Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 9 began at 4:30 p.m...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 9 began at 4:30 p.m. The first topic was a review by Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett of copier proposals from several vendors. Current leases for town hall and the road and fire departments have expired and lease options are being evaluated. No decisions were made.
A motion was passed recognizing the last Friday in April as Arbor Day. The action was taken as part of Chester Township’s participation in the “National Tree Cities USA” registry.
An adjustment in the hourly pay rate of Gary Huston, a long-time seasonal employee for the township’s road department, was adjusted to reflect the 2 percent pay raise other road employees had received as part of their union contract. Trustees thank Huston for his years of service as well as his many hours of community service as a volunteer.
Adjustments were made to clarify the township’s COVID-19 policy and a motion was approved after the fact to adopt the needed changes. A motion was approved transferring the Parkside Park and township grounds maintenance contract of SWB Landscaping to Lowe’s Greenhouse. Lowe’s had purchased SWB Landscaping, which has been providing Parkside Park and grounds maintenance for town hall.
Service Director Joe Fornaro explained that recent storms caused some damage requiring repair. A motion requesting the Geauga County Engineer to perform the design work is required and was approved.
At 5:01 p.m., the trustees, Jarrett and Fornaro entered into executive session. Fornaro left the session at 5:28 p.m. and the elected officials returned to public session at 6:17 p.m. to conduct additional public business.
Trustee Radtke provided an update on the Chester community questionnaire. A proposal by Weekley’s for the printing, postage, mailing and return mail of the questionnaire was approved. Originally, Cleveland State University (CSU) was to perform the services, but due to the COVID-19 shutdown, they are uncertain when these services could be provided to the township. CSU supported this action, which also saved the township approximately $1,700. Watch for future updates in the Chesterland News on when the mailing will occur.
Trustee Claypool provided a summary overview of streaming options available for the township to consider to livestream trustees meetings. Options include Zoom, Vimeo and YouTube TV. Claypool will continue the efforts. There was general agreement to trial Zoom at the April 23 trustees meeting.
Although no members of the public were present at the meeting, residents may still request an electronic copy of the audio recording of meetings via email at no cost or CDs at a fee of $1 each. Residents will need to download the free software DSS Lite to listen to the email version of the meeting.
Claypool, who is a member of the Chesterland Rotary Club, noted that residents may drop off nonperishable foods at the Chester Police Department. The food will be donated to seniors in need.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee
