Chester Township
The Chester Township Trustees' meeting opened with a visit from Steve Decatur, of Geauga County Manager of Information Technologies, and Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha.…
The Chester Township Trustees’ meeting opened with a visit from Steve Decatur, of Geauga County Manager of Information Technologies, and Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha. Trustees reviewed the current status and capabilities of the phone system, IT services and the possibility of adding a camera system to the township downtown campus.
An executive session followed that included department heads and trustees to interview candidates who may assist in the upcoming union negotiations with the fire, police and road departments.
Police Chief Mark Purchase, as part of his regular update to the board and public, presented materials and a recommendation to purchase “Stop Sticks” that would be used to safely end high speed/high risk auto pursuits.
Soon the board will begin an upgrade of the mobile data terminals (MDTs) for the fire department, according to Fire Chief John Wargelin. About one-third of the units are expected to be replaced this year.
Trustees are still evaluating whether to rebuild one of the EMS squads or to make simple cosmetic repairs and replace it within the next year or so. Current market prices for the squads are expected to be about $3,000 and $10,000, respectively, and a rebuild could be as much as $80,000 each. A new squad has a preliminary cost approaching $200,000. One consideration would be an all-wheel drive style of EMS squad, which would reduce the risk of getting snow bound or stuck in bad winter conditions.
Road Superintendent Rob Pealer presented the initial material requirements for the summer road repair season. Road liaison Mike Petruziello presented an extensive analysis of the 2014 road department hours of service by type of work. In preparation for Chester Township Cleanup Day on June 6 and last week’s senior trash pickup event, the board approved purchase orders to the waste hauler Penn Ohio for the trash and scrap metal bins.
Township residents and businesses have offered overwhelming support by providing pledges to purchase and maintain flower baskets that will be used to decorate the downtown township light poles. As such, trustees approved $2,800 to initiate the planting of 24 flower baskets which will be repaid using the community donations. To date, approximately $1,500 has been pledged so more contributions are needed. Contact town hall at 440-729-7058 for information on how to donate.
Submitted by Ken Radtke, Bud Kinney, Mike Petruziello, Craig Richter
Chester Township Officials
