On the record
Fowler
What: Fowler Township trustees meeting on Monday
Present: Tom Carr, Albert Crabbs and Jeff Davis
Trustees:
Approved Winfield Mechanical at $8,498 for replacing the boiler at the fire station;
Canceled the October meeting since two meetings were held in September;
Set trick-or-treat for 6 to 8 p.m Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
Newton
What: Newton Township trustees meeting on Monday
Present: Greg Dubos, Bob Page and Doreen Lutz
Trustees:
Approved a one-year agreement with Direct Energy, effective Nov. 1, for gas aggregation program at $4.93 per thousand cubic feet and $4.83 per mcf for senior citizen customers;
Reported the Issue 1 paving and improvements of Hott West Road have been completed with plans to seek state Issue 1 funding for 2015 for improvements to Hallock Sook Road;
Set trick-or-treat for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Lordstown
What: Lordstown Board of Education meeting on Thursday
Present: Roberta Hiller, Ron Tyndall, Tracie Allen, William Catlin and Sandra McBride
The board:
l Recognized students and staff for a successful Constitution Day event held Sept. 17 and thanked the following students for their speaking roles at the event, Alex Applegate, Andrew Applegate, Danielle Carrell, Marlena Liming and Julia D’Amico, and thanked speakers Judge Phil Vigorito, state Sen. Capri Cafaro and Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill;
l Accepted a donation of two automated external defibrillators from the Lordstown Fire Department, valued at $1,500 each. The school nurse, Danielle Hlywa, was responsible for having them donated;
l Approved the following supplemental contracts: Jennifer Jerek, high school Student Council, $1,425; Genevieve Gigliotti, English Festival, $1,188; Samantha Kelecava, English Festival, $1,188; and Mitch Blake, junior high girls basketball, $3,088, and head softball coach, $3,563;
l Approved a technology shared services agreement with the Newton Falls Exempted School District;
l Approved the following individuals as substitute classified employees on an as-needed basis: Steve Bear, bus driver; Jim Frantz, bus driver; and Nancy Goddard, cafeteria and custodial;
l Approved an additional half hour per day pay for Mindy Moyers, who was the Jump Start teacher this summer, for 10 days at a rate of $22 per hour;
l Hired Vonda Delauder as bus driver for three hours per day;
l Approved a shared services agreement with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center in the amount of $409,000.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Mathews
What: Mathews Board of Education special meeting on Wednesday
Present: Tarin Brown, Terry Woodyard, Ken Wallace and Mary J. Swift
Absent: Jamie Koehler
The board:
l Hired Michael Miller as high school prep adviser at $862;
l Approved an agreement with Side Effects to obtain sponsors for advertising on a new scoreboard at the booster field;
l Approved the following purchase orders: high school yearbook, Walsworth Publishing, $5,035; junior high dance supplies, Staples, $256; Cogat and Iowa testing supplies, Riverside Publishing, $905; replace heat exchanger, AA Samuels Metal, $3,138; reference fees, Harry Taich, $10,000; extended school year, Trumbull County Educational Service Center, $6,565; and social studies fifth and sixth grades, Study Island, $792;
l Approved a sixth grade field trip to Bell Wick Bowling Alley on Oct. 30, and a second grade field trip to Powers Auditorium on Dec. 5.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
On the record
Girard
What: Girard Board of Education meeting on Wednesday
Present: Diane Alejars, Richard Rees, Cheryl Asente, Pete Cardiero and Joe Melfi
The board:
Accepted the following donations: $2,900 from GHS Band Boosters; $1,000 for GHS Robotics and $500 for the Jr. High LEGO League from Seongkuk Park / Tae Kim; and $100 from American Legion Post 235 for GHS Band;
Approved an agreement with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center for shared services for fiscal year 2015 in the amount of $500,000;
Declared an iMac obsolete and removed it from inventory;
Approved the declaration of impractical to transport for an updated list of students and offering them payment in lieu of transportation;
Accepted the resignations of bus driver Donna Dellosso; educational assistant and secretary Phyllis Zaleski; and teacher Melanie Kepko;
Approved an unpaid leave of absence for Tina Pizzullo for two days;
Hired Timothy Bebech as a one-on-one educational assistant for a Girard High School student; and Sherry Rodriguez for a Girard student attending Trumbull Career and Technical Center;
Approved the re-employment of Linda Costello, Linda Getz, Melanie Lawson, Gretchen Walker, Gary Orosz, Jason Zirafi, Autumn James and David Bernard as academic intervention specialists;
Approved the following as after-school intervention instructors for the 7-8 Math Help After School Program: Ernest Szabo and Ashley Teagarden;
Hired the following substitutes on an as-needed basis: Michael Carden; Tracey Golden; Ryan Hancock; Angela Moore; Regina Oliva; Daniel Testa; Ann Biamonte; Shirley Curd; and April Mohn;
Approved Brittany Schnellbach as a volunteer assistant coach for LEGO League;
Renewed the contract of Reynald Paolone as head softball coach for two years at $5,650;
Renewed the contract of James Cardiero as head wrestling coach for two years at $4,483;
Approved the following assistant coaches: Tony Simeone, assistant cross country, $780; Jeffrey Jay, assistant softball, $2,646; Matthew Roselle assistant football, volunteer; Joe Carbon, assistant boys basketball, $4,716; Anthony Guerrieri, assistant boys basketball; Ilias Raptis, Jr. High boys basketball, $2,242; and Phil Kilbourne, Jr. High boys basketball, $2,242;
Approved Ronald Navarra as a volunteer swimming / diving coach;
Approved the temporary employment of event aides Sharla DeSimone, Joe Hudak, Leland Bennett and Logan Cochran on an as-needed basis;
Approved Audra Deal and Lily Whitney as volunteer band chaperones.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Howland
What: Howland Township trustees meeting on Wednesday
Present: Rick Clark, Matt Vansuch and Jim LaPolla
Trustees:
Entered into a contract with Republic Services at $24,000 for the curbside leaf pickup program this fall. Clark said the cost was $16,000 less than last year;
Entered into a contract with Bob’s Tree Service at $6,000 for leaf grinding services;
Hired Ken Bloom as a full-time firefighter / paramedic, effective Oct. 1;
Accepted the retirement of firefighter James McCall, effective Oct. 6 after 26 years of service;
Announced an online sale of surplus items confiscated by police will be held for 30 days at Lightgov.com. Clark said various stolen and recovered items will be available;
Announced the township leaf and branch pickup will be held Oct. 27 to Nov. 7 for streets east of Mosquito Creek and Nov. 10 to 21 for streets west of Mosquito Creek including North Road. There will be one pass on each street.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Warren
What: Warren City Council regular meeting Wednesday in the administration building
Present: Council members Larry Larson, Alford Novak, John Brown Jr., Greg Bartholomew, Vince Flask, Cheryl Saffold, Eddie Colbert, Jim Valesky, Dan Sferra, Helen Rucker and James Graham
Council:
Placed in first reading and ordinance to vacate a portion of the street on Reserve Road to a property owner that has been cutting the grass in the area for a number of years. A public hearing will take place on Nov. 12, prior to the council meeting;
Passed and ordinance accepting the citizen committee recommendations of approximately $1 million of block grant being split among 34 Trumbull area organizations. The citizen committee received hundreds of requests for financial assistance and had to narrow its choices. The council also looked at assisting homeowners and first-time home buyers with $460,000 in HOME program assistance;
Approved the purchase of chemicals, including 160 tons of activated carbon, 24,000 gallons of hydrofluosic acid, 250,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite,z 200 tons of pebble quick lime, 1,200 tons of alum polymer and 20,000 gallons of anionic polymer, that are required by the water department;
Held a moment of silence to honor former Congressman Jim Traficant, who was hurt in a tractor accident on Tuesday.
– Raymond L. Smith
On the record
Warren
What: Warren Board of Education special meeting on Tuesday
Present: Andre Coleman, Regina Patterson, Robert Faulkner Sr. and John Lacy
The board:
l Established budgets and purpose statements for the National Honor Society, F.I.R.S.T. Robotics, M.H. Youth Organization, Visions Yearbook and Renaissance / Effective Schools;
l Entered into an agreement, contract and/or lease with Antenucci Inc. ($35,261), Sonima Wellness (no cost), Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility ($27,355), Ohio State University Extension ($14,976) and Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties ($300,000);
l Accepted financial gifts offered to the Warren City School District in the total amount of $3,147.05;
l Amended the substitute teacher salary table removing the ability for substitute teachers to be paid the total of $85 per day for snow days;
l Accepted the retirement of Karen Dahman, elementary education teacher;
l Announced military leave for Derek Pressell, secondary education teacher;
l Announced a leave of absence for Alison Funtik, special education teacher;
l Appointed supplemental contracts at $24 an hour for After School Credit Recovery Program at Warren G. Harding High School for Leigh Arvin, Justin Drapp, Val Jean Pace, Mary Jo Pardee and Carol Wilson; supplemental contracts at $24 an hour for 21st Century Community Learning Afterschool Program for Arlene Barkan, Ronile Bonner, Kendra Godiciu and Mesa Morlan; supplemental contracts at $24 an hour for tutoring services for Tonya Antill, Jodi Devine and Stephanie Gilligan; supplemental contracts at $24 an hour for Building Leadership Team for Nicole Laprocina and Stephanie Shimko; supplemental contracts at $24 an hour for District Leadership Team for Juli Barnes, Rachel Brent, Gina D’Alio, Danielle DeJulio, Denise Delaquilla, Diane Finesilver, Patricia Fisher, Joshua Guthrie, Heather Hathaway, Julie Householder, Erin Hricik, Kelly Hutchison, Katherine Kish, Krista Kohut, Nicole Laprocina, Jacqueline Lawrence, Sylvia Littleton, Elizabeth McComb, Roseanne McCracken, Erica Miranda, Mesa Morlan, Richard Rohrer, Nicole Shaker, Susan Stowe, Kristy Thornton, Cara Venetti and Paula Yauger;
l Appointed Vincent Vaughan as a building substitute at $85 per day;
l Appointed Lee Manios, Arlene Barkan, Cheyanne Burns and Martin Cohen as building substitutes at $80 per day;
l Accepted the resignations of Amy Gazdik, Josie Armstrong, Mariah Bailey, Dante Campbell, Alice Chattman, Essie Holmes, Veronica Howard, Michelle Longo, Taslim Patterson, Jabneb A. Provitt, Linda Blakely, Karen Brandon, Carla Brown, Linda Constantino, Lori Dukes, Rosemarie Eckenrode, Tamara Harrison, Janice Jordan, Trish Kover, Bridger Kowalczyk, Geraldine Marsh, Nichole May, Wendy Miller, JoAnne Reynolds, Tina Rodepouch, Molly Rogers, Carrie Roscoe, Latoya Seay, Linda Ulrich, Tammy Vanscoy, Sarah Williams, Sabrina Young, Sonya Carter, Rheyanna Johnson, Terry McCoy Jr., Kellie Maheu, Scott Manusakis, James Morton Jr. and Joanna Pecorelli;
l Recognized a leave of absence for Margaret Baker and Lynette Allen due to medical reasons;
l Hired Adam Chinchic, Dania Gillam, Peter Gorantis and Christopher Martin as temporary police officers for events at $22 per hour;
l Hired Romando Alexander, Dante Bradley, Dominic Bradley, Cameron Gump, Andrew Peterson and Billy Robinson as student clean-up workers at $7.95 per hour;
l Hired Michelle Douglas for services related to the After School Credit Recovery Program at Warren G. Harding High School at $15 per hour;
l Awarded supplemental contract to Anthony Davis for participating on the District Leadership Team and attending monthly meetings at $16.72 per hour;
l Awarded coaching contracts to David Arnold, Franklin D. Parker, Jake Jones and Brian Ulrich for the Warren G. Harding and Warren middle school football programs.
– Colin Harris
Howland
What: Howland Board of Education regular meeting on Monday
Present: Warner Bacak, Matt Darrin, Ken Jones, Scott Lehman and Barbara Wright
The board:
l Approved the following donations: $500 from the Cafaro Foundation for educational materials; $807 from Target for the high school fund, $374 for the middle school fund and $277 for the H.C. Mines fund; and a Digital Reading Program for access to digital books from Capstone and Coughlan Companies CEO Tom Ahern, who is a 1976 Howland graduate;
l Hired Allison Shipman as resident educator program coordinator at $1,000 stipend;
l Hired Elizabeth Zagorski as a permanent substitute teacher on an as-needed basis at $90 per day;
l Approved a leave of absence for elementary teacher Andrea Jones;
l Approved Jason Lee, Brian Hubert, Lisa Allison and Michael O’Hara as substitutes for the Saturday Morning Alternative Responsibility Training (SMART) program for the 2014-15 school year;
l Issued supplemental contracts to Rae Anne Cleal for elementary musical productions at Glen and Springs for the 2014-15 school year;
l Rescinded the previously approved supplemental contracts of Shawn Reynolds for middle school musical production and band camp and issued a supplemental contract for assistant band director;
l Rescinded the previously approved one-year limited contract of Nick List for assistant varsity boys soccer coach and issued a one-year limited contract for assistant varsity boys soccer coach, half;
l Issued a one-year limited contract to Rhonda Morgan for two-hour cook / cashier at North Road;
l Approved Brenda Barlow as a cook / cashier for the 2014-15 school year;
l Approved Jerome Gentile to provide Title I math services to students of JFK Lower Campus at $25 per hour for six hours per day;
l Approved Michelle Polando to provide Title I reading services to students at JFK Lower Campus at $25 per hour for five hours per day, three days a week;
l Approved Michael Prokop to provide psychological services to JFK Lower Campus on an as-needed basis at $50 per hour;
l Accepted the resignation of Andrea Wundrow as three-hour cook / cashier and amended her continuing contract to three-hour educational assistant at North Road;
l Entered into transportation contracts with parents to transport three special needs students at a reimbursement rate of $10 per day;
l Entered into a contract with Howland Township to employ patrolman Eric Bowker as school resource officer for the 2014-15 school year at a cost of $31,568, subject to yearly pay increases by the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolence Association.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Hubbard
What: Hubbard Board of Education regular meeting Monday
Present: Donald Newell, Martin Franko, Tony Pantone Jr., Rocky Adams and Linda Silvidi
The board:
l Accepted the following donations: $11,935 from Hubbard Band sponsors for final payment toward the new band uniforms; $71 from Target for the middle school’s principal’s fund; and $750 from the Reed PTO for the middle school’s principal’s fund;
l Hired Julia Clemente as girls fifth- and sixth-grade basketball coach;
l Hired Roger Baker as assistant swim coach to replace Cheryl Pike, who chose not to fulfill her contract;
l Hired Ron Killian as head boys bowling coach;
l Hired Scott Killian as volunteer boys bowling coach;
l Hired Ken Miller as head girls bowling coach;
l Approved the following wrestling coaches: Scott Lewis, head coach; Chuck Latronica, assistant coach; Ralph Streb, seventh- and eighth-grade coach; and volunteers Zac Chaney, Tyler Lias and Paul Frank;
l Approved a one-year limited contract for bus driver Diane Kidd;
l Approved the following certified subs: Michael Carden, music; and David Walker, short-term general education;
l Approved the following classified subs: bus drivers Brenda Madden and Lori Wojcicki;
l Approved substitute summer help at a rate of $13 per hour;
l Accepted the resignations of lifeguard Connor Smith, and high school teachers Jeff Bayuk, Mimi Kim and David Konczal;
l Approved the following club advisers: Chris Moriarty, English Festival adviser; Mary Mathews-Bebech, English Festival co-adviser; Robin Vaupel, English Festival co-adviser; Jessie Jones-Canter, STEM Festival Math co-adviser; Lisa Cricks, STEM Festival Math co-adviser; Holly Roberts, Robotics; and Mary Mathews-Bebech, Traci Hill and Debbie Ridel, short-term home instruction medical;
l Approved the following mentors: Mary Mathews-Bebech, Laura McCleery, Daniel Scarmack, Nicholas McGinnis and Pamela Petrusko.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Liberty
What: Liberty Board of Education regular meeting on Monday
Present: Carmen Faustino, James Jones Jr., Diana DeVito, David Malone and Gloria Lang
The board:
l Approved the following clubs for the 2014-15 school year: Class of 2015 (seniors); Class of 2016 (juniors); German club; golf; Liberty For Youth Club; Liberty High School Art Club; LHS cheerleading; LHS choir fund; LHS Fitness Center (conditioning club); LHS marching band; LHS Student Council; LHS volleyball; National Honor Society; newspaper; Pennies for Blott; Robotics Club; Ski Club; Spanish Club; speech and debate; Teens for People (PANDA); Tri-M Music Society; wrestling activity; W.S. Guy cheerleading; W.S. Guy choir fund; W.S. Guy Middle School conditioning; W.S. Guy instrumental; music (band); and yearbook;
l Approved the following certificated individuals to be used on an as-needed basis during 2014-15: James DeToro, Shelley Berlin, Katie Critell and Tracey Golden, home instructors; Judy Anzevino, home instructor and mentor; and Melanie Sump, E.J. Blott Elementary School mentor;
l Approved Rosie Boehlke as a long-term substitute teacher at E.J. Blott during the 2014-15 school year;
l Approved the following individuals as classified substitutes to be used on an as-needed basis during 2014-15: Tracy Evans, aide and cafeteria; Janet White, aide; Judy Anzevino, Board of Education secretarial; Randy Copenhaver, custodian; William Smith, custodian;
l Accepted the following donations: 15 yards of mulch for the school grounds from DelliQuadri Landscaping, valued at $330, which the wrestling team and coaches volunteered to spread around the school building grounds; and a leopard constructed of stained glass from Courteney Lukac, assisted by Sarah Frank, LHS art teacher, who furnished the stained glass, and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lukac, who donated materials, and Mr. Lukac built the platform, valued at $450;
l Approved the following field trips: Mrs. Bengala’s first grade class to Levy Gardens Assisted Living during the months of September, November, January, March and May; grade 1 to the Stotler Apple Orchard on Oct. 9 and 10; grade 8 to the Canton Football Hall of Fame on Oct. 28;
l Accepted the resignation of Kay Torres as LHS senior executive adviser, effective Sept. 12;
l Distributed two new and 21 revised policies for approval at the October board meeting.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Warren Township
What: Warren Township trustee meeting on Tuesday
Present: Kay Anderson, Terry Ambrose and Robert Bush
Trustees:
l Reported the walking trail around the perimeter of the ballfields near the Johnson Community Center is near complete. Officials said paving work is set for next week. Credit was given to Lisa and Bill Collins of the Hot Stove baseball and softball leagues and Mel Milliron of the Trumbull County Health Department for their contributions in making the trail possible;
l Received a $98,000 Federal Emergency Management grant for a grass / brush pumper truck for the fire department which was jointly sought with Champion Township to improve chances of obtaining the grant;
l Set trick-or-treat for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Girard
WHAT: Girard city council meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Reynold Paolone, John Moliterno , Joseph Shelby, Louis Adovasio, Stephen Brooks, Larry Steiner, George Eicher, Thomas Grumley
Council:
Heard from Cheryl Ransley of Special Olympics and Valerie Walker of Planet Air asking that council reconsider passing legislation that would prohibit the placement of donation drop boxes in the city. Officials have been concerned with the increased numbers of such boxes in the city, some of which have created public nuisance. Ransley and Walker suggested that stickers be given out to registered nonprofits and responsible groups needing to have such bins to help Special Olympics and other groups. Grumley suggested having a designated area for the bins. Council is also considering limiting the number of bins per organization or group. Ransley and Walker said they would agree to a bin limitation. The ordinance received a second reading with final reading set for Oct. 14;
Heard from Girard cross country coaches and members and residents about the bridge at Liberty Park, which is not able to be used by spectators and visitors to get to the cross country meet viewing area in the park. Grumley said council has worked to get funding to repair and open the bridge and is looking at different remedies. Shelby suggested seeking funds for possibly having a shuttle service. Shelby said a meeting will be held with the school athletic director Nick Cochran and cross country representatives to look at options for the cross country season;
Heard from Mayor Jim Melfi that the bridge at Glendola and Squaw Creek built in 1952 needs replaced and if determined to be unsafe based on regular inspections will be closed. Melfi said the city is seeking Ohio Public Works grants for a ”Band-Aid” fix for the bridge;
Approved preparing legislation for seeking grant for storm drains for Joan Avenue, Wellman Avenue and East Liberty Street;
Scheduled a work session for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 on improvements to wastewater treatment plant. The council meeting was moved to Oct. 14 due to Columbus Day.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Brookfield
WHAT: Brookfield Board of Education regular meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Gwen Martino, Ronda Bonekovic, Tim Filipovich, Kelly Bianco and Ron Brennan
The board:
Approved an amended contract with the TCESC for services in the amount of $603,000;
Approved an administrative fee expenditure for tutoring at Brookfield Elementary not to exceed $4,000 for one individual;
Appointed Jo Taylor as the superintendent pro tempore for grades K-12;
Hired Nancy Dudzenski as field trip coordinator at $17 per hour;
Hired Susan Jewell as a 4-hour bus driver at $15 per hour;
Hired Elaine Baum as substitute caller for the first semester of the 2014-15 school year at a $1,625 stipend;
Hired Douglas Bear as technology assistant at $18 per hour;
Transferred Kathy Shaffer to the 5 hour and 55 minute educational assistant / library position at $12 per hour;
Hired Jennifer Alter as a 4-hour student monitor at $11 per hour;
Approved the hiring of OWE students to clean the football stadium after each game at a cost of $100 per clean-up;
Allowed the enrollment of an 11th-grade foreign exchange student from Spain;
Hired Hayley Jenkins as a home instructor / tutor at $23 per hour;
Approved the following supplemental contracts: John DeSantis, Chris Fahndrich, Shawn Hammond, Adam Hughes and Keith Joseph, bus duty supervisors AM, $1,650 per year; Chris Fahndrich and Keith Joseph, bus duty supervisors PM, $825 per year; and April Antonelli and Jay Bodnar, detention, $15 per hour;
Accepted the admission of 53 open enrollment students;
Approved the bylaws, officers and budget of the newly-created BMS Cheer Club;
Passed a resolution approving an Internet-based educational delivery system that provides alternative educational options for students being schooled at home, alternative programs and summer school programs, effective from June 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, at $150 per student with a district data base setup fee of $1,000. Teacher stipends, per student, per course are $210 for a full year course and $105 for a semester course;
Approved bus routes for the 2014-15 school year;
Set the next regular board meeting for Oct. 15 in the school auditorium.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Niles
WHAT: Niles Board of Education meeting on Thursday
PRESENT: Christopher Doutt, Richard Limongi, Tony Perrone, Mary Ann McMahon and Susan Longacre
The board:
Addressed the district report card including improvements in many key areas;
Hired Cathleen Matash as school nurse under a one-year limited teaching contract, $30,600. Perrone said there will be three nurses in the district to cover four schools;
Hired Courtney Swegan as a fifth-grade teacher under a one-year limited teaching contract, $29,000; Swegan fills a vacancy created by teacher Eric Jones who left to be an administrator;
Approved FLMA leave requests for head custodian Richard Maine and fourth-grade teacher Abigail Ruberto;
Employed the following individuals as classified substitutes on an as-needed basis: Terry Fisher, Tina Havaich, Valerie Jones, Corey Myers, Amanda Ponevac, Cydnee Scarnecchia and Kimberly Sine;
Approved the transfer of assistant cook Vicki Gattone from two to three hours per day, $6,900; assistant cook Cristina Gilliam from three to five hours per day, $15,200; assistant cook Debra Hawkes, from five to seven hours per day, $21,900;
Hired Patricia Fuda as assistant cook, two hours per day, $3,800;
Hired Brenda Morgan as attendant / educational assistant, eight hours per day, $18,000;
Employed the following non-licensed individuals for supplemental positions: Jason Shelton, assistant varsity boys basketball; Jacqueline Cook, head girls bowling; and Kevin Zook, head boys bowling;
Approved a field trip to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from April 6 to 11, 2015, for the varsity baseball team;
Approved the reappointment of Meredith Elliott to the McKinley Memorial Library Board of Trustees from Dec. 31, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2021;
Approved a memorandum of understanding between the board and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees AFSCME Local No. 4 as previously distributed regarding two bus drivers’ health insurance;
Approved the implementation of the Ski Club at the high school, to be directed by math teacher Stephanie Thomas at no cost to the district.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
McDonald
WHAT: McDonald village council meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Marty Puckett, Richard Harvey, Michael O’Brien, Paul Stitt
ABSENT: Scott Seitz, Brian Fisher
Council:
Appointed Jody Klase to a five-year unexpired term on the board of zoning appeals to replace Lou Ball, who left the board;
Heard from Mayor Glenn Holmes that paving work on roads and construction of sidewalks from McDonald Avenue and Iowa Avenue to the schools will be completed by the end of the month;
Asked voters for support of a 1.5-mill renewal operating levy on the November ballot to raise $27,142 based on 1977 valuation for day-to-day operations in the village. Holmes said the village is receiving less funding from the state in recent years;
Announced the Lions Club Fall Festival will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Ramsay Pavilion off Ohio Avenue;
Set trick or treat for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
Niles
PRESENT: Frank Pezzano, John Merlo, Edward Stredney, Edward McCormick, Michael Lastic, Reggie Giancola, Jr., Stephen Papalas
Council:
Authorized the transfer of $8,000 from the city’s unappropriated street fund to the street department’s vehicle maintenance account. The street department is requesting the funds to make repairs to their vehicles;
Authorized the transfer of $12,000 from the unappropriated state highway fund to the state highway fund’s equipment purchase account in order to purchase parts for snow blades;
Authorized the transfer of $2,000 from the unappropriated general fund to the health department’s bioterrorism account. The health department is requesting the money to purchase equipment that can be used in case of a biological incident;
Authorized the service director to advertise for bids for two years of sludge disposal and one year of chemicals for the waterwater treatment plant;
Authorized the city to pick up the statutorily required contribution to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) for members of the Dispatchers Bargaining Unit;
Authorized the creation of the BRT (BRT Extrusions Inc.) Clean-up Capital Project Fund;
Authorized the service director to advertise for bids for the purchase of road salt for the upcoming winter weather season;
Created the Wastewater Treatment Plant Design & Improvement Fund in order to have a place to deposit funds from a recently applied-for loan to pay for improvement to the city’s treatment plant.
– Colin Harris
Bristol
WHAT: Bristol Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Doug Seemann, Ramon French, Mark Webb
Trustees:
Are accepting letters of interest from residents for positions on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Zoning Commission Board. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 254, Bristolville, or given to any trustee;
Announced that zoning commission meeting minutes will be displayed at www.bristoltownship.com;
Purchased $1,600 of pipe from Pipelines;
Waived rental fees for use of township banquet facilities for the 25th and 50th class reunions of Bristol schools;
Extended the EMS contract with Bloomfield Township to the end of 2014;
Approved the purchase of a pre-owned ambulance under lease by the township, contingent on the passage of the 1-mill fire levy in November;
Accepted the donation of a piano for placement in the town hall;
Approved the adoption of the current State of Ohio Fire Code. All previous fire codes were repealed.
Approved the purchase of three flag poles to be placed at Evergreen Cemetery;
Announced a work session at 5 p.m. Sept. 30 with both Bristol and Bloomfield Township trustees and fiscal officers, to be held in the Bristol administration building.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Port Authority
WHAT: Western Reserve Port Authority regular meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Ron Klingle, Martin Loney, Patrick Pellin, David Detec, David Mosure
ABSENT: Sam Covelli, Don Hanni, Scott Lewis
The board:
l Approved construction by the Pittsburgh Institute of Aviation for a new facility on the southern end of the airport property. PIA has operated at the airport for approximately eight years and is exploring expanded service.
l Approved a grant application that, if approved, would fund about $1.59 million, or half, of the initial development cost of the south development site access road construction. The roadway will provide access to PIA and other future general aviation development.
l Approved a memorandum intent with R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC, of Kentucky, to begin talks that could lead to construction of new rail line and a multi-modal transloading facility at or near the airport.
l Approved the personal services agreement spelling out terms of employment for recently appointed interim Executive Director John Moliterno. Moliterno will be paid $88,000 annually plus benefits effective Sept. 9.
l Promoted airport maintenance and operations lead Roger Swank to maintenance supervisor at an annual salary of approximately $45,000 plus benefits. The board created a new maintenance and operations position in the amount of $35,200 plus benefits to replace Swank. That position has not yet been filled. Additionally the board created two additional full-time maintenance positions in the same amount, and one part-time maintenance position. Those jobs will be filled pending approval of collaborative projects with the U.S. Air Force Reserve / Community Partnership initiative, in which the port authority will take over some maintenance and operations work now handled by the U.S. Air Reserve Station on the shared runway and other operations.
l Approved creation of a part-time parking attendant effective in May 2015.
– Brenda J. Linert
Trumbull County
WHAT: Regular weekly meeting of Trumbull County commissioners Wednesday
PRESENT: Frank Fuda and Dan Polivka
ABSENT: Mauro Cantalamessa
Commissioners:
l Reappointed Patti Matthews Wanat and William Cann to the Trumbull County Workforce Investment Board as private sector business representatives. Wanat will serve a one-year term through October 2015 and Cann, for a two-year period ending in September 2016;
l Accepted the resignation of Katherine Kimble from the workforce investment board and appointed her replacement, Jennifer Wells, to a two-year term ending in August 2016. Wells will be the Title 1 representative;
l Agreed to seek letters of interest from companies to perform inspections of the county’s bridges in 2015, 2016 and 2017;
l Approved the sale of a 1991 Ford dump truck with plow from the county engineer’s office to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for $5,000;
l Awarded $2,202 bid to MNJ Technologies Public Sector LLC of Buffalo Grove, Ill., to furnish three new computers to the dog kennel. Other bidders were Southern Computer Warehouse of Marietta, Ga., $2,209, and Software House International of Somerset, N.J., $2,217;
l Hired Shana Wellman as a full-time dispatcher at the Trumbull County 911 Center. She will begin Monday and earn $16.02 an hour;
l Hired Kara Marie Stan as a utility clerk in the Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer’s Office. She will begin Monday and earn $12.27 an hour;
l Adopted resolution proclaiming Friday as POW-MIA Awareness Recognition Day in Trumbull County.
– Ron Selak Jr.
Newton Falls
WHAT: Newton Falls Board of Education regular meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Don Baker, Edwin Ballas, Debra Davis, Brenda Koontz and Brent Powell
The board:
l Approved an invoice for payment to Jefferson County ESC Virtual Learning Academy for licensing fees for online learning in the amount of $3,110;
l Approved the retirement of junior / senior high school teacher Connie Cassidy with severance pay;
l Approved the retirement of middle school teacher Aprile Hoffman with severance pay;
l Approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2014-15 school year: Edward Freisen and Scott Kernen, assistant boys basketball; Jon Hill, Prep Bowl; and Rachael Rankin, National Honor Society;
l Employed Sarah Currence as cafeteria cashier;
l Employed Chad Wrataric as a computer network assistant;
l Hired the following supplemental basketball contracts: Amber Downing, William Houshour, Dale Huff, Courtney Kellar, Michael Mazanetz, Todd Medallis, Nikki Murphy and Katelyne Perrine;
l Approved the following volunteers: Patrick Harnichar, girls basketball; and Dan Rankin, boys basketball;
l Approved the classified substitute list and the Trumbull County certified substitute list for the 2014-15 school year;
l Approved the use of the high school cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 8 by Pricetown United Methodist Church;
l Approved the technology shared services agreement with Lordstown Local Schools for the 2014-15 school year;
l Approved the job description for the computer / network technician;
l Approved the agreement with the city of Newton Falls regarding the electric bill. Baker said the city was owed money from the school district and an agrement was reached to resolve the issue.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
On the record
McDonald
WHAT: McDonald Board of Education regular meeting Monday.
PRESENT: Tom Hart, Robert Jones Jr., John Saganich, Joseph Krumpak Jr. and Eric Shehadi
The board:
Accepted a $2,000 donation from the Cherotti Family Fund of Akron Community Foundation for the football fund;
Accepted $1,440 in donations to the McDonald golf team from the following: Greg Thompson, $25; Travis Presco / Geoff Presco family, $520; Flora M. Cafaro, $285; Joseph Baytosh, $25; Tod Flere / William Kunkel Jr., $100; Molly’s, $25; Wings Reloaded, $100; Hannon and Associates, $100; and the Domitrovich family, $260;
Approved the disposal of 75 old textbooks;
Approved bids from Nickles Bakery for bread and Dean Dairy products for milk for the 2014-15 school year;
Approved a resolution to pay McDonald police officers $25 per hour for campus patrol for all student days for the 2014-15 school year;
Approved the shared services contract with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center for payment of $45,800 in excess of the original fiscal year 2014 contract and payment of $268,400 for the fiscal year 2015 contract;
Approved Dr. David Delliquadri as school physician at a cost of $1 for the 2014-15 school year;
Rescinded the contract of Tammy Candel from the May 19 board meeting due to the wrong number of contract days and salary;
Hired Tammy Candel as educational aide on a one-year limited contract for the 2014-15 school year;
Hired the following classified personnel on a one-year limited substitute contract for the 2014-15 school year: April Polacek, cook, $8 per hour; John Shaffer, bus driver, $10.50 per hour; and Maria Vigorito, domestic, $8.50 per hour;
Change the following hourly rates for classified substitutes and substitute teachers, effective Oct. 1: bus drivers from $10.50 to $12 per hour; cooks from $8 to $9.50 per hour; domestic cleaners from $8.50 to $9 per hour; custodians from $8.50 to $10 per hour; educational aides from $8 to $10 per hour; secretaries from $8.50 to $10 per hour; study hall monitors from $8 to $8.50 per hour; and substitute teachers from $75 to $80 per day;
Approved participation in the Federal Lunch Program for the 2014-15 school year.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Hubbard
WHAT: Hubbard City Council regular meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Timothy O’Hara, Lorrie Brown, Lisha Pompili-Baumiller, Bonnie Viele, Michael Toda, Justin Silvidi, Jerome Crowe and Raymond Moffitt
Council:
Authorized a sewer tap and service for James Michael Builders for property on Creed Avenue;
Authorized the board of control to advertise for and to accept bids for 2015 sludge hauling and disposal and for solid dewatering and construction services at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
– Colin Harris
Cortland
WHAT: Cortland City Council regular Monday meeting.
PRESENT: James Woofter, Dennis Linville, James Edwards, Kevin Piros, Scott Rowley, Terry Tackett and Deidre Petrosky.
Council:
Approved the first reading of three zone changes: all parcels in Highlands Ridge to single family residential; 453, 477, 509 and 533 North High St. to multi-family residential; and 369 and 377 N. High St. to highway commercial;
Approved a new contract with the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association that provides a 40-cent wage increase in October, a 41-cent increase in October 2015 and a 42-cent increase in October 2016;
Approved a new contract with city firefighters that provides a 2 percent wage increase for the next three years;
Agreed to enter into an agreement with Thomas Fok and Associates to perform construction administration and inspection of phase two of the Downtown Waterline Replacement Project. The cost is not to exceed $40,363;
Agreed to enter into contract with Austintown Fence to replace the chain-link fencing for the basketball courts at Willow Park, at a cost not to exceed $6,496.
– Margaret Thompson
Southington
WHAT: Southington Board of Education meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Patty Anderson, Tim Arbogast, Bob Baugher, Betsy Dunn, Steve Gilanyi
The board:
Hired Joel Polonus as maintenance supervisor on a one-year, 260 day contract at $38,000;
Announced a levy committee will be providing information to the public on a 3.9-mill renewal emergency levy. The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $119 per year;
Approved a contract with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center at $360,548 for special education, computer technician and other services;
Approved paying a varsity football parking lot attendant $12 per day;
Increased the rate of pay for licensed tutors from $15 to $18 per hour;
Accepted the retirement of custodian Nancy Lehmann effective Nov. 1.
