Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 8 opened at 6 p.m. with the appointment of Evan Byrum to fill the vacant position on the West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Board...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 8 opened at 6 p.m. with the appointment of Evan Byrum to fill the vacant position on the West Geauga Community Joint Recreation District Board. Byrum had provided a letter of interest including the reasons he would like to serve the community. After approving meeting minutes, the board entered executive session to discuss compensation and employment as well as negotiations with public employees.
Upon re-entering public session, Tonya Peto, of the newly formed West Geauga Chamber of Commerce, stated that the goals of the chamber are to promote and enhance strong businesses in the West Geauga community. The chamber is working on developing and fostering partnerships with the West Geauga school system, local businesses and both Chardon and Chagrin chambers. The first networking event was a huge success and 84 local businesses have already signed up. The chamber will waive the fees for the remainder of 2022. The next chamber meeting will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Geauga West Library.
Next, trustees were provided an update by Township Administrator Mark Purchase. Although the board has approved the purchase of a new tack machine, Purchase explained the critical need for the machine and that both Road Superintendent John Onyshko and the township wanted to thank Joe Fornaro from Kirtland’s Service Department for loaning the township their tack machine to perform needed road repair. Purchase gave an update on the pickleball court, the gazebo painting and that work will be starting soon on the new bocce ball court. He also discussed the need for pond maintenance to control the algae buildup and asked trustees to consider allocating the expense from the general fund park account. Finally, he informed the trustees that Kelly Paulic, the new administrative assistant, is progressing well as she has completed her first week.
The board then moved on to road business and Trustee Richter discussed the new cost associated with obtaining a commercial driver’s license CDL and how it may deter new hires. He also added that the Ohio Department of Transportation has offered a reimbursement for new hires and Chester may have to look at developing a new policy, although additional research is needed.
After approving various road department expenses, the board moved on to the fire department.
Tyler Hoberg, from the Milestone Management Group, along with Fire Chief William Shaw were present to provide an update on the fire department rehab and ask for additional contingent funding.
Trustees then approved the Geauga County winter snow-plow contract, Halloween “Trick or Treat” night on Oct. 31, from 6- 8 p.m. and various financial transactions before closing the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 21 was held at 7 p.m. for a special meeting with the Chester Zoning Commission. Topics discussed included: accessory buildings, both size and height; signage, the counties draft guidance and how to move forward; the addition of parks into the Chester Zoning Resolution and updating the zoning map to identify all parks; short-term rentals; the status of the Ohio House Bill; and if zoning should allow for office space in the industrial district.
Trustees closed the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Craig S. Richter, Chester Township Trustee
