Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Meeting Minutes
June 27, 2017
The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Matt Montowski Tuesday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.
In attendance were Gary Mortus, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Karen Shaw, Dan Barlow, John Gangway, Kevin Wylie, Ernest Wylie, Craig Koerpel, Lawrene Montowski, Debbie Bovitt, Denny Dickinson, Rich Dickinson, Greg Strayer, Noah Shaw, Ken Canada, Liz Skrinak,
Joann Welch, Flint Heidlebaugh, Greg Russell, Janice Russell, Carol Shoemaker, Diane Belden, Allen Stryker, John Coppeler, Al McKean, Bill Van Der Giessen, Jack DeVore, Renee DeVore, and Rick Smetzer
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Gary Mortus made a motion to approve the June 13, 2017 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 $169,413.38. A payment of $106,068.03 to the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office for resurfacing Wine Cellar Road and Konker Road is included in the total. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Correspondence
A letter from James Stewart requesting use of the Community Hall on Saturday, July 8, for a family function.
The Trustees said there will be no tables or chairs available at the Community Hall Saturday, July 8, as they will be utilized at the fire station for the volunteer fire department chicken barbeque event.
A letter from Steve Lovitt of Gem Beach Marina requesting permission to close the road from the Gem Beach Marina, Twin Beach Storage lot to the Marine Store beginning at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, for approximately 45 minutes for the 4th of July Parade.
The Trustees agreed to the road closure for the 4th of July Parade at Gem Beach.
Notification from the Ottawa County Township Association of the quarterly meeting Thursday, July 27, at the Catawba Island Club and hosted by Catawba Island Township Trustees and Fiscal Officer.
The 2016 Annual Report from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
New Business
Laurie Manning of Ohio Plan Risk Management Inc. presented the property and liability insurance renewal proposed for the township. Laurie Manning presented the Ohio Plan package premium of $49,038 less the Ohio Plan Advantage Credit of $4,895 for a premium total of $44,143. The total is slightly less than the premium paid last year.
Gary Mortus made a motion to renew the contract with Hylant Administrative Services and Ohio Plan Risk Management, Inc. for township property and liability insurance for the year June 15, 2017 through June 15, 2018 in the amount of $44,143. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Craig Koerpel said the Catawba Island Historical Society will be prepared to enter into the lease agreement for use of the township chapel as soon as they approve a liability insurance policy.
The Trustees made the following statement regarding golf carts. The statement was presented and read by Chairman Matt Montowski.
On January 1, 2017, the Ohio Legislature amended Ohio Revised Code 4501.01 through SB 114 prohibiting the operation of golf carts on public streets and highways, unless such operation was authorized by local authority.
The definition of “Under-Speed Vehicle” in Ohio Revised Code 4501.01 (XX) was amended to expressly include golf carts. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 4511.214(A)(2)(a), operation of an “Under-Speed Vehicle” on any public street or highway is prohibited unless the local authority has authorized such operation, and, if authorized, they may be operated on a street or highway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Operation of a golf cart on a roadway is inherently more dangerous than the operation of other vehicles. Recognizing this risk, the 29th General Assembly placed the discretion to allow the operation of golf carts on local roadways with the local authority. The local authorities are more familiar with the roadways within their jurisdiction and the necessary safety measures needed to ensure the safety of the public on those roadways.
The Catawba Island Township Trustees join the General Assembly in recognizing the inherent risk to motorists and the public at large that is associated with golf cart operation on streets and highways. As such, we decline to authorize the operation of “Under-Speed Vehicles” on the streets and highways of Catawba Island Township.
The safety of our motorists and the public at large is our top priority.
A couple individuals said they do not feel the Trustees are making the right decision and several residents said they thought it would be a good idea to put a committee together to come up with specific recommendations regarding golf carts.
Liz Skrinak asked about the Ranger Utility Vehicle.
John Gangway said utility vehicles, under-speed vehicles, and mini trucks are all grouped under the same Ohio Revised Code section and prohibited on public roads.
William Rofkar made a motion to ask the Zoning Commission to review short term rentals
and the definition of different zoning classifications with regard to multi-family dwellings. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Gary Mortus said the Ottawa County American Red Cross has requested the township fly the American Red Cross flag at the township building through the month of July in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Ottawa County American Red Cross.
Karen Shaw said notification was just received that the OPEC-HC Board voted to change administrators from the Jefferson Plan to Benovation effective July 1, 2017 and new ID cards for covered members are being distributed.
Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________
Matt Montowski, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer