Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees met on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees met on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.
In road department business, the board approved the resolution of convenience and necessity for improvements on Sperry and Sherman roads as an Ohio Public Works project as recommended by the county engineer. The township expects to receive up to 50 percent in grant money, approximately $175,000, from OPWC for the project. An after the fact motion was approved for Rice Oil for $1,000 for disposal charges from an additional oil/water separator tank that was discovered.
On the recommendation of Fire Chief John Wargelin, the board moved to approve the hiring of firefighter/EMT-P Antonio DiDonato at a rate of $22.05 an hour on passing pre-employment medical and drug screening. The board also recertified the permanent appropriations totaling $7,530,111.16 to recognize additional expenditures in the fire department.
The Chester Fire Department was recognized with a $500 Gratitude Grant from the Willoughby Elks Club. Chief Wargelin stated the monies will be used for hoods for firefighters to provide extra protection from toxins that can cause cancer risk exposures. Thank you, John Felice, Larry Clement and Brian Cook, of the Willoughby Elks, for the donation.
In police business, the board accepted the resignation of part-time officer Mark Delpra. Mr. Delpra accepted a full-time job with another police department. The board approved advertising on Govdeals.com the sale two retiring police cruisers. The board also approved purchase of two new Tasers from Axon Enterprises for a total of $3,224 to replace units that are approximately 12 years old.
In zoning, the board discussed the need for alternates on the zoning commission and board of zoning appeals. The board elected to advertise in the Chesterland News for one alternate on each board with a deadline for applications to be received at town hall by Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.
Trustees approved the termination of part-time fiscal office assistant Joan Ann Windnagel effective Oct. 27, 2018, at the expiration of her bond. The board also approved a letter of support for House Bill 602, the clean water Fair Pricing Act and sent copies to state Reps. John Patterson and Sarah LaTourette and state Sen. John Eklund.
The Chester Township Park had arborists from Van Curen and Davey Tree review trees in the park. In their opinions, no trees needed to come down, but pruning should be done and further plantings are recommended. Both contractors will be providing summaries to the township. The Chester Park Board made a donation for a new swing for one of the swing sets.
The Chester Planning Committee has identified a number of issues in the community, including the fact there is too much retail and too many vacant properties in the commercial district. Assistance from a professional planner may be necessary to create the future vision for the commercial district. The group is applying for a Small Business Revolution grant to help in the planning process.
The board moved into an executive session to discuss, consider the appointment, employment, promotion or compensation of a public employee or official. There was no further business afterward.
Trustees would like to thank Reena Kanner for supporting veterans with free coffee on Veterans Day at Arabica.
Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee
