DUKE CENTER — At the annual reorganization meeting of the Otto Township supervisors, Eric Barton was selected to fill the supervisory position vacated by the resignation of Cynthia Gardner.
Barton was sworn in by notary Cathy Curtis. The following positions for 2019 were filled by nominations and unanimous approval: Chairman, Chris Claycomb; vice chairman, Mark Palmer; roadmaster, Mark Palmer; and secretary/treasurer, Cynthia Gardner.
Every hourly township employee — full- and part-time — will receive a fifty cent raise, effective immediately. This will increase their wages to $14.00 an hour for part-time refuse workers, $18.50 for full-time employees, $18.50 for secretary/treasurer, and $22.50 for working supervisor/roadmaster. Supervisors’ stipend will remain at $100.00 per month. Mileage for township travel will be paid at the rate of $.58 per mile.
The secretary/treasurer’s bond was set at $550,000.00. Township tax collector David Silvis will continue to receive 6 percent of Real Estate and Per Capita Taxes collected. Appropriate percentages of time and wages will be assessed to the refuse account and reimbursed to the general account. Full-time employees will have the option of contributing up to ten per cent into a state approved pension plan, with the township matching the amount.
Insurance plans for employees were approved, with those hired before 2002 receiving a fully paid family plan. An exception was approved to pay Palmer the sum of $5000.00 in lieu of carrying his spouse on his policy. No objections were raised and this was approved for another year. Employees hired after 2002 will pay ten per cent of their insurance premiums beginning this year. Short-term disability, term life and vision policies were approved for all employees.
Vacation allotments (from one week for one year’s service up to five weeks for 25 years) and required uses were agreed upon. Eight holidays were designated as paid holidays, and ten sick days were approved for each employee, with the option to accumulate up to 100 sick days.
Permanent part-time employees will, after one year’s service, receive the same holiday and vacation benefits as well as the pension plan that is afforded the full-time employees. Disability, Life and dental plans are all offered at the employee’s expense.
The Otto Sanitary Authority will be Eric Barton, Tim Housler, Stacy Claycomb, Robert Miller and new appointee, Cynthia Gardner. Two committees comprised of residents will remain active, chaired by Rob Stuck (Parks Commission) and Richard Rivers (Blight Committee).
It was agreed to continue holding regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, with any necessary work meetings on the fourth Wednesday.
The reorganization meeting was adjourned and the regular meeting was then called to order by Claycomb. The police garage will have a garage door opener installed by Olean Overhead Doors. The internet connection in the police cars is being implemented and will soon be fully operational. The Blight Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, at the township office, to review ordinance updates.
Bridge work contracted to Duffy Inc. on the Berger Hollow road is currently suspended. A newly created part-time position (sewage authority/township) was introduced, reviewed and discussed. One subdivision was approved .
