Regular Meeting, May 13, 2002
Unapproved
The Richfield Township Trustee Meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm on May 13,
2002.
Roll Call: Trustees: Present – Shano Cica-Mraz, Laurie Gilmore, Robert Hooper
Clerk/Treasurer: Mark Uhrich
Others present: Linda Bowmer-Office Administrator, Laurie Pinney – Zoning
Inspector
Ms. Cica-Mraz made a motion to approve the April 15, 2002 special Trustee
meeting minutes and the April 22, 2002 regular Trustee meeting, seconded by Ms.
Gilmore; Ms. Mraz – Yes, Ms. Gilmore – Yes, Mr. Hooper – Abstain, motion carried
by majority.
Ms. Cica-Mraz made a motion to approve warrant report 6859 to 6903, seconded
by Mr. Hooper; motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Uhrich presented the Clerk’s report – The Township’s bank account is
balanced through April. He is experiencing problems with his computer and
keyboard Ms. Mraz asked Mr. Uhrich to develop some recommendations for the
possible replacement of his computer and authorized him to purchase a new key
board.
Ms. Pinney presented the Zoning report – There will be hearing on the Kurtz
Brothers petition to modify the permanent injunction. Also, there will be a
Public Hearing held June 3, 2002 for recommendations on the Zoning Amendments.
After this hearing the Amendments will be brought in front of Trustees for a
public hearing.
Ms. Bowmer presented the Administration report – There was a computer virus that
infected all the computers. The problem appears to have been resolved and we
have taken proper precautions. Fellowship Hall was re-keyed. The Historical
Society has presented us with proper insurance coverage certificate for their
use of Richfield Township property. New Service Department employee, Jason May,
started today. Andrew Brachna, the Service Department’s summer help starts work
on May 20. Wichert Insurance as provided Richfield Township with the insurance
quotes for the new policy and the overall premium cost is less that last year.
Mr. Hooper made a motion to accept the Wichert Insurance quote of $15,287.00
for the new insurance policy year, seconded by Ms. Cica-Mraz; motion carried
unanimously.
Ms. Mraz indicated that the police contract with the village does not require
the Township to remit the traffic fines the Township collects to the Village.
She asked the Clerk to draft a letter to the Village indicating the Township
will not forward the fines.
The Trustees met with the Ohio Turnpike Commission (“OTC”) regarding the recent
complaints about the turnpike and Ms. Mraz indicated the OTC was very receptive
to our concerns. The trustees asked the OTC to review and report on all work
that has been done over the last three years in the area of Exit 11. This will
allow the Trustees to evaluate the consequences of all of the OTC construction.
This report will take approximately two weeks to compile. With regard to air
quality, there is nothing the OTC can do. The OTC indicated they have been on a
naturalization plan and soon will plant trees in the troubled areas. The OTC
indicated here has not been any increase in traffic. All fence maintenance will
be addressed. The trees dug-up on the north side to install a fiber optic line
have not been replaced, but the OTC indicated they plan on replanting those
trees. Residents could plant trees to help in their efforts to buffer noise from
the turnpike. The street lights that are used by the OTC can not be altered. Ms.
Mraz – The Turnpike Commission was very receptive to our concerns.
Ms. Cica-Mraz made a motion to contribute $960.00 to the Cuyahoga Community
Council, seconded by Ms. Gilmore; motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Gilmore reported that the handicap access ramp for Fellowship Hall is
complete, the only remaining item was to apply the traction paint to the trends.
Additionally, the CDBG application will be amended to apply for reimbursement of
this project and senior snow removal and Med-Alert program. The old tennis
courts have been removed and the area is re-seeded.
Ms. Mraz reported that Adelphia Cable will no longer collect franchise fees from
any community for cable modem service.
The County Engineer’s office, Gene Esser, has indicated that poor repaving of
Columbia and Black Roads “while not the smoothest of roads is OK”, and they will
not perform any repair of the repaving project from last year. Only areas where
springs have caused isolated damage will be repaired. The County Engineer’s
response is neither adequate nor responsive to our community. Richfield
Residents are encouraged to write, email or call Mr. Esser and voice their
disapproval with his decision.
Public Forum:
Mr. Ken Bennett, 5150 Hecker Drive, What is the situation with potential Junk
yards in the I-district? Could the turnpike put up “no engine brake” signs?
Ms. Pinney – We can not exclude any type of business from moving in to the
Township. Through proper zoning regulations, we can designate certain areas for
such uses. The I-district is being considered for this type of use.
Ms. Gilmore there is no immunity for the OTC, they are not a government
organization, therefore it is liability issue and they will not post those
signs.
Mr. Bob Luther, 5287 Alger Road, IS the township going to run its annual old
tire collection drive?
Ms. Mraz – yes, we will firm up and announce the date.
Mr. Ralph Schneider, 5276 Black Road, when the turnpike removed trees from the
north side of the road, they lowered the buffering mound. Could permanent
buffering walls be installed?
Ms. Mraz – the OTC does not permit permanent buffer walls. There are some buffer
walls located in Brecksville, but those were paid for by a developer and the OTC
indicated they will not do that again.
Mr. Rich Flemming, 2780 Columbia Road, How many Resolutions have been passed so
far this year?
Ms. Bowmer – Six.
Ms. Mraz made a motion to enter in to executive session at 8:05 p.m. to
discuss pending legal matters, seconded by Ms. Gilmore; motion carried
unanimously.
Ms. Mraz made a motion to conclude the executive session at 9:00 p.m.,
seconded by Mr. Hooper; motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Cica-Mraz made a motion hire Hoover, Heydorn and Herrnstein to represent
Richfield Township, seconded by Ms. Gilmore; motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Cica-Mraz made a motion to conclude the trustee meeting at 9:05 p.m.,
seconded by Mr. Hooper; motion carried unanimously.
_______________________ _________________________
Chairwoman Clerk