The regular meeting of the Danbury Township Board of Trustees held July 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. was called to order by President Ms. Dianne M. Rozak, with Ms. Rozak, Mr. Charles B. Scott, and Mr. David M. Hirt in attendance. Also, present Fiscal Officer -Shelley Seamon, Police Chief- Mike Meisler, Road Superintendent-Jim Dress, and Zoning Inspector- Rhonda Botti Sowers.

Visitors in attendance were Gary Reep, Scott Kerik, Rita Mahler, Tom Bryant, Loretta Grentzer, Peter Corrado, Matt Seamon, Matthew Seamon, Henry Kihlken, Anne Schmidt, and Lisa Bruno.

Approve Minutes
The minutes of the June 22, 2011 regular meeting were approved with the following correction: Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve warrant #36064 in the amount of $1,426.26, payable to the Ottawa County Treasurer, due to an overpayment received in the 2010 MFG Home Homestead settlement. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak-yes. Motion carried.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:

The Ottawa County Township Association quarterly meeting will be held Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Put-in-Bay Fire Station/Senior Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and is being hosted by Put-in-Bay Township.

The Annual Marblehead Peninsula Lions Perch Festival will be held Saturday, August 27, 2011 at James Park in Marblehead, with the parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Hirt and Ms. Rozak will participate in the parade.

Notification was sent by Chief Doug Waugh of the MVFD commending police officers Josh Young, Casey Joy and Arron Gibson for administrating CPR to a person in full cardiac arrest while the EMS squad was in route to the scene.

The Danbury Township Police Department will sponsor the National Rifle Association Refuse To Be A Victim ® crime prevention seminar, on Monday, July 25, 2011 at the Danbury Senior Center, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required and limited to 20 students.

Chief Mike Meisler was sent a thank you note from Caroline & Cole Compton for a recent tour of the police station.

Officer Brandon Taylor was sent a thank you note from the Hikmat Kasser and his family for directions given to get back home to Michigan.

The trustees received an opinion from Ottawa County Prosecutor, Mark Mulligan regarding offering AFLAC for township employees in which he advised against it for various reasons. The trustees held a brief discussion and agreed not to pursue AFLAC and Ms. Rozak will notify Marty Stys regarding the board’s decision.

Ottawa County Engineer, David Brunkhorst, sent notification that Erie Blacktop was the low bidder for the Mistic Bay Blvd., road-resurfacing project and a recommendation had been prepared for the Commissioners. Mr. Brunkhorst extended an invitation to the trustees to attend a preconstruction meeting after the official award was made and contract documents were complete.
Mr. Scott will contact Tina Molnar at the engineer’s office regarding the date and time of this meeting.

Roads, Buildings, and Grounds
Mr. Scott reported that the mowing had slowed and the season for the baseball/softball teams had ended. Dead trees were removed at Meadowbrook and the 1812 Site at Battlefield Park. The catch basins were cleaned on Hartshorn Rd. and road berm cutting had taken place on Northshore Blvd. to prevent the pooling of water. Township clean up was average.

Brush Grinding Quotes
The trustees received quotes from David Price Metal Services – $6,124.00 and Barnes Nursery- $2,800.00, purpose being to grind the brush currently at 310 S. Bridge Rd. After discussion, Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Hirt seconded, to contract with for Barnes Nursery in the amount of $2.800.00. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak-yes. Motion carried.

Crack Sealant Materials
Mr. Scott moved and Ms. Rozak seconded, to approve the additional cost for crack sealant material and freight charges in the amount of $429.50; payable to DJL Materials & Supply Inc. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak-yes. Motion carried.



Condensation Issue at the Police Station
Mr. Scott reported that he had contacted Fritz Roberson of the Collaborative regarding the modification to the return duct at the police station. Mr. Scott explained that it was still under investigation and Willson Builders had painted the stained ceiling titles.

