Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 10 began with approval of minutes followed by a discussion on whether to allow the Ohio EPA access to Chester property to conduct subsurface and indoor air sampling...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 10 began with approval of minutes followed by a discussion on whether to allow the Ohio EPA access to Chester property to conduct subsurface and indoor air sampling. The board decided to decline access at this time.
Next, the trustees discussed past due invoices related to drive pipe replacements. A letter from the trustees will be sent to individuals with outstanding monies owed before escalation with the Geauga County Prosecutor’s office. Seasonal Road worker Gary Huston was removed from payroll and trustees thank Mr. Huston for his service as well as his volunteerism in the community.
An agreement with the township’s cell phone provider Verizon was renewed and three May 2017 meetings for the Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland and purchase orders for piping at $4,500, salt at $67,166 and exterior repairs to the fire station at $2,300 were also approved.
The township is evaluating internet services it receives from private and the county. The One Community internet service is slow, at times causing upsets with check runs and Universal Accounting Network (UAN) financial reporting transmissions. The township is evaluating alternatives for increased speed and reliability.
Placement of a bin for recycling used clothing for the Special Olympics was discussed. A review of how many other organizations in Chester provide this service will be conducted before making a decision.
The board has received a copy of the contract to continue single stream recycling services with the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District. It will be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for review before a motion is made.
The Geauga County Engineer’s office provides ditch elimination program management for 12 townships in Geauga County and the possibility of them overseeing Chester’s ditch elimination program was discussed, but no decision has been made.
Chapters 5 and 6 of the draft policy and procedures manual were reviewed and discussed and the process continues. An executive session was held at the end of the meeting regarding employment compensation and discipline of public employee(s). No board actions were taken arising from that meeting.
Matthew Richter, son of Chester Fiscal Officer Craig Richter, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His recognition ceremony was at noon Nov. 27 at the Munson Town Hall. Trustees congratulate Matthew on this outstanding achievement.
The board is seeking applicants for the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals with terms beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Letters of interest can be dropped off at town hall or mailed to 12701 Chillicothe Road. Deadline for applying is Nov. 30.
Prepared by Ken Radtke, Jr., Trustee
