SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP NEWS
Sylvania Township In Agreement With Springfield Township For Greater Fire Protection - Both departments to roll on alarms in either jurisdiction under terms of the memorandum of understanding.
An agreement recently approved by Sylvania Township trustees should result in a greater fire response not only in the Sylvania community, but in Springfield Township as well.
Both fire departments operate under a mutual aid pact currently and its scope, under the new memorandum of understanding, will be expanded.
Under the new level of cooperation, the departments will "automatically send the nearest equipment from their jurisdiction to each other..." Chief Jeff Kowalski, of the Sylvania Township department, said that under current guidelines a department needs to be on the scene of a fire before they ask the other department for mutual aid response. "Now dispatchers will be sending equipment from both departments to the scene of a fire."
John Jennewine, chairman of Sylvania Township trustees, said the agreement is an example of "cooperation between the two townships," that should enhance the welfare of the residents." Difficult economic times for governments means, "We're all getting squeezed and may be a little more open-minded,'' in finding ways to work together.
He noted that fire departments are uniquely difficult to staff from an efficiency standard, because the demands on those departments can't be predicted.
Chief Barry Cousino, of the Springfield Department, said the planned for greater response to a fire call will result in greater safety for citizens and firefighters and retard the progress of a fire from the outset.
He too mentioned the economy, citing the ability to bring more assets to the scene of a fire without each department having to hire more firefighters and buy more equipment.
He noted that his department has had a similar agreement for two years with the Monclova Township department.
The agreement calls for a minimum of four training sessions each year, although Chief Kowalski said there will likely be more than that.
In addition to joint-training exercises, the firefighters have worked together in mutual aid situations and a generally familiar with each others equipment and methods of operation.
There will be a review of the operating agreement 90 days after it is put into effect. Chief Kowalski said it is anticipated that it will be in force July 1.
He said some of that time will be taken training dispatchers in the new method for sending forces to fight fires in the community.
Moving On Up - Workers are Constructing Exterior Walls At Planned Township Grocery Store
The ground has been prepared and the walls are going up on what will be a new grocery store operated by Gordon's Food Service at 5717 West Central Ave.
The property is at the south end and to the west of the Ballas Buick dealership and to the east of the Wal-Mart store.
Bill Casey, real estate manager for Gordon's, said construction began in March after all building permits were received.
The Sylvania Township board of zoning appeals granted some needed variances for the project to get underway. Some had to do with landscaping, and the board agreed with the township planners that Gordon's would be required to construct only one truck delivery well rather than two.
Planners pointed to the company's experience in establishing 150 stores, that only one well was needed for their operations.
The 16,339 sq. ft. building will be operated as a GFS Marketplace grocery store, Mr.Casey said.
If construction can remain on schedule he said completion and opening is planned for October.
Once in business, the store is expected to employ about 30 workers
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE - McCord Road between Bancroft Street & Central Avenue
McCord Road will be closed to through traffic between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. just jouse of Elmer Rd. starting on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 for two (2) day period. During the closure period a detour will be provided as follows:
BANCROFT STREET from McCord Road to King Road
KING ROAD from Bancroft Street to Central Avenue
Central Avenue from King Road to McCord Road
The contractor may close McCord Road intermittently throughout the day.
Tobacco-free Township Property Sylvania Township trustees have passed a policy which expands prohibitions against smoking to make all township property tobacco-free.
Smoking has not been allowed in township buildings for years, but under the new restrictions there will be no more areas designated for smoking outside the buildings or anywhere on township property.
The policy is for all fire stations, police headquarters and sub-stations as well as the township hall and the public works facilities on that site.
Susan Wood, assistant township administrator and human resources director, said the policy is not only for employees, but for visitors to township property as well.
The policy states that "due to the acknowledged hazards arising from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, increased medical costs and safety factors," the township will provide a tobacco-free environment.
The policy includes "spit" tobacco and any form of smokeless tobacco.
It is to take effect Nov. 1.
Ms. Wood said the township will provide smoking cessation classes, and products meant to aid in smoking cessation under the township's health care program.
The policy also states that the township will not offer employment to tobacco users.
New employees on or after Nov. 1 will be subject to testing for the presence of nicotine during their probationary period. Refusal to take the test or a positive result will subject the employee to termination.
Gray skies gave way to sunshine and warmed the entrants to the first Sylvania Township 5K walk, run, amble, 
dash, stroller-push around the lake at Olander Park on a recent Sunday.
Although there was an electronic timer for those who took part, "everybody won,'' according to Sami Babkiewicz, who was one of the organizers for the event from the township's wellness committee.
There were more than 80 participants in the activity with many of them children of township employees. More than 20 employees circled the lake three times which equates to 5 kilometers.
Plenty of water was available and some snacks. Kids were drawn to the face painting table and adults were
welcome to a post-race massage.
The committee had recently organized a virtual walk to Toronto for employees and the event at Olander was
another in an effort to provide activities for township employees meant to increase their overall health and wellness.
In addition to the activities, the township fire department parked a rig nearby for youngsters to admire.
"It was a perfect day for it, and everyone said they had a good time, Susan Wood, township assistant administrator and human resources director, said.
It is hoped that word of mouth will bring out a larger contingent of employees next year, she added.
For those keeping score, first place went to Randy Mull and Scott Germani, who tied with a time fo 24:30
Those at the event made donations totaling $215.00 which went to the Victory Center.
Participants earned points in a program which will reward employees at the end of the year who have taken part
in activities over the year.
In addition to the 5K event and the virtual walk to Toronto, the township offers discounts on gym memberships, a Weight Watchers group and promotes other activities to further healthful lifestyles.
The accumulation of sufficient points by the end of the year will result in a prize of $100 or a paid day off.
Driver Spins Out Afer Being Tapped By Township Cruiser
A dangerous driver recently was spun out after being tapped on the rear bumper by Officer Heather Maynard after she and another township officer had been chasing the car at speeds up to 80 mph on westbound I-475 and southbound I-475/U.S. 23.
Although the driver Gerald Jordan, 62, of Toledo was able to drive for a short distance, his car was quickly pinned against a guard rail by officer John Tanner, who had also been in pursuit.
Chief Rob Boehme said the chase and its end was nearly perfect.
It could either be considered bad luck for Mr. Jordan, or his luckiest day, that the officer in pursuit is not only trained in what is known as the "pit maneuver," but is also certified to teach it and other driving skills to Ohio police officers in Ohio.
He noted that Officer Maynard and Officer Tanner are both trained in the maneuver and that they both are driving instructors for township officers.
Chief Boehme said the maneuver is only used under the most dire circumstances and even then only when conditions involved in the chase allow for it.
The township officers had begun to chase Mr. Jordan after he was seen on I-475 near Corey Road speeding and operating erratically. He was going about 80 mph despite the car spewing sparks because of a flat tire.
After heading south on the expressway, the driver slowed to about 40 mph which was within the speed guidelines for officer Maynard to attempt the maneuver.
She tapped Jordan car's driver side bumper with the passenger side bumper of her cruiser.
It caused Jordan's vehicle to spin after which he entered the median, was briefly in the northbound lane and, after returning to the southbound lane, was pinned by Officer Tanner's vehicle.
He still had his foot on the accelerator, the police report said, when officers reached in to turn off the ignition and then pull the driver from the car through the window.
Chief Boehme stressed that the maneuver is rarely used, but the potential danger of a drunk driver operating as Mr. Jordan was called for its use in an attempt to stop him.
He said both officers did what was called for, including officer Tanner acting as backup and coming in to put a final end to the chase.
He said he intends to have all of the township's patrol officers trained in the "pit maneuver."
The chief equated in to firearms training. "It's something you hope you are never called on to use, but it's important to know what you're doing if the situation calls for it."
And he won't have to look far for instructors.
POLICE CONTRACT SETTLED
Township trustees have accepted a fact finder's recommendation that police employees be granted a wage increase of 2 percent for this year and 1.5 percent in 2013. The settlement solidifies a three-year contract which had included a wage reopener clause for this year. In 2011, the first year of the contract, police were granted a 2 percent raise and a bonus of $750.
The township administration and the police went to fact finding after negotiations left the sides at odds over the amount of raise which should be granted through the reopener clause.
The township had offered a 1.5 percent wage increase in each of the last two years of the contract. Police bargainers had sought a 2 percent increase this year with an additional $750 bonus. They also asked for the re-opening of wage negotiations for 2013.
According to the report issued by Richard Novak, the fact finder, the Ohio Patrolman's Benevolent Association argued the the township has the financial ability to pay the wages sought for the command officers, patrol officers and dispatchers covered under the contract.
Although the ability to finance the raises sought is a "critical factor," according to Mr. Novak, it is not the only factor which he had to consider.
The offer from the township, officials argued, was in line with prudent fiscal management, increases in health care costs, equity with other township contracts and wage rates in similar police departments.
The fact finder cited statewide research which placed Sylvania Township in the top 75 to 80 percent in wages when compared to other departments. He also noted that the township had paid 90 percent of family health care insurance. He acknowledged
there had been an increase in the amount, but wrote that he would defer to future experience in that category before considering it in determining wage adjustments.
He also noted that bonuses are generally granted only in the first year of a contract, in lieu of a wage increase or some other contractual issue.
Township trustees unanimously voted to accept the findings.
The agreement covers 10 command officers, 37 patrolmen, and 17 members of the dispatchers unit.
The membership of each of the three classifications has also approved the recommendations.
Township EMS Best in Cardiac Treatment
Fire and medical emergencies happen at all times of the day and night, and your Sylvania Fire Department is there for you in your time of need. In 2011 the fire department responded to over 3600 emergency medical calls. Of those EMS calls, 13% were reported as cardiac related and 6.6% were patients in cardiac arrest at the arrival of fire department paramedics. Your Sylvania Fire Department has been an EMS leader in Lucas County since 1990 by requiring all full-time fire fighters hired to have paramedic certification. This forward thinking from then Fire Chief Dave Drake gave the Sylvania community a first in Lucas County by having all first response fire engines and trucks staffed and equipped to provide Advanced Life Support care. Currently, 99% of the full-time fire fighters on the line are paramedics. This level of care is enhanced as all Sylvania Fire paramedics are certified to Lucas County EMS standards, which is higher than required by the State of Ohio.
What does this mean for you, the citizens we serve? According to Brent Parquette from Lucas County EMS, the first 6 months of 2011, Lucas County EMS Life Squad #6, (which is stationed at Sylvania Fire Station #1 and is staffed with Sylvania Fire paramedics), had a cardiac arrest (ROSC) Return of Spontaneous Circulation rate 16% higher than the rest of the Lucas County EMS system as a whole. “Let’s face it, as a department; you are the elite in Sylvania. The professional attitude, work ethic, and willingness to always strive for improvement in all aspects of paramedicine is quite apparent.” Mr. Parquette also mentioned Sylvania Fire and Life Squad 6 as having “A cohesive team (department) approach to cardiac arrest” and “…your department's approach to QA (quality assurance) and run follow up far exceeds what is done in other places. Constant review of your performance and skills, in my mind, will only make you better.”
Many Sylvania Fire paramedics are certified by the State of Ohio as EMS instructors, and teach in the Lucas County EMS system. Mr. Parquette further states “It is refreshing to see the Sylvania medics work together within the continuing education program. Watching their performance in skill stations, one would think it was a "real" scenario playing out in front of them. Absolutely - that is the way it should be done. Those critical practiced skills in CE are carried out into the field and make a real difference in the approach to patient assessment and care.”
The volunteer fire department of years ago in Sylvania, with first-aid trained fire fighters, transitioned to full-time fire fighters with emergency medical technician certification, then to fire fighters with paramedic certification, provide the Sylvania Community with highly trained and educated fire fighters and the highest level of care when you need it most – your time of need.
The management team of the Sylvania Township Fire Department is proud of and congratulates your fire fighters for their dedication to service in the community of Sylvania.
Township Employees Walk to Toronto
Approximately one-third of the Sylvania Township workforce has begun a virtual walk to Toronto as a new facet in its extensive wellness program. The virtual walk is in conjunction with a program sponsored by the American Heart Association. The local chapter of the association uses a program which counts steps and translates other forms of exercise into steps as teams of three make their way to the Canadian city.
Each member of the 19 teams will take the nearly 300 mile trek for the journeyby walking 4,730 steps per day until the program concludes March 31. Christina Colvin, of the local heart association, said the average person walks about 2,000 steps in a normal day. She said the increased exercise not only is a benefit to heart health, but aids in losing weight and general well-being.
There will be stops in Windsor and Woodstock, Ontario, a sister-city of the township, along the way, according to Sami Babkiewicz, who is coordinating the event. She said prizes will be awarded at the stops, but what they are is a secret. The prizes won't be awarded until each member of the team has reached the goal.
The same is true for the conclusion at Toronto. A team can't just pick a marathon runner and then the other members do nothing. Everyone has to get to Toronto for the team to finish," Ms. Babkiewicz said.
Ms. Colvin said she is impressed by the number of employees who have chosen to participate. The heart association has made the activity available to a number of local companies and agencies, "and we usually see a bump up in participation the second and third years, because people see the fun of it and the benefits. "It's very impressive to see such a large percentage get involved the first year," she said. This could be true for the township, at least in part, because of the active wellness programs available to Sylvania Township employees.
Points earned by finishing the walk to Toronto will be added to points earned in other endeavors available during the year. Reaching a sufficient point total by the end of the year can earn an employee a prize of $100 or a day off work. "Instead of calling in sick an employee can get a well day off," according to Susan Wood, assistant township administrator, who has stressed using some wellness programs which had been in effect and adding to them, with the walk to Toronto being the most recent example.
Ms. Wood said the efforts are in part driven as a hoped-for antidote for rising health insurance costs, but also simply as an informal benefit meant to result in healthier, happier workers.
John Jennewine, chairman of the Sylvania Township trustees, agreed that one of the motivating factors in the overall wellness program is the hope for containing health insurance costs and in reducing the number of sick days. He added that there are less-measurable benefits in having a more efficient, healthy workforce. He also said that being physically fit is its own reward for each of the employees and that the township is happy to be able to provide ways to achieve it.
Ms. Wood said the township provides payment of all but $10 of a monthly fee for employees who belong to a gym nearby, but only if the employee uses the gym a minimum of six days a month. Otherwise the employee must pay the full fee, usually $35 she said. There also are regular meetings of a Weight Watchers club, and numerous aids available to help a worker stop smoking.
Ms. Wood said it is likely that a second competition will be developed for employees later this year.
Project of the Year Award
Sylvania Township has received the "Project of the Year," award for using pervious pavement for the parking area at it's new fire station on Whiteford Road, just north of Monroe Street.
Wayne Moening, of the Ohio Concrete Association, which presented the award,said the use of the material is an environmentally friendly way for paving surfaces and the township was given the award for using the relatively new technology.
The parking area of the station, to the south of the building, is made of pervious pavement, a substance which allows water to flow through the surface. In the case of the station, the water flows through the surface to a stone base and then into perforated pipes. The water then flows through the pipes into a rain garden located next to the parking lot.
Mr. Moening said the primary benefit of pervious pavement is that storm water isn't added to the storm-water sewer system. If it is used in enough quantity in large developments it could reduce the need for developers to construct retention ponds to hold storm water to reduce the possibility of flooding. Pervious pavement is more expensive than other materials used for paving, but Mr. Moening said he intends to show it to developers and others in the construction industry as a possible alternative to more traditional materials.
The fire station is the only known site in the township with pervious pavement and it was paid for through a state grant as a demonstration project. Mr. Moening said the material isn't suggested for areas where there is a high rate of traffic, or where vehicles might turn frequently. He said particles of the material can be caught in tire treads and pulled from the surface. Daryl Graus, manager of the planning and zoning office, said pervious pavement is a material which could be used in other parking areas adjacent to travel lanes and possibly in large commercial parking lots for spaces a distance away from stores which are only parked in a few times a year.
Mr. Moening said a special rolling mechanism is required to lay the pavement. He said a couple of area contractors own the device and the association also has one which is made available for contractors when they need it.
Fire Station Sold
The former Sylvania Township fire station on Central Avenue, just west of I-475/US23, has been sold for $310,000.
John Zeitler, township administrator, told trustees that the sale is contingent on the lot being zoned for commercial use, rather than its current category which is for governmental property. He said the township is seeking that rezoning and otherwise the sale is on an "as-is" basis.
He had hoped the property might get a higher price, but after inspecting it he found that there are leaks in the roof and other likely structural problem. Another problem for the former fire station property is it's location. Although Central Avenue is a commercial corridor, the site of the former station number two is blocked from eastbound traffic lanes by a traffic barrier.
Mr. Zeitler said two independent appraisals estimated the site's value at about $300,000. The original asking price was $339,000. Mr. Zeitler said the building itself will likely have to be torn down and another constructed before the property can be put to use. The first two offers on the property were in the range of $250,000. Eventually Ryan Opiel made the successful offer of $310,000.
The current number two fire station is on McCord Road, south of Central Avenue.
A Sylvania Township trustee has begun conversations with state officials in an attempt to allow township residents to vote on issues effect the township only, rather than be required to include citizens of the city of Sylvania in the ballot issues.
