Pizzino called the special meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. at the Jackson Township Hall with all Trustees, Fiscal Officer’s Assistant, Lyon and Fitzgerald.  He requested that all cell phones and pagers be turned off at this time.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Public Speaks – None

Fitzgerald:  The Board had their initial hearing on April 24 which was continued to complete the agreements.  There are two, one is the main agreement for the new abatement and there was an amendment made to the past agreement.  So we’re at this point and the Board could ask for any further comment upon it, if anybody would like to comment upon it, but after that you can adopt these resolutions I drafted.

Pizzino:  Do we have anybody who would like to make a comment on this tax abatement?  Anyone?  Do you have anything further, Mr. Fitzgerald?

Fitzgerald:  No, sir.

Pizzino:  Do I have a motion?

Meeks:  Just to reiterate, Graco and Liquid Control what a very positive partnership this will be.  They’re, again, looking to add 30 jobs to this site at an average salary of $70,000 per, with potential of possibly 90 new jobs there.  It’s important to understand that this is new tax money, it’s not monies that we are presently receiving and are giving up 50% of it.  It is new monies and we’re still receiving 50% of the new money.  It is very important to understand that we are not, by any means, taking any dollars from the schools.  We are holding them harmless, this is a partnership between the community, the county, and Graco and Liquid Control and I think that sets a tone for any partnerships in the future as well.

Pizzino:  Mr. Meeks, did you talk to the school board about this or the school administration about this?  Are they okay with this?

Meeks:  Absolutely.  Anything that we have done in the past of any type of abatements, we have been on the same page, even though it didn’t seem that way when you read about things.  But we’ve always had a unanimous support from the school board and vise versa, we do respect them immensely, we understand the financial issues that face all school districts across the State.  That funding issue should really be looked at and it is, it’s being brought up since this is the election season.  That is very sensitive to us and we would not do anything to jeopardize funding of our schools and our students and our children.  We want to keep Jackson Township strong, that’s why tomorrow, we all need to get out and vote.  Support that, as well as our Fire Levy.  Again, I’ve mentioned many times we need to look at alternative methods of generating funds to offset our property taxes.  That is not the answer to the Township needs, that’s not the answer to the school’s needs.  But in the meantime, we have to be able to (indecipherable) so that (indecipherable) we possibly can do so that we have an excellent partnership and there again, Stark County and Jackson Township is the winner because we are attracting high paying jobs in the right area.

Pizzino:  Okay, Mr. Fitzgerald, if we pass this resolution today will it go down to the County tomorrow?

Fitzgerald:  Actually, it would go this morning.

Pizzino:  You’re going to send it off to the County and from there it’s up to the Commissioners?

Fitzgerald:  Correct.  We’ll take it to the County Prosecutor’s office, it’s in the Commissioners hands then.

RESOLUTION 06-027, ATTACHED
Meeks moved and Burger seconded a motion to adopt and authorize the placement of the Board’s signatures upon the attached Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Agreement with Graco Inc. and the Liquid Control Corporation.

Fitzgerald:  The next one is an amendment to the past agreement to recognize the correct parties.

Pizzino:  It’s just a bookkeeping procedure?

Fitzgerald:  Yes.

RESOLUTION 06-028, ATTACHED
Meeks moved and Burger seconded a motion to adopt and authorize the placement of the Board’s signatures upon the attached Tax Abatement Agreement Addendum with Graco Inc. and the Liquid Control Corporation.

Meeks moved and Burger seconded a motion to adjourn.