SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
The regular monthly board meeting of Soldier Township was called to order by Mike Mathes (presiding officer and Clerk) on November 14, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. Others present were Karl McNorton, (Trustee), Bob Oliva (Township Administrator / Road Superintendent), John Tipton (Co-Road Superintendent), Doug Schmitt (Fire Chief), Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper), and Lee Hendricks (Legal Counsel). Jerry Glasgow (Treasurer) attended via speaker phone.
Guests in attendance were – Chad Gerhardt, Larkin Downing, Scott Day (Day Insurance), Patrick Gideon (Silver Lake Bank), Kelli Lambrecht (Silver Lake Bank), and Kevin Cowan (Bond Counsel – Gilmore & Bell, P.A.)
Member McNorton made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from the October 3, 2023 board meetings, as presented. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. There were no amendments or additions to the agenda.
Public comment and communication – none
The order of presentation on the agenda was changed while waiting for the arrival of Bond Counsel.
General – Mr. Oliva presented the General Report, including an overview of the budgeted expenditures to date. With 87% of the year gone, the net expenditures are at approximately 74%, which should leave funds to transfer at the end of the year of more than $100,000.
Road – Mr. Tipton presented the Road Report. The Road Department spent the month of October focusing on crack-sealing and shoulder repair, much of which damage was caused by the drought. Snow removal equipment is ready for the upcoming season and the department purchased a welder, an air compressor, and a vibratory plate compactor for a total of $3,500 from Federal Surplus. The sale of asphalt millings has resulted in $17,490 of additional income this year. Mr. Oliva added that with 87% of the year past, the net expenditures for the road department are at approximately 76%. This allows for the anticipated remaining funds to cover the 20% downpayment on the new maintenance shop building.
Fire – Chief Schmitt presented the Fire Report. The classification rating from ISO will continue to be Class 3/3Y for the next 5 years. The department will be placing an order for 6 sets of Turnout Gear at a total cost of $16,406.28 plus freight. The department was awarded a grant in the amount of $5,342.76 from the State Fire Marshal for 2 sets, and the remaining balance of $11,063.52 has been properly budgeted. The Halloween Safe House was a success with a steady stream of participants, and the department participated in numerous fire safety events at schools within the school district throughout the month of October. The department currently has 5 paid- per-call job openings and will begin interviewing next week to fill those positions.
General – Scott Day (Day Insurance) presented the renewal rates for health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. Rates are increased 3.5% from 2023 rates. After discussion, Member Mathis made a motion to approve the renewal rates on employee insurance benefits as presented. Motion was seconded by Member McNorton and passed 3-0.
Road – Mr. Hendricks explained that the earlier special meeting included discussion of the lease purchase documents received from Kevin Cowan, Bond Counsel with Gilmore & Bell, P.C. Mr. Cowan addressed all questions and further explained the details in the documents. Funding will not be required until after the building permit is received.
The matter of authorizing the Township to enter into a lease-purchase transaction came up for consideration and was discussed. Thereupon, Member Mathes introduced a Resolution entitled as follows:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SOLDIER TOWNSHIP, SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSS TO ENTER INTO A LEASE PURCHASE TRANSACTION, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH WILL BEUSED TO PAY THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, AND INSTALLING A BUILDING AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS, FIXTURES, EEQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS AND SUPPORT FACILITIES FOR USE AS MECHANICAL SHOP FOR THE ROAD DEPARTMENT IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP; AND TO APPROVE THE EXECUTION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Thereupon, Member Mathes moved that said Resolution be adopted. The motion was seconded by Member McNorton. Said Resolution, was duly read and considered, and upon being put, the motion for the passage of said Resolution was carried by the vote of the Township Board as Aye 3, Nay 0. Member Mathes declared the Resolution duly passed and the Resolution was then duly numbered Resolution No. 23-03, and was directed to be signed by the Township officers.
Patrick Gideon (Silver Lake Bank) asked for clarification of the opening of a primary depository account by the Township at Silver Lake Bank. After discussion, Member Mathes made a motion to begin the process of getting a proposal from Silver Lake Bank to become the main depository of the Township. This process will be completed within six months. Member McNorton seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the Noxious Weed Treatment Agreement for 2024. Motion was seconded by Member McNorton. Motion passed unanimously.
General – Cost of Living increase proposals were presented by Chief Schmitt and John Tipton for all non-contract employees of the Fire Department and Road Department. After discussion, Member McNorton made a motion to approve a 5% cost of living increase. Member Mathes seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Executive Session: Member Mathes made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel for 5 minutes. Exception was made for Lee Hendricks and Bob Oliva to remain in the meeting. Member McNorton seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Executive Session convened at 1:15 p.m. The Board returned to open session at 1:20 p.m. with no binding action having been taken.
Soldier Township will be holding a Special Meeting on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 12:00 p.m at the Fire Department. While any and all township matters may be discussed at this meeting, the Board anticipates that the bulk, if not all of the meeting, will be spent in executive session under the non–elected personnel exception to discuss and review applications for the Township Administrator position.
With no further business to come before the Board, Member Mathes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Member McNorton seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
The next regular monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 12:15 p.m.
Signed Document Minutes – Signed – 11-14-23