[0:00] It is 9:00 and time to start a meeting. Please join us in the pledge of

[0:03] allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[0:08] United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

[0:13] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:21] » We do have public comments to start the meeting. It is limited to three minutes

[0:24] per speaker. Do we have any public comments?

[0:29] Go. >> Okay.

[0:38] » Again, don't call it. But I have You want to see this?

[0:45] » I don't know what that is, Mr. G. >> No, you I'm

[0:49] » I'll take it, sir. >> Give it a M.

[0:52] » This is Thank you.

[0:57] Yeah, I got old Mr. D. He always seen us.

[1:02] » Okay. >> For years and

[1:05] I told him where I live years ago and the problem I have

[1:12] I showed him one time here. I've got to pray but I

[1:18] can travel that stuff I've got.

[1:23] But he said I did not have an acre. It showed I'd have to go here with

[1:32] Justice County. So I did prosecute attorney.

[1:39] Well, he led to Mr. Palmer. He said, "Mr. Bomber attorney."

[1:48] Well, Palmer said I had an attorney. I had an attorney.

[1:55] He said, "And I've got the paperwork." He said, "What I send out?" He said,

[2:01] "I'll send you." And he did. So, I've got the paperwork. Now, no

[2:09] home. I've been invited to everybody. Come down, see what the problem is. And

[2:15] I got paperwork. Show what I'm going to do. But

[2:19] » Mr. G, I'm going to stop you and we can stop the clock for a minute. I have a

[2:22] question. There were so Mr. Wade had visited,

[2:26] other members of our staff had visited. Let me finish. It's my understanding

[2:31] that you went to our police department, and I want this on the record, and tried

[2:35] to charge those folks with trespassing. >> Charged

[2:39] trying to do what? >> Charge the people that came to your

[2:42] property with trespassing. >> I never done no such a thing.

[2:48] that happened to be the head uh

[2:56] guy out of Limnon, Mr. Chuck Patty's boss, I guess it was.

[3:04] » Okay, we'll agree to disagree. >> Just a second here. I got his name.

[3:15] I suppose my point is you're inviting us to come and look at your situation. Yet

[3:19] any person in the public arena that has that's that that's an adverse reaction.

[3:25] Would you not agree with that? >> They can come anytime.

[3:28] » Okay, >> I'll show them.

[3:31] Matter of fact, Russ over here, I showed him.

[3:36] He's seen the weather. It's there. It's standing.

[3:41] And this gentleman right here, him

[3:48] and a couple of workers with him or a worker or two. And

[3:55] Ed Wade, they was about six of them, I believe it

[3:59] was. They came down and they wanted to move. They would fill the creek in over

[4:07] there, but they move it over here. Still on my propert

[4:19] 15 ft on me. 15 ft on my neighbor.

[4:27] I want I didn't want to >> previously you've you've denied that we

[4:31] offered you a solution. So I'm confused on where we're at at this point, Mr. So

[4:36] » your time is up. >> Well, your time's I agree with that. But

[4:40] I've got this right here, which is a covenant of all.

[4:46] And right here is this

[4:52] for itself. And right here is something else.

[5:00] And here is the Lord. Like I said, I couldn't

[5:06] pray all of you. Okay, Mr. Gibbs,

[5:10] » I to get a hold of him. I asked to get a hold of Mr. Mother's phone.

[5:15] » Your three minutes are up, sir. >> Okay.

[5:18] » And the boy that killed himself his dad.

[5:23] » We have a time limit for a reason. >> Okay.

[5:25] » Okay. >> All right.

[5:26] » Thank you. >> You're welcome to stay or you make it.

[5:30] » You didn't want to hear it. >> No, I think we've heard it and you've

[5:35] offered your own solution on that day. You've now denied twice things that we

[5:38] know were factual. So, I don't know where else to take it.

[5:41] » I'm giving it to you to get it. >> Okay. Items to be removed from the

[5:45] consent agenda. Gentlemen, do we have anything to be removed?

[5:48] » No, sir. >> I do not.

[5:50] » Fiscal business. Russ, >> I have nothing for you this morning.

[5:55] New Business Administration Resolution 5694, resolution to approve an agreement

[5:59] between Clear Creek Township and Warren County Soil and Water Conservation

[6:02] District for the administration assistance of NPDES MS4 permit

[6:08] responsibilities and enforcement and dispense with the second reading.

[6:11] Matthew, >> this is our annual agreement with Warren

[6:13] County Soil and Water to help manage our response, our shared responsibilities

[6:17] for pollution and discharge and sentiment.

[6:21] uh for your consideration. If you have any questions on the answer,

[6:26] » do I have a motion to approve 5694? >> Move.

[6:30] » Second. Mr. Mers, >> yay.

[6:32] » Mr. H. >> Yay.

[6:33] » Mr. Gabbert. >> Yay.

[6:35] » Resolution 5695, a resolution providing for health insurance and other benefits

[6:39] to the township trustees, fiscal officer, and eligible employees and

[6:43] their dependents. Dispensing with the second reading and declaring an

[6:45] emergency. Like how you listed us first on that, by the way. Thank you.

[6:51] So, um, as I've spoken to the board and and written to the board, it was a

[6:57] pretty rough rating year for us this year. And that's not unique. Apparently,

[7:02] it's, uh, pretty widespread under insurance plans. We've got about a

[7:07] dozen high claims, which are defined as being $40,000 and more. Uh, some in some

[7:14] cases much much more. um which led to the particularly rough

[7:20] renewal, initial renewal of uh 34.2%. After our insurance broker engaged in

[7:27] negotiations with Anthem and put all of our business out on the open market, uh

[7:35] we got a number of different renewal options

[7:39] and the revised renewal came down to a plus 13 down to a plus 23.

[7:45] Uh the broker and the township further

[7:49] narrowed the options down to about four alternatives. We dismissed any of the

[7:53] market bids for our business for continuity of the plan as well as the

[7:58] cost savings really just weren't there. So it was a renewal option and then

[8:02] three other alternate options from Anthem that were put in front of the

[8:07] benefits committee for consideration and they recommended the renewal option

[8:12] ultimately after discussing it. Um the committee as

[8:20] as it was created it's an advisory committee that is a non-binding

[8:23] recommendation to the board. Um at the administrative level, we reviewed the

[8:28] plans and considered the options that were put in front of us and uh

[8:34] administration's recommendation diverged from the committee recommendation

[8:40] and ultimately alternate one with Anthem was what was uh decided upon. Alternate

[8:48] one does increase the deductible and the maximum out of pocket. However, with the

[8:52] increased deductible subsidy as a percentage,

[8:56] uh, which is what we typically do, um, the maximum exposure on that plan is

[9:01] roughly the same as what renewal is. It does introduce some, uh, consumerism,

[9:07] uh, more consumerism into the plan. You got to make um, quality provider

[9:12] decisions because it's goes from a two-tiered network to a three- tier

[9:15] network. um actually decreases the premium from

[9:21] what the renewal was and um

[9:28] ultimately administration feels that it leaves room for other personnel

[9:32] components to consider moving forward in 2027.

[9:36] Uh there's only so much money to go around and we need to make careful

[9:42] decisions based on that. So with that, I turn it over to the board for

[9:45] consideration and please feel free to ask questions.

[9:51] » What was the trepidation of the advisory committee on the on option one

[9:58] just simply to increase premium increase out of pocket or

[10:01] » I think it's what I actually heard was it does

[10:05] increase the deductible and that's always a concern because you rarely do

[10:09] you go backwards. Um, sometimes it does happen like one of the

[10:14] options that was put in front of us actually did reduce the disc by 100

[10:19] bucks for a single and 200 >> for a family. But, um, that the out of

[10:28] pocket exposure, the continuity of of of care if you're in the middle of a

[10:34] medical issue or that sort of thing. Um, I think those were the primary

[10:40] primary things that I heard.

[10:45] » Any questions from either one of you? >> But so, so the they receive 70% of that

[10:54] increase in that's subsidized. So even though there's an increase,

[10:59] » correct, >> they're only going to be responsible for

[11:01] 30% of that increase. 70% is going to be picked up by the township.

[11:06] » Correct. That is what is on in the contracts at

[11:09] this point in time and it's what has been done uh for non-bargaining

[11:13] personnel.

[11:17] So I and Matt and I discussed this. I I've got trepidation about both. So um

[11:26] we need to pass something today, but we can also work on it. I'd like to see

[11:31] something in between the two. and I read not only the four they narrowed it down

[11:34] to, but the other seven that they initially offered. I think it was 11

[11:38] total if I'm not mistaken. Um, it was a lot, but again, I'm sitting in the

[11:44] chair, so I got time. Um, I I understand the trepidation about the

[11:51] increase. I understand the percentage changes. I just thought maybe there

[11:55] would be something in between the renewal and where we are with option

[11:59] one. the other options kind of look like

[12:03] that's what they are, but they really aren't. Uh, so my thought process right

[12:08] now would be to approve option one with the caveat that Matt is going to go back

[12:13] to them and ask for a potential that we could we could address in September

[12:20] um of something that might be a little more in the middle. If not, fine. Um,

[12:26] we understand the market. I mean, everybody here gets their own insurance.

[12:31] Um, my homeowners insurance went up 10%. My auto went up 15 for no reason at all.

[12:38] Uh, my my daughters are older, so the the exposure should and so are my cars,

[12:43] so the exposure should be less, but it's not. So, without any claims other than a

[12:48] windshield claim. So, um, certainly understand the the market we're in. um

[12:56] everything's more expensive including healthcare. So my recommendation is to

[13:01] to to take option one with that discussion uh in September.

[13:07] Gentlemen,

[13:11] I'm okay with

[13:18] this option one.

[13:22] I mean, you you know, when you sit there and crunch the numbers, I mean, it does

[13:25] force your hands a little bit there because the increases are so dramatic.

[13:29] I'm okay with option one. And I would I would gladly listen to if there's some

[13:35] other things that we can tweak and figure out a a closer to the middle

[13:39] ground. I would gladly listen to that and see if there's something that could

[13:44] fit a little better for what our concerns are and what we're actually

[13:47] getting. We'll certainly ask, but >> yeah, understood.

[13:53] » Um, do I have a motion to approve 5695 with

[13:58] option one? >> So move.

[14:00] » Second. >> Mr. Holton.

[14:02] » Yay. >> Mr. Peterson.

[14:03] » Yay. >> Mr. Gabbert.

[14:04] » Yay. And I say and I want to make sure everybody understands. I understand the

[14:08] hard work that was put into this. Totally. I just if we can find something

[14:13] that might smooth the waters a little bit. There

[14:16] just there aren't there weren't any good options.

[14:19] » No, exact it's degrees of bad. That's exactly right.

[14:23] » Since I've been here at least, it's that the health plans have been, you know,

[14:28] you fairly quickly identify something that's palatable. That didn't happen

[14:33] this year. >> Understood. And we have some other ideas

[14:37] that might help as well. Uh, anything else under administration, Matt?

[14:41] » Yeah. Police Department Resolution 5696, a

[14:46] resolution declaring personal property a surplus, approving an internet auction,

[14:50] direct sale, donation, disposal, or destruction of said personal property,

[14:52] dispensing with a second reading, and declaring an emergency. Chief, uh, since

[14:57] the cruiser was total, uh, we've received compensation from the insurance

[15:01] company for that. U, it was, um, very reasonable what they gave us, uh, for

[15:06] the equipment, uh, and, uh, the cruiser. So, um, that's what this is about. We

[15:12] need to surplus out that total car so they can pick it up and take it away.

[15:17] » Okay. >> How old was the uh one that got correct?

[15:21] » Uh >> 2020.

[15:22] » Yeah, it's one of the old Taho.

[15:27] » Do we have a motion to approve 5696? >> So moved.

[15:30] » Second. >> Mr. Muters.

[15:32] » Yay. >> Mr. Holtry.

[15:33] » Yay. >> Mr. G.

[15:34] » Yay. We have a recommendation to make a

[15:38] conditional officer of probationary employment to Brandon Lianfelter

[15:42] Linganfelter as a police officer pending acceptable

[15:46] testing background and pre-employment screening.

[15:50] » He's uh currently with Clay Township. Uh he's got about seven years of

[15:54] experience. Uh looks like a good candidate for us. We'd like to continue

[15:58] process and so we'd like to make an offer to hire.

[16:01] » Do I have a motion to approve this recommendation? So move second Mr.

[16:05] Holtry. >> Yay. Mr. Meter Sp.

[16:08] » Yay. >> Anything else, Chief?

[16:10] » Yes. >> Planning and zoning.

[16:13] Shocker. A resolution 5697. Resolution determining the maintenance of the

[16:18] listed spec specific tracks of land can constitute a nuisance. Dispensing with

[16:23] the second reading and declaring an emergency.

[16:25] » I'll finish it for Jeff. He's taking a week of vacation this year. I'm glad to

[16:29] answer any questions that you have about it. You've seen a couple of those

[16:32] addresses before. >> Understood.

[16:36] Do I have a motion to approve 5697? >> So move.

[16:40] » Second. >> Mr. Mer.

[16:42] » Yay. >> Mr. Her.

[16:43] » Yay. Mr. Gav. >> Yay.

[16:47] » Nothing else for planning and zoning. Okay. Fire District recommendation to

[16:51] accept the retirement resignation of Captain Jeff Pratt effective September

[16:56] 26th, 2026 with the thanks of a grateful community after 36 years of dedicated

[17:01] service to Quick Creek Township in the city of Spring.

[17:04] 36 years is a long time, longer than a lot of our employees have been alive. So

[17:08] we we thank Jeff for all of his years of dedication. And he if you want to save

[17:14] the date, September 25th, we'll be having his retirement ceremony. um more

[17:19] details forthcoming, but it'll typically be the 11 to 1 at station 24, but I'll

[17:24] get you the flyer once it's completed. >> Okay. So, I have I I want to tell a

[17:27] quick story about Mr. about Captain Crash. Um

[17:30] » you are being recorded. >> I know. Um

[17:34] » so, yeah, now we got good mics. Um growing

[17:39] up here, uh it's in a unique situation when you take office and do this. And uh

[17:47] 15 years ago when I first started this, I went around and met everybody as we

[17:52] all have. And um I've known Jeff my entire life. And at the time the

[17:58] tradition was it was Mr. Gabard, Mr. Wade, Miss Hanspaw, all that stuff. A

[18:03] little more formal than we are now, which is to completely fine. But um

[18:08] Captain Pratt pulled me aside and kind of ribbed me a little bit. He's my

[18:12] brother's age and they were buddies growing up and we grew up in the same

[18:15] neighborhood. So he said, "Just got to tell you right now, I'm not going to be

[18:18] able to call you Mr. Gabbard. You were so annoying when we were a little guy."

[18:23] So I said, "Fair enough. Just if we're in the meeting room, if you wouldn't

[18:27] mind, I that's the only place I would ask for it because it's it's proper in

[18:31] there." So um we wish Jeff the best of luck and and uh do I have a motion to

[18:37] accept this recommendation? So move. >> Second, Mr. Holtry.

[18:41] » Yay. Mr. years ago. >> Okay,

[18:43] » Mr. B. >> Yeah, make sure he watches this if you

[18:46] wouldn't mind. Chief, >> that's such a long good response would

[18:50] have been, "Well, thank you, Lieutenant Bratz."

[18:55] » And you know, I wouldn't >> it would be a good job.

[18:57] » Couldn't couldn't keep my Well, he what what he wasn't a captain at the time, I

[19:02] don't think. >> He was.

[19:03] » Has he been a captain? Okay, fair enough. Okay. A recommendation to create

[19:07] a full-time non-exempt position of community risk reduction officer as

[19:11] detailed in the attached materials and authorize the internal posting of the

[19:14] position if approved. >> Chief, I detailed it in the memo. I'd be

[19:18] happy to answer any questions anybody would have.

[19:22] » Think it's a good idea. Do I have a motion to approve this

[19:26] recommendation? >> So move second. Mr. Mir,

[19:31] » Mr. Holtry. >> Yay.

[19:32] » Mr. G. >> Yay.

[19:35] » Anything else? Chief. >> Yes, sir. Just been a busy summer. Crews

[19:37] have done an outstanding job as always. Appreciate them for all that works.

[19:42] » Hopefully, school starting has been nice and quiet.

[19:45] There's there is an advantage. The car is moving slowly. Just FYI.

[19:49] » Yeah, we've had the the some of the early morning wrecks and we've got a

[19:53] medical call to the bus garage this morning. So, you know, pick up on stuff.

[19:57] Nothing serious. And I know, you know, that kind of stuff. Nothing nothing too

[20:01] serious. still want something created for anyone under the age of 18 to shut

[20:06] their phone off when they get in their car. That's just me.

[20:10] Anyway, okay. Roads, no new business. >> Uh tape sealing program should be

[20:15] kicking off here in the next couple weeks. So,

[20:19] and I I went by um where you just did the patching.

[20:26] » I've been everywhere. >> Crime point.

[20:28] » Yes. Crown point looks good. Next. Anything else?

[20:34] » That's it, sir. >> Okie do. I have a motion to approve the

[20:37] consent agenda. So moved. >> Second.

[20:40] » Mr. Holtry. >> Yay.

[20:41] » Mr. Nef. >> Yay.

[20:43] » Mr. Gaff. >> Yay. Staff updates.

[20:46] » Uh, just a couple of things. I went to the uh last week went to the Warren

[20:51] County T Northern Warren County meeting uh for traffic. Um, I will update the

[20:58] board in writing on what that looked like, but it was productive and uh kind

[21:03] of interesting to see the options developed and how they're being weighed

[21:07] against each other to prioritize uh not just here in Clear Creek, but uh

[21:12] the wider northern communities and even into Montgomery County just a little

[21:16] bit. So that was an interesting interesting meeting and uh as I had

[21:21] mentioned to I think uh Jason uh the signing cabinet and electronic

[21:27] rear board had been delivered to uh to our vendor. So they have tentatively

[21:33] scheduled uh installation of it this week.

[21:36] » So we probably want to schedule a time potentially before

[21:41] the first September meeting. >> Sure.

[21:44] » To to dedicate that. >> Sure.

[21:47] Is that okay with you guys? >> Okay,

[21:51] we'll make sure that Chief Terrell picks Mr. Wade up and brings it brings him

[21:56] out. So, it's an inside joke.

[22:05] Anything else, Matt? Not at this time, sir.

[22:09] » Okay. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So, move second. Mr. Mer's fault. Yay.

[22:13] Mr. Hol. Yay. Mr. G. Okay. Okay.

August 24 2026 - Regular Meeting - Clearcreek Township Trustee

Transcript