SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order on June 7, 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), Doug Schmitt (Fire Chief), and Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper).
Guests in attendance:
Lee Hendricks (legal counsel), Larkin Downing, and Laramie McPherson
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from May 3, 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 preliminary general budget information, as well as timelines and deadlines for information to be submitted. Once property valuations have been received from the County, the budgeting process will move forward. He anticipates no major changes to the General budgetary needs. Chief Schmitt introduced the preliminary budget information for the Fire Department, highlighting the increased funds needed for payroll and fuel, and stressing the importance of planning ahead and saving for future capital expenditures. Additional funds will also be needed for the planning process of building a new fire station and possibly the purchase of land on which to build it. Member McNorton requested a strategic plan be drafted to document the long-term plans and the financial needs of those plans. It is expected that a mill levy increase will be necessary this year to cover all the cost increases and anticipated capital expenditures.
Mr. Oliva pointed out that amount of Special City Highway tax funds that are received each year is determined using a calculation that was put in place in 1970 and has never been adjusted. He suggested that our legislators be informed of this and request that it be reviewed and possibly updated to compensate the Township for the amount of growth it has experienced since 1970.
Mr. Oliva suggested that the Township take advantage of the rising interest rates by investing $1,000,000 in CDARS accounts for different amounts of time. He suggested investing $400,000 in a 4-week CD earning 0.76% interest, investing $300,000 in a 13-week CD earning $1.14% interest, and investing $300,000 in a 52-week CD earning 2.00% interest. He suggested using the funds currently in the money market account and then closing that account. The remaining funds would come from the regular checking account. Member Glasgow made a motion to invest one million dollars ($1,000,000) in CDARS. Member McNorton seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Fire:
Chief Schmitt welcomed the new Battalion Chief, Laramie McPherson, to the Department. His first day on the job was Monday, June 6, 2022. Mr. McPherson was given the opportunity to introduce himself and summarize his qualifications for the position. Mr. McPherson brings 27 years of experience and knowledge to the department, which is now fully staffed again.
“Old Soldier” fire engine has now been restored and is up and running again. It is on display at the firehouse.
An Open House will be held by the Fire Fighters Association on the evening of June 24, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the fire station. The public is invited. Food and entertainment will be included.
Road:
John Tipton presented the Road Report. Due to heavy rainfall in the month of May, much of the road crew’s time was spent cleaning up. When weather permitted, milling and paving was done in the Green Hills South and Graybeal subdivisions, using over 1,587 tons of asphalt. Asphalt pricing has increased again by approximately $2.50 per ton over last month. A culvert on NE 62nd Street washed out and resulted in 62nd Street being closed from Meriden Road to Schaffer Rd. Shawnee County Road and Bridge Department estimates it will not be repaired until late July or early August. Andrea Sutherland resigned her Operator 1 position last month and the position has now been offered to Garrett Schultz, whose first day will be June 27, 2022.
FYDA had submitted an amended sales agreement for the purchase of a 2021 Freightliner M2106 which had been previously approved. The new agreement includes a $3,800 raw material surcharge. Member Mathes made a motion to approve the surcharge as presented. Member McNorton seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Oliva presented the salt bid for 2022 – 2023 from Central Salt. The bid is for 800 tons of enhanced salt at $82.75 per ton for a total contract of $66,200.00. Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the Central Salt bid. Member Mathes seconded the motion. Motion carried 3- 0.
Executive Session:
Not necessary
There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Member McNorton and seconded by Member Mathis that the meeting be adjourned at 1:09 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting will be held on July 5, 2022, at 12:15 p.m.
Approved by: Karl McNorton, Jerry Glasgow, and Mike Mathews