Chester Government Update
June 23, 2022 by Chester Township Officials

The Chester Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. June 9 to discuss selection of counsel to advise the Chester Township Zoning Commission...

The Chester Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. June 9 to discuss selection of counsel to advise the Chester Township Zoning Commission and trustees on the process and issues related to Zoning Amendment Z-2022-3, Congregate Care Facilities proposed for Chester Township’s commercial district. There was a review and discussion, with a decision postponed until June 13.

Ken Radtke explained to the public that because it was a special meeting and discussions can only be about the topics that were advertised, public comments specific to the proposed zoning amendment could not be accepted at the meeting.

The board accepted the resignation of township administrative assistant Laura Klendworth and approved advertising for the full-time position, with applications due at town hall by 4 p.m. June 27.

A motion recognizing the Eagle Scout accomplishment of Aidan Mann was approved and trustees congratulate Aidan on his significant accomplishment.

A motion was approved to postpone the public hearing for the proposed change to the zoning resolution regarding accessory buildings from June 16 to a special meeting set for June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The June 13 special meeting began at 7:30 a.m. with a discussion about selection of counsel for the congregate care zoning amendment. Lorrie Sass-Benza was selected along with Alan Weinstein. Ms. Benza is a former Bainbridge trustee, past zoning commission member, board of zoning appeals member and Geauga County Planning Commission member and assistant prosecutor. She will aid the township with the amendment process. Alan Weinstein, a professor at Cleveland State University with an extensive background in planning, was retained to help identify issues and questions associated with the proposed zoning amendment. Both Ms. Sass-Benza and Mr. Weinstein’s hourly rate is $250.  A motion to create purchase orders for their services will be forthcoming.

Next, Police Chief Craig Young provided a review of the 2023 police department temporary appropriations followed by the road department with Superintendent John Onyshko and then Chief Bill Shaw of the fire department.

The general fund will be reviewed on June 20 and a date established for the public hearing for Chester Township’s 2023 temporary appropriations.  The public hearing date will be advertised in the Geauga Maple Leaf as well as the Chester News and on the township website.

 

Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee