Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 21 began with a review of the township’s Bureau of Workers Compensation claims history...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 21 began with a review of the township’s Bureau of Workers Compensation claims history. Mara McClain and Jeff Costin (via phone), of Sedgwick, which is the township’s BWC third party administrator, discussed rates and rebates of Ohio Township Association Group Retro BWC membership and the refunds Chester can expect through the group participation improved work safety.
The township welcomes Jasmine Pierce and Jesse Scarvelli as two new part-time EMT/firefighters to the Chester Fire Department. They are recent graduates and the board is happy to have them starting their careers with Chester Township.
A 2008 Chevrolet Malibu was purchased in the amount of $3,000 from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. Township fire inspectors will use the vehicle when conducting inspections within the township.
The board accepted the resignation of full-time firefighter Frank Virant as he took a new position in another community. Virant will continue providing part-time service to the township. Part-time firefighter Chad Heppert has taken a full-time position in another community. Both he and Virant will be on a 90-day leave of absence while they complete their training. Trustees are thankful that both firefighters will continue to serve the residents of Chester Township in a part-time capacity.
The board also accepted the resignation of part-time firefighter Jon Farley who has been unable to meet necessary work hour obligations. Because of challenges with staffing, the board approved extending the memorandum of understanding with the firefighter union to allow for time and one-half pay to fill certain shifts. The scheduling is at the discretion of Fire Chief Bill Shaw.
The Chester Zoning Commission continues its work on a proposed amendment to address accessory buildings with the proposed amendment being presented to the Geauga County Planning Commission for input.
Under guidance and recommendation from the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, the board approved two resolutions that will authorize and define how monies from the American Rescue Plan Act can be spent.
The board also approved spending authority up to $1,000 for the new police chief, Craig Young, and township administrator, Mark Purchase.
The board discussed the draft of the township’s organizational chart and mission statement. A policy concerning employee speech had previously been approved and the board continues work on drafting polices for digital imagery, electronic communication resources, code of ethics and code of conduct.
Trustee Mazzurco is working with a contractor to get a cost to repair the ball field lighting at Parkside Park.
The board entered executive session at the end of the meeting and approved and accepted the retirement of Police Chief Mark Purchase and approved the promotion of Craig Young to police chief effective May 2, 2022. The board is thankful to have both of these dedicated public servants working for the people of Chester Township.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee
