SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 

The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order by Mike Mathes (presiding officer and Clerk) on October 3, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. Present were Karl McNorton (Trustee), Jerry Glasgow (Treasurer), Bob Oliva (Township Business Administrator/Road Superintendent), John Tipton (Co-Road Superintendent), Chad Lady (representing the fire department), and Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper). 

Guests in attendance were – Lee Hendricks (Legal Counsel), Leslie Bosch (CoreFirst Bank), Heather Scott (CoreFirst Bank), Patrick Gideon (Silver Lake Bank), Kelli Lambrecht (Silver Lake Bank), and Larkin Downing 

Member McNorton made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from the September 5, 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 

General – Mr. Oliva introduced Leslie Bosch, Sr. Vice President/Controller from CoreFirst Bank. Ms. Bosch presented an explanation of the pledging process that the bank uses to ensure all deposited funds are properly insured. CoreFirst Bank has pledges for Soldier Township that far exceed the need, and formally requests that the Township release some of those pledges. After discussion, Member Mathis made a motion to sign the request for release of pledges. Member McNorton seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. 

Executive Session – Member Mathis made motion to move into executive session from 12:20 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. to discuss attorney client privilege concerning contract negotiations. Exception was made for Lee Hendricks and Bob Oliva to remain in the meeting. Member McNorton seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0. 

The Board returned to open session at 12:30 p.m. 

Member Mathis opened a discussion with Silver Lake Bank representatives concerning their proposal for funding the maintenance building. Patrick Gideon (Silver Lake Bank) confirmed that there would be no prepayment penalty for early pay-off of the loan unless it is refinanced with a different Lessor. With no further discussion, Member Mathes made a motion to approve the Silver Lake Bank proposal for funding the maintenance building, as presented. Member McNorton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 

Mr. Oliva summarized the two proposals that had been received from accounting firms in response to the RFP sent out in May 2023 for annual auditing services. After discussion, Member Mathis made a motion to approve Shipley CPA, LLC as our auditor for the following three years. Member McNorton seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0. 

All expenditures are consistent with budgeted funds for the year. 

Fire Chad Lady presented the Fire Report in Chief Schmitt’s absence. Calls for service continue to increase in comparison to previous years. By the end of September, all but one ALS providing members will be allowed to perform ALS protocols. Numerous public education events were held in September, and more are scheduled for October. The annual Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

Road – John Tipton, Co-Road Superintendent, presented the road report, a written copy of which is included in the board packet. Paving in the Urban Hills subdivision has been completed. Edge cracking due to extremely dry weather required extensive repairs in the Brian East subdivision. The sale of asphalt millings to our constituents resulted in over $14,450.00 income. Major improvements have been made to Schaffer Road north of 62nd Street, including mowing, brush trimming, and removal of abandoned vehicles. The road department will be crack sealing throughout the month of October. 

Member Mathes stated that the date for the board meeting next month needs to be changed to the second Tuesday of the month. It will now be held on November 14, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. 

Executive Session: Member Glasgow made motion to move into Executive Session for 15 minutes to discuss non–elected personnel. Exception was made for Lee Hendricks to remain in the meeting. Member Mathes seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0. 

Executive Session convened at 1:05 p.m. The Board returned to open session at 1:15 p.m. with no binding action having been taken. 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 1:15 p.m. 

The next regular monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. 

Approved Minutes – Signed – 10-3-23