Oxford Township Trustees
Minutes
March 09, 2009
ITEM
Call to Order 34-09
Approval of Agenda 35-09
Recognition of Guests 36-09
Oath of Office 37-09
Approval of Minutes of February 09, 2009 38-09
Approval of Financial Report 39-09
Approval of Appropriation Modifications 40-09
Approval of Advance 41-09
Approval of Resolution Retaining Video Service Provider Fee 42-09
Consideration of Roofing Proposal for Oxford Township Building 43-09
Standing Items 44-09
Approval of Resolution Increasing Paving Cost on Todd Road 45-09
Other Items 46-09
Approval to Pay Bills 47-09
Executive Session 48-09
Adjournment 49-09
Oxford Township Trustees
Minutes
March 09, 2009
34-09 Call to Order
At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Salmon called the meeting to order at the Oxford Township Building. Mr. Salmon stated that Mr. McDonough will not be present due to an illness.
Present: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Absent: Mr. McDonough
35-09 Approval of Agenda
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
36-09 Recognition of Guests
Mr. David Brown, Deputy Auditor for Butler County presented brochures on the Auditor’s Office. Mr. Brown stated that property reappraisals are being finalized and appeals can still be filed until March 31st. Mr. Brown stated that 2008 sales data can be utilized during the appeal process. Mr. Brown also stated that Mr. Reynolds will be reviewing values in 2009 to ensure that properties are fairly valued. Mr. Salmon asked if during the appeals process an individual can request representation. Mr. Brown stated that representation is encouraged. Mr. Salmon asked how much distance will be considered between properties. Mr. Brown stated that like property is considered when property is located in the rural area. Mr. Frimerman asked how foreclosure prices impact the process. Mr. Brown stated that State Law prohibits the use of foreclosure pricing. Mr. Frimerman asked if there is a fee to file an appeal. Mr. Brown stated there is no fee for filing; however, you can only file one appeal during the three year process. Mr. Brown stated that a retroactive credit could be applied if an appeal if a success appeal is filed in the future.
Mr. & Mrs. Cross, 6043 Booth Road, expressed concern over a "Welcome to Oxford Township" sign that was placed on their property. Mrs. Cross requested the sign be moved to the property line. Mr. Salmon stated the sign was placed in order to determine lines associated with the road maintenance agreement due to a recent annexation. Mr. Salmon stated they would reconsider the location of the sign.
Mr. Darrell Smith, President of Talawanda School Board was present to discuss the construction of a new high school on South 27 in Oxford Township. Mr. Smith stated the Board has been in conversations with the City regarding annexation. Mr. Smith stated the Board has attempted to gather infrastructure costs associated with the property. Mr. Smith stated the Board is looking at some sort of partnership agreement with the City as it relates to turn lanes & a traffic light at 27, widening of University Park Blvd to the site, sidewalks, water & sewer in return for annexation to the City. Mr. Smith stated the City has stated they would install sidewalks along University Park Blvd and would pay for the additional charge for a larger water lines and labor for the water. The City stated they wouldn’t contribute for sewer or road improvements. The Board has requested reimbursement for sewer costs in the event that future develops would tie into the sewer line. Mr. Smith stated the additional income tax associated with the construction phase is approximately $300,000. Mr. Smith stated the annual income tax from the employees working at the high school would be approximately $50,000.
Mr. Smith stated sewer access is available through property belonging to Hugh Clawson & Miami University. Mr. Smith stated the Board is looking for some sort of partnership agreement with the Township. Mr. Salmon stated the Township has no mechanism to tax but would be willing to work with the Board on grants or other ways to assist with the project. Mr. Frimerman asked what the Board would like from the Township. Mr. Smith stated he would like whatever is possible. Mr. Smith stated it is the desire of the Board to work hand in hand with the City and the Township. Mr. Smith stated that there could be additional operating costs associated with a utility surcharge if the property isn’t annexed into the City. Mr. Rowan suggested since the City has no money, the Township could partner with the Board and City to allow for the investment in infrastructure costs with a payback through a revenue sharing agreement with the City. Mr. Frimerman expressed concern with any action that would be in opposition of the comprehensive plan. Mr. Frimerman asked what the Board’s timeline is. Mr. Smith stated feedback is needed as soon as possible so a decision can be made regarding City or County zoning. Mr. Smith stated ground breaking is scheduled for November with preliminary site work in the summer. Mr. Smith stated the Board is looking for financial consideration on a number of infrastructure needs. Mr. Frimerman and Mr. Smith stressed the importance of a partnership so all three work together for the community. Mr. Salmon suggested a meeting of the Board, City and Township to openly discuss options.
37-09 Oath of Office
Mr. Rowan administered the oath of office to Constable Webb and Constable Heitfield.
38-09 Approval of Minutes of February 09, 2009
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the minutes of February 09, 2009 as amended.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
39-09 Approval of Financial Report
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the financial report as presented.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
40-09 Approval of Appropriation Modifications
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the appropriation modifications as presented.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
41-09 Approval of Advance
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the advance of $5,000 from the General Fund to the Road & Bridge Fund.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
42-09 Approval of Resolution Retaining Video Service Provider Fee
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the resolution retaining the 3% video service provider fee (excluding advertising) with Time Warner Cable.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
43-09 Consideration of Roofing Proposal for Oxford Township Building
Mr. Hoelle discussed the need for roofing improvements at the Oxford Township Building. Mr. Hoelle stated one estimate has been received from American Asian, Inc and other estimates are pending. Mr. Salmon stated Mr. Hoelle would continue to collect estimates from other companies. Mr. Frimerman asked how many squares were needed. Mr. Hoelle stated approximately 30 squares are needed.
44-09 Standing Items
-Cemetery Report
-No Report
-Road Report
-Mr. Hoelle provided a road report to the Trustees.
Mr. Hoelle stated a few snow events occurred. County Engineers will begin late March and into May for culvert repair. Several signs damaged due to wind. Mr. Hoelle stated the cost to repave Todd road has increased from $230,000 to $260,000 due to asphalt costs. Mr. Salmon stated it is expensive but will only go up in the future. Mr. Frimerman asked if any federal funds were available. Mr. Salmon stated we could look into the availability of federal funds. Mr. Salmon stated that halfway would go to Jones Road.
-Police Report
-Chief Goins provided a police report to the Trustees.
Police department has been busy with a fatality car crash & drug busts.
Suspect charged with several felony charges for assaulting officers with his vehicle.
Officer Campbell resigned to take a position with the City of Oxford for more money.
Aux. Officer Webb promoted to replace Campbell.
Weather siren on Taylor Road still a problem.
-Committee Reports
Comprehensive Plan/Land Use
Oxford Township
-No Report
Oxford City
-No Report
Emergency Management Meeting
Mr. Salmon stated they met on February 10, 2009. Mr. Turner resigned and the Executive Committee met on February 18, 2009 to discuss the vacancy. Mr. Salmon stated they heard a presentation from a University of Cincinnati Professor regarding the impact of Homeland Security. The next meeting is April 7, 2009 to review applications.
Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)
An application is being received for a revolving loan fund. A discussion was held on the Talawanda infrastructure requirements and the need for Fire & EMS.
Butler County Engineers Meeting
Mr. Salmon stated the road mileage report no longer needs to be signed. Mr. Salmon stated new standards have been passed on the reflect-ability of road signs. Mr. Salmon stated the new signs meet the revised standards.
45-09 Resolution to Approve Resolution Increasing Paving Cost on Todd Road
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the increased paving costs of Todd Road subject to the County seeking stimulus funding or other grant funding if available.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon approved the motion 2-0.
46-09 Other Items
Fire EMS Meeting
o Mr. Salmon stated a meeting will be held on March 11, 2009 with the City of Oxford at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Salmon stated that Phil Russo is gathering information on similar arrangements with other cities.
School Annexation Meeting
o Mr. Smith will coordinate a meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Talawanda Middle School on March 16, 2009 with the City of Oxford and Oxford Township to discuss the potential annexation and infrastructure improvements associated with the new high school property.
47-09 Approval to Pay Bills
Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to approve the payment of bills.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
48-09 Executive Session
No executive session was held.
49-09 Adjournment
At 9:00 p.m., Mr. Frimerman moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Aye: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon
Nay: None
Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 2-0
Respectfully submitted,
James M. Rowan, Fiscal Officer
Trustee Trustee
Trustee Fiscal Officer