery, recognizing that there are limited resources available, but that some action may needed to properly maintain this site.  

Mrs. Majeski asked the trustees to provide an update on the request to provide “cross traffic does not stop” signs on Fairmount Rd. at its intersection with Sperry Rd.  Mr. Quigley said that he would contact Mr. Phillips again to re-visit the issue.

Mr. Skomrock reported that he had discovered that mandatory physicals are not required for local and county workers holding a CDL.   Mr. Skomrock moved to accept the Frank Gates Service Company Ohio Workers Compensation Group Rating Service Contract, in the amount of $2,171.  Mr. Quigley seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.  In light of the 4th of July holiday, the trustees agreed to establish the first July meeting for July 5th at 7:30.

Mr. Skomrock moved to adopt Resolution 2007060602 to order the improvement of Elm Drive, TR 420 and Section F of Pekin Road, TR 144.  Mr. Quigley seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

Mrs. Blair read regulations regarding posting of no smoking signs, and stating that the township would complete in the near future the necessary posting of these signs and removal of any ashtrays that may currently exist near entranceways.  Mrs. Blair reported that she is continuing to work with Habitat for Humanity on looking for building sites within the township.  She is also continuing to work along with Mr. Quigley with Linda Nemeth from Geauga Tourism to develop data that would provide an economic justification for a hotel complex, including a restaurant and conference center.   Some concern was expressed by several residents present regarding the possible impact that a hotel might have on the nearby school.  The trustees all agreed that this issue would be carefully examined should any evidence of potential interest be received from any developer of a hotel complex.

Mrs. Endres presented a general zoning activity report, including a report that a hearing to impose sentence Mr. Thomas would occur shortly.  This meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m., upon a motion by Mr. Quigley, a second by Mr. Skomrock, and a unanimous affirmative vote.
 


__________________________________  ___________________________________     
  Jan Blair – Chairman            William Skomrock, Jr. – Vice Chairman    


__________________________________  ___________________________________
      Glen Quigley                     David Lair – Fiscal Officer