Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 7 began with a presentation by Oswald Insurance representative Austin Bennett providing some explanations regarding the policy increases through the township’s insurer, Ohio Township Association Risk Management Association (OTARMA)...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 7 began with a presentation by Oswald Insurance representative Austin Bennett providing some explanations regarding the policy increases through the township’s insurer, Ohio Township Association Risk Management Association (OTARMA). Bennet explained that claims by the group, rise in property and equipment values and the restructuring of re-insurance are primary factors. The board passed a motion for $148,205 for the township’s property and liability policy, an unfortunate increase of about $34,000 or 30 percent.
Next, the Chester Grave Hunters, led by Diana Kresnye and George Zehnder, provided an update on their efforts to clean and restore Revolutionary War soldiers’ headstones as well as their plans for tours at Quirk Cemetery in October.
In road department business, there was discussion about drainage issues on Marilyn Drive; the upcoming repairs to the salt dome in the amount of $136,535 by Ram Construction; and paving a portion of the road department driveway and inside the salt dome in the amount of $46,850 by Always Construction. Funds in the amount of $6,000 to Podojil Excavating were approved for drainage work at storm water retention basin at the Chester Cemetery.
The board also approved the agreements with the West Geauga School District to provide a school resource officer and two school safety officers, providing security in each of the school buildings during regular school hours.
The Chester Community Cleanup Day is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Chester Recycle Park. Senior Cleanup will be from Sept. 8-10. Watch for ads in the Chesterland News and updates on the township website: chestertwp.com.
On Aug. 11, the public hearing for rezoning Chester Fire Station No. 2 to industrial was held. It was a continuation from an earlier meeting in July. Several residents asked questions and spoke in opposition to the change out of concern for impacts to the neighborhood. It was explained that with certain setbacks, the area is limited in what can be developed. No decision has been made and the hearing was continued to Aug. 25.
On Aug. 18, the board of trustees, fiscal officer and township administrator met with the Geauga County Budget Commission to review Chester’s 2026 temporary budget, which was unanimously approved by the GCBC.
Submitted by Chester Township Board of Trustees
