Business meeting of the Catawba Island Township Trustees was held May 24, 2005 in the conference room with all present;  also Pat Cerny, John Coppeler, James Stouffer, Ann Rumpf, Gerri Ennemose, Reggie Langford, Mike Prosser, Robert Snyder, Jeffrey Hickman and Becky Swisher.

Correspondence was letter from Ottawa County Auditor regarding administration fee on estate tax and check for $ $107,480.79 estate tax,  Adelphia stating their “OnDemand” services and notice of bankruptcy hearing in New York, Hylant stating they are attempting to provide state’s premier workers’ compensation group rating program, check for $1449.74 for first half personal property tax, Kendra Leist, Executive Coordinator of Senior Resources, introducing herself and explaining her services and invitation to Miller Boat Line 100 years celebration on Saturday, June 11, 2005, 1:00-4:00 pm at Put-in-Bay Yacht Club.

     Becky Swisher from Hylant Insurance presented copy of renewal of insurance and explained the changes. Premium for 2005-2006 renewal will be $53,670.00.

    Mike Prosser presented the final plot of “Falling Waters”  planned unit development to be signed by the Trustees which they did.  Plan will be recorded and a copy will then be given to Pat.

     Reggie Langford stated the map that was included in the Beacon did not show the western side of Catawba  that will be sprayed for the gypsy moth and it was not delivered to everyone.   Contacted John Shaffner and he will have a full page in next week’s Beacon showing where spraying will take place. Presented bulletin to be on the reverse 911 system but there is a cost for the telephone calls that would have to be made and has an estimate of two to four hundred dollars and will talk to the Commissioners if they will share the cost.  It would be a good test for the 911 system to make sure it all works and would be a good way to notify the public of the spraying.

     Bill Rofkar stated he has problem with using the emergency system to notify people and Reggie stated he has checked with the Commissioners and Jim Greer. They think it is a good idea for public safety and that is what the system if for plus it is a good system to notify the public of what is happening and what is going to happen.  The contract has been extended to June 15 and need to have the Trustees initial it which they did.

      Bill stated it is a good program and appreciate all the work Reggie is doing but do not agree with using the reverse 911 system. Residents will be getting these phone calls and will not understand what is going on and will generate concerns being it is not an emergency.

     Gary Mortus stated everyone has been well informed of the gypsy moth and spraying that will take place and feels could go without the reverse 911.

      Bob Snyder presented final plan of Catawba Bay planned unit development to be signed by the Trustees which they did.  Suggested Board should have a proclamation for the Miller Boat Line’s one hundred year celebration.

     Gary stated that is an excellent idea and he will not be here for the June 14th meeting so suggested meeting be changed to May 7 which Board agreed to May 7th meeting so proclamation can be signed.

     Jim Stouffer asked if there has been any comments or issue on their project and was advised of none.  Have been working with the Port Clinton School District to provide space if and when they decide on a new school and found they do not have enough space that is required. Hope the Township will seriously engage with the school district to discuss location of school on corner of Cemetery and Northeast Catawba Roads on about eight acres of land. Stouffer family would offer to buy the present school structure and property around it and then offer it to the Township to expand the Community Hall and parking spaces. If the Township would consider this and be willing to work with the school board and architects he will be more than willing to work with everyone.  Boat show was a tremendous success and financial contributions were made to Red Cross, Port Clinton Fire Department and Catawba Island Fire Department.

     Gerri Ennemose stated has talked to the Sheriff’s Department and Catawba Police and they say they can’t do anything but there is a man next door that has vehicles, boat, tires, R V. and tries to block her property and would like to know who to do to.

      Bill Rofkar stated should go to an Attorney and get his advice.  Bob Schroeder stated he would talk to Bob Rogers and see what he could do about it.

      Gerri stated he has put up structures over the years and Gary advised zoning would check that out.

       Zoning Inspector Pat Cerny received complaint on James Rofkar property having two applications open for rezoning the property.  Gary Mortus read letter from Capital Improvement Company withdrawing application #589628 for rezoning Rofkar property from “A“ to “R-E“.

      Bill Rofkar talked to Walter Wehenkel and Prosecuting Attorney as to how to handle a request to withdraw an application after referendum has been submitted to be on the ballot and we can accept the request being it is in writing.  We can accept the request by resolution so it will not be on the ballot.

     A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by Robert Schroeder to accept the withdrawal of Application Number 589628 to rezone the James Rofkar property from “A“ to R-E  as filed by Capital Improvement.  The vote: W. Rofkar-aye, G. Mortus-aye, R. Schroeder-aye.

      Bob Snyder asked if there is some other way to get Planned Unit Development approval without rezoning to RE?  Bob Schroeder stated should take application for RE but not have plans for a PUD submitted at that time. Then when the plans are submitted the Township would have control over it. Bill Rofkar stated this has been worked on at the Land Use Planning meeting to set up different districts as to density for PUDs.

       Gary Mortus made a motion to adopt Resolution to rescind the action of the Catawba Island Township Trustees to rezone the James Rofkar property from “A” to RE District as requested on Application Number 589628.  Robert Schroeder seconded the motion and the vote:  W. Rofkar-aye,  G. Mortus-aye,  R. Schroeder-aye.

     Robert Schroeder suggested keeping one of the police cars that have been out of service for traffic enforcement and Board agreed.  Dr. Nehls asked what can be done with all the junk on North Fairway and was advised Pat would check it out.  Gates were put up at Catawba Shores South and Poplar Street and will have Dan or Randy check it out. Commented on great job the Fire Department did on the house fire on Shad Row.

     Gary Mortus stated Township is host to the County meeting on August 25 and talked to Catawba Island Club about hosting the meeting and will get a firm price from them for the June 7th meeting.  Stated the application for funding the Vollmer property through the Black Swamp Conservancy needs to be in Columbus by June 3rd.  Grant would be $875,000.00.

     Jim Stouffer suggested the Board consider the dynamics of the property and think of the Township in the future.  Being it will go through the Black Conservancy it might be something you would regret later as the mission statement made the first day was so absolutely strict in his interpretation of what their organization does. Suggest Township consider their mission and the significance of the property in the future and not do anything that would have their hands tied to this organization.

      Bob Schroeder stated there might be a lot better property that will become available. Bill asked what kind of grant it would be and how much money?

     Gary Mortus stated the grant would be for $875,000.00 and the Township would have to come up with $500,000.00.  Residents stated they wanted to keep it green space but doubt if they would be willing to put a mill on the ballot.  If the Township would decide to sell it in the future they would have to pay double the amount back to Clean Ohio Act.

Discussion followed.

     A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by Robert Schroeder to enter into agreement with the “clean Ohio” funds for part of the funding of the Vollmer property.

The vote:  William Rofkar-no,  Gary Mortus-aye,  Robert Schroeder-no.

     William Rofkar gave an update on the roads to be put in to the compost area.

     A motion was made by Gary Mortus and seconded by Robert Schroeder to adjourn at 9:20 p.m.  All voted aye.

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