The issue came to the fore when it was determined that city residents would have to be included in voting on an issue of whether or not the township would opt-out of its contract with TARTA.
Trustees had said that if voters agreed to opt-out of TARTA, they would have an alternative transportation system in place for the township. That alternate system would have to be funded by a separate tax, which would have to be approved by voters, including city residents.
Because of limits on townships, trustees can't place an issue on the ballot seeking funding specifically for an alternative public transportation service. The township would have to seek an increase through a levy for general operating funds.
Because the city has no plans to drop TARTA, it is thought unlikely that city residents would vote in favor of increased taxes meant for an alternate system for the township.
Neal Mahoney, trustee, said he has had preliminary talks with officials in Columbus to see if there is a way to allow township residents only to vote on issues particular to the township. He said it was too early to determine what changes may be needed or how long the process might take.
Trustees had earlier determined they would put an issue on the March ballot so voters could decide whether or not to opt-out of TARTA. When that decision was made, trustees intended to have an alternate transportation plan in place.
At their most recent meeting, they voted 2-1 to pull the issue, but voiced their intent to have it on the November ballot. John Jennewine, chairman of the trustees, said that although trustees had received a report from a Florida-based transportation consultant, "there is an idea of a plan, but there is no plan.
He added that, "TARTA is the number one complaint I get, but I don't want to pull the rug out from under," those who rely on the service. Mr. Jennewine said that by moving the opt-out issue to November, there would be time for, "either side to get their voice heard."
Trustee Kevin Haddad voted to keep the issue on the March ballot. He said that if the opt-out provision failed, the community would still be served by TARTA and the issue would be over. If it passed, he said he thought there would be sufficient time to get a plan underway before TARTA service ceased. He also noted that by pushing the vote to November, residents will have to pay taxes on the service through 2013. Even if TARTA has ended operations in the township.
Mr. Mahoney said he voted to delay the ballot issue, because trustees had said there would be an alternate plan in place but such a plan couldn't be devised in time. He is also working with state officials to change the law which would require residents to pay for a service for a year during which that service is no longer available.
Troy Stevenson
Sylvania Township Tarta Board Trustee
I wish to share with you information from the Dec 1, 2011, TARTA Board of Trustees meeting. The topic of "opt out" by Perrysburg and/or Sylvania Township was brought up for discussion how TARTA would respond, specifically, if the request for contracting of services would be made and how would TARTA respond. The services that they referred to that possibly would be requested for contracting would be for "dial a ride" or TARPS services that is currently provided. While this topic did not get much of a discussion, I did sense based on Jim Gee's view on the matter, that TARTA would be less than inclined to be interested in working with any community that would opt out. The view and/or perception was that the remaining TARTA member communities would then be subsidizing the contracted services. I am not sure if the request for contracted services for TARTA would be made by Sylvania Township if "opt out" does occur, but I wanted you to be aware of that discussion.
I see the matter will be up for a resolution vote tomorrow at your trustee meeting to place this topic on the ballot in March.
I was also told there is a Dec 14 special meeting to review public transportation plans for Sylvania Township. I do not see this on the Township website calendar. If there is a public meeting, please let me know date and time.
Pinching Pennies
In an era when it seems most governments spend all they have and beyond, it's refreshing to report that the four main funds of Sylvania Township spent under what had been budgeted for this past year.
John Jennewine, president of the trustees, said John Zeitler, township administrator, along with Susan Wood, assistant administrator, had set a tone that expenses were going to be closely watched and that department heads and employees in general adhered to tighter rein on expenditures across the board.
Mr. Jennewine also credited Jim Beck, director of accounting and budget. for a close watch on spending through the year.
The department which held the reins tightest was the road and bridge fund. The expense budget for that section for 2011 was $3,520,000, Actual expenses were $2,909,000, or 82.5 percent of the budget at the start of the year.
General fund expenses had been budgeted at $3,749,000, but spending was held to $3,179,000, for 82.6 percent.
The police fund held expenses to $6,487,000 in contrast to the amount of $7,300,000 which had been budgeted, for 88.3 percent. The fire fund was near the same level, with expenditures of $7,343,000 compared to the $8,201,000 which was in the budget.
In written remarks to the trustees, Mr. Beck said the department "managers should be complimented for doing an excellent job on their spending."
Mr. Jennewine echoed that comment, adding that there have been state funding cuts and the general economy has hurt township revenue. Keeping a close eye on taxpayer money is one way the township can deal with it, he said.