First meeting of the new year for Catawba Island Township Trustees was held January 13, 2004 in the conference room with all present;  also Pat Cerny.

      Chairman Robert Schroeder opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by William Rofkar to approve the minutes of the last regular meeting in 2003 and the reorganization meeting.  All voted aye.  William Rofkar made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $44,599.62. Motion was seconded by Gary Mortus and all voted aye.

Correspondence included letter from Adelphia stating changes made over the year and the new rates,  two from Auditor of State regarding Consumer Price Index and Property Tax Changes, Mark Mulligan regarding New Concract Requirements, Ottawa County Township Association meeting hosted by Allen Township to be held at St. John Lutheran Church Hall in Williston on Thursday, January 22,2004, copy of letter from Ottawa County Engineer to Lost Lake Development regarding Muggy Road permit and copy of reply from Lost Lake Development to  County Engineer, Board of Elections stating election dates and  bulletin announcing Local Government Officials’ Conference on March 17-19, 2004 in Columbus.

     Zoning Inspector Pat Cerny reported the junk vehicle letter had response as the vehicle owned by Christine Schenk has been removed.

     Gary Mortus made a motion to pay $0.375 per mile for mileage out of the Township for the year 2004. William Rofkar seconded the motion and all voted aye.

       William Rofkar made a motion to purchase a new police cruiser from Statewide Ford thru the State Coop Purchasing program not to exceed $22,000.00.  Gary Mortus seconded the motion and all voted aye.

      Bill stated he was still concerned about not giving raises to the employees.  Has a problem with insurance and knows it is expensive but doesn’t think it should be problem for the employees even though it is a fringe benefit.

     Gary stated  that he might be convinced later down the road but now he would like to get some feed back from the employees.  Don’t think the employees are out of line with other Townships for what they are getting paid.

      Bob Schroeder stated the insurance agent will probably bring up the co-pay again but thinks should have a meeting with the agent and the employees.

       Bill feels we are fortunate to have good employees and think they definitely need a raise to keep them. Feels no raise is terribly insulting.

      Gary and Bob both stated they do not agree with that   Gary stated school pays $2000 to employee that doesn‘t us their insurance.  Bill stated shouldn‘t hold up raises until decision is made on insurance program.

It is the Township‘s responsibility to provide good police and fire protection and also maintenance.

      Gary stated he will not vote for a raise until after employee meeting and see what kind of feedback we get.   Raise can be retroactive. Presented copy of wages of other Townships and  reported wage rate of each maintenance employee.

    Bob stated he feels if employees aren’t satisfied they should look for another job and they will find how good it is working for the Township.

      Gary stated the Township is not poor but for the last two years our expenditures have been more than the income so eventually we will not have all this money and may have to lay someone off and certainly does not want to do that.

      Bill stated there are things that we spent money on  last year that he feels is far less important than main-taining our employees.  Talking about people’s livelihoods and they depend on their checks.  Feels the furnace at the Fire Station should not be replaced as it is not critical. Have a quote from Bayside for approximately $27.00.00.

       Clerk gave Community Hall report as follows:  Saturday night rentals - 18 @200.00 - $3600.00,

Friday night-  5 @10.00- 50.00, Front Room- 10 @25.00- 250.00, Subdivisions- 8 @60.00- 480.00 making a total of $4380.00 for the year 2003.

      A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by William Rofkar to adopt Resolution 01-04 to approve the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Joint Solid Waste Management Plan Update for planning period 2004 - 2018.  The vote: R. Schroeder-aye, W. Rofkar-aye, G. Mortus-aye.

      Employee meeting with Frank Harmon on medical insurance will be February 4 at 1:00 p.m.

    Robert Schroeder stated Township received twenty-five (25) signed petitions from Mr. Pfeiffer on referendum to the rezoning of the Helen Vollmer property.

      A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by William Rofkar to accept the petitions for referendum to the rezoning of the Helen Vollmer property and will be taken to the Board of Elections by Robert Schroeder.  All voted aye.

      Bob stated he feels should have a new Land Use Plan and should appoint a committee and notice should be put in the newspaper for anyone that is interested to serve on the committee should call the Zoning Inspector.  Thinks should officially appoint the members of the Park Board.  Presented quote and description  of the proposed Native Meadow Park from John Blakeman for approximately $24,000.00.

        Milleage was discussed and will contact the Auditor for a meeting to explain it. Bill stated he would like to get an education on this as he still is not in favor of adding milleage.

      A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by William Rofkar to adjourn. All voted aye.

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