– Bob Coupland
On the Record
Bazetta
WHAT: Bazetta Township trustee meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Paul Hovis, Frank Parke, Ted Webb
Trustees:
Presented lifesaving awards to Eat’n Park managers Cheryl Cranston, Virginia Dalon and Amy Cope and fire department members Capt. Dave Walter, firefighter / medics Scott Gubanyar and Nick Wildman, and police department patrolmen Brian Galida and Pat Swiger for their team effort in saving a 71-year-old man’s life Aug. 27 at Eat’n Park Restaurant. The man had a heart attack and restaurant employees were able to help by getting his heart started when safety forces arrived;
Approved $1,500 for emergency hose reel repairs for hydraulic tools with Western Ohio Rescue Supply Co. of Mechanicsburg and $1,500 with Sam’s Club for new surveillance cameras for the police department;
Received a $2,500 grant from Walmart and another $1,000 for the annual Shop with a Cop and Firefighter program;
Appointed Brandon Quiggle as a part-time firefighter / medic and Scott Gubanyar as a part-time police officer. Gubanyar and reserve officer Michael Conway were sworn in as officers;
Had the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department present awards of merit to patrolman Shawn Rentz and sheriff deputy Rick Tackett;
Accepted the resignation of part-time patrolman Michael Pasternak, who took a full-time job in Akron.
– Bob Coupland
Champion
WHAT: Champion Board of Education meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Amy Schwab, Roger Samuelson, Jim Scher, Kelly Boyle
ABSENT: David Mahan
The board:
Reported it will hold its annual strategic planning meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at the high school to meet with the district’s administrators on new ideas for programs in upcoming years. Schwab said the board will bring information from three dialogue sessions with students, parents and business leaders to the meeting;
Heard from High School Principal John Grabowski of a new phone system at the high school with phones in each classroom. Boyle said the system allows the three buildings to also be in contact in emergencies;
Approved changing the name of Key Club to Interact Club, with high school teacher Heather Fetterman as adviser. The club will be associated with the Champion Rotary Club;
Heard Boyle is in contact with Aurora about a children’s Safety Town program for elementary students. The program teaches children road safety.
– Bob Coupland
Lordstown
WHAT: Lordstown village council meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Don Reider, Robert Bond, Karen Jones, John Mansell, Ronald Radtka, Howard Sheeley
Council:
Held a public hearing regarding a zone change request for property owned by Sheldon Gantt being proposed for possible purchase to locate an electrical power plant. Mayor Arno Hill said the village planning commission voted 4-1 against recommending council disapprove the zone change, which will likely not receive enough votes from council to be overturned. Hill said the motion must also be given three readings by council on whether to affirm the decision or grant the zone change. He said a 5-0 vote of council is needed to overturn the recommendation.
Approved Duramark Inc. at $40,864 for striping village roads this fall;
Approved a two-year contract agreement retaining village solicitor Paul Dutton of Harrington, Hoppe and Mitchell;
Set trick-or-treat for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bristol
What: Bristol Board of Education meeting on Friday
Present: Dennis Lenney, John Hickey, Kathie Johnson, Don Mickel and Scott Chapman
The board:
l Granted high school principal Tracey Ryser and elementary principal Alleen Santee a 2 percent raise, which was what was granted to Bristol certified teachers union as part of the collective bargaining agreement, effective Aug. 1;
l Deferred participation in the Ohio School Facilities Commission’s offer of funding for construction of school facilities;
l Approved a contract with the Bristol Public Library for services for the 2014-15 school year in the amount of $8,000. Hickey said the district receives library services for the schools;
l Approved an agreement for Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide educational services for one student;
l Approved a motion to pay ticket sellers $35 per game;
l Approved the insurance coverage through Ohio School Plan for auto, effective Sept. 20 to June 30, 2015;
l Approved stipend payments to the following teachers for Summer of Growth: Rebecca Brugler, Catherine Jackson, Denise Mijavec, Vonnie Peterson and Ellen Stewart;
lApproved the updated substitute list with the following substitutes: Joann Wilson, secretary, and Michelle Wilfong, bus driver;
l Approved the following supplemental positions for the school year: Rick Hanuschak, detention supervisor; Shawn Hillier, assistant girls basketball; and Michelle Klamorick, volunteer cross country;
l Accepted the resignation of Tom Russo as AM cafeteria supervisor;
l Approved Carol Klentz and Michele Stewart to assist in testing on an as-needed basis;
l Approved a contract with the Trumbull County ESC for special education services at $370,000;
l Approved a donation of $148 from Target to the elementary school and $45 to the high school.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
On the record
Warren
WHAT: Warren Board of Education special meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Andre Coleman, Patricia Limperos, Regina Patterson, Robert Faulkner Sr. and John Lacy
The board:
Approved an agreement with PsyCare Inc. for counseling services for students from Aug. 15, 2014, to Aug. 15, 2015;
Approved the first reading of nine policies;
Appointed Jennifer Myers as director of Special Education from Sept. 15, 2014, to June 30, 2016;
Appointed Jessica Stacy as early childhood education teacher on a limited contract for the 2014-15 school year;
Accepted the resignation of Gregory Whitehouse, substitute teacher;
Approved leaves of absence for teachers Ann Allison, Marc Bjelac, Shelby DeRubba, Megan Ferraro, Mary Harris, Susan Huffman, Sally Hull, Jillian Oswald and Aadrian Thomas and school counselor Diana Anderson;
Approved supplemental contracts for the building leadership team at each PK-8 school and the high school;
Approved supplemental contracts for curriculum development and training, effective Aug. 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, at $24 per hour;
Approved supplemental contracts for Darla Banks, Christopher Lowry, Dominic Mileto and Stephanie Shimko for after-school intervention at $24 per hour;
Approved a supplemental contract for Anna Calderas for English Language learner interpreter / tutor services at $24 per hour;
Approved the employment of certificated employees for the co-curricular year for high school athletics: Charles