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February 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes

Bethel Township Trustees

3333 Lake Road

5:00 p.m.

Welcome and pledge:  Led by Don Minton 

Prayer: Led by Dave Phares

In Attendance: Don Minton, Dave Phares, Stacey McKenzie, Chief Jacob King, Deputy Durham and Township Coordinator Rhonda Ledford.  Nancy Brown was absent due to being out of town.

Announcements:      

Citizen comments relating to agenda items: None.  

 21-02-09-01Trustee Don Minton moves to accept the agenda.  Second by Trustee Dave Phares.

  R/C:  all ayes. 

21-02-09-02 Trustee Dave Phares moves to pay the bills, check numbers 64594 through 64624 and ACH payments 108-2021 through 199-2021in the amount of $68,817.94.  Second by Trustee Don Minton R/C: All ayes.      

21-02-09-03 Trustee Don Minton moves to dispense with reading and accept the minutes from the regular meeting of January 26, 2021.  Second by Trustee Dave Phares R/C: All ayes.

 OLD BUSINESS

Administrative 

Road  

Fire

Police 

NEW BUSINESS

Administrative  

Trustee __ moves to declare each of the following properties a separate nuisance to be abated:  

Second by Trustee __ R/C: No properties currently.

21-02-09-04 Trustee Don Minton moves to approve that Rhonda Ledford, township coordinator, rent the Styer Lion’s Den at the rate of $800.00 for the week of March 8, 2021 through March 12, 2021 to American Sun Crafters. (Last year’s rate was $300.00) Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.

21-02-09-05 Trustee Don Minton moves to approve that all passwords pertaining to Bethel Township shall be stored in a book maintained by Rhonda Ledford, Township Coordinator, AND Chief Jacob King.  Second by Trustee Dave Phares.  R/C: All ayes.

21-02-09-06 Trustee Dave Phares moves to approve Chief Jacob King as the administrator for the IT-Server System.  Second by Trustee Don Minton.  R/C: All ayes.

21-02-09-07 Trustee Don Minton moves to approve VerCom Systems, Inc. to install a new phone at the front door.  The cost is $749.99 Second by Trustee Dave Phares.  R/C: All ayes.

Our Amazon account has been suspended due to the issues of tax.  Stacey has sent the proper paperwork in several time to be tax exempt.  There are still tax charges. Board of Trustees advised to look at other townships and see if they can help get this matter corrected. 

Fire  

21-02-09-08 Trustee Dave Phares moves to approve the agreement between Bath Township and Bethel Township. Bath Township has purchased a Lucus Chest Compression System, Lucus battery, Lucus Power cord, and a Stryker Pro Ambulance Cot Lifting System for the benefit of both townships.  Although Bethel Township is no longer servicing Bath Township, an agreement has been proposed for Bethel Township to lease the equipment at no charge from January 1, 2021 and terminate December 31, 2039. Second by Trustee Don Minton.   R/C: All ayes.

21-02-09-09 Trustee Don Minton moves to reinstate Robert Cook as a PPC Firefighter effective 

February 08, 2021.   Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.

Bethel Township Fire Department stats for January are as follows: Calls for service 187, Thursday being the busiest day.  Mutual Aid: received 8, given 1.  Incidents, 168

Chief Jacob King will discuss the following:

1. Stipends: Increase # of positions and swing on busy days for adequate coverage.
2. Pay rates: Chief King would like to do an assessment on surrounding counties looking into their pay scale.
3. Hose replacement purchases: All sizes are needed.  Chief Jacob King will look into pricing and make sure the hoses we purchase are compatible with New Carlisle’s unit.
4. New rescue tools: Jaws of Life equipment no longer working correctly.  Approx. $26,000.00 for spreader and cutter replacement.
5. 3-D printer. Chief Jacob King would like to purchase a 3D printer mainly for the use of accountability tags.  Printer will cost approx.. $300.00 
6. He will also give an update on Engine 51, Medic Units and Brush 54:  Engine 51 will need complete engine swap.  No repairs on suspension but does need two new air horns.  Brush truck has a hole in the tank.

Road  

21-02-09-10 Trustee Dave Phares moves to approve the purchase of 200 tons of road salt from Cargill as requested by Justin Legge. The price will be $13,832.00   Second by Trustee Don Minton.  This has been amended to 100 tons.  R/C:  All ayes.

Mailbox Fatalities from snowplows

Bonnie Hitchcock 309 Gordon Rd.

David Pfister 1055 Bischoff Rd.

James Rose 548 Bischoff Rd.

Police 

The work on the cruiser is complete.  Vehicle runs fine now. 

Work Session:   

Trustee __ moves to set the work/special session for _______________ at __________
Second by Trustee __ R/C

Citizen comments open forum.

Citizens David Stevens of 2401 Enon Rd.  Springfield, OH and Dale Gentz of 7868 Milton Carlisle Rd.  New Carlisle, OH.   Were present.  The came to represent the opposition of the Scenic Mad River.

Just information:

Jacob King has taken on the task of organizing our cell phone account.  The account now has the following administrators. Jacob King, Stacey McKenzie, and Rhonda Ledford. Thank You Jacob for handling this.

There is a Phase II NPDES MS4 Storm Water Report due.  There will be a virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 10:00 am.  

Suburban Propane has been canceled and RD Holder has installed the new monitor on the propane tank at Donnelsville Lion’s Den. 

The Mercy Health Breast Cancer mobile unit will be here Friday, April 2, 2021 from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM.  They will stay here until nobody else comes.

Thoughts on holding a blood drive through the American Red Cross. Only one volunteer is needed, and they will use the conference room. 25 – 30 people must sign up.

Thoughts on having the American Red Cross come to Bethel Township and host “Sound the Alarm “program.  They will come in on a Saturday, put notices on citizens doors and come back and install smoke detectors at NO COST to the citizens.

We have several applications for the part time road department position.  The applicants are calling to check on their applications.

21-02-09-11 Trustee Don Minton moves to adjourn the meeting at 6:07 PM. Second by Trustee Dave Phares R/C:  All ayes.

                                                                                 _____________________________________

                                                                                  Donald K. Minton, Chairperson

                                                                                  _____________________________________

                                                                                  David A. Phares, Vice Chairperson

                                                                                   ____________________________________

                                                                                   Nancy K. Brown, Member    

                                                                                  _____________________________________

                                                                                   Stacey McKenzie, Fiscal Officer                                   

January 12, 2021 Minutes

Bethel Township Trustees

3333 Lake Road

5:00 p.m.

Welcome and pledge: Led by Don Minton  

Prayer: Led by Nancy Brown

In Attendance: Don Minton, Dave Phares, Nancy Brown, Stacey McKenzie, Jacob King and Rhonda Ledford

Announcements:  Two trucks down in the road department.  The 2010 may be looking at a new engine.    

Citizen comments relating to agenda items:  

 21-01-12-01 Trustee Dave Phares moves to accept the agenda.  Second by Trustee Nancy Brown.  R/C:  All ayes. 

21-01-12-02 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay the bills, check numbers 64522 through 64554 and ACH deductions 1-2021 through 29-2021 in the total amount of $52,227.34. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C:  All ayes.       

21-01-12-03 Trustee Don Minton moves to dispense with reading and accept the minutes from the closeout meeting of December 29, 2020 and the reorganization meeting on January 4, 2021.  Second by Trustee Dave Phares R/C: All ayes.

 OLD BUSINESS

Administrative 

Locks were purchased on January 6, 2021, for the dumpsters at Raynor Park and the Styer Lion’s Den.  They have been installed. I have asked the road crew to take trash from cans back to township building dumpsters until we resume our dumpster service. Key was given to Don Minton and the other one will be at the township office.

Are we ready to open back up the Lion’s Den in Donnelsville and Styer?  Individuals are calling to rent along with Natalie Jackson for the sports season. We will be contacting the CCCHD to see their recommendation. Their recommendation was to follow the guidelines set by Gov. Dewine.  Ten (10) people in building at one time.  Masks must be worn, one entrance and one exit.  

The telephone outside the front door still is not working. Craig from Veracom will be her Tuesday, January 19, 2021.  Telephone system is obsolete, but we will try to patch until further notice.  May try a wireless doorbell so that we can tell when people are at door. 

Road 

The road crew, except Justin, is still wanting to rid themselves of the cell phones made available to them. Here are their concerns: 

1.  They have investigated the repeater and has found that it still works and is in operation until 2024.  They have tested the radios provided by the fire department and found they still reach all the boarders of the township. The fire department still has radios that the road crew can use.
2. 2. They have spoke with the Clark County Sheriffs office and found that it is illegal for them to use the cell phones due to their CDL license while driving. 
3. Saving money for cell phones that are not in use. The AT&T account alone is being charged $130.66 a month for phones that are not used. ($1567.92 yearly)
4. They can radio each other when done with a job and ask the other road crew members where they need help at. They consider this much more effective. 

Dave Phares stated he will discuss with the road crew.

Fire

Police 

NEW BUSINESS

Administrative  

21-01-12-04 Trustee Dave Phares moves to approve Rhonda Ledford and any elected officer and fire chief to participate in OTA online classes on Feb. 1-5^th.   The cost is $100.00 each if not a member and $65.00 if a member.  Second by Trustee Nancy Brown.  R/C: All ayes.

Fire 

Chief Jacob King announced that the following PPC employees will now be hired as part time while remaining as PPC employees: Malachi Cromlish, Abby Pearson Saunders and Ryan Hartman.

Chief Jacob King requested to go into executive session at 6.50 PM.  As a result of the discussion in executive session, no actions were taken.  Adjourn at 7:09 PM

Calls for 2020: 2252 total. 1444 EMS, 579 good intent, 146 auto accidents, 61 other fire and 19 house fires.

YTD: 78 runs.

Road

Road milage 58.198 per mile to certify roads to state.

Police

21-01-12-05 Trustee Nancy Brown to approves dispatch contract for $48,452.00 for a period of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021. Payments will be made on February 1, 2021 in the amount of $24,226.00 and August 1, 2021 in the amount of $24,226.00.   Second by Don Minton.  R/C: All ayes

Work Session:   

21-01-12-06 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to set the work/special session for 5:00 PM on January 19, 2021 at
Second by Trustee __ R/C

Citizen comments open forum.

Joy McDaniel attended the meeting.  She discussed the Scenic Mad River and requested that Bethel Township Trustees not sign their petition. 

21-01-12-07 Trustee Dave Phares moves to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 PM Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes.

                                                                             ___________________________

                                                                               Donald K. Minton, Chairperson

                                                                             ____________________________

                                                                                David A. Phares, Vice Chair

                                                                              ____________________________

                                                                                Nancy K. Brown, Member

                                                                              ____________________________

                                                                                Stacey L. McKenzie, Fiscal Officer

Bethel Township Reorganization Meeting
January 04, 2021, 5:00 pm
3333 Lake Road
Welcome and pledge: Led by Stacey McKenzie
Prayer: Led by Nancy Brown
Present: Nancy Brown, Dave Phares, Don Minton, Stacey McKenzie, Brian Ludwig, and Rhonda Ledford
Fiscal Officer Stacey McKenzie requests nominations for 2021 Chairperson.
21-01-04-01 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to appoint Don Minton as 2021 Chairperson. Second by Trustee
Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes
21-01-04-02 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to appoint Dave Phares 2021 Vice-Chairman. Second by Trustee
Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-03 Trustee Don Minton moves to leave regular session and enter executive session at 5:08 PM to
discuss compensation of personnel. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-04 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to leave executive session and re-enter regular session at 5:50 PM.
Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-05 Trustee Dave Phares moves to set township meeting dates and times as follows: 2nd and 4th
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM at 3333 Lake Road. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-06 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to keep Wes Banco as township depository bank per contract.
Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-07 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay the trustees by the salary method for the 2021 calendar year.
Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-08 Trustee Don Minton moves to appoint Trustee Dave Phares as road superintendent for the 2021
calendar year. Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-09 Trustee Dave Phares moves to appoint Rhonda Ledford as Township Coordinator for the year
2021 at a rate of ($16.60) $16.60 per hour. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-10 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to appoint Ray Nelson as a consultant for the Township for the year
2021 at a rate of ($22.00) $22.00 per hour. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C. All ayes.
21-01-04-11 Trustee Don Minton moves to appoint Mike Allender as road maintenance worker for the year
2021 at a rate of ($18.80) $19.10 per hour. Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-12 Trustee Dave Phares moves to appoint Justin Legge as road maintenance worker for the year 2021
at a rate of ($18.80) $19.10 per hour. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-13 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay the uniform (pants only) rental for the full-time road
employees. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-14 Trustee Don Minton moves to pay Dan Berner as a part time employee ($13.85) $14.50 per hour
for the year 2021 Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-15 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay Joe Monnin and Jeff Anderson as a part time employee
($13.10) $13.75 per hour for the year 2021 Second by Trustee Don Minton R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-16 Trustee Dave Phares moves to pay any new part-time road employees at the rate of ($12.35) $
13.00 per hour for the year 2021. Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes
21-01-04-17 Trustee Dave Phares moves to set full time road employees’ sick leave in accordance with Sec.
124.38 ORC and vacation leave in accordance with Sec. 325.19 and paid holidays as defined in Sec. 1.14 ORC
(New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If all employees agree they may move one
holiday to the day after Thanksgiving. Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-18 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to appoint Jacob King as Fire Chief at an annual rate of ($17,500)
$17,500.00. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-19 Trustee Don Minton moves to appoint Duane Stitzel as Fire Marshall Program Director at an
hourly pay rate of $(20.60) $20.60 and paid per call at the same rate. Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All
ayes.
21-01-04-20 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to appoint Chris Ludwick as Assistant Chief at an annual rate of
($15,500) per year $15,500.00. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-21 Trustee Dave Phares moves to appoint Brian Ludwick as Assistant Chief at an annual rate of
($15,500) per year $15,500.00. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-22 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay all fire captains at a rate of ($4,300.) $4,300.00 per year.
Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes
21-01-04-23 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay all fire lieutenants at a rate of ($3,300.) $3,300.00 per year.
Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-24 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to pay members of the Bethel Township Fire Department at the
following rates, including one hour of pay per regular training session and total hours worked for special
trainings, as determined by the fire chief:
Trainee current minimum wage
Fire certified $11.35 per hour ($11.35)
EMT $13.40 per hour ($13.40)
EMT-I $14.45 per hour ($14.45)
Paramedic $16.50 per hour ($16.50)
Stipends pay for the paid per call program with a maximum of 7 positions each night.
Single Cert $30.00 ($30.00)
FF/EMT $35.00 ($35.00)
FF/EMT Adv $40.00 ($40.00)
FF/Medic $45.00 ($45.00)
Officer $30.00 ($30.00)
All pay raises were put on hold and will be revisited next meeting with Chief Jacob King in attendance.
Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-25 Trustee Dave Phares moves to appoint the following to the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents
Fund: 1. Chief Jacob King 2. Nick Carpenter 3. Chairman, Nancy Brown 4. Treasurer, Stacey McKenzie 5.
Rhonda Ledford
Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: Nancy Brown will serve as chairperson of the committee.
21-01-04-26 Trustee Dave Phares moves to pay all part time and paid per call employees of the Bethel
Township Fire Department double time for hours worked and stipend pay on and New Year’s Eve, New Years’
Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, effective
January 1, 2021. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
Trustee _ moves to appoint Libby Reese as clerk’s assistant at a rate of ($13.85) $_______ per hour.
Second by Trustee __. R/C: Libby has retired.
21-01-04-27 Trustee Don Minton moved to retain Donnelsville Cemetery fees as follows:
Open and close grave Weekdays $700. B/4 2 pm $800. after 2p m
Weekends $1,000.
Holidays $1,100.
Cremation or infant burial Weekdays $500. B/4 2 pm $750. after 2 pm
Weekends $600. B/4 2 pm $750. after 2 pm
Holidays $600. B/4 2 pm $750. after 2 pm
And to retain the cost of burial sites for township residents as follows:
8 graves $2,400.
4 graves $1,200.
2 graves $600.
1 grave $300.
Cost of burial sites for non-residents will remain as follows:
8 graves $3,600.
4 graves $1,800.
2 graves $900.
1 grave $450.
And to charge $.65 per square inch for pouring cemetery foundations and to charge $100 for military markers.
Second by Trustee Nancy Brown. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-28 Trustee Dave Phares moves to set limits of $500 for indigent burials, this in addition to lot, marker,
vault, and opening and closing of the grave. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes
21-01-04-29 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to set township per mile compensation in accordance with federal per
mile compensation, for official travel for township business inside and outside the township, for eligible
township employees and elected officials. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes
21-01-04-30 Trustee Don Minton moves to request advance payments of tax dollars as collected by the county
auditor to be distributed to the township. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-31 Trustee Dave Phares moves to set the township spending limit at $2,500, without prior approval of
the trustees. Second by Trustee Don Minton. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-32 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to set the spending limit for the Fire Chief (Jacob King) at $5,000, without prior approval of the trustees. Second by Trustee Dave Phares. R/C: All ayes.
21-01-04-33 Trustee Nancy Brown moves to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 PM. Second by Trustee Dave Phares.
R/C: All ayes.

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Donald K. Minton, Chairperson

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David A. Phares, Vice Chairperson

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Nancy Brown, Member

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Stacey L. McKenzie, Fiscal Officer