Chester Government Update
The March 9 meeting of the Chester Township Trustees began with approval of meeting minutes, followed by the re-hiring of Gary Huston who is a long-time seasonal employee for the township...
The March 9 meeting of the Chester Township Trustees began with approval of meeting minutes, followed by the re-hiring of Gary Huston who is a long-time seasonal employee for the township. Trustees thank him for re-joining the team. The board also approved hiring Justin Salo as a seasonal worker.
In road department business, a new concrete saw in the amount of $12,600 and mower in the amount of $13,359 were approved. Five bids for various aggregate materials for summer road maintenance were received and sent to the Chester Road Superintendent John Onyshko for his review. He provided an update on the section of Heath Road that is failing and has been reduced to one lane with appropriate barriers and signage to be installed. The drainage system failure at Hancock Park at the corner of Mulberry and Chillicothe roads was discussed and whether it is worth the expense to repair and maintain the small water source.
In fire department business, a memorandum of understanding was approved to receive smoke detectors from the American Red Cross that will be distributed in the community.
The West Geauga Pickleball Club provided an update to the trustees regarding their fund-raising status and also held the public drawing for their 50/50 fundraiser, generating $10,000 towards the project. Anyone interested in donating to the cause may contact town hall at 440-729-7058 or kpaulic@chestertwp.org.
Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase provided an update on the new township website. Training will be occurring soon and the transition will happen in early April. Trustees apologize that the current website is no longer able to be supported and information is out of date. Contact town hall with any questions.
Purchase also provided updates on the planned demolition of the Henry house next to Parkside Park and consolidation of properties at Fire Station No. 2 in anticipation of putting the land up for sale.
Police Chief Craig Young was nominated to attend the FBI National Academy. The prestigious 10-week course has limited availability and trustees are honored that Chief Young was selected.
As a follow-up with the Chester Zoning Commission, there was discussion whether to add language to specifically prohibit nursing homes or whether to leave that language as it currently stands where if a use is not specifically listed, it is prohibited. There was general agreement to leave the current language as the best approach.
The board executed an agreement with the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District (GTSWMD) to continue the drop-off recycling services in the township. Cameras are in operation at the Recycle Park to identify and pursue people who are using this service as a garbage dump. Trustees ask residents to read the sign and only leave recyclables. If the bins are full, please do not leave materials on the ground.
The board approved $8,900 to install two gates at the Recycle Park to help control illegal disposal by limiting hours of service. The township will be reimbursed through grant funding by the GTSWMD for the expense.
Innovative Companies LTD was approved to provide landscaping and grounds maintenance of township properties for 2023 in the amount of $30,727.51.
The board approved the 2023 permanent appropriations in the amount of $9,901,325.40.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Trustee