Speed Zone Surveys
Mr. Scott reported that MasterMind no longer submitted the speed zone surveys to ODOT. Mr. Scott reported that he was awaiting a response from ODOT regarding the procedure to be followed for submitting the speed zone surveys.

Letter of Commitment
The proposed 2012 road improvement project as per the plan submitted by the County Engineer was reviewed. The project is listed below:

1.71 miles on Northshore Bvld. from SR 163 to Erie Beach Rd.; estimated cost of $229,092.12.

After discussion, it was agreed by the Trustees that the above project is desirable pending the availability of funds after the 2011 project bids are received and approved.

Final determination of the project for 2012 is not due until November.

Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Hirt seconded that a commitment letter to resurface Northshore Boulevard be submitted to the Ottawa County Engineer’s office. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms.Rozak-yes. Motion carried.

Police
Police Chief Mike Meisler reported that his department handled 539 incidents during the month of June and 298 incidents handled to date in July. Chief Meisler also reported the 2008 Cruiser had not been traded in to Port Clinton Ford Mercury and he was currently exploring other options because he felt the vehicle may be worth more than what was being offered.

Fire
Mr. Hirt reported that the LVFD handled 47 calls in the month of June. Mr. Hirt also reported that the MVFD handled 39 calls in June.

Safety
Ms. Rozak reported that John Gibson of the Ottawa County Red Cross conducted a program titled “Planning for your next Emergency”, at the safety meeting held July 8, 2011.

Zoning
Zoning Inspector, Rhonda Botti Sowers, reported 18 permits were issued in the month of June and 3 permits issued to date in July. Ms. Sowers also reported that housing start ups were being reviewed for a sign of the economic up-turns, which prompted her to evaluate the township‘s records. Ms. Sowers commented that new dwellings had remained the same in Danbury Township since 2008.

Danbury Township Zoning
June 2011 Monthly Report
Permits
Eighteen permit applications were processed during June and a total of $846.76 collected in fees. Residential permits were issued for three new single-family homes, one on N. Gravel Bar, one on Bailiwick and one on Emerald Shores; two additions; three patio enclosures; two sheds; one garage; one swimming pool; and three fences. Commercial permits were issued for two directory signs and one change of use from a restaurant to a grocery store.

Board & Commission Activity
The Board of Zoning Appeals held three hearings in June on the following applications:
#2011-053 area variance for a front setback for a deck approved
#2011-072 area variance for expansion of a nonconforming structure approved
#2011-074 area variance for location of an accessory structure approved

The Zoning Commission began review of proposed amendments to the L district.

There were no zoning hearings before the Board of Trustees in June. Text amendments approved by the Trustees in May went into effect June 25 and were filed with the County Recorder. Trustees also scheduled a public meeting for August 2 at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed updates to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.



Calls and Site Visits
A primary activity of the Zoning staff is responding to inquiries from residents, developers, appraisers, contractors, etc. Inspections are performed to verify or identify violations as well as to verify that projects are completed in compliance with approved plans. In addition, the department staff greets visitors seeking information regarding other township services and directs them to the appropriate official or department.

During the month of June 2011, the Department responded to 352 calls, e-mails and in-person inquiries and went on 30 site visits. Here is the breakdown:

Calls-Permit and application questions-82,Zoning classification requests-8, Inquiries regarding BZA-16, Inquiries regarding Zoning Commission-16,Other zoning related-158, and Non-zoning related-72
Site Visits-Zoning violations-6, Zoning Commission case-0, BZA cases-2, and Other inspections- 22

Ms. Sowers commented that housing start ups are being reviewed for a sign of the economic up-turns, and after evaluation several years the township has remained the same since 2008.

Zoning Complaint
Mike & Sandy Shepherd who reside at 5644 E. Harbor Rd., filed a complaint regarding why they could not have a mobile food concession on their property which is zoned C-2. They sought clarification from the zoning office and a sent letter to the trustees regarding the matter. A brief discussion was held with Ms. Sowers and the trustees in which it was determined that properties zoned C-2 do not permit temporary structures, but Catawba Island Township had submitted a text amendment at a prior Regional Planning Commission meeting on the same matter. The trustees agreed that the Zoning Commission should review this matter. Ms. Rozak will inform Mr. & Mrs. Shepherd of this decision.
Fiscal Report
Fiscal Officer, Shelley Seamon presented the trustees with detailed reports regarding township finances as of July 13, 2011. Ms. Seamon also provided the trustees with a comparison of revenues verses expenditures for the General, Road & Bridge, and Police funds as of June 30, 2011.

Anniversary Dates
Ms. Seamon acknowledged the following officers for their years of service to the township;
Charles Cunningham 7 years as of July 6, 2011, Brad LaMarca 3 years as June 27, 2011, and Josh Young 3 years as of July 1, 2011.
Longevity Increase
Ms. Seamon reported that effective in the pay period of July 20, 2011, Charles Cunningham’s would received a longevity increase of $0.05; raising his hourly rate to $20.69 and sick time as well as vacation time would also be adjusted, which was in accordance to Mr. Cunningham’s anniversary date.

Sick Time & Vacation Adjustments
Ms. Seamon reported that effective in the pay period of July 20, 2011, Brad LaMarca and Josh Young’s sick time as well as vacation time would be adjusted, which was in accordance to each of the employees anniversary dates.

Committee reports concluded at 7:32 pm and department heads were dismissed.

Nuisance Complaint-Updates
Lot#21 on the corner of Springcrest Drive in Perryview Estates- Owners Neil & Loretta Conkel
Ms. Rozak reported that she had spoken to Mrs. Conkel regarding her property and had learned why it was not being maintained. Ms. Rozak explained that a contractor was being sought to mow the lot.

Lot #26 on E. Mistic Bay Boulevard- Owners Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Pasquall
Ms. Rozak reported that she had viewed the property of Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Pasquall and the matter was resolved.

Vacant Lot located on Marblewood Drive- Owner Mary Jo Shortridge
Mr. Hirt reported that Ms. Shortridge was contacted regarding the condition of her lot located on Marblewood Drive and the matter was resolved.

174 N. Hidden Beach- Owners Sharon Collins & Richard Wobig
Mr. Hirt reported that he would have an update for the board regarding the progress of the removal of the home located at 174 N. Hidden Beach by the next regular meeting of July 27, 2011.




East of Northshore Boulevard- Owner Gudrun Barnholt
Ms. Rozak reported that Ms. Barnholt was currently exploring renovating her home located east of Northshore Blvd. Ms. Rozak noted that some repairs to the home had occurred. The trustees discussed ORC 505.86 removal, repair or securance of insecure, unsafe buildings or structures and agreed to give Ms. Barnholt 30 days to submit a written plan regarding the renovation of the home., before moving forward in accordance with ORV 505.86. Ms. Rozak will send notified on this decision to Ms. Barnholt.

Energy Savings Presentation
Larry Hattan will give a presentation on energy savings options at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Danbury Township Hall.

The Keeper’s House Repairs and Sign Replacement
Mr. Scott reported that the new hinges for the cellar door were in and would be replaced next week. A gutter extension would be added as well as a splashguard. Mr. Scott explained that grading, drainage and concrete issues were being reviewed to get the water away from the building. After, these issues were resolved then repairs to the basement would be addressed. Two contractors would be examining the cedar roof regarding shingle repairs and the moss problem. It was noted that the trees would have to been trimmed. The driveway was sealed and cost was estimated at $250.00.

Regarding, sign replacement it was discussed that Bumbera Design was awaiting quotes from stonemasons and Ms. Rozak was obtaining quotes for comparison. The Keeper’s House committee wanted to have input regarding the name that would appear on the sign.

Approve Payment of Bills
After examining the following bills in the amount of $67,899.34. Mr. Scott moved and Mr. Hirt seconded that they be accepted and warrants for the various amounts be drawn. Vote: Mr. Hirt –yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak –yes. Motion carried.

36070 John L Belcher 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 954.15
36071 Daniel J. Bergman 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,150.55
36072 Deborah K Burley-Biro 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 518.76
36073 J. Charles Cunningham 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,325.11
36074 James E. Dress 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 970.79
36075 Jared E. Griffith 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,102.33
36076 David M. Hirt 7/1/11-7/31/11 Salary $ 793.91
36077 Bradford K. LaMarca 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,181.84
36078 Mark A. Meisler 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,306.21
36079 Michael S. Meisler 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,473.80
36080 Dianne M. Rozak 7/1/11-7/31/11 Salary $ 863.91
36081 Charles B. Scott 7/1/11-7/31/11 Salary $ 903.52
36082 Shelley J. Seamon 7/1/11-7/31/11 Salary $ 1,330.05
36094 Brian P Sloan 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,106.08
36084 Rhonda Botti Sowers 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,362.87
36085 Brandon L. Taylor 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,156.06
36086 Brett A. Waldron 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,176.24
36087 Joshua P Young 6/11/11-6/24/11 Salary $ 1,283.30
36088 State Disbursement Child Support WH $ 72.00
36089 OCSPC Child Support WH $ 141.23
36090 OCSE Work Permit (dog park) $ 2,817.00
36091 Verizon Wireless Cell Phones $ 381.76
36092 Anthem Life Insurance Life Premium $ 731.53
36093 Anthem BC/BS Health/Dental Premium $ 21,284.44
36095 TruGreen Chemlawn Spot Weed Killing $ 1,200.00
36096 Culligan of Northern OH Bottled Water $ 37.25
36097 Garner Sanitation Services Portable Toilets-Parks $ 533.00
36098 Lafarge North America Inc. Stone -Police Gardens $ 63.08
36099 Howard's Citgo Tire Repair -Police $ 7.50
36100 PC Ford Mercury Inc. Supplies/Repairs -Police $ 187.45
36101 Frontier Telephone Service -Police $ 127.38
36102 DJL Material & Supply Inc. Crack Sealant Materials/FRT $ 5,514.50
36103 1st Communications Long Distance All Depts. $ 14.88
36104 Corso's Plants-Parks $ 37.96
36105 OCSE Water/Sewer Gen/Police $ 96.95
36106 Staples Business Advantage Office Supplies $ 141.67
36107 MasterMind Systems Inc. Speed Zone Surveys $ 5,400.00
36108 The Kreimes Co. Inc. Northern Ave - Repairs $ 895.00
36109 Rakich & Rakich, Inc, Supplies -Police $ 193.92
36110 Severe Service Inc. Tire Repair -Police $ 35.00
36111 Treasurer, State of Ohio Audit Fees $ 258.65
36112 Becks Suppliers Car Wash Tokens - Police $ 84.00
36113 Time Warner Internet Chgs - Police $ 71.95
36114 Starcher Enterprises Supplies/UPS Chgs. $ 109.10
36115 Cleveland Communications Repairs-Police $ 58.44
36116 The Peninsula News Legal Ads-Zoning $ 46.20
36117 MT Business Technologies Maint. Agree. Copier $ 43.84
36118 Deborah K Burley-Biro Reimburse Safety MTG Supplies $ 26.59
36119 Shelley J. Seamon Reimburse stamps-Admin $ 44.00
36120 The Collaborative, Inc. Engineering Fees-Police $ 1,889.00
36121 Lowe's Supplies-Roads/Police $ 102.24
36122 Luckey Farmer's Inc. Gasoline/Diesel $ 4,738.35
36123 Garner Sanitation Services Portable Toilet Rentals-Parks $ 533.00
36124 FSI Disposal Trash Pick-up $ 21.00

Approve June Financial Reports & Bank Reconciliation
Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Hirt seconded that the June financial reports and bank reconciliation be approved. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak-yes. Motion carried.

Liquor Permit Transfers
The trustees did not request hearings regarding the transfer of a C1, C2, & D6 liquor permit from 505 West Main Street LLC DBA Mutachs Food Market, 505 W. Main ST & Storage Room to 505 West Main Street LLC DB Mutachs Food Market, 8037 E. Harbor Rd., or the issuance if a liquor agency contract for the carryout to 505 West Main LLC DBA Mutachs Food Market, 8037 E. Harbor Rd.
Sign Cemetery Deed
The trustees signed the following cemetery deeds: to Sharon Mayak, Lot 100, Graves 3 & 4, 2nd addition to Sackett cemetery; Kelly & Carolyn Harvey, Lot 59, Graves 4 & 8, & Lot 60, Graves 1 & 5, 1st addition to Sackett cemetery; and Scott & Barbara Distel, lot 59, graves 6 & 7 in the 1st addition at Sackett cemetery.

Township Hall Renovation
Architect, Scott Kerik attended and provided the trustees with a preliminary cost breakdown to approach the renovation of the township in seven phases based the Scheme D concept drawing. A brief discussion was held regarding this matter, which resulted in the following action.

Work Session Scheduled
The trustees scheduled a work session to be held on Thursday, August 4, 2011 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Danbury Township Hall to discuss township hall renovations.

Comments & Concerns
Lisa Bruno had several questions regarding the possible merge of the volunteer fire departments as well as when the meetings were that were answered by Mr. Hirt. Ms. Bruno referred to a complaint Mr. Fannin had regarding having a mobile food concession on his property located on SR 269. Ms. Rozak clarified that Mr. Fannin’s property as well as Mr. & Mrs. Shepherd’s property were zoned C-2 and a temporary structure was not a permitted use the C-2 district. Regarding the information provided by Mr. Kerik for the renovation of the township hall, Ms. Bruno asked if seven phases approach costs would be listed in the minutes and what entrance was going to cost $18,500.00 to renovate.Ms. Rozak responded that copies would be made for anyone wanting the breakdown and this would be discussed at the work session scheduled for August 4th. Mr. Kerik and Mr. Scott addressed Ms. Bruno’s question regarding the entrance renovation cost.


Ms. Bruno was also concerned that department heads were dismissed and she had questions for them that she would like to have answered. Ms. Rozak explained that Ms. Bruno could notify the trustees of her questions and they would obtain answers for her the next day, in which they would phone her.

Loretta Grentzer asked what in general did nuisance complaints pertain too. Ms. Rozak explained that a nuisance could pertain to about anything. Ms Rozak also explained who can file a complaint and the procedure the board followed once a complaint was received. Ms. Grentzer commented that she thought that nothing could be done about the cars, trucks, and junk on one road. Ms. Grentzer also commented that to her that was a nuisance, as well as a health hazard and it was an infringement on the townships policy with not being able to do anything about it. Ms. Rozak responded that the board recommended nuisance complaints be submitted to allow the board to investigate the property in question and make a determination if it constituted a nuisance. Ms. Rozak commented that the board did have some authority regarding junk vehicles, but the ORC was very specific of what constituted a “junk vehicle”.

At the conclusion of comments and concerns, Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Hirt seconded to go into executive session at 8:17 p.m., to discuss the employment of a public employee. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak. Motion carried.

Mr. Hirt moved to reconvene the regular meeting at 8:57 p.m.

There was no action taken.

Ms. Rozak moved and Mr. Hirt seconded to adjourn at 9:00 p.m., there being no further business. Vote: Mr. Hirt-yes, Mr. Scott-yes, Ms. Rozak-yes. Motion carried.

The only official public record of Danbury Township is the paper file(s) located at Danbury Township Hall. The official approved copy of township minutes including attachments and references is available for review or purchase. Contact the Township Fiscal Officer at (419) 732-3039 or via e-mail fiscalofficer@danburytownship.com to make arrangements for record review or purchase.
 

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