Meeting called to order by Chairman Joseph Neal at 6:00 PM. ***PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE***
Minutes of previous meeting of 7 July 2020 reviewed. Motion made by Supervisor Joseph Neal to accept as read, 2nd made by Supervisor Anthony Plants, 3rd made by Supervisor Jeffery Moyer. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Mitchell Gross e-mailed the following: I would ask that you go back through my questions for the July meeting. You did not answer any of my comments,
1) Supervisor Neal – I didn’t realize you changed parties to blame COVID for more trash. That’s your excuse for why, but not when, and was it budgeted? Because of the excessive amount of trash that the dumpsters would not hold, the three supervisors agreed that Ceres Township should hold an extra weekend for the residents. The first weekend was budgeted, but not the September weekend.
2) Supervisor Moyer half stepped answer for ditching quotes, but let’s provide names and numbers for the initial $4000.00. The extra $1500.00 was explained and understandable. Although it is not required to advertise this amount for bidding, Supervisor Moyer called two other contractors, Jack Bell and Taylor and Armstrong. Neither contractor was interested.
3) Didn’t see a response on who LIED to the public, but with Supervisor Neal not at June meeting where lie was published, it must narrow it down to Supervisor Moyer and Supervisor Plants lying to the public about tailgating.
After thee months of Resident Gross and Resident Friedl insisting our Supervisors lied to the Township citizens, our Supervisors would like to consider the matter closed over such a trivial matter, and let the two continue to call them liars.
4) Supervisor Moyer stated that three quotes were provided for tree trimming. Can we publish those three quotes with names and numbers? Supervisor Moyer contacted Asplundt Tree Trimming, and they were not interested. Liberty Tree Trimming was more money, and would not be available for a year, and Apache Tree Trimming was $15,000.00.
5) I would like to ask for ALL bills paid, ie wages and all be included on meeting minutes. Supervisor Moyer making almost $3500.00 a month. The public needs to know. Wages will be on Solomon’s Word. Supervisor Moyer stated he is making $1.00 per hour more than Supervisor Gross was making when he quit working. Supervisor Moyer also has his CDL, which Supervisor Gross did not. Supervisor Moyer is capable of operating every piece of equipment that the Township has. In addition, the cost of living has increased in past few years.
Resident Friedl asked Supervisor Plants about the sharing of time with other Townships. Supervisor Plants explained that if Ceres Township needs extra help doing a project, we check with other townships to see if they are available to assist, and Ceres Township, in turn, returns the favor to them. This is a common practice that has been done with other local townships for years, and has worked well.
He also asked about the tailgating. Supervisor Moyer said the township just purchased a new truck for $150,000.00, and was not going to let it remain in the garage, and pay someone else to tailgate. Also, the township actually saves money by doing their own tailgating.
OLD BUSINESS
Residents are reminded to send in the Census Forms, so Ceres Township can receive income for
ALL of our residents.
Trash Days will be 18 - 19 - 20 September
NEW BUSINESS
Building Permit for Paul and Karla Zielinski to add a porch to their home – Code Enforcement was notified - approved
Building Permit from Canfield’s Equipment to complete an already existing building - approved
Building Permit from Daniel Taylor to build Recreational Pavilion – approved
Six Yard Recycling Containers – Ceres Township not interested
Letter of request for consideration to fill the vacant auditor position – tabled until next meeting
Gravel Bid for 2020 – 2021 – legal ad will be placed in newspaper
Excavator Purchase – the Township recently purchased a 2005 excavator for $19,000.00 – it should pay for itself in four years
ROADMASTER’S REPORT
Roadmaster Jeffery Moyer said that Whitetail will be tarred and chipped on 17 August (weather permitting)
SUPERVISORS’ COMMENTS
Supervisor Moyer commented on the Profit and Loss for the township – the profit has increased since he was appointed Roadmaster.
Supervisor Neal reported that the township bridges will be inspected, beginning on August 7th.
ROADS BONDED
The following roads are bonded in Ceres Township:
Barbertown Road from School Bus Turnaround to State Line – Emporium Hardwoods
Taylor Brook from Gene Graham’s Camp to Bell’s Run – Patterson Lumber
Champlin Hollow to Route 44 – Danzer Lumber
BILLS REVIEWED – Motion made by Supervisor Joseph Neal to pay bills, 2nd by Supervisor Jeffery Moyer, 3rd by Supervisor Anthony Plants – motion carried.
The next meeting will be on 1 September 2020, at 6:00 PM. At 12 Barbertown Road, in Ceres Township.
Motion to adjourn by Supervisor Joseph Neal, 2nd by Supervisor Anthony Plants, 3rd by Supervisor Jeffery Moyer – motion carried.
Those present:
Supervisors – 3 Joseph Neal, Anthony Plants, Jeffery Moyer
