SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 

The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order by Mike Mathes (presiding officer and clerk) on April 4, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. Other board members present were Karl McNorton (Trustee) and Jerry Glasgow (Treasurer). Also present were Bob Oliva (Township Business Administrator/Road Superintendent), Doug Schmitt (Fire Chief), John Tipton (Co-Road Superintendent), and Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper). 

Guests in attendance were – Lee Hendricks (Legal Counsel) 

Member McNorton made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from the March 7, 2023 Board meeting, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. There were no additions to the agenda. 

Public comment and communication – There have been several questions presented about the trees being taken down on the newly purchased property on Topeka Blvd. A reporter from WIBW interviewed Chief Schmitt and televised the interview on the evening news. 

General – Mr. Oliva presented the general report. All actual expenditures are in line with the budgeted expenditures. 

Building permits in the entire county have decreased drastically since the beginning of the year. 

Fire –

Chief Schmitt presented the written fire report. The SAFER Grant has been submitted and deadline for the 50/50 Forestry Grant is due 4/14/23. Chief Schmitt will have the Forestry Grant submitted prior to that deadline. The department has received $5,000 from the FM Global Foundation for the purchase of iPads. Member Mathis made motion to approve the spending of those funds from the Special Fire Fund for the purchase of the iPads. Motion was seconded by Member McNorton and passed unanimously. 

The pancake feed was held and generated about $6,100.00, netting about $5,000.00 for the Fire Fighters Association. 

Road –

Mr. Tipton discussed storm runoff and erosion issues created by two property owners who have failed to maintain their drainage area. After further discussion, it was decided that when a property owner fails to maintain their culvert and drainage area and it creates erosion or drainage issues on other properties, a bill will be submitted to that property owner for the cost for the Township to remediate the damage. 

The road department currently has one Operator position vacant. Discussion was held concerning the challenges of finding and hiring qualified employees who currently hold a CDL license, which is required for all current levels of Operators for the Road Department. It was decided that a position which will not require a CDL license will be submitted to the board for approval.

Mr. Tipton presented the written road report, updating on the status of work performed during the month of March. 

Member Mathis suggested that both action items of considering the purchase an asphalt roller and a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 be combined as one item. After discussion, motion was made by Member Glasgow and seconded by Member McNorton to purchase the Caterpillar asphalt roller for $67,155 and the 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 for $26,500 using funding as presented in the special funding request. Motion passed 3-0. 

Executive Session: 

Mr. Oliva requested an Executive Session for five (5) minutes to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel. All persons present in the meeting may remain for this conversation. Executive Session began at 12:56 p.m. and returned to open session at 1:01 p.m. Member Mathes requested a motion to increase the current mechanic’s hourly rate to the amount of an Operator 3 hourly rate. Member McNorton made motion and was seconded by Member Glasgow. Motion passed 3-0. 

Trustee McNorton requested a second Executive Session for ten (10) minutes to discuss nonelected personnel, to include only the board members and Lee Hendricks. Executive Session commenced at 1:03 p.m. and returned to open session at 1:13 p.m. No binding action was taken. Member McNorton made motion to adjourn, Member Mathes seconded. Motion passed 3-0. 

With no further business to come before the Board, Member McNorton made motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Member Mathes. Unanimous vote to adjourn the meeting at 1:13 p.m. 

The next monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. 

Approved 

Here is the signed document: Board Meeting Minutes – 4-4-23 – Signed