Disclaimer: Video links are posted as a courtesy to our residents and are not owned by Deerfield Township. Videos are recorded by a third party. Be advised that the official meeting minutes are recorded by our Fiscal Officer and approved by the Board of Trustees. These minutes are posted below for your convenience and may be obtained by request from our Fiscal Officer.
Trustee Meeting – June 26, 2023
The Board of Deerfield Township Trustees met in regular session on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 6:00pm, with Trustees Tiffany Havens, Ed Dean and Mark Bann pre- sent. Chairman Dean opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Tiffany moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting held June 12, 2023 and approve them as written. Ed seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unani- mous.
Communications:
None
Fire Department: Scott Dean provided a verbal report for the fire department on
activity since the last meeting.
Resolution No. 23-11:
Mark Bann moved to adopt Resolution No. 23- to increase pay for fire department members as follows:
EMR $16/Hour EMT-B $16.50/Hour EMT-I $17.50/Hour Paramedic $18.00/Hour
Ed seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Bann Yes
Mr. Dean Yes
Mrs. Havens Yes
Adopted: June 26, 2023
QuickBooks Time program discussed at the previous meeting pricing is a base fee of $40/month and $10/employee/month. At this time, QuickBooks Time is on hold due to the pricing. The Fire Department would like to look into another form of timesheet program.
Tiffany made a motion to purchase the Polaris Trailer at a cost not to exceed $4,000 from Family Farm & Home. Mark seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unanimous.
Mr. Scott Dean presented nine (9) new applications to the Deerfield Township Trustees.
Robert Beech submitted an application with an interest in fire. He resides in Deerfield Township.
Timothy Suderman submitted an application with an interest in fire. Timothy is a Deerfield Township resident.
James Hubbs submitted an application with an interest to become recertified. He was a member of Sebring Fire department for over 20 years.
Jason McCammon submitted an application. He is a resident of Smith Twp and currently a certified firefighter.
Charles Mercer & Joshua Rum also submitted applications. They are certified firefighters and EMT-B’s.
Linda Murphy attended the meeting and submitted an application. She is a paramedic. Bobbi Williams submitted an application. She is a firefighter and paramedic.
Dale Nelson submitted an application. He is a firefighter II and paramedic.
Ed made a motion to approve the nine (9) applications received by Mr. Scott Dean to become members of the Deerfield Fire Department on a one (1) year probationary basis. Mark seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unanimous.
Tony Badalamenti, Portage County Commissioner, attended the meeting to swear in our new members in attendance. Linda Murphy and Mr. Hubbs was sworn in. Mr. Brian Kelderhouse was sworn in as fire captain. Ms. Lindsay Davis was sworn in as EMS Captain.
The new draft policies on hiring, reimbursement, higher education, attendance and training policies were all explained further.
Tiffany inquired with Mr. Scott Dean about the concerns of the Deerfield Firefighter Association to change the training schedule on Monday nights. Mr. Scott Dean indicated they will be rotating training with Sebring and Damascus Fire Departments. Trainings will rotate between truck, EMS and fire.
Tiffany made a motion to approve up to $300 for the retirement party to be held for Mr. Vaughn Sutcliffe on August 12th from 2pm – 4pm. Mark seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unanimous.
Road Department: Since the last meeting, Road Supervisor, Mr. Timothy Suderman was involved in an accident while road side mowing on the tractor. Ohio State Patrol was on the scene. The tractor was towed and the mower has been disabled and unrepairable. Timmy will be off work until at least June 30th. The insurance company has been contacted and a workers compensation claim has been opened. No serious injuries have been reported. The witness indicated the tractor was clearly visible with plenty of signage. The driver who hit the tractor did not brake or slow down. They discussed options such as more signage, another employee to follow or road closures as possible options to prevent this from happening again in the future. The Road Department was on the last cutting.
The Road Department cleared trees with the excavator. Equipment was followed by a chase truck and the roads were closed.
Buildings & Grounds: The Road Department has pressure washed the garage, straitening up the buildings and have been decorating the Deerfield Circle for the 4th of July.
Cemeteries: There is a funeral scheduled for this upcoming Saturday.
New Business: A Deerfield resident inquired about the cattails obstructing the view at State Route 224 and Watson Road. The Trustees asked Gary Leifheit to reach out to Ron with ODOT to request these be cut down.
The Deerfield Township Civic Association donated ten (10) new tables at a value of approximately $950.
A Deerfield resident wanted to thank the community for the patriotic decorations and complimented how nice the gazebo looks at the Deerfield Circle.
The community yard sale held by the Deerfield Civic Association was a success.
The following revenues and bills were presented for Trustees’ inspection and approval: See Revenue Receipt Register Payment Register attached.
Ed made a motion to pay these bills and adjourn the meeting. Mark seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40pm.