Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2014
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Matt Montowski on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.
In attendance were Gary Mortus, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Karen Shaw, Dan Barlow, John Gangway, Bob Rogers, Meredith Beck, John Smothers, Randy Riedmaier and Jack DeVore.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Gary Mortus made a motion to approve the February 11 Board of Township Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve and pay the bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $51,829.61. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was received by the township:
A letter from David Downing regarding his intent to retire from his full time police officer position with the Catawba Island Township Police Department effective Wednesday,
April 30, 2014.
A letter from Jim Stewart requesting use of the Community Hall for a family function on June 4, 2014.
The Trustees agreed Jim Stewart could use the Community Hall and waived the fee.
A letter from Briana Busby requesting use of the Community Hall for a family event on September 7, 2014.
The Trustees agreed Briana Busby could use the Community Hall and waived the fee.
A letter from the Catawba Garden Club requesting use of the Community Hall on March 25 and July 22, 2014.
The Trustees agreed the Catawba Garden Club could use the Community Hall and waived the fee.
A letter from the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office regarding the 2013 Township Mileage Certification and Road Tours.
A letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission regarding the 2014 Community Development Block Grant Program.
A letter from the Black Swamp Conservancy regarding the 2013 annual monitoring visit to the Cedar Meadow Preserve. The letter noted an encroachment appearing to be in conflict with the easement by a neighboring property owner who has erected a portable horse corral that infringes on the boundaries of the property. It was requested in the letter the issue be resolved prior to the 2014 monitoring visit. It was otherwise noted the property remains in excellent condition.
The Trustees agreed to send a letter to the neighboring property owner regarding the encroachment.
A letter from the County Commissioners Association of Ohio regarding Street/Traffic Lights Electricity Guaranteed Savings Program.
An invitation to the 2014 Ottawa County Agricultural Community Breakfast on March 21, from the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District.
A solicitation from the Humane Society of Ottawa County for supporting funds.
Fire and Safety
Fire Chief John Gangway presented a quote of $2,405 from Sensible Products Inc. for mounting the “Jaws of Life” extrication tools on the fire department truck.
The Trustees agreed to the mounting of “Jaws of Life” equipment by Sensible Products, Inc.
John Gangway said the CIVFD is hosting a breakfast for Honor Flight Northwest Ohio on April 5, 2014.
Maintenance
Maintenance Supervisor Dan Barlow said the leaf vacuum is going in for preventative maintenance at Midway with a beginning estimate of $1,400.
The county engineer’s road review tour is scheduled for March 5, 2014 at 8 a.m.
Gary Mortus asked Karen Shaw to send a thank you note to Jack Madison at the Catawba Island Club for help with piling our recent salt delivery with their front end loader.
Police
Police Chief Bob Rogers presented the Trustees with the 2013 C.I.T. Police Annual Report.
Bob Rogers asked for direction from the Trustees with the upcoming retirement of police officer Dave Downing.
The Trustees agreed the township should advertise for a full time police officer.
Zoning
Matt Montowski made a motion to appoint Greg Hart and Tim McKenna as alternates on the Zoning Commission for a one year term. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye.
New Business
Parks Board member John Smothers said the Park Board would like permission to build a deck overlooking the vernal pond in the nature preserve. He said volunteers will complete most of the work and the estimated cost would be less than $2,500.
The Trustees agreed they are in favor of the observation deck.
Parks Board member Meredith Beck said they would like to purchase a Honeysuckle Popper, a leverage tool to lift honeysuckle and other invasive bushes from the ground, to be used in the nature preserve. She said they would also like to purchase a couple American Elm Trees being offered by the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District for placement in the nature preserve.
The Trustees agreed to the purchase of a Honeysuckle Popper and Elm Trees for the preserve.
Meredith Beck expressed her appreciation for Patty Cable’s help with preparing Park Board meeting minutes.
William Rofkar said the 2005 Police Ford Explorer sold on Golvdeals.com for $4,205.
William Rofkar made a motion to accept the Retirement of Police Officer David Downing effective April 30, 2014. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Trustees signed the Ottawa County Engineer’s Mileage Certification which stated as of December 31, 2013, the township was responsible for maintaining 12.791 miles of public roads.
William Rofkar made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Gary Mortus seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Matt Montowski, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer
ks