Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 for an executive session regarding conferences with an attorney...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 for an executive session regarding conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are subject to pending or imminent court action.
Trustees met in regular session on Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting opened with an executive session conference call with an attorney regarding a dispute involving the public body concerning pending court action. The board came back into session and approved $25,000 to retain McDonald Hopkins LLC as legal counsel. Minutes from the meetings on Sept. 24 and 29 and Oct. 8, 14, 19 and 20 were approved.
In road department business, the board approved up to $37,000 to Empire Paving for repairs on County Line and Heath roads. On a recommendation from Chester Road Superintendent Joe Fornaro, the board hired Peter Oravecz as road worker 2 at $23.47 per hour pending the outcome of a drug test and background check. Trustees accepted the resignation of Steve Voigt, of the road department, effective Oct. 23 and thank Mr. Voigt for his years of service for the township.
The board approved the purchase of 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel in the amount $14,560 from Chardon Oil and approved an after the fact expense to Herda’s Truck Service for new compressor for brake system on truck #8.
In fire department business, the board hired Salli L. Mehall as part-time administrative assistant at $16 per hour contingent on a background check and drug test. The board also approved $3,000 toward the purchase of eight tires for fire engine 3424 and tanker 3434 from Kolsom Tire.
In police business, the board approved two after the fact purchases for 10 riot helmets from the Geauga Sheriff’s Office for $1,400 and for Truck MD to set up the two new police cruisers with equipment for $4,200.
In zoning, trustees approved to reappoint Kathy Fadorsen for a five-year term to the Chester Board of Appeals and Andrew Chess for a five-year term on the Chester Zoning Commission, both ending Dec. 31, 2025. Trustees thank them both for their continuing service to the Chester residents. Trustees accepted the resignation of Christina Crews as zoning commission administrative assistant effective Oct. 7.
In new business regarding CARES funds, the following items were approved: motion sensor switches and replacement of carpeted areas in town hall, police portable radios, remodeling the fire station for permanent quarters for the staff and additional cleaning solutions for fire and police. The board approved a change order and final payment from Ronyak Paving Inc. on the recommendation of Geauga County Engineer’s Office for an OPWC project in the amount of $516,915.70.
The park board will be holding a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the park gazebo. All are welcome.
The special meeting on Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. included members of the Chester Township Planning Committee and Cleveland State University for review of the community questionnaire, including open discussion with the public in attendance and attending via Zoom. Details of the questionnaire can be obtained on the Chester Township website.
Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee
