Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 23 began at 5 p.m. with Chester Fire Chief William Shaw discussing the fire department’s 2023 permanent appropriations...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 23 began at 5 p.m. with Chester Fire Chief William Shaw discussing the fire department’s 2023 permanent appropriations, with focus on staffing and the goal to switch the reliance from part-time to full-time employees. Shaw updated the board on the small items left on the renovation and stated the reason for the lower carryover was the open purchase order on the new engine.
Trustees then discussed the need to increase the general fund park budget for the donations received for the proposed pickleball court project. They approved the 2023 permanent appropriations in the amount of $10,001,325.40 and then moved on to the swearing in of new police and fire employees.
Police Chief Craig Young introduced and gave background information on Rob Davis, who previously worked for the Chester Police Department, and Thomas Sindelar, currently a sergeant with University Circle Police Department. After approving the motions to hire as part-time officers, both were sworn in.
Fire Chief Shaw then spoke briefly about Mitchell King, a Marine veteran, and Anthony Mariola, who is currently employed with Russell Township. Both firefighters will be attending paramedic school in the fall. The motions to hire as part-time firefighters were approved and both were sworn in.
The discussion then turned to the pond at Hancock Park and whether it should become a stream or if a pond should be dug. Due to the large amount of silt flowing into the area, a pond would require ongoing maintenance, so alternative water source ideas were discussed.
After confirming that four fire department employees will be attending a three-day leadership training program, the board moved on to road department business.
As recommended by the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, the board approved the change orders on the 2022 drainage improvement projects and approved and signed the 2023 plans and specifications for the 2023 various road improvements. Trustees then discussed the needed roof repairs on the road department buildings. Recently inspected by a roofer, there is extensive damage on the front building and trustees asked Road Superintendent John Onyshko to investigate pricing for a new metal building.
Trustees then heard from NOPEC representatives Jeffrey Heinrich and Jessica Renner. In-person meetings with a presentation and question and answer session are planned. Standard letters will be sent to residents with information on their choices for their energy provider.
Other items or actions included the approval of the bid by Podiojil Excavating to complete the removal of the Henry House; there was also a discussion of the residential property north. Also discussed was the new township website go-live date; plans for West Geauga Unity Day and other activities sponsored by the new WG Chamber of Commerce; the planned installation of gates at the recycle park to further reduce the dumping; and the planned Ethics and Public Record training. The training will be attended by many township employees. Discussions continued with the approval of meeting minutes and various department expenditures.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Submitted by Craig S. Richter, Chester Township Trustee
