Pike Township Trustees Regular

Monday, July 17^th 06

Regular Meeting

President Lee Strad called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Trustees Bob Anstine and Doug Baum were present as well as Clerk Steve Knox. Others in attendance were Dan Stallman, Steve Ayer, Brian & Mary Ann Shanouer, Alison Roberts, Clarence Flowers, David Ross, Gary Alkire, Andi Michelson, Nancy Cramer, Sharon Perrine, Ron Katt, Joe Barnes, and Dave Collier.

A motion was made by Anstine to accept the minutes and financials as presented. Seconded by Baum.

Roll Call Vote: Baum – Yes

Anstine – Yes

Strad - Yes

1^st Public Speaks Session

Danny from Sandy Valley Community Park Board, stated that the Township has been very generous helping out the Community Park throughout the years. The past month or so the park attendance has been down, but the last few days the park has been full due to the temperatures being high. The reason for him coming to the Trustees is that their water heater is starting to go. The Board is seeking the help of the Township Trustees on the replacement/purchase of a new 75 gallon water heater. He isn’t sure of a price yet. The Trustees agreed to purchase and put in the water heater up to a price of $800.00. They asked Pahanish to call and have it put in.

Nancy Cramer stated that the methane has been really bad lately. Strad reminded everyone to contact the health department to complain about the odor, but they will continue to contact them as well.

Steve Ayers, former Township Trustee in Jackson Township was there representing Brian and Mary Ann Shonehour. His client purchased lots in June of 2000 from a person who owned the lot previously. On May 10^th, his clients received a letter from the Township stating that there is a possibility that a baby is buried on one of the lots. The space number is 4 and the lot is 189. The mother of the baby would like to put an upright stone on the space.

The baby was buried in the early 40’s, but no one is sure if the baby is actually there or in a different space.

Strad stated that just from his point of view, it is a business deal between people and nothing to do with the Trustees. The Board asked Mr. Ayers to call the Township attorney and discuss the matter with him.

Pike Township Trustees Regular

Monday, July 17th 06

Ron Katt appreciated Baum taking them up to the landfill for a tour and update. He thought it was interesting that the EPA requires 1 gas well per acre, and they have 105 wells, more than is required by law.

Allison stated that the odors are back and the intensity is up. Supposedly the one side of the cell had a blowout, causing the worst smell in the last 7 months. They did get a permit for another flare, since the one can not pull enough of the gas. She is not saying they are not trying to solve the problem, but if they can’t fix it then they can’t.

She went on to state that she is concerned that they are putting 7 more cells in when they can’t handle the ones they have now. They are not worried about the water contamination, but are concerned about controlling the odors.

She really thinks there should be a Citizens Advisory Board. They would work together with the landfill on issues, as well as getting communication out to the public.

Any example as to where the Advisor Board would help is that in the case of a blowout, the Board would know and then be able to notify the public as needed. If the communications would increase, then the citizens would be a little more understanding.

Andy Nicholson stated that she called the Health Department at 7:18 this evening about the odor.

She stated that from the 1st of June until the 17th the odor was good. Now, it is the worst that it has ever been. This is our house with 7 acres, and she is wondering now if they are going to have to leave.

Ron Stallman from Haut Street stated the odors are overwhelming and they don’t seem to be doing anything about it. He asked why the EPA isn’t doing anything about it. Strad stated that the EPA states that an odor is un-definable and thus not enforceable.

Allison wants the Trustees to continue to talk with Senator Schuring and every other representative that may be able to help.

Strad stated that everyone knows there is a problem. The laws need to be written behind this, and everyone needs to keep being persistent.

Allison discussed more about the Citizen Advisory Board that she has been talking about. She is looking for a group of people who are interested in finding out information on the landfill, and then communicating it to the people.

Strad asked if the Board would want to talk with Countywide about forming the advisory board similar to what the residents have around Ashland Oil. It was recommended that the Board should just be Pike Township residents, and then get the information out to other townships or areas as the advisory board reports.

Pike Township Trustees Regular

Monday, July 17th 06

Pike Township people have always been thoughtful and courteous at meetings, but other residents outside of the Township have had a history of being disruptive and not courteous in te past. Because of this, it would probably be easier to get buy in from the landfill if it limited to Township Residents at this time.

Allison also talked to Baum, about the curve at Downing and Haut. She would like hidden drive way signs installed if possible. Anstine stated that he would call about getting the signs erected.

She also asked about the mud pit beside the church. Anstine will call the County Engineers.

Gary Alkire represents Buckeye Mining Co. He wanted to let the Trustees know that they just won an award for reclamation excellence. He thanked Joe Barnes for the letter of recommendation that helped win the award.

New Business

Resolution #10-2006

A motion was made by Anstine to increase total appropriations in the general fund by $30,000 dollars. Seconded by Baum.

Roll Call – Strad –Yes

Anstine – Yes

Baum - Yes.

Baum reviewed some of the generator prices with the lowest end at $13,310.

Anstine made a motion to purchase the generator. Seconded by Baum.

Roll Call – Strad –Yes

Anstine – Yes

Baum - Yes.

Baum said the cracked stone at the cemetery was Mrs. Kolunchuk. It is between Sonny and the Township. It’s about a $3,000 stone, but the homeowners insurance covered it all but $250 the first time. Knox will check the insurance to see if they will cover the deductible.

Strad stated that badges for the Township employees could be done by the Sheriff’s office. Everyone should have them and need to get them done.

Pike Township Trustees Regular

Monday, July 17th 06

Resolution 11-2006

A motion was made by Strad to resolve that Steven Meeks be appointed to the 911 planning committee. Seconded by Anstine.

Roll Call – Strad –Yes

Anstine – Yes

Baum - Yes.

Anstine made a motion that the Trustees and Clerk expenses be reimbursed for the Summer and Winter Township Association Convention. Seconded by Strad.

Old Business

Nothing at this time.

Financial Report

Nothing at this time.

Zoning Report

Perrine stated that we have a notice for the Emergency Management Agency meeting on July 20^th at 9:00 a.m. at the Stark County Emergency Management Agency. Knox stated that he will go to this meeting.

Also, Charlie Hall is handling the adverse property for Nancy Cramer.

The BZA denied the expansion for the Miller Company. There was a letter sent that everything from the fence on needs removed. They will be setting up a date to have a meeting with the Company.

Also, there is an RV that is not licensed sitting on some property and covered up. She is working on that one.

The 28^th is the date that the Sherlin property will be cleaned up.

Road Report

Pahanish stated that they have been cleaning up trees.

The old pickup needs springs and bolts approximately $1,000 dollars. The Trustees approved.

Asphalt out for bid for the north end of Howenstine. It’s approximately 3,500 feet as well as a 2500 piece on Briggle.

They are bidding the asphalt out to be done by October.

Public Speaks Session

Nothing at this time.