Pizzino called the special meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Jackson Township Hall with all Trustees, Fiscal Officer, Lyon, Fitzgerald, Chief Neftzer, Chief Heck and Leslie Kuntz present.

He requested that all cell phones and pagers be turned off at this time.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Leslie Kuntz:  I wanted to make the Board aware that late Friday myself and Ms. Lyon received a request from Attorney Skakun regarding the Ransom matter that is before you this morning.  I had several conversations with him informing him that because the union is the exclusive representative for any of the bargaining unit members, absent a waiver of that fact from the union and from Mr. Ransom that we would not be able to deal with him and I just wanted to make sure for the record that it was clear that at this point, we’ve not received any waiver, so we can’t act on any of the requests from Attorney Skakun.  I wanted to make the Board aware of that circumstance.

Pizzino moved and Meeks seconded a motion to go into Executive Session to consider the discipline and/or dismissal of public employees in the Police Department.

Pizzino moved and Meeks seconded a motion to go into Executive Session to consider the Fact-Finder’s Report resulting from negotiations with the firefighters’ collective bargaining unit.

Upon return from Executive Session, Pizzino asked for public input on the police issue being considered.

Ken Elsass, 8705 Wales, pointed out that these two people did not endanger anyone; while officers involved in a high speed chase, which did endanger the public, received less severe discipline.

Police Department
Pizzino:  I just want to make one statement and that is misconduct by any public employee is a very serious matter with this Board because of the trust placed by the citizens of this community.  This Board of Trustees will not tolerate any act of misconduct which will violate the public’s trust.  We will hold all employees accountable.  It is the responsibility of the Township employee to serve the public and basically abide by our Township policies and the law.

RESOLUTION 06-011, ATTACHED
Pizzino moved and Meeks seconded a motion that we hereby terminate the probationary employment of Melissa M. Sims as a full time Secretary 3, effective February 21, 2006 and authorize the placement of our signatures upon the attached letter.

RESOLUTION 06-012, ATTACHED
Pizzino moved and Meeks seconded a motion that Troy R. Ransom has waived his right to a predisciplinary hearing upon the statement of charges, and based on the investigative report provided to us and pursuant to the negotiated agreement, we hereby terminate Troy R. Ransom as a full time Patrol Officer and Police Constable for the Jackson Township Police District, Stark County, Ohio, effective February 21, 2006 and authorize the placement of our signatures upon the attached letter.

Fire Department
Meeks moved and Burger seconded a motion to accept the attached Fact Finder’s report – Local 2280 Negotiations.

Meeks moved and Burger seconded a motion to adjourn.