The regular meeting of the Board of Township Trustees, Newbury Township was called to order at 7:30 p.m., January 6, 2010, with all members present.  Minutes of the meetings of December 16 and December 23, 2009 were approved upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, a second by Mrs. Blair, and affirmative votes from Mr. Snively, Mr. Skomrock and Mrs. Blair.

Ms. Dawn Janke made a presentation to the trustees regarding township logo apparel, providing samples of how the logo would look on an article of clothing.  The trustees asked Ms. Janke to provide price lists for the various items available, and thanked her for her presentation.

Mr. Snively reported that Mr. Hollis was not present tonight because of the current snowplowing workload.  Mr. Snively said that Mr. Hollis has requested that the trustees consider widening of a portion of Pekin Rd. west of Sperry, due to its current narrow configuration.  This section of Pekin was originally scheduled for repaving in 2009 as part of a 2009 Issue 2 joint project with Russell Township and is scheduled to be done this spring, so the township will need to schedule some preparatory work relatively soon.

Zoning activity reported by Mrs. Endres included an update that in the All-Erection Crane case, the 11^th District Court of Appeals has unanimously upheld Judge Burt's decision that the BZA's ruling in this matter was correct.  All-Crane has filed a motion with the Court to reconsider, and has 45 days to file an appeal if they so choose with the Ohio State Supreme Court if the motion to reconsider is turned down.

Fire Activity reported by Chief Zimperman included 487 calls for the year, including 2 structure fires in December, a workshop that was a total loss and a garage barn fire on Sperry in which damage was limited to the interior with the structure remaining salvageable.  The AD battery and a software update have been installed in the defibrillator formerly used by the Police Department; the Fire Department is willing to train the trustees and any other personnel who would like to be trained on this device.

A cemetery sexton report was given by Ann Wishart, describing the previous month's activity.

Mr. Lair stated that the December bank reconciliation and financial statement had been completed, as well as the year-end close and completion of the 2009 Annual Financial Report.  A hard copy of this report has been advertised in the Maple Leaf as being available at the town hall for inspection, and an electronic copy of this report is available on the township website.  Mr. Lair presented a summary of 2009 financial results and balances by fund.

At the recommendation of the Fiscal Officer, Mr. Snively moved that the Board adopt Resolution 2010010601, establishing temporary appropriations for 2010 as follows:

This motion was seconded by Mrs. Blair, and passed by unanimous vote.

Mr. Skomrock moved that Resolution 201001603 be adopted, requesting the first half real estate advance from the County Auditor; Mrs Blair seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

Mr. Snively discussed the current status and openings on the Board of Zoning Appeals and Zoning Commission.  On the BZA, it was noted that Dean Eppley and Bill McCullam had resigned, and the terms of both Mary Lee Brezina and Ken Blair have expired; thus there are four vacancies currently.  Candidates for those positions include Mary Lee Brezina and Ken Blair requesting re-appointment, and William Skomrock Sr., Louis Tomsic, Susan Wagner, and Chris Yaecker all expressing interest in being appointed.  On the Zoning Commission, the terms of Louis Tomsic and Robert Ruckstuhl have expired, with Louis Tomsic requesting re-apppointment, and Susan Wagner and Susan Walker-Meere expressing interest in appointment.  Mr. Snively recommended a group interview of all candidates during a special trustees' meeting; the other trustees agreed with this idea.

Mr.  Snively opened the floor for nominations for Board Chairman for 2010, and said that he would like to nominate Mrs. Blair for Chairman.  Mr. Skomrock seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.  Mrs. Blair nominated Mr. Skomrock as Vice Chairman; Mr. Snively seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote. 

Mr. Skomrock moved to re-appoint Randy Hollis as Road Superintendent and Doug Zimperman as Assistant Road Superintendent.  Mrs Blair seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.  Mr. Skomrock moved to appoint Ann Wishart as Cemetery Sexton; Mrs. Blair seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.  Mrs. Blair moved to re-appoint Karen Endres as Zoning Inspector and Marge Hrabak as Assistant Zoning Inspector.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Skomrock and passed by unanimous vote. 

It was announced that Nacy Panzica, Chip Hess, Rudy Schwartz, and Chuck Gates are to be recognized by the trustees for their efforts in contributing to economic development in Newbury at the Township Association dinner being held on January 13^th.   Resolutions honoring these individuals were adopted in concert by the trustees as follows upon a motion by Mrs. Blair, a second by Mr. Snively, and a unanimous affirmative vote:

2010010602 Nacy Panzica                2010010604 Charles Gates

2010010605 Rudy Schwartz                        2010010606 George Hess III

Sheriff’s Department and 9-1-1 call activity in Newbury for December reported by Mrs. Blair totaled 171 incidents, with a high percentage of these being traffic stops.  Mrs. Blair suggested that the board, Mrs. Mansfield, and Mr. Lair look at a calendar that Ms. Wishart had developed to schedule required township actions and activities by month for the coming year.  Mrs. Blair reported that she had met with Habitat for Humanity, and expressed her wish to be involved with this organization both because of their Newbury base of operation and their role in housing and economic development.  They are going to move out of their current Teague Farm location and move into the former Chandler Tree property, which will allow them to store building materials and also begin operation of a “Re-Store” location there to re-sell surplus building materials, similar to the Habitat operation in Lake County.  Mrs. Blair said that she would like to schedule a joint meeting with all the township boards, once the new members were appointed.

Mrs. Blair moved that David Snively be re-appointed to his position of Health District Chairman; Mr. Snively seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote. 

Mr. Skomrock reported on responses to the township’s advertisement for requests for proposal for cemetery lawn maintenance for this year.  H&M was the only landscaping firm which responded, with a quote of $17,800.  Quotes were also received from independent contractors Dale Hall at $18,750, and Gary Keyes at $26,500. 

Correspondence reviewed by Mr. Snively included notice that the U.S. Census Bureau will be using the town hall for census training Feb 23-26^th.   The Newbury Community Church has requested use of the township property between the church and the 87/Auburn intersection to hold two Craft ‘n Clutter events, one on June 19^th, and one on August 21^st.  Mrs. Blair moved that the board grant this request subject to receipt of proper evidence of insurance, and to waive the application fee for the required zoning permit.  Mr. Snively seconded this motion, which passed by unanimous vote.

This meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m., upon a motion by Mr. Skomrock, a second by Mrs. Blair, and a unanimous affirmative vote.

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

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            David Snively                                      David Lair – Fiscal Officer