Soldier Township Board Meeting
The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order on April 5, 2022, at 12:15 p.m. Board members present were Karl McNorton (Trustee), Jerry Glasgow (Treasurer), and Mike Mathes (Clerk). Also present were Bob Oliva, Township Business Administrator/Road Superintendent, John Tipton, Co-Road Superintendent, Battalion Chief Wesley Roberds representing the Fire Department, and Laurie Moody, Bookkeeper.
Guest in Attendance:
Larkin Downing and Dustin Evans
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from March 1, 2022, Board meeting, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member Mathis seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Public comment and communication
There were no public comments or communication.
General:
Mr. Oliva presented the current Profit and Loss Report, highlighting the insurance costs and budgeted amounts.
Mr. Oliva provided an update on the proposed boundary change, incorporating a cul-de-sac that is currently within Menoken Township. Following a presentation of the suggestion in a Menoken Township Board meeting, there were no objections from Menoken Township. Member Mathis made a motion to move forward with the procedure to change the boundary to include the cul-de sac. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. It was questioned as to how the residents would be informed of the change. Mr. Oliva will research what needs to be done and will update the Board when it is clarified. As there was no further discussion, motion carried 3-0.
Brief discussion was held about the revisions being made to the Personnel Handbook. Due to some issues still needing clarification and legal review, Member Mathis made motion to table any action on the Personnel Handbook revisions until the next scheduled board meeting.
Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Fire:
Battalion Chief Roberts presented the Fire Report.
In the absence of Fire Chief Schmitt, Mr. Oliva spoke on his behalf concerning the proposed updated pay scale and open positions for the Fire Department. Mr. Oliva is confident that all proposed changes will fall within the current township budget constraints. After discussion, Member Mathis made a motion to approve the updated Fire Department pay scale and open positions as presented. Member Glasgow seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Road:
Mr. Oliva updated on the equipment for sale with Purple Wave Auction, which is to end next Tuesday.
Information was included in the packet regarding the Shawnee County Public Works bridge replacement at NW 66th Street over Indian Creek just east of Topeka Blvd.
Mr. Oliva reported on an employee on-the-job injury. All processes and procedures are being followed regarding the incident.
Bettis Asphalt representatives assigned to the township are the same representatives that the township dealt with when asphalt was purchased from Hamm. They are familiar with the quantity of asphalt the township has purchased in the past and with how the township functions. Asphalt prices, however, are fluctuating due to oil price fluctuations and are higher than originally budgeted. Adjustments may be made to the amount of paving that will be done this year, if necessary to stay within budgetary restrictions.
John Tipton presented the Road Report. There are currently thirteen (13) open work orders which are being addressed in a timely manner. Road salt that had been ordered in advance was not needed, so will be available for use next fall. All paving equipment has been serviced and is ready for paving to begin.
Mr. Tipton proposed the disposal of a 2006 590M Case backhoe, either through Purple Wave Auction or broker services by Foley Equipment. Estimated income from this disposal is
$40,000. Proceeds from the sale would then be applied to the purchase of a skid steer loader which will be much more efficient for the department’s needs. Member Mathis made motion to approve disposal of the 590 through Foley Equipment brokering a price to sell. Member McNorton seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Oliva informed the Board of his discussion with representatives of HME concerning the possibility of HME building the new road department shop. A preliminary estimate for the basic building is $600,000, however, the estimated final cost will be around $850,000. Mr. Oliva requested permission to begin the process for designing and engineering of building. The township has the funds in reserve to begin the process and the remaining necessary funds will be addressed in next year’s budget. Member Mathis made a motion to approve the beginning of the design and engineering process for a new shop building. Member Glasgow seconded motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
Executive Session:
Not necessary
There being no further business to come before the Board, motion was made by Member McNorton and seconded by Member Mathis that the meeting be adjourned at 1:03 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting will be held on May 3, 2022, at 12:15 p.m.
Approved by: Karl McNorton, Jerry Glasgow, and Mike Mathews