Chester Government Update
The July 16 Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting opened at 6 p.m. with a joint meeting of the trustees and representatives of the Chester Township Zoning Commission...
The July 16 Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting opened at 6 p.m. with a joint meeting of the trustees and representatives of the Chester Township Zoning Commission.
There was a discussion regarding a farm market amendment for Chester zoning. The intent of the amendment is to make changes to better align the language with Ohio state law and to create consistency in the zoning regulation language. The amendment is still in review and being modified based on input received.
The zoning commission has initiated the amendment process and has created five amendments. It will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 in Chester Town Hall. Included in the amendments are agriculture and aligning zoning definitions with state law, water and sediment control, garage, barn and estate sales and improving the language regarding day spas. A more detailed explanation for the amendments is available on the Chester Township homepage at chestertwp.org.
There was acknowledgement of an hourly wage increase that was approved by the zoning commission for zoning commission administrative assistant from $18.50 per hour to $19.30 per hour effective June 28.
Trustees discussed Senior Trash Pickup Day scheduled for Sept. 14. The discussion included an interest in involving the Geauga Trumbull Waste Management District and ensuring materials are properly recycled and disposed.
A snow plowing agreement between Chester Township and the Geauga County Engineer was approved in the amount of $54,850 for Chester to plow county roads.
There was a purchase of maintenance items for trucks and other road equipment amounting to $64,480. There was a discussion and approval to purchase a new dump chassis at a cost of $82,750. Trustee Skip Claypool objected to taking a loan to pay for a portion of the purchase and configuration due to the funds available in the township. The issue is being investigated. A motion was approved to scrap a dump truck that has a blown motor; the cost is $30,000 to replace the engine. The bed from this truck will be used on the new chassis, saving the township approximately $20,000.
Payment was approved with Ronyak Paving for resurfacing of Sherman and Sperry roads for $297,245.70. Computer software was approved for the fire department. Various routine financial transactions were approved. An all-day reservation for the West Pavilion was approved for Sept. 20. Approval was made to continue the questionnaire process with Cleveland State University at no cost.
There will be a budget commission meeting on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.
The board moved into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G) (1) for discussion of employment and compensation of public employees. No actions were taken upon return to public session and the meeting was closed.
Submitted by Chester Township Trustees
