The
meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman John Warkentin.
All
trustees were present.
There
were 12 visitors present. (see attached Visitors List).
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A
moment of silence was observed for prayer or reflection.
Mike
Lewandowski moved that the trustees sign the mylar title sheet for
the Shaffer Road project and return the signed sheet to the Lucas
County Engineer’s office. Jim Irmen seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Mike
Lewandowski moved that the trustees sign and approve Then & Now
purchase order 19-07 to the Village of Swanton for $34,596.68 for
six months fire and rescue protection from January 1, 2007 to June
30, 2007 and purchase order #20-07 to OTARMA Service Center for $9,150
for township insurance for the policy term February 1, 2007 to February
1, 2008 with V.I.P. discount. Jim Irmen seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
The
financial report was presented. The statement of bills due for payment
was presented. Mike Lewandowski moved that the trustees pay bills,
Voucher 19262 through 19288 and sign the payment register report.
Jim Irmen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The
payment register report is in the Fiscal Officer’s file.
Alan
Ruffell, director of Environmental Health for the Toledo-Lucas County
Health Department, presented a status report of his investigation
of the Seaway Quarry sludge stockpile. He reported that the Health
Department received a complaint that raw sewage was being stockpiled
at the Seaway Quarry. A Health Department sanitarian investigated
and determined that the product being stockpiled is N-Viro Soil.
N-Viro Soil is a class-A sludge byproduct and is not raw sewage.
Mr. Ruffell discussed the characteristics of N-Viro Soil. He stated
that it is regulated by the EPA and is processed so that all pathogens
are eliminated. Based on studies performed by the EPA and the National
Science Association, the product poses no risk to human health or
the environment. He further reported on a joint investigation that
he personally performed with the EPA. He indicated that the biggest
issue for consideration is the odor of the material. He stated that
N-Viro soil emits a strong ammonia odor, and suggested that the most
effective way to mitigate the odor is to till the N-Viro Soil into
the existing soil.
Mr.
Ruffell formerly ran environmental programs for the solid waste division
of the City of Toledo. He responded to questions presented from the
Trustees and residents. Based on his experience, he provided assurance
that N-Viro Soil is mixed and processed prior to delivery. Concerns
were expressed about water run-off. Mr. Ruffell stated that the EPA
does not make any distinction between N-Viro Soil and dirt. Mr. Ruffell
distributed handouts with FAQ regarding biosolids and the N-Viro
licensee profile. Copies of each were retained for the Fiscal Officer’s
file.
Mr.
Ruffell was asked to supervise the collection of representative samples
of the material and perform independent testing to confirm that the
material is N-Viro Soil. The township will pay the cost of the testing
and seek reimbursement from Seaway Quarry. The Trustees will also
request the EPA perform its own testing.
Discussion
of the cable franchise agreement was tabled pending receipt of further
information to be obtained from the Ohio Township Association convention.
Jim Irmen will advise Pat McCauley of the status of our deliberations
and that we will contact him again in 30 days.
Minutes
of the Zoning Commission meeting of December 18, 2006 and the Board
of Zoning Appeals meeting of November 20, 2006 were received.
Zoning
Inspector Gary Heinemann reported that he made a court appearance
during the preceding week on the Sparks’ zoning violation.
The matter has been rescheduled in 30 days due to progress made toward
compliance. The township will pursue the assessment of fines.
Mr.
Heinemann further reported that the Andersons’ zoning violation
is scheduled for trial on January 29. There has only been negligible
improvement and progress on compliance is unsatisfactory.
Road
Superintendent Gary Heinemann reported on the cleaning, painting
and completion of the lighting in the maintenance garage.
Mr.
Heinemann asked for direction from the Trustees concerning the replacement
of windows in the Township Hall. The Trustees will develop a Request
for Quotation in consultation with Mr. Heinemann.
Mike
Lewandowski noted a problem observed on St. Rte. 64 involving the
accumulation of temporary storage containers. The Trustees requested
that the Zoning Commission consider whether the Zoning Resolution
should be amended to limit the number of temporary storage containers/buildings
on property in the township.
