Geneva Township regular meeting, Dec. 9^th, 2009.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mills at 7:30 p.m. Those present were Mr. Mills, Mr. Russell, Mr. Pruden and Fiscal Officer Long. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Pruden, seconded by Mr. Russell. Bills in the amount of $43,135.18 covered by warrant numbers 13847-13920 were approved on a motion by Mr. Russell, seconded by Mr. Pruden.

Mr. Russell gave the Fire Dept. report. He indicated that the Fire Committee had met on Dec. 1^st, 2009. There was a discussion on the recently failed levy, which was determined that the economy had a great deal to do with it’s failure as well as some confusion on the language in respect to the need of the levy. The Committee has decided to look at the Cemetery Building at Maple Ave. as a possible Fire Station in that particular area. It would be an alternative to building a new building. It would be purchased from the Cemetery. The building needs to be looked at in respect to feasibility as to it’s use. The total loss was by an estimated 180 votes.

Mr. Cerjan gave the Zoning Dept. report. He indicated 3 permits had been issued, a total of 22 permits have been issued for the year, 14 of which were for pole barns. Also 3 new houses were built within the Township. It was indicated that one new house was built within the City of Geneva.

He had received a response from the County Prosecutor in respect to the questions he had asked in respect to the house that the tree had fallen on. The County Prosecutor indicated the house could be condemned after 30 days if nothing was done and then it can be demolished. Those costs would be applied to the tax payer.

Junk yards are prohibited except for existing ones by our Zoning Code. Also our Zoning Code does not permit windmills. Mr. Russell indicated it would probably be important for us to get a new zoning map, especially to cover the area of Waste Management that has been rezoned.

In respect to the trailers on Countyline Rd., they are the same owner and he continues to keep getting permits to date. A camper that is moved around the area was recently parked on Jamison Lane, Mr. Cerjan approached the property owner and indicated it was not proper within the zoning and the trailer has been moved.

Mr. Russell pointed out that Saybrook Township is having a meeting with the Commissioners in respect to Health and Welfare as it affects the home owners around the landfill. The Commissioners have indicated that EPA and the Health Dept. have approved it and they find no problems. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15^th, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Ground water has been tested, it is also okay. Mr. Russell indicated that Attorney Canter has been working on the lifting of the Covenant at the landfill to indicate the legal ramifications prior to us doing that.

Mr. Mills and Mr. Russell gave the Road Dept. report. They indicated that we have an ample amount of grit and cinders in stock. Recently we have ordered another 50 tons of salt, which is due in. We have approximately 150 to 160 tons of cinders. Cinders mixed with the grit seems to work the best.

There was some question about the speed study done on Barnum Rd. In respect to the speed limit, the portion in Harpersfield is 35, ours is 45. The New London turnaround has been cabled off by the property owner. A meeting with that owner will try to determine if that can still be used.

On a motion by Mr. Pruden, seconded by Mr. Russell unanimously approved the Christmas bonus of $300 per full time employee. It was indicated they have done a good job throughout the year.

It was reported that an electric pole at Barnum and Rt. 84 is down. Apparently temporary power has been installed since Barnum Rd. does have power.

The Organizational Meeting for 2010 is set for Saturday Dec. 26^th at 9 am. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Pruden and unanimously approved.

Resolution number 2009-02 was approved on a motion by Mr. Russell, seconded by Mr. Pruden. The resolution is accepting the tax rates as set by the County Auditor for the year 2010.

A discussion took place in respect to sidewalks that would affect the new school on Austin Rd. especially from the Trailer Park to the School. Mr. Russell has indicated the school has applied for a grant to build sidewalks. However, there is some questions still to be answered in respect to maintaining those sidewalks since the bulk of that area is within the Township.

Also the entrance to the beach at the Driftwood should be looked at to see what needs to be done if anything. Mr. Russell and Mr. Mills will look into this.

The Township reviewed information published by the Geneva Area Chamber, which was written by Mr. Russell for the year 2009. Mr. Russell indicated that Roger Fuller had been appointed by the City to be their representative on the NAD Board, he also indicated they had 2002 calls, approximately 84 below last year at this time. 294 of those calls were in the Township. The Water Committee has met on the Rt. 534 waterline.

It was pointed out that Waste Management has been recertified by the Wildlife Council.

Mr. Russell indicated that the Share a Christmas Program was only supported by Geneva Township Officials and not by any of the others in the area.

Mr. Pruden gave a report on the initial meeting of the 534 Corridor Study, there will be another one on Jan. 12^th when a bus tour of the area for members of that group will be taken.

There being no further business, on a motion by Mr. Russell, seconded by Mr. Pruden they returned to Executive Session at 8:40 pm.

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