DALTON TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING-MARCH 24, 2008, 3:00 P.M.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Scott Hladki, Mary Ellen Sherwood, Rosemary Rinella, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, Diane Misze and Lynn Young.

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Hiner.

Supervisor, Scott Hladki, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall.

This special meeting was called to review four sewer hardship cases and to discuss financing for sewer and water connections and assessments for new businesses.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.

FOUR SEWER HARDSHIP CASES:
Scott stated that four people filed for sewer hardship cases; however no applications were received from the four applicants to approve. Scott explained how he thought the process should work for the new sewer hardship cases. He explained that the township would pay for the connection charges and/or assessments and a lien would be placed on the property in order for the township to be repaid the money paid for the same. Petsy questioned why this meeting was called if no applications were received. She stated the other business could have been discussed at the next regular meeting. She stated this special meeting was called to review the hardship requests and there is nothing to act upon. Mary Ellen asked Scott how long the applicants were given to complete the applications and when the applications were mailed to them. Scott stated that they were mailed last Wednesday. Petsy stated if the applicants had to get financial statements no place is open on the weekend and today is Monday when they were to have their applications returned. She did not believe this was ample time for the applicants to complete the lengthy application and gather all of the necessary paper work for this process.

Mary Ellen stated this is a new process; however the application that was provided to board members in the packet for this meeting has never been approved by the board and the application should be revised and approved before any applications are filed. She stated the applications should not have been sent before they were approved by the board. She stated that the application as written is in violation of the current ordinance regarding this matter. She explained the application states that the applicant must file a new application annually, which is in conflict with the current ordinance that states, the applicants only have to file a financial statement annually. She stated there is no annual income defined to be considered for a hardship. Rosemary stated that the board previously adopted the federal poverty guidelines for hardship exemptions for taxes, and this dollar amount could be used in this application as well. The Township Attorney, David Wells, stated that the board should adopt these guidelines for this purposes as well. The attorney stated that an annual financial filing should be sufficient and the application should state that any increase in financial status could discontinue deferment. He suggested the applications state that if an applicant does not file an annual financial statement, the deferment will be terminated. Filing deadlines for the applications were also discussed.
Mr. Wells stated that the current sewer ordinance needs to be amended for the hardship process. The attorney also suggested adding language in the ordinance stating that all costs to the township will be reimbursed to the township. The charges may consist of legal fees, recording fees, and any other costs associated with the deferments.

The sewer hardship application was reviewed and revised. The current Sewer Ordinance was reviewed as well in reference to this issue. Letters from the four applicants were reviewed as well. No action could be taken at this time. Scott stated that the application can be revised and brought back to the next meeting. The attorney stated that he will revise the sewer ordinance and this can be brought to the next board meeting as well.

Motion by Lynn, support by Diane, PASSED to revise the application and the sewer ordinance and bring back to the regular board meeting for review and/or approval. Yes: Lynn, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

FINANCING FOR WATER AND SEWER COSTS FOR NEW BUSINESSES:
A letter was received from Stephanie Barrett, the Zoning Administrator/Sewer Billing Clerk. She states in the letter that there are 16 property owners along River Road who have not connected to the sewer as the ordinance dictates. She states of the 16, eight were given an extension, four have filed for hardship, two have paid their connection fees but have not connected, and three have done nothing. The letter goes on to state that connection was mandatory by December 5, 2007 and letters were sent to the above mentioned 16 who are in violation of the ordinance. In the letter, Stephanie is requesting the board's direction regarding those in violation of the ordinance. Mary Ellen asked what the ordinance states as violation for not connecting in the time frame allowed. The attorney stated that a $500.00 fine can be imposed and stated this is a criminal offense. Mary Ellen suggested that the attorney send a letter to those who are not in compliance with the ordinance. The attorney stated that he will send a letter. The proposed content of this letter was discussed.

The length of time for new business to connect and pay for the water and sewer connection fees and assessments was discussed. It was decided that our water and sewer ordinances should mirror the county's and the Northside Water System's language in this regard to allow a 15 year time frame for the connection fees and assessments to be paid for new businesses. It was explained that current businesses have 30 years to pay for these charges and new businesses, as it currently reads, are supposed to pay these charges up front which in most cases would not be possible and would prohibit most businesses from starting up in the township.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 4:02 p.m. Yes: all.
DALTON TOWNSHIP BOARD
Scott Hladki Supervisor
Mary Ellen Sherwood Clerk
Rosemary Rinella Treasurer
Michael Hiner Trustee
Elizabeth Jenkins Trustee
Diane Misze Trustee
Lynn Young Trustee

Clerk__________________________
Mary Ellen Sherwood