Copley Township Board met July 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentation to Copley Fire Chief Michael Benson Mr. Dressler read a Proclamation honoring Chief Michael Benson on his retirement effective August 1, 2018.
HONORING MICHAEL JOHN BENSON FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE AS FIRE CHIEF FOR COPLEY TOWNSHIP
WHEREAS, Michael John Benson, has served as Fire Chief for Copley Township for 11 years; and,
WHEREAS, Chief Benson spearheaded the project to establish a Council of Governments with the Cities of Barberton and Norton to provide a state of the art Joint Dispatch Center and IT Department thereby saving the taxpayers millions of dollars by sharing valuable and limited resources; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Fire Chief, he has secured millions of dollars in grant funds for training, communication equipment and safety equipment; and,
WHEREAS, Chief Benson has embraced our community and implemented programming to enhance the lives of Seniors, business owners and residents alike; and,
WHEREAS, he has empowered Fire Personnel to reach their full potential by providing the opportunity to develop and assume leadership roles within the department; and,
WHEREAS, because of his dedication, he has helped make Copley Township a better place to live and work,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we thank Chief Michael John Benson for his years of service to Copley Township and wish him and his family good health and prosperity in the years to come; he will be greatly missed.
A recess was called to enjoy refreshments with Chief Benson and his family.
Mr. Terry Thompson from Republic Waste was present along with Marcie Kress, Executive Director of Summit County REWORKS and Planner from REWORKS, Andrew Linebarger, to speak to recycling and the need for change. Republic is in its third year of a five-year contract with the township and Republic's costs have increased significantly. For decades, China has been the largest importer of the world's recycled commodity, and the United States represents 40% of its inbound stream. In 2017, China changed its acceptance criteria of imported recyclables. Contaminated recyclables increased costs at the processing plants. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Kress explained the current trends of what is and is not acceptable. Most importantly, the materials must be empty, clean, and dry.
Board of Trustees
RESOLUTION 50-2018 Declaring a Necessity to Levy a Tax for the benefit of the Police Department.
Trustee Humphrys explained that the Board had to re-issue the Resolution because the previous resolution wording was incorrect with the words "additional” tax. The police levy is not an additional tax, because it is already on the books. It is only being increased.
A RESOLUTION DECLARING IT NECESSARY TO LEVY
A TAX IN EXCESS OF THE TEN MILL LIMITATION. Revised Code, Sections 5705.19(J) 5705.192, 145.48. 742.33
WHEREAS, the amount of taxes which may be raised within the ten-mill limitation will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the necessary requirements of the Copley Township Police Department, Summit County, Ohio.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Copley Township Board of Trustees, Summit County, Ohio concurring, that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation for the benefit of Copley Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings, and sites for such buildings used directly in the operation of a police department, for the payment of salaries of permanent or part-time police, communications, or administrative personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.196):
A Replacement of 2 mills & Increase of 1.50 mills to constitute a tax of 3.50 mills. At a rate not exceeding 3.50 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.35 for each one hundred dollars of valuation for 3 years commencing in calendar year 2018; first due in calendar year 2019.
RESOLVED that the question of levying taxes be submitted to the electors of said Copley Township at the General election to be held at the usual places within the entire subdivision on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The form of the ballot at the election on the question of a replacement levy shall be as follows:
A tax for the benefit of Copley Township for the replacement of 2 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 1.50 mills, to constitute 3.50 mills for the benefit of Copley Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings, and sites for such buildings used directly in the operation of a police department, for the payment of salaries of permanent or part-time police, communications, or administrative personnel to operate the same, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under Ohio Revised Code Sections 5705.19(J), 5705.192, 145.48. 742.33 at a rate not exceeding 3.50 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 35 cents for each one hundred dollars in valuation, for 3 years commencing in 2018, first due in calendar year 2019.
FOR THE TAX LEVY AGAINST THE TAX LEVY
SECTION 1. This Board finds and determines that all formal actions of this Board concerning and relating to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such a formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements, including but not limited to Section 121.22 of the Revised Code,
SECTION 2. Effective Date-This Resolution shall be effective immediately or at the earliest date allowed by law.
SECTION 3. That the Fiscal Officer is directed to submit this Resolution along with the Resolution of Request for Certification to the Summit County Board of Elections upon its adoption.
Motion by: Ms. Humphrys
Second by: Mr. Dressler Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
Fiscal Officer's Report - Ms. Linda Peiffer
MOTION to approve the Board of Trustees' Regular Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2018. Mr. Koellner moved approval, second by Ms. Humphrys; the motion carried.
MOTION to approve the Board of Trustees' Special Meeting Minutes of July 23, 2018. Mr. Koellner moved approval, second by Ms. Humphrys; the motion carried.
RESOLUTION 51-2018 To Advance from the General Fund #1000-920-920-0000 to Fund #2904 EMS Grant $5,939.00. Ms. Humphrys moved approval, second by Mr. Koellner. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
RESOLUTION 52-2018 To Increase Fire EMS Grant Fund #2904-230-420-0000 Operating Supplies $5,939.00. Mr. Koellner moved approval, second by Ms. Humphrys. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
MOTION – To Issue Blanket Certificate in the amount of $5939.00 to purchase EMS equipment to be reimbursed by the Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Grant. Ms. Humphrys moved approval, second by Mr. Koellner, the motion carried.
Administration - Mrs. Janice Marshall, Administrator RESOLUTION 53-2018 – To Enter Into a Contract with Ohio Fire Chief's Association for the Fire Chief Assessment. Ms. Humphrys moved approval, second by Mr. Koellner. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
MOTION - Purchase Order in the amount of $5900.00 for Fund #1000-110-360-0000) made payable to the Ohio Fire Association. Ms. Humphrys moved approval, second by Mr. Koellner; the motion carried.
RESOLUTION 54-2018 - To Create the Position of Human Resources Manager and to Adopt the Accompanying Job Description. Ms. Humphrys moved approval, second by Mr. Koellner. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
RESOLUTION 55-2018 - To Enter into a Cooperative Agreement with County of Summit Engineer for Design Services for the Cleveland Massillon/ Ridgewood Road Intersection Project. Mr. Koellner moved approval, second by Mr. Dressler.
Discussion: Mr. Koellner asked if this was the first time Copley has given monetary support for a county project. He was answered the township donated $50,000 for the Ridgewood Road east project with Fairlawn and the County, and $50,000 for the Rothrock Road project with Fairlawn, County and ODOT. With no further discussion, Mr. Dressler called for the vote. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
Mrs. Marshall Requested an Executive Session to discuss benefits of employment in all departments at the end of the meeting.
Fire Department - Chief Michael Benson Chief Benson discussed the ISO ratings received. He reported the City of Akron will do an auto-aid along the mutual borders to cover the Little Farms area east of Pigeon Creek.
He reported that the part-time hires' orientation is going well and requested an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss employment in his department.
Police Department - Chief Michael Mier Chief Mier announced the police department received an award from D.A.R.E. Ohio for 25-plus years with the D.A.R.E program. Copley's D.A.R.E. program was one of the first in the state.
Chief Mier reported that the first Coffee with a Cop held July 18 at Chick-fil-A was very successful.
Service Department - Mr. Mark Mitchell, Service Director Service Director Mitchell reported on the re-opening of the recycle center on Sunset Drive. He thanked everyone at REWORKS for helping to re-direct the Community Recycle Access Grant (CRAIG) toward securing the recycle center. The center will be open Monday-Friday from 7a to 7p on a trial basis. Information on what can be recycled is posted. Only #1 and #2 plastic bottles, steel and aluminum cans. Aseptic cartons can go into co-mingle for the here and now. All caps to the bottles go in the trash.
The trustees signed a cemetery deed for the Sir Louis family.
Community & Economic Development – Matt Springer Community/Economic Development Director Matt Springer reported that the zoning request for S.R. 18 (Medina Road) that is before Summit County Planning has been requested to be tabled for the July planning commission meeting.
The application for 447 Rothrock Road received disapproval from the Summit County Planning Commission and the Copley Township Zoning Commission. That application is scheduled for a public hearing on August 14 at 5:30 p.m. before the Board of Trustees. Mr. Springer said the applicant has requested it to be tabled. The trustees will move the August 14 regular meeting time to 5:30 p.m. At that time, they will open the public hearing as required and move to table until further notice. They can then continue conducting business until the 6:00 p.m. meeting time for the Limited Home Rule discussion.
Received word from the Summit County Land Bank that the Play on Soccer property on Copley Road may be available to Copley Township through the Side Lot Program.
Old Business Mrs. Marshall reported on the following:
• The Copley Historical Society will re-enact the signing of the charter of Copley
Township on Sunday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. before the concert.
• The Copley-Opoly Games, Leandra Drumm’s Bicentennial mugs, and quilt squares are available. Fairlawn GIG discussion continued - Janice along with department heads and Trustee Koellner met with a third consultant to discuss the expansion of Fairlawn's GIG or another possibility.
Safety Facility Committee - Mr. Koellner reported that the committee has interviewed the top four firms besides Horne & King. He said that every firm was more than capable of performing the job. The committee's recommendation was Horne & King. One reason was that Horne & King already designed and was paid for the police facility. Township legal counsel will be consulted if there can be any negotiations with Horne & King and the second top firm. Ms. Humphrys sat in on the four interviews but did not participate. Her preference was Home & King but deferred to the committee.
Correspondence Received a proclamation from State Representative Marilyn Slaby congratulating Copley Township for its 100% Safety Award from the Summit County Safety Council.
Business from the Floor Resident Mark Wasick asked to address the trustees regarding Limited Home Rule meeting scheduled August 14. State law provides two ways to adopt Limited Home Rule, either a ballot issue, or by one public meeting and a resolution passed by the trustees. He felt the trustees should place it on the ballot to let the voters decide and said the trustees could do it tonight.
Mr. John Gamauf also spoke to the issue and thought it best to make sure the information gets out to the people.
Trustee Koellner said the board has been discussing home rule and also ballot versus trustee resolution and said, the trouble with a ballot issue is that it is very limited in what can be said in the question.
With no further business to come before the board, Mr. Dressler moved to enter into executive session at 8:39 p.m. to discuss employment of personnel in all departments, second by Mr. Koellner. Roll Call: Mr. Dressler, Aye; Mr. Koellner, Aye; and Ms. Humphrys, Aye.
The session ended at 9:17 p.m.
Mr. Koellner moved to accept the resignation of Part-time Firefighter/Medic Mick George, second by Mr. Dressler; the motion carried.
Mr. Koellner moved to award 16 hours vacation time in advance to Shawna Gfroerer,
second by Ms. Humphrys; the motion carried.
Mr. Dressler called for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Koellner moved to adjourn at 9:25 p.m., second by Ms. Humphrys; the motion carried.
For complete details visit; https://www.copley.oh.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07242018-344
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