The regular meeting of the Board of Township Trustees, Newbury Township was called to order at 7:30 p.m., February 3, 2010, with all members present.  Minutes of the meetings of January 16, 2010 and January 20, 2010 were approved upon a motion by Mr. Snively, a second by Mr. Skomrock, and a unanimous affirmative vote.

The first item of business was review of the 2010 Fire Protection contract, which is identical in content to the 2009 contract.    This contract was approved by the Board upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, a second by Mr. Snively, and a unanimous affirmative vote, and immediately co-signed by the officers of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department.

Road activity reported by Mr. Hollis included plowing, cindering, truck repairs, sign repair, posted 33% reduction notices, brush cutting, and receipt of road materials.  Mr. Hollis reported that he would be ordering a set of the now-required high-reflection road signs shortly.  He is close to finalizing specifications for a new 2.5 ton truck intended to replace an 18-year-old vehicle.  Mr. Hollis reported on his site visit with Mr. Snively today to review the proposed road-widening project for the section of Pekin Road west of Sperry to the township line.  The new state law which designates a plow vehicle as a public safety vehicle was discussed as tonight's safety topic, along with comments on the importance of avoiding distracted driving.

Chief Zimperman presented the January fire report, which included a total of 54 calls, with no fires other than one vehicle fire, and 28 rescues.  He and the other fire department members present brought up the idea of looking into the possibility of modifying at least a part of the fire department roof to both provide some usable space in what would become a second floor while modifying the current flat roof design to reduce recurring issues with road leakage and ice damage.  The trustees encouraged the fire department to look into this possibility.

Ms. Wishart reported two gravesites sold, and no burials.  Both of the sales were to township residents at the half-price reservation rate.   She reported that she is beginning to call on area funeral homes in the area to familiarize them with the township's policies.

Mr. Lair reported that the January month-end close and reconciliation was complete; he briefly reviewed January receipts, expenditures, and fund balances.

Mr. Skomrock reported that the County Commissioners sent notice of road repaving projects occurring on Bell and Fairmount.  He also reported that Sheriff's activity report for January included a total of 152 incidents for the month.  Mr. Skomrock reported that a total of three proposals for cemetery maintenance had been received, two from individuals and one from a landscaping firm, and that the board was also considering utilizing John Mansfield as a current township employee to do this work.  The quotes received were as follows:  H&M Landscaping $17,829 to do all cemeteries and all other township property except the Fire Department.  Gary Keyes’ quote was $24,500, and Dale Hull's quote was $18,750.   The trustees discussed the pros and cons of utilizing an employee vs. using a subcontractor, and decided it would be a good idea to review what was really expected with each bidder in more detail.  It was also noted that a prerequisite for any successful subcontractor would be proof of proper insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage.

Mr. Snively reported that the Ohio Lake Erie Commission had sent the township a certificate in recognition of its participation with the Chagrin River Watershed Partners in the successful completion of a Balanced Growth Plan.

It was reported that Ironman Contractors has submitted a proposal to do some repair work on the building they were renting, in exchange for a reduction of rent over the next two months for the estimate amount, totaling $1802.50.  Ms. Blair moved to accept this offer; Mr. Snively seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

Mr. Snively reported that the contract with GovDeals had been completed and that Ms. Wishart will handle administration of the auction, with the Road Department to provide any answers to specific questions regarding the vehicles and equipment to be offered at auction.  Ms. Blair reported on the proposed joint meeting of the Park Board and Recreation Board with the trustees, to occur on a Saturday morning in the near future, possibly March 6^th.

Mr. Snively reported that there was a presentation made at a recent Park Board meeting by Mr. Henry Pentilla regarding the architectural design of the pavilion planned for the Oberland Park.  He provided a proposal to prepare complete design plans for $800 that would provide the documentation needed to solicit bids for the actual construction of the pavilion.  Ms. Blair moved to accept this proposal and provide a $500 down payment.  Mr. Snively seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

Ms. Blair reported that the new Habitat facility on the former Chandler Tree site will be moving forward shortly, it having been determined that installation of a fire wall would suffice in place of a sprinkler system.

Mrs. Endres reported that a NSP demo on Laural Dr. was completed, with site restoration underway.  She is reviewing recent history of zoning appeals, looking for reoccurring issues which could possibly be handled through modification to the current Zoning resolution, in order to reduce the number of BZA hearings required.  This meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m., upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, a second by Ms. Blair, and a unanimous affirmative vote.