Summary of the July meeting of the Tate Township Trustees that was held 07/10/18:
- The trustees voted to accept the 2019 budget.
- Mrs. Marx addressed the trustees about the cemetery rules regarding the decorating of graves. The concern is that there are people who want to have flowers on their loved ones’ graves but there are many monuments and markers that do not have vases or room on the stone for flowers to be placed. The trustees understand the concern and appreciate the information. Ed Stanley suggested they call and make an appointment to discuss options that might be available. If decorations are within the rules of the cemetery, they will not be taken off.
- Mr. Painter, the county commissioner, was present to address the trustees about the possible additional 1% hotel tax which would be spent on buying down the debt of the FC Soccer team’s professional sports complex in Clermont County. He assured the trustees that he would keep an open conversation going as soon as he knows more. He is worried that false rumors will start circulating and the county residents will not get all the right information to make a voting decision.
- Mr. Harvey asked Mr. Painter about the additional $5 license fee that was recently added. Mr. Painter said that the funds are earmarked specifically for road repair in all of Clermont County.
- A representative of an energy consultant firm addressed the trustees about putting the aggregation back on the ballot. The trustees said they are not interested in running it again because the residents voiced their opinion by voting it down in November 2017. They respect that decision.
- Officer Pike reported that he is getting complaints about cars parking on township roads that are already narrow. No Parking signs seem to have disappeared over the years. Chief Stowell said they could use Fire Lane signs to be sure the roads stay clear to through traffic and emergency vehicles. Mr. Stanley will check into it and mentioned they would probably cost about $50 each. Pike said he had to ask a group of people to leave the cemetery because they were playing a video “catch” game and walking all over the graves. No law was broken, however it was disrespectful. Officer Pike asked about his renewal contract. The trustees said they can only keep his services if the voters pass a officer levy in November. They voted to accept the contract with a possible cancellation if the levy fails.
- Zoning- George Eckert had 5 permits for room additions in June. He reported on a number of ongoing property neglect and trash situations as well as illegal residencies. In the past, he has tried to work through a mediator to get the situations resolved but that it a slow process and doesn’t always work.. He is now using the county agencies that have more authority and hopes this will encourage residents to follow zoning regulations to avoid penalties.
- Fire & EMS- Chief Stowell reported 242 total runs in June, 42 were fire and 162 were EMS.The June total for fire loss was $45,700. As a part of the Statewide Mutual Aide, the BTFD water truck was used in Portsmouth to help keep the hospital running and cooled while they had no water at all in their water mains. The 2 trucks that aided were pumping 83,000 gallons a day. He noted that, in an emergency here, we had Felicity’s water truck as a back up. Still waiting on final news for 3 grants that were applied for.
- Cemetery- Ed Stanley reported 4 funerals in June and 2 foundations ordered. They have been replacing driveway and road culverts as well as continuing work on Happy Hollow Rd. He needs to order winter road salt by July 13th and the program now requires each entity to buy at least 80% of what they pre-order. He asked the trustees to consider building a salt barn.
