Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 3 began with an executive session regarding employee compensation followed by motions to increase the wages of two part-time firefighters who had recently re-joined the department...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 3 began with an executive session regarding employee compensation followed by motions to increase the wages of two part-time firefighters who had recently re-joined the department. Based on their years of service and experience, Fire Chief Bill Shaw recommended the adjustment and the motion passed.
Township Administrator Mark Purchase provided updates on the township website, the land survey for consolidation of parcels at Fire Station No. 2, and the Miller-Dodson assessment of township-owned buildings and properties. Purchase has also been developing and updating storm water, grants, new hire and flag replacement policies that were approved by the board along with updated job descriptions and the organizational chart.
The board also took action to approve a new mobile carrier, AT&T Mobility LLC, which will save the township money and enable it to get updated cell phones. Monies remaining from the multi-community FEMA grant for radios were approved for additional firefighting equipment and gear totaling about $123,000, with Chester’s share of about $18,000 being spent for new turnout gear that needs replacement.
Chester approved South Russell Mayor William Koons to serve as the designee at the NOPEC General Assembly meeting and also approved $1,018 to the Geauga County Engineer’s Office for the annual oversight and management of the township’s storm water pollution prevention plan.
Mary Lou Florentine, who has served as Chester Township’s administrative assistant for more than 10 years, was officially recognized through a board motion as the township’s fiscal officer assistant reflecting her new role and responsibilities in the township.
At the end of the meeting, another executive session was held to consider the purchase of property for a public purpose. Upon re-entering public session, no actions were taken and the meeting was closed.
On Nov. 9, the board of trustees held a special meeting to discuss fire department matters, including the purchase of a new pumper and some adjustments to the 2022 fund accounts for salaries and pension. Joining the public meeting by phone, Fire Chief Shaw explained that the current pumper is 30 years old and parts are becoming difficult, including the search for an exhaust manifold that needs replacement.
There is an opportunity to purchase a demo vehicle that has not yet been made available to the general sales staff of the company. The vehicle would be available around September 2023 when current wait time is about two years. The vehicle is a base model with a limited opportunity to add a few extras. It represents a savings of over $100,000 versus a new made-to-order pumper. Shaw recommended the purchase and the board approved up to $625,000 for the purchase. The old pumper will be sold and the 15-year-old unit serving as the primary will be dedicated as backup once the new vehicle arrives. The township will receive a 4 percent discount by paying for the chassis and engine in early 2023 as the vehicle buildout begins.
Regarding fund accounts, some unanticipated labor expenses that were not part of the original 2022 budget, along with increasing the pension contributions because of a significant amount of overtime that full timers had been working, necessitated the adjustment.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee
