April 15, 2014 Trustee Meeting Minutes

Walnut Township Trustees Meeting

April 15, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Trustees William Yates, Doug Leith and Terry Horn were present.

Randy Cotner, Superintendent for Walnut Township Schools presented information regarding Issue 6, operating levy, which will be on the May 6th ballot. The current levies were voted established in 1993 and 1994 and continue to generate the same amount – $250K and $258K. The school district only receives 21% of the funds from the state due to the student to dollar ratio. A home valued at $100K would pay an additional #241/year in taxes.

Bill Bradish, Palmer Energy presented information regarding the Electric Aggregation initiative that will be on the May 6th ballot. It is Issue 8 in Millersport, Issue 10 in Thurston and Issue 16 in Walnut Township. Historically, when a program such as this is put in place, the homeowner realized a savings of approximately $170/year. Electric bills are broken down into 2 areas – 50% +- distribution and Transportation – which is regulated by the PUCO and 50% +- Generation – which is the actual energy cost. The energy cost is where the savings will be seen. There are 35 counties in Ohio that are participating in this program.

Residents have the option to opt-out within 30 days of the program beginning. Palmer Energy will send out an RFP and once a contract is approved, then the program begins, most likely at some point in the fall. Residents will receive a second chance letter after the program begins that will allow them to opt-out at that point. Residents can opt-in at any point and receive the same rate. This program is only available to customers using under 70,000 kilowatts/year.

The minutes for March 4th were presented for approval. Trustee Leith made a motion to approve the minutes. Trustee Horn seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes.

The minutes for March 18th were presented for approval. Trustee Leith made a motion to approve the minutes.Trustee Horn seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes

The minutes for March 11th were presented for approval. Trustee Horn made a motion to approve the minutes.Trustee Leith seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes

The minutes for April 1st were presented for approval. Trustee Horn made a motion to approve the minutes. Trustee Leith seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes

The minutes for April 3rd were presented for approval. Trustee Horn made a motion to approve the minutes. Trustee Yates seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes

Trustee Leith made a motion to approve checks 24292 through 24313 and EFTS 212-2014 through 258-2014, after being certified that funds are available and appropriations have been made by Fiscal Officer Kraner. Trustee Yates seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes.

Comments from the Floor

Dale Bowers, Lieb’s Island wanted to know when the township would be cracksealing again. The trustees have already approved the budget to complete additional cracksealing this year.

Department Reports

Mr. Neeley – RPC – There is a potential for a legal case regarding the rezoning on North Bank.

Detria Hiles – Zoning Inspector – There have been 18 permits and 2 variances this year.

Roads and Parks – Tim Morris – Tim stated that Jim Butcher was able to have the damage on Truck #2 covered by warranty as a manufacturer fault.

John Sprout at the Buckeye Lake Winery is have a walk for Juvenile Diabetes on Sunday August 17th from noon to three and would like the approval for the trustees. No roads will be closed. The trustees have no objections.

Mike and Tim are generally available between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm to receive used oil.

Old Business

The property at 13058 Elm Rd was given a residential permit and is actually B2. Trustee Horn stated that there are several different options to resolve the situation –

• – Rezone the parcel to residential – Elm and Forest north to Alder – which includes 9 parcels and 7 homes
• – The Zoning Commission could allow residential in a B2 district – there are currently only two other undeveloped parcels zoned B2
• – Allow residential as a conditional use in B2

David Lyles, the property owner, stated that he is improving the look of the trailer, will put in a permanent foundation, a pitched roof, gutters and add residential siding.

There was discussion regarding Residential Mixed Use (RMU) which allows residential with commercial services – this was added in 2010.

Trustee Horn moved to pass Resolution 07-2014 to rezone parcels between Elm and Forest at Fairfield Beach (as shown in Exhibit A) to Residential Mixed Use and to submit the request to the Walnut Township Zoning Commission.Trustee Leith seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes.

A concerned resident mentioned the noise at the Campground at Fairfield Beach and asked what can be done. He has spoken with the owner, but it has not resolved the issue. He has called the sheriff in the past but would like to resolve the issue once and for all. The trustees suggested contacting Lt. Tim Voris at tvoris@sherrif.fairfield.oh.us.

Trustee Horn and ZI Detria Hiles are continuing to work with the property owners at 13050 Shell Beach Rd.

Moving Ohio Forward update – There have been 3 letters sent to property owners regarding the removal of nuisances by the Health Department.

Trustee Horn will be sending out the letter to AEP this week regarding the damage to Blacklick Rd.

ODNR update – There are still 14 Lieb’s Island residents who have not returned the letters to reserve a dock. After the 21st, there is a 10-day leeway. After that point, other Lieb’s Island residents can apply for the docks.

New Business

Trustee Horn will get together with ZI Detria Hiles and put together a list of suggested changes to the Zoning Resolution. These will be submitted to the Zoning Commission for their input.

There was a discussion regarding the amount of money appropriated for legal expenses and the potential cost for the creation of a JEDD.

Trustee Yates has a new 3-year contract from Time Warner that will decrease the cost and add voice mail. There is a one-time setup fee of $99. Trustee Yates made a motion to approve the contract. Trustee Horn seconded the motion.The motion passed with 3 yes votes.

The trustees would like a status update regarding the Kenney Beach subdivision Replat of Lots 1-5 and Formation lots 1A-5A. Detria will follow-up with Jim Morgan and Holly Mattei.

There was a question regarding whether cell phone calls or texts from Ralph Reeb’s phone are available, per the request of Fallon vs BZA. There was also a question as to when John Harker was appointed to the Walnut Township BZA.

Trustee Horn purchased a 3-year contract with Geek Squad. They have already removed the virus on the township computer and updated the Accuglobe. It can also be used on the Fiscal Officer’s computer and the secondary computer in the office.

Bob Myers, South Bank Rd, stated that it is his belief that the township road is on his property. Trustee Yates will meet with Mr. Myers, a surveyor, Mr. Myer’s attorney and the Fairfield County Engineer’s office.

Trustee Horn made a motion to appropriate an additional $25,000 and encumber it for the retainer for Mr. Albers for the purpose of economic development. Trustee Yates seconded the motion. The motion passed with 3 yes votes.

10:25 PM, Trustee Leith made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Horn seconded the motion. The motion passed 3 yes votes.