The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members of the Board present were: Mr. Philip Beck, Mr. Kenneth Bryant, Mrs. Kathryn Wagner, and Mr. John Borchers.

Also present:  Gerald Beckman - Township Administrator; Robert Malloy - Township Law Director; Carol Sims - Township Assistant Fiscal Officer; Lt. Dan Reid - Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

MR. BORCHERS asked for nominations for President of the Board and noted that a second would not be required.

MRS. WAGNER moved to appoint Kenneth Bryant as President of the Board.  The motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'abstain'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.

MR. BECK moved to appoint Kathy Wagner as Vice President.  The roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.

MR. BRYANT announced that Trustee meetings for 2009 will continue to be held on the first Tuesday each month at 7:00 p.m., with Special meetings scheduled as needed.

Mr. Bryant announced that salary for the Township Trustees will be $20,568.00 and will be paid in monthly installments.  The salary for the Township Fiscal Officer will be $28,176.00 per year, paid in monthly installments.

Mr. Bryant announced that members of the Township Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals will receive $50.00 per meeting.

Mr. Bryant announced that the Holiday schedule will remain as outlined in the Employee Personnel Policy and that the Employee Personnel Policy will remain the same.

Mr. Bryant announced that the Township will continue its contract with the Loveland Symmes Fire Department at an annual fee of $1,616,138.30 and that the Township will continue its contract with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Patrol.

The following appointments were made by the Board:
       John Borchers as the Board Representative to Finance Committee;
      Ken Bryant as the Board Representative to the Ad Hoc Park Expansion Committee; 
       Kathy Wagner as the Board Representative to the Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee;
       Kathy Wagner as the Board Representative to the Ad Hoc Community Reinvestment Area
       Phil Beck as the Board Representative and Kathy Wagner as the Alternate to C.L.O.U.T.;
       Phil Beck as the Board Representative to Hamilton County Planning Partnership;
       Ken Bryant as the Board Representative to Hamilton County General Health District Advisory Council;
       Phil Beck as the Township Representative to ICRC;
       Kathy Wagner as the Township Representative to the Hamilton County Township Association;
       Jerry Beckman as the Township Representative to the Hamilton County Tax Incentive Review Council and
       Chip Brinkman as the Township Representative to Hamilton County Township Road Superintendents Association    

MR. BECKMAN reported that, with the assistance of the Symmes Historical Society, the application for designation of the Meade House to the State Registry of Historic Landmarks has been approved.  Mr. Beckman noted that the next step would be the National Registry, but he did not recommend this step.

MR. BRYANT questioned if there was a need for the Township to maintain the Meade House in any certain way.

MR. BECKMAN stated that he has reviewed the paperwork and there is no such requirements.  This designation does provide for an exemption to certain building code requirements.

MR. BECK questioned if the Society is interesting in pursuing the National Registry.

MR. BECKMAN stated the Society has not approached the Township and the Township has not asked.

MR. BRYANT thanked the Symmes Historic Society for its assistance in this matter and requested that the Society be asked if they felt the Township should take the next step to the National Registry.

MR. BRYANT moved that the Township pay its bills.  Mr. Beck seconded the motion and all voted 'aye'. Proper certification having been made, warrants totaling $7,008,836.09 were issued.

GERALD BECKMAN -  Reported on activities in the township since the last meeting:

1.  METRO BUS PARKING - Advised that the Park-n-Ride at Harpers Station Shopping Center is being discontinued.  A resident has questioned if the Township would assist in locating a new location within this area.  Mr. Beckman noted that the Safety Center would be an ideal place and if additional spaces is required, the Sycamore Church might be interested. 

MR. BECK stated that he felt the Township should work with SORTA and questioned if there was any potential liability.

MR. MALLOY stated he did not believe there would be any problems and suggested that Mr. Beckman could check with the insurance carrier.

MR. BRYANT noted there is a Park-n-Ride at Fields Ertel and Mason Roads in Warren County and stated that he has seen overnight parking and other problems.  Mr. Bryant further stated that he would like to support SORTA, but would like to see such regulations as part of any agreement.  Mr. Bryant questioned the timeframe.

MR. BECKMAN stated he felt that SORTA would like to start on March 1.

The Board directed the Township Administrator to continue working with SORTA on the possibility of utilizing the Safety Center parking area.

2.  HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF - Advised he attended a recent meeting regarding cuts to service.  District Three will be losing two of the three County cars.  This remaining car will be assigned to all three Townships - Symmes, Sycamore and Columbia.  Mr. Beckman stated that the Sheriff's Department has offered to provide a car to District Three at a cost of $75,000 and questioned if the Board was interested in this proposal.

MR. BECK questioned if the Sheriff's contract expired on December 31, 2008.

MR. BECKMAN stated that the contract was automatically renewed unless one of the parties notified the other.

MR. BRYANT reviewed the staffing requirements per the contract and stated he felt that Symmes Township would not be affected by this reduction.

LT. REID stated there are currently five cars assigned to District Three - two canine and three power shifts.

MR. BECKMAN stated that the canine units are not included.

MR. BRYANT also noted that the contract provides for one resource officer assigned to the high school and this could be affected by Loveland's annexation of this area.  It appears that the question is whether the Township can afford this additional expenses. 

MR. BORCHERS stated that there are many items which influence the revenue received by the Township.  The Township has budgeted funds for a resource officer which could be utilized for an additional patrol officer.

MR. BRYANT suggested that this discussion be tabled in order for the Law Director to review the contract to determine what is required.  A Special Meeting could then be scheduled to make a final decision.  The Township Administrator could also contact Sycamore and Columbia Townships in order to determine how they are going to proceed.

Mr. Bryant stated that the Township has been expending $75,000 for a resource officer, without any assistance from the City of Loveland, and would be willing to utilize these funds for an additional patrol officer in Symmes Township.

MR. BRYANT moved to hold a Special Meeting on January 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the Hamilton County Patrol personnel issue in order to respond to Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.  Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.

3.  SIDEWALKS - Mr. Beckman advised he has complied a list and will forward to the Hamilton County Engineer if the Board agrees.  This would be for possible Federal funding.

MR. BRYANT stated he felt this list should be prioritized and cost figures included.

MR. BECKMAN advised he could meet with the consultant to determine costs for these sections and recommended that the Board offer to provide some funding assistance if required.

MR. BORCHERS stated that any sidewalk funding should be reviewed.

MR. BRYANT questioned if the Humphrey Road sidewalk could be included.

MR. BECK stated that Humphrey Road - Phase II and Enyart Road sidewalks are important.  Humphrey Road is a "shovel ready" project and this is what the Federal Government would consider.

The Board agreed that Humphrey Road - Phase II, Enyart Road and Montgomery Road being at the top of the list.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

MR. BRYANT moved that the Board enter Executive Session to consider the purchase of real property and to discuss the appointment of a public employee.  Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.  The meeting adjourned for Executive Session at 8:04 p.m.

The meeting reconvened from Executive Session at 9:08 p.m.

MR. BECKMAN continued with his report:

4.  HEADWALL PROJECT - Advised the Township will receive $35,000.00 in matching funds for a headwall replacement project.

5.  CRA AREA - Advised he has met with all school districts in the Loveland Madeira Road area.  The County Development is working on the necessary paperwork which should be available for the next meeting.

LAW DIRECTOR -  Mr. Malloy advised that the deeds for the Rozzi property have been recorded.

JACOBS - e-mail regarding Humphrey Road sidewalk project.

ENQUIRER - e-mail requesting financial information.

TURNER - Letter regarding Feldkamp and Safety Center.

ROBERT GOERING, HAMILTON COUNTY TREASURER - Notice of Collection of Inheritance Taxes ($168,495.40).

PERKINS CONSTRUCTION - Change Order #2, Change Order #3, Change Order #4, Change Order #5 and Change Order #6 requests.

SHERIFF DEPT - October activity report.

ODOT - e-mail response to inquiry regarding light at Calumet and Appleseed.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding Rozzi property.

LT. REID - e-mail regarding Car #93.

cc:CHIEF HUBER to SYMMES FIRE - e-mail notification of Township's intent to hire part-time employees.

cc:MSD to KLEINGERS & ASSOC - Letter regarding conditional approval of plans for Meade property.

LISA HASSELBECK - e-mail requesting additional signage along Montgomery Road.

MANLEY BURKE - Letter regarding annexation petition of high school property.

CLERMONT COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - Notice of suit filed by Erwin Walker.

LIFE to LARRY SCHUCHTER - Letter regarding benefit payment.

cc:STATE AUDITOR to CLARK SCHAEFER HACKETT & CO - Notice of contract for audit services from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2012.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Ten Mill Certificate.

LT. REID - e-mail response to inquiry regarding possible cuts in 2009.

cc:MSD to PUBLIC HEALTH - Letter regarding Patrilla/Plumhill sanitary sewer.

JABOBS - Executed contract for Humphrey Road sidewalk - Phase I.

TURNER CONSTRUCTION - e-mail regarding Feldkamp and Safety Center.

FELDKAMP - Payment and Release Form on Safety Center.

RBC - e-mail regarding Note Purchase Contract.

SKEETS HUMPHRIES - Proposal for repair work at Safety Center.

RON RUEHLMANN - Application for re-appointment to BZA.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Certificate of Total Appropriations.

INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION - Letter regarding suit filed by Erwin Walker.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Notices of 2008 property values.

HCDC - Letter requesting proposals for Federal Community Block Grant Program.

RBC CAPITAL - Closing memo on $9,000,000 Park Land Acquisition Note.

KLEINGERS & ASSOC - e-mail regarding water line to Log House.

McBRIDE DALE - e-mail regarding Master Plan.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding Payne Firm's qualification to perform VAP certification.

COUNTY ENGINEER - Notification that the District 2 Integrating Committee has approved the Kemper Grove Lane Headwall replacement project for 2009.

MT PLEASANT BLACKTOPPING - Contractor Guarantee for Safety Center parking lot.

COUNTY ENGINEER - Letter regarding federal stimulus funds for construction of sidewalks.

COUNTY ENGINEER - Letter regarding 2008 mileage certification.

OSTERWISCH - Proposal for replacement thermostats in meeting room.

CITY OF MONTGOMERY - e-mail regarding 10th anniversary of 1999 tornado.

SYMMES FIRE - November activity report.

DUKE - Facilities Agreement for 11600 Lebanon Road.

RAINBOW SERVICES - Asbestos report for 11813 Mason Road.                                                              

WORKERS COMP - Record of Proceedings on claim filed by Erwin Walker.

CHESTER WILCOX - Letter regarding 2009 Retainer with Elizabeth Stanton.

RUMPKE - Proposal for waste collection.

OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Letter regarding December 5 meeting on Meade House.

PUBLIC HEALTH - Letter regarding property at 11887 Lebanon Road.

PUBLIC HEALTH - Letter regarding CRI progress.

KLEINGERS & ASSOC - e-mail regarding front sidewalk at Meade House.

COUNTY AUDITOR - Letter regarding recent demolition permit.

SHERIFF'S DEPT - Copy of report for accident on Union Cemetery.

MOTOR VEHICLES - Letter regarding IRP 2007 audit findings.

PAYNE FIRM - Final ASTM Environmental Site Assessment on Rozzi property.

WORKERS COMP - Letter regarding current rates.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding transfer for Rozzi property.

M/M MITCHELL - e-mail regarding required easements for Humphrey Road sidewalk project.

BILL BLUMENSTEIN - e-mail regarding proposed Master Plan.

SYMMES FIRE DEPT - e-mail regarding emergency repairs to Tower 61.

OTA - e-mail regarding local distribution fund CT2009 estimates.

MERCY FRANCISCAN ST. JOHN - Letter regarding 2008 Circle of Giving Christmas Program.

FRANK GATES - Letter regarding Workers' Comp. payroll report.

WOOD & LAMPING - e-mail regarding 2009 agreement for Law Director.

RUTH ROLFSEN - e-mail regarding citizen participation.

SYMMES FIRE - e-mail regarding recent death of Robert Kissick.

ATTORNEY GENERAL - Letter regarding suit filed by Erwin Walker.

ROBERT GOERING, HAMILTON COUNTY TREASURER - Notice of Collection of Inheritance Taxes ($6,403.89).

SYMMES FIRE - e-mail regarding broken hydrant on Fallis Road.

cc:DR.JAMES LeVAN to SYMMES FIRE - Letter of appreciation.

SCOTT HOWELL - e-mail regarding field usage.

ALEX RAWLINGS - e-mail regarding field usage.

M/M MITCHELL - e-mail response to easement offer.

YEAGER WELL - Proposal for well abandonment

cc:WOOD & LAMPING to CLER CTY COMMON PLEAS - Answer to suite filed by Erwin Walker

MR. BRYANT stated the Board has been talking about the transition of the Master Plan Committee into the Community Reinvestment Review Committee.

MR. BECK stated he felt this would be a natural transition for these residents to this new committee.

MR. BRYANT moved to appoint Brad Vigran, John Dowlin, Jr., John Goedde, Gregory Kessler and Ron Salatin to serve on the Community Reinvestment Review Committee.  Mr. Beck seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mrs. Wagner - 'aye'; Mr. Bryant - 'aye'; Mr. Beck - 'aye'.

JOHN MEYER, 8382 PATRILLA LANE - Arrived late and wanted to discuss the nuisance complaint for this property.

MR. BRYANT advised John Meyer that the Township has taken action to provide for the clean-up of his property.  Mr. Bryant explained the process and advised that the Board will clean-up this property if it not done within the seven (7) day period.  Mr. Bryant stated that the Board has given this property owner adequate time to remove the debris.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.