Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting opened with a resident presenting concerns about the street lighting at the intersection of Mulberry and Lyman roads...
Public Discussion
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting opened with a resident presenting concerns about the street lighting at the intersection of Mulberry and Lyman roads. Trustees asked Road Superintendent Terry Varner to look into the matter.
A resident presented concerns regarding the culvert and road conditions on West Shiloh. Trustees offered an update regarding the overall road improvement plan for the township, which includes West Shiloh.
Road Department
Trustees approved the purchase of two carbide snow plowing blades for the Chester Road Department.
Terry Varner presented a review of the proposed 2017 R&B budget, which included an item for a new service trailer at a cost of $12,500 intended to be used on the job sites that would reduce trips back and forth to the township garage for work on equipment needing repair. Also included were items for a new crack-sealing machine at $37,000 and a recommendation to sell the old one as well as the Dura-Patcher to help offset the cost.
Township roads targeted for resurfacing at an estimated cost $853,000 include Sherman, Norton, Barfield, Bardwell, West Chester and parts of Sherman.
Following an executive session to discuss the promotion or compensation of a public employee, the board resumed its regular meeting with no further action regarding the session.
Zoning Department
Trustees heard a presentation by Thomas Flynn of a proposed cluster home concept off County Line Road near Cedar. They also discussed the Ohio Revised Code 519.21, which includes language covering medical marijuana. This matter will be sent to the Chester Township Zoning Board for follow-up and guidance.
Fiscal Officer’s Report
The 2016 financials have been closed and submitted to the State Auditor.
Township financial transactions are available online at ohiocheckbook.com.
Discussion
The board held an executive session on Feb. 17 regarding conferences with an attorney concerning pending court action and regarding compensation of public employees.
A group of almost 40 persons attended the Leadership Geauga Government Day on Feb. 17 coordinated by Mr. Jeff Richards, of Leadership Geauga, with the trustees and chairs of the Chester Township Zoning Board and Chester Board of Zoning Appeals presenting.
The board met on Feb. 23 and held an executive session regarding compensation of public employees. The purpose of the public meeting was to review the proposed 2017 township budget in detail by department and to begin planning for possible future levy needs. The police department may need additional funding as soon as 2020 and fire department as soon as 2021. Trustees will begin a study to determine if moving 0.5 mills of inside funds from the road department to the general fund in 2018 will allow both departments to continue to function effectively at the lowest reasonable cost to taxpayers.
Prepared by W.L. Bud Kinney, Trustee