Mr.
Heinemann reported that he received a drainage complaint from a resident
on DeVault Road. The resident complained that the catch basin is
not adequate to handle the current water situation. The resident
requested a change in the catch basin. John Warkentin noted that
the yard is a lower elevation than the catch basin. The requested
change would be ineffective. Mr. Heinemann reported that the township
has performed ditch cleaning but that has not been an effective remedy
to the problem. The problem is exacerbated by the recent extraordinary
rainfall.
The
discussion of an increase in compensation or expense reimbursement
for Zoning Commissioners and Board of Zoning Appeal members was deferred.
In
the context of a discussion of an hourly wage increase for township
employees, documentation was provided to the Trustees that the Consumer
Price Index increased 2% nationally and 1.5% in the rural Midwest
in2006. Jim Irmen stated his support for a wage increase and stated
expectations for increased productivity and decreased salary costs
as a result of attrition. He commended our workers for their perfect
safety record and good stewardship of township property and equipment.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship
with township employees and fostering a sense of partnership. Finally,
he presented the results of his survey of other Lucas County township’s
wage rates and 2007 wage increases which showed comparable wage rates
and 3% wage increases. A copy of the survey was distributed at the
meeting and submitted to the Fiscal Officer for his file.
A
question was raised Mr. Heinemann’s status as temporary Zoning
Inspector for Providence Township. Mr. Heinemann will “fill
in” as the Providence Township zoning inspector while the regular
zoning inspector spends the winter in Florida. Mr. Heinemann explained
the limited services that he would provide and assured that all services
will be performed on his personal time. No Swanton Township equipment
will be used in the performance of the work.
Mike
Lewandowksi moved that the trustees grant an increase in the hourly
wage of the Road Superintendent/Cemetery Sexton and the township
road worker by 3% and the township secretary by 2%. Jim Irmen seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Mike
Lewandowski moved that the trustees request Jeff Lohse of the Lucas
County Engineer’s office to prepare options, plans, and estimates
for improving the roadside drainage along the East side of Fulton-Lucas
(Countyline) Road from Reed Rd to approximately 2700 feet South,
which is the South property line of 5355 Fulton Lucas (Countyline)
Road. Jim Irmen seconded the motion. Mike Lewandowski explained that
improvement of the drainage would make it possible to obtain State
Issue 1 money for the widening of Fulton-Lucas Road in the future.
The drainage work must be accomplished before any road work may be
performed. The motion passed unanimously.
Jim
Irmen moved that the trustees purchase a new scanner for the township
at a cost not to exceed $150. Mike Lewandowski seconded the motion.
The present scanner does not work with the township computer. The
motion passed unanimously. Mr. Irmen will obtain a sales tax exemption
form from the Fiscal Officer, purchase the scanner, and submit a
request for reimbursement.
In
response to a resident’s question regarding township fuel purchases,
John Warkentin asked Gary Heinemann to determine if we should open
accounts at gas stations other than Speedway.
John
Warkentin presented information earlier provided to the other trustees.
He said, “I would like to encourage discussion on the formation
of an historical preservation commission. We have a great deal of
under-utilized space in the Swanton Township main building. I would
like to encourage displaying some of our local history. I would propose
the formation of an independent volunteer commission to be responsible
for research and displays. Initial thoughts are to remove chair racks
from the hallway to create display space, also the south display
space in the West room and South foyer. I can also envision outdoor
displays throughout the grounds with walking paths and landscaping.
I would hope to fund this project with private donations, grants,
and local fund raisers. This seems like the perfect time to initiate
such a project along with the significance of the anticipated historical
marker project. We are uniquely located to memorialize our area history.
We have a great opportunity to preserve, and serve. I believe this
project could anchor our community and its memories, while moving
forward with a greater Swanton community collaboration.” John
looks forward to input from the Trustees and community.
Chairman
John Warkentin adjourned the meeting of the trustees at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
James H. Irmen
James H. Irmen
