SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order on May 3, 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), Doug Schmitt (Fire Chief), and Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper).
Guests in attendance were:
Lee Hendricks (legal counsel), Rachel Frehe, and Chad Lady
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from April 5, 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 updated on the revisions being made to the Personnel Handbook. Following discussion concerning those revisions and the consistency throughout the handbook, Member Mathes made motion to accept the personnel handbook, as presented. Motion was seconded by Member Glasgow. Motion carried 3-0. Resolution 22-01 reflecting the revised version was signed by all board members.
Mr. Oliva informed the Board that Pam Buckhalter entered a plea concerning Case No. 2020 CR-001447, pleading No Contest to the felony charge of Attempted Forgery and misdemeanor theft. A letter to the Court requesting restitution in the amount of $33,570.34 was presented for approval. After discussion, Member McNorton made motion to approve the restitution request in the amount of $33,570.34 on the Pamela Buckhalter case. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
General expenses were reviewed, highlighting that all are within budgetary expectations.
Fire:
Chief Schmitt presented the Fire Report. The deadline for applying for the open positions of Firefighter and Battalion Chief is Friday, May 6, 2022. The interview process will begin next week.
The Fire Department will be receiving a UTV from the NE Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council at no charge to the department. It should be delivered by the end of 2022.
Chief Schmitt submitted a formal request to purchase new SCBAs (safety breathing equipment) from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc. at the cost of $199,814.68. The current equipment has reached its end of service and is no longer providing reliable protection for the firefighters. This is an anticipated purchase, and the funds are available. After discussion, Member Mathis made motion to approve the purchase of 20 SCBAs at the cost of $199,814.68 from Conrad Fire Equipment, utilizing funds from the Special Fire Fund. Member McNorton seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Chief Schmitt briefly outlined the current expenditures, all of which fall within budgetary expectations.
Road:
Mr. Oliva presented the Road Report for the month of April. Much of the month was spent doing crack sealing. On April 25, the department took possession of a new Caterpillar planer from Foley Equipment. The road crew received thorough training on the equipment from manufacturer representatives. Mr. Oliva is incredibly pleased with the speed and performance of this new equipment and anticipates large overall cost savings from the use of it. A video of the equipment in use has been posted on the township website and Twitter account.
The employee who was injured on the job last month has now returned to work and is making a full recovery.
A request has been made by the school to participate in “Touch-A-Truck” for Northern Hills Elementary, grades K-8. Both the road department and the fire department will be participating.
Due to the increase in the cost of oil, hot mix asphalt prices have increased approximately 10% over the past 2 months. This cost increase will affect the amount of asphalt that can be purchased, staying within budgetary guidelines. At the current pricing, it limits the department to 10% less paving than was originally anticipated.
Mr. Oliva met with representatives from Hastco Construction to discuss the building of the new shop. Hastco will present preliminary plans and costs for the building, based on the specifications requested during the meeting. Once received, if the Township does not agree to hire Hastco for their services, this initial phase will be at no charge. If hired, Hastco will manage, plan and execute the entire construction process. Their proposal should be received within the next 30 days.
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 12:56 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting will be held on June 7, 2022, at 12:15 p.m.
Approved by: Karl McNorton, Jerry Glasgow, and Mike Mathews