SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order on November 2,
2022, at 12:12 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 — Matt McGivern (President, Senne Company) and James (Wes) Shourds (Senne Company)
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the check register, the bank account reconciliation reports, and the minutes from October 4 and October 1 9, 2022 Board meetings, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member Mathes seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Public comment and communication — There were no public comments or communication.
General — Mr. Oliva introduced Mr. McGivern and invited him to speak to the Board about the building contract that Senne Company has prepared for the new road maintenance building. After his information presentation, it was decided that the issue will be re-visited in a special meeting that will be scheduled for later in November 2022.
Mr. Oliva presented the General Report, highlighting the budget expenditures are right at 77% while we are at 84% of the year. The budget expenditures are where they should be at this time of the year.
A cost-of-living adjustment request was presented on behalf of all non-contract employees. After discussion, Member Glasgow made motion to approve a 5% cost of living increase for all non-contractual employees. Member Mathes seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Renewal rates from Surency Insurance for 2023 for employee-paid vision insurance were presented. There was no change in the renewal rate from 2022. Member McNorton made motion to approve the Surency rates. Motion was seconded by Glasgow. Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Oliva discussed the progress on obtaining insurance rate quotes from Aetna Insurance for health insurance for employees. The quote will be used to compare rates against the township’s current health insurance policy to ensure the employees are offered the best possible insurance coverage at the best possible price for the employees and the township. When the rate quote is received from Aetna, a special meeting will be called for discussion. A decision will be required prior to December I , 2022.
Fire — Chief Schmitt presented the written Fire Department Report.
The AEMT class is being well-attended, and the feedback has been very positive on the quality of the instruction being given.
Trunk or Treat Safe House event was successful and was well-attended.
The UTV build got re-bid at a higher cost than was previously submitted. Chief Schmitt is working with Cycle Zone to get the price lowered.
The contract for the acquisition of the land for the new fire station was presented for review and signature. Motion was made by Member Mathes and seconded by Member McNorton to approve the real estate contract with Mark Prellwitz for purchase of ten (10) acres of ground on NW Topeka Blvd., with funds coming from the Special Fire Fund. Motion carried 3-0.
Road — Mr. Oliva presented the road report.
The department has completed the planned asphalt projects for the season. All the equipment has been serviced and is ready for snow removal. Electric service has been completed in the new equipment storage building. And training on the equipment is continuing for the less-experienced operators. Interviews are being held for the vacant operator position and it is anticipated that the position will be filled very quickly.
Mr. Oliva attended the County/Township Luncheon on Friday, October 28, 2022. At this meeting, he learned that the County Clerk’s office has the legal descriptions for all townships in Shawnee County. Access to this information will now allow the township to move forward with the boundary change with Menoken Township, as previously discussed.
The annual contract from the Weed Department was presented for consideration and approval. Member Mathes made motion to approve the Weed Department contract for 2023. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
With no further business to come before the Board, meeting adjourned at 1 :03 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 12:15 p.m.
Approved see signed posting. Board Meeting Minutes – Signed – 11-2-22