CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
OCTOBER 14, 2008- MINUTES- 7:30 P.M.

                        The regular meeting of the Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees was called to order by chairman William Rofkar at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.  The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.  In attendance were:  William Rofkar, Robert Schroeder, Gary Mortus, Pat Cerny, Meredith Beck, Don Rodwancy, Dr. Smothers, James Stouffer, Marv Grover, Matt Montowski and Dan Barlow. 

            Gary Mortus made a motion to approve the minutes as received seconded by Robert Schroeder.  All voted aye.  Robert Schroeder made a motion to approve and pay the bills in the amount of $32,921.93 seconded by Gary Mortus.  Robert Schroeder, aye; Gary Mortus, aye; William Rofkar aye. 

            Correspondence included a letter from Richard Corday stating our STAR Ohio investments are safe. Ohio EPA reporting on the Compost Facility inspection.  Real Living Realty One stating they will be sending the township a newsletter regarding Northeast Ohio’s housing market.  Time Warner Cable regarding new pricing.  Ottawa County Sanitary Engineering Department, Notice to Connect.  CBIZ Valuation Group, LLC, regarding a valuation service offer.   Roger Basil, Brothers Chevrolet with a vehicle for sale.  Limited Power of Attorney received  from Attorney Richard Gillum regarding the Catawba Island Elementary School empowering the Catawba-Cleveland Development Corp authorization to act signed by Patrick Adkins, Superintendent.  Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Secretary of State, 2008 Ohio Issues Report.  Rob Krain, Black Swamp Conservancy, informing the township of monitoring visits.

            Dr. Smothers stated they would like to purchase the Gator for the Cedar Preserve.  The Park Board has a $1000.00 donation.  It will be purchased through the State Plan.  Gary Mortus made a motion to purchase a John Deere Gator not to exceed $7000.00 through the State Co-op Program from Holkenborg Equipment seconded by Robert Schroeder.  William Rofkar stated he has a problem with this purchase and thinks it is a waste of money considering we have existing equipment that may be utilized.  Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, nay. 

Dr. Smothers stated he does not think there should be horses on the trails in the Preserve as there was one a month ago.  This will be looked into further and discussed with other parks.  Gary Mortus stated he is opposed to the horses on the trails but there may be something to do to make this compatible.  There could be a safety factor involved here.  Meredith Beck stated she would also look into this matter and Gary Mortus will look into Erie County.  William Rofkar does not want to exclude people with horses. 

Don Rodwancy stated he lives on Peachton Drive and he has a crushed drainage tile and he is tiling  his gutters out.  William Rofkar has looked at it.  Gary Mortus stated the county can come out and make a recommendation. 
            The plowing of Route 53 was discussed and salt will be given in return but more discussion and compensation is needed.

            Leaf pick-up will begin and brush pick-up will be put on hold at this time.

            Marv Grover  questioned  the agreement with the school board and he was assured there have been no agreements at this time.  Mr. Grover was advised not to believe the newspapers.  The CIC has been granted a power of attorney to bring a request and ideas before the township as they do not own the property at this time.      
There is a lot of homework to be done on the part of the CIC and Mr. Stouffer reassured Mr. Grover all will be done to keep everyone happy. 

            Mr. Stouffer stated he would like to continue his fence project.  He will submit the plans at the next Trustees’ Meeting. 

            Gary Mortus stated Halloween will be October 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

            Gary Mortus would like Kelly Frey to come to a meeting to discuss Sand Road. 
Gary Mortus would like to see the County Sanitary Engineer post a bond for every road cut for $1000 to $1500 so when they cut our roads they will have to post a bond.  He will check with outside council.  Portage Township is happy with Sand Road.  The Trustees will meet with Kelly Frey at the  November 11th Trustee meeting.

            Robert Schroeder stated he feels that all three Trustees should be involved in making decisions or at least knowing about the issues such as granting permission to ride a horse in the Cedar Preserve and putting an addition on to the salt shed.

            William Rofkar stated there will be a salt shortage this winter and the salt prices have doubled.  William Rofkar attended a meeting with the County Engineer and he obtained a report showing our useage and how much salt costs.  The contract signed with Morton Salt only allows you to get a limited amount of salt.  Catawba Island Township is allocated            375 tons of salt whereas last year it was 518 tons useage.  This year we have to conserve and cut back on salting on non-essential roads and parking lots.  There is 25 tons left from last year.  If the township plows Route 53 and they give us salt in exchange, that salt may only be used on Route 53 and the counties salt cannot be used on Route 53.  

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For more information contact: Gary Mortus
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