Letters to the Editor
Russell Park Board Commended
I would like to commend the Russell Township Park District board members David Genske, Charlie Butters and Linda O’Brien for their steadfast dedication to the proper stewardship of the township’s taxpayers’ funds throughout the months of negotiations leading up to the purchase of the Modroo Family Farm.
They managed to accomplish something in the first year of their terms on the Russell Township Park District Board that the prior experienced board couldn’t do in their 10 years — and the new Board did it the right way.
Rather than succumb to pressure by some self-interested individuals when approached to purchase the farm for $1.55 million, which would have come with significant usage restrictions, the township Park Board responded with diligence by pursuing an independent appraisal of the property and retaining a highly skilled real estate lawyer.
After negotiations, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy agreed to pay for $350,000 of the purchase price, saving the township taxpayers $350,000 that can be used toward future park land acquisitions, as well as an additional allocation of $50,000 for the construction of an access drive and parking area for the new township park.
The Park Board also negotiated the agreement to reduce the usage restrictions, which will allow for limited active recreational use of the property by the township residents who provided funding through their taxes for a portion of the land purchase.
The Park Board’s responsible handling of the Modroo Farm purchase clearly demonstrates that the current Park Board is sufficiently meeting the parks and preservation needs of the township, and that the creation of a second and competing park board within Russell Township by the township trustees is an unnecessary duplication of government and taxpayers’ expense for Russell Township residents.
The residents of Russell Township can be proud of their current all-volunteer, resident-controlled park board for upholding their commitment to expend the tax funds they’ve been entrusted with, in a way that provides the greatest benefit for the township and the families who live there.
Timothy J. Grendell, Judge
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court
Editor’s Note: Judge Grendell re-appointed Charlie Butters to the Russell Township Park District board on Dec. 14, 2016. He was first appointed in February 2016.
