Richfield Township Board of Trustees
November 20, 2003

The regular meeting of the Richfield Township Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:08 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Shano Cica-Mraz, Chairperson
Laurie Peters Gilmore, Vice Chairperson
David Wyatt, Trustee
Laurie Pinney, Clerk
Linda Bowmer, Office Administrator
Jerry Schall, Road Foreman

Motion made by Ms. Gilmore, seconded by Ms. Cica-Mraz to approve minutes of November 6, 2003, as amended. Motion passed by unanimous approval.

Greg Bachman, Summit County Engineer was present, along with Robert Bunnell and Julia Seigel of the Engineer’s office. Mr. Bachman spoke on his background and experiences since taking over the position in July of this year. Also discussed were upcoming plans and projects, and a proposed funding plan that involves Summit County Council approval for securing a loan to finance the projects that are currently planned.

Ms. Gilmore asked about potential layoffs if the funding is not approved. Mr. Bachman replied that there would be layoffs, but that the maintenance department would be the last to go if there are cutbacks.

Mr. Wyatt asked about specific terms of the proposed loan.

Ms. Cica-Mraz questioned the salt supply for the upcoming snowplow season, and stated that the township would voice support of the proposed funding.

Ms. Pinney brought up the issue of requests for lowering speed limits on county roads and hoped the township would continue to enjoy the cooperative relationship with the engineer’s office that has been established with other state and county agencies.

Ms. Bowmer commented that the township is often able to contract for paving projects at a lower cost by piggybacking on county paving contracts, and hopes the county projects will go on as planned, so that the township will continue to have this opportunity.

Mr. Schall raised concerns about the 55 mph speed limit on Medina Line Road and asked about the schedule for repaving Boston Mills Road. Mr. Bachman responded that the Boston Mills project has been postponed until at least next year because of budget cutbacks.

Meeting was recessed for five minutes, to allow time to examine display materials brought by the Engineer.
Meeting was resumed and Ms. Pinney provided the Clerk’s report. The previous Clerk had reported problems with the computer and backup system that houses the township financial data and had received approval to purchase a new system. Motion made by Ms. Cica-Mraz, seconded by Mr. Wyatt to approve expenditure of up to $2500 for computer system updates for the Clerk /Treasurer. Motion passed by unanimous approval.

Ms. Pinney reported that an interfund appropriations transfer would be required in order to appropriately receipt funds received by the Summit County Fiscal Office. Motion made by Ms. Cica-Mraz and seconded by Ms. Gilmore to approve an interfund transfer of $500 from the General Fund 01 to the Police District Fund 09. Motion passed by unanimous approval.

Ms. Bowmer provided the administration report. The Richfield Civic Organization has organized the holiday tree lighting scheduled for November 30 at 6:00 p.m. and the Trustees are invited to attend. Ms. Cica-Mraz responded that she would be attending on behalf of the township. Ms. Bowmer also polled the Trustees on their desire to be able to receive email directly. The Trustees agreed that it is more efficient to have email come through the administrative office, so that messages can be forwarded to the appropriate person, or addressed by a staffer.

Mr. Schall provided the road & service report. They are applying to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for project funding for resurfacing of Scobie Road. Recent projects have been the leaf removal on Hawkins Road and in the township cemeteries. Litter has been picked up throughout the township and delineators are being installed in some locations. All vehicles are ready for snow and ice removal.

The zoning report was provided by Ms. Pinney. The Zoning Commission has recommended amendment to the zoning resolution for language addressing substandard lots and parking of commercial vehicles in residential districts. The Trustees will review and make a decision regarding the proposed changes. The Trustees requested that the public hearing be scheduled for the December 18, 2003 meeting. If the requirement is to hold the public hearing within a particular time frame, the hearing can be advertised to a continued meeting. Updates were provided regarding the closure of the KF Farms construction and demolition debris site on Streetsboro Road. Also, the township had prevailed in court regarding a zoning violation by a property owner on Boston Road, but the owner has failed to comply with the court order. The township will take legal action as required to force compliance.

Announcements: Ms. Cica-Mraz notified members of the audience of the death of Zoning Commission member Edward Pepera. The township is indebted to the Pepera family for the service and support they have provided and the Trustees extend their sympathy on the family’s loss.

The floor was opened for citizen’s forum. Rich Fleming, of 2780 Columbia Road, commented that the township needs to adopt some process to get meeting minutes on the township website on a more timely basis. All parties agreed that the administration office would put a system in place to determine that all records are posted on a regular ongoing basis.

Motion made to adjourn by Ms. Cica-Mraz, seconded by Ms. Gilmore and received unanimous approval.

______________________ _________________________
Chairwoman Clerk

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Last updated: 02/25/2006