Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees regular meeting on May 21 began at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation by ZoningCommission Chairperson Cathy Cotman...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees regular meeting on May 21 began at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation by Zoning Commission Chairperson Cathy Cotman on proposed changes to Chester’s Zoning Resolution. Topics included modifying or removing language for agricultural lots less than 5 acres, day spas and changes clarifying that water management and sediment control rules. The ZC will formalize the discussed changes and proceed with appropriate public hearings.
Fire Chief John Wargelin provided a review and summary of the interview process recently completed as the township continues its search for candidates to fill the remaining three full-time firefighter/paramedic positions for the fire department. Chief Wargelin recommended, and the board approved, conditional offers to candidates Austin Georsky and Connor Bachmann.
An application was approved for a Geauga County Tea Party and Free Ohio Now rally at the Parkside Park Gazebo on May 23. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Geauga County Engineer’s Office for the rental resource program, which includes personnel support. It was agreed to begin contracted cleaning services again and to temporarily halt door-to-door sales because of Covid-19.
Trustee Ken Radtke gave a summary of his analysis and review of the township questionnaire mailer. There were approximately 600 residential properties that appear to have not received the questionnaire and he recommended approving monies to complete the process. Trustee Skip Claypool requested more time to evaluate. The decision was postponed until a special trustees meeting on May 26 at which time up to $1,300 was approved by majority vote to complete the printing, mailing and return postage for the second mailer. It should happen within the next few weeks.
There is much more that goes on behind the scenes than the public is generally aware of when it comes to managing Chester Township’s operations. A number of people have stepped up to help support the township given several staffing shortages.
Trustees would like to thank Nick Gorris, of the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, and Trustee Joe Mazzurco for their efforts in supporting the Chester Road Department as they continue the search for a road superintendent.
Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett has put in a significant amount of time and effort as she not only learns her new role, but also assumes increased responsibilities in the absence of an assistant fiscal officer (AFO). Mary Lou Florentine, township administrative assistant, has also been supporting the fiscal office by assuming some of the AFO duties, and Joanie Windnagel has been helping as a part-time AFO. With 20-plus years of experience and having served as fiscal officer of Chardon Township, Ms. Windnagel has been a great asset to both Ms. Florentine and Ms. Jarrett, as each of them is stepping into these new roles.
At the end of the meeting, the board and fiscal officer entered into executive session to discuss employee compensation. Upon re-entering the public meeting, a 6 percent and a 3 percent increase were approved for the township’s administrative assistant and the part-time assistant fiscal officer, respectively.
Trustees are hopeful that some organizational changes currently in development will result in significant savings to the township that will be shared during future public meetings.
On June 3, a second mailer of the Chester Township questionnaire occurred. The deadline for submitting all questionnaires has been extended to June 18. Trustees encourage all residents who have not yet mailed their responses to Cleveland State University to do so before the deadline.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee
