RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
August 4, 2005
7:00 p.m.

TRUSTEE MEETING
AUGUST 4, 2005

The Richfield Township Board of Trustees opened their regularly scheduled meeting at 7.00 pm on August 4, 2005 with the following in attendance:

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

In the absence of the Clerk, Ms. Bowmer took the minutes.

Chief Canter reported the results of a truck traffic study that has been done on Wheatley Road. There is an unposted 55 mph limit and they have issued no speeding tickets. The Sheriff has not reported any trucks over the weight limit, but has promised to continue to conduct sporadic checks. The department has received 10 new radios and 2 new police cars arrive next week. The Richfield jail received a 100% pass on both its facility and policies. Chief Canter announced Officer Simmons has received the Ohio 2005 Distinguished Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding community service.

Chief Stopak said he is working with Bath Fire Chief Jim Paulett to create a fire prevention program for the schools similar to the DARE program. Collective bargaining continues and they have quotes for a new pumper. Safety Town and the Sweet Corn Bike Ride were well organized and successful. Community weekend will be a challenge this year with town hall construction, but ticket sales for the Saturday steak fry were going well.

Mr. Wyatt reported that posts have been installed at Rising Valley Park along the west side of the driveway to prevent vehicles from rolling onto the playing field. He also expressed thanks to Chris Eastwood for his excellent maintenance of the park this summer. Ms. Mraz commented that parents dropping off kids at the park have been speeding in the park and on Oviatt Road, and she asked the soccer team leaders to follow the speed limits of 15 mph in the park and 25 mph on Oviatt.

Ms. Gilmore and Mr. Schall gave the road report. The new fence has been installed, headstones have been repaired and the deal trees removed from the Smith cemetery on Columbia Road. Ditching continues on Township roads. The township service department will help move Rising Valley Park picnic tables to town hall for Community weekend. The township large dump truck will be in the parade and 2 service department employees will help the village with maintenance on Sunday for Community Day.

Ms. Bowmer reported that J & J Refuse have asked for a $.14 per month per household increase mandated by the Ohio EPA as a result of the House Bill 66 of the state budget. Since the J&J contract is jointly with the Village, a decision was postponed until discussions could be held with the Village. Walter & Haverfield have written to Time Warner Cable on behalf of the 4 communities as the first step in evaluating the request to transfer the cable franchise.

A motion was made by Ms. Gilmore and seconded by Mr. Wyatt to hire Mark Kearney as the architect for the Boston Mills Road service garage extension at a cost not to exceed $1,000. The motion passed with unanimous approval.

A motion was made by Ms. Cica-Mraz and seconded by Mr. Wyatt to approve Resolution #11-2005 to support the Balanced Growth Initiation Pilot Program for the Yellow Creek Watershed The resolution received unanimously approval.

A motion was made by Ms. Gilmore and seconded by Mr. Wyatt to continue to offer a snowplow program for senior and handicapped residents at a cost of $50 annually with the same federal income eligibility requirements as in past years. The motion passed with unanimous approval.

Ms. Gilmore reported that on July 25th the county health department had found a mosquito trap on Hecker Road containing a mosquito which tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The county sprayed on July 26th, added 3 additional traps in the township and scheduled extra spraying with an intensive laevae spray in pellet form which would last longer to kill all larvae. Ms. Gilmore said the township would send letters to residents on Hecker, Stubbins, Black & Columbia to notify them of the situation and post information on the township’s website.

Citizens Forum: Mr. Fleming announced that the Screen Door Art Festival, featuring local artists, is being held on Saturday and Sunday, August 6 & 7, at the Fellowship Hall.

Announcements:
· August 20 – 100 mile motorcycle ride to support Shop With A Cop
· September 11 – Dedication of the Veterans Memorial - $50,000 was raised for the monument, mainly in one year and from individuals
· October 2 – FOP reverse raffle at the Quality Inn - $100 for tickets

Ms. Gilmore made a motion to enter into executive session at 7.55 pm to discuss purchase of property, seconded by Ms. Cica-Mraz; motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilmore made a motion to end the executive session at 8.50 pm, seconded by Ms. Cica-Mraz; motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilmore made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.50 pm, seconded by Mr. Wyatt; motion carried unanimously.


This page last updated on: 02/25/2006

Return to Township Minutes