Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23 began with a zoning commission update...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23 began with a zoning commission update. The discussion included signage, pool covers and updating the Chester Township Zoning Resolution and township map to include passive and active parks. A joint meeting with the BZA, ZC and BOT was scheduled to be held on March 1 to discuss the items in more detail.
In Chester Road Department business, it was approved to advertise for a seasonal worker at rates of $17 to $20 per hour. Trustees approved the recommended revisions by Road Superintendent John Onyshko to existing Chester Township Policy 2.03 Driveway Aprons and Drive Pipe Work Orders. Department expenditures approved included a new John Deere tractor at $66,308.50 and $70,200 for a Diamond rotary head attachment.
Regarding the Chester Fire Department, trustees approved an application for an Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS Grant for training and equipment. Trustees also approved hiring Mitchell King and Anthony Mariola as part-time firefighters/EMT-B effective March 5 at $19.18 per hour upon successful completion of a background check and drug test. The board then approved after the fact $1,750 payable to Truck MD for preventative maintenance and replacement of rear brake chambers.
In police business, trustees moved to amend motion # 2022-338 to include “per the conditional offer of employment” for employee Tyler Dankovich and motion #2023-43 to include the words “per the conditional offer of employment” for employee Robert Rowland. Finally, they approved payment to Bob’s Garage & Towing for vehicle repairs of $3,000.
Regarding new business, the board moved to reappoint Linda Palchick to a position on the West Geauga Community Joint Recreational District Board for the term expiring March 31, 2026. Trustees approved an increase in the revenue fund 2904-599-2901 One Ohio Opioid for $ 2,295.83.
Moving to the township park, trustees approved a three-year contract for the landscaping and ballfield maintenance to Innovative Companies with no price increases during the three-year contract 2023 to 2025. Trustees sent out thank you letters to all who sent in bid proposals.
The board moved to enter into executive session at 8:38 p.m. pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G) (1) to consider the promotion or compensation of a public employee and (4) preparing for, conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment.
Upon return, trustees moved to approve, authorize and ratify the collective bargaining agreement as presented by John Onyshko. The agreement was recognized as being entered into by the membership of the Chester Township Road Department / International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Chester Township Board of Trustees. By the approval, said contract shall be deemed effective and retroactive to a beginning date of June 1, 2022, and an expiration date of May 31, 2025. Also approved was an additional week of vacation for Chester Fire Chief William Shaw and a wage increase for Salli Mehall, administrative assistant, from $18 per hour to $18.54 per hour effective the first full pay period of 2023. With no further business before the board, Mr. Richter adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
The Chester Township Zoning Commission held a joint meeting with the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Chester Trustees at 7 p.m. March 1. The boards had open conversation on signage; parks, including both passive and active in the districts; swimming pool covers; and views on cluster homes. Mr. Radtke shared he would reach out to the prosecutor to determine the best way to prohibit nursing homes in the township. An open discussion with the boards and the public took place.
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 2 had a working budget meeting with department heads for the final 2023 permanent budget and the temporary budget for 2024.
Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee
