Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 19 opened on with an introduction of Papillion Enrichment Center operated by Yasmina and Seid Tannic...
Public Discussion
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 19 opened on with an introduction of Papillion Enrichment Center operated by Yasmina and Seid Tanovic, who are expanding their child care service business from Willoughby to Chesterland in the former Miss Pats building. An open house was scheduled for Jan. 28.
Two representatives from the Buckstop Bar and Grill, aka Above Board Ventures, requested trustees to endorse an economic development (TREX) transfer of a D-5 liquor license to replace their current license, which they expect to forfeit as part of a court ordered settlement. No action was taken.
Jessica Bolt, of the Geauga Department of Aging, discussed Chester Township’s interest in continuing the senior cleanup. The board has discussed concerns that the cleanup is very costly ($23,000 to serve 177 residents) and interferes with spring road preparation. No action was taken.
Dave Dillion, of First Energy, reported progress in removing some trees on Sherman Road that are considered a safety concern. Dillion also dropped of literature reminding residents how to notify CEI/First Energy if they have discontinued their telephone landlines.
Road Department
Trustees approved up to $1,625 to Cerni Motors for parts needed to conduct an emergency repair plow truck no. 15.
They are considering and discussed adoption of the Geauga County Highway Use Manual to help standardize procedures such as utility placement, driveway pipes, highway loading and ditch elimination permitting. No action was taken.
Fire Department
The board approved $2,500 to Physo Control for annual maintenance and calibration of the fire department’s Lifepak heart monitors, AED and CPR machines.
Old Business
By a majority vote, trustees approved and signed an application to the Ohio EPA prepared by the Chester Recycling Committee for grant funding in support of a proposed e-waste recycling program in coordination with Goodwill Industries.
New Business
Trustees approved $300 to the Geauga County Township Association for 2017 member dues for board members, fiscal officer and assistant, administrative assistant, police chief, fire chief and road superintendent.
Fiscal Officer’s Report
Several intra-fund transfers were requested by the Fiscal Officer Craig Richter and approved by trustees.
Township financial transactions are available online at Ohio Checkbook.gov.
Discussion
Township monument/sign: Trustee Radtke presented an updated table summarizing electronic sign options and costs; no action was taken.
Phones: Trustees discussed independent activity by trustees Radtke and Kinney with input from Steve Decatur of the Geauga County IT Department and Brad Schaeffer of Computer Solutions to better understand, improve and reduce costs associated with the township phone and computer lines. Discussed was the possibility of “porting” the township’s phone landlines to a voice over internet service using existing equipment. The net result could be improved service at reduced cost. No action was taken.
Trustees began discussion of the 2017 permanent budget by reviewing the road and police departments’ proposed plans. Included was a presentation of 2016 road department activity and summary of proposed 2017 road improvements.
Prepared by W.L. Bud Kinney, Trustee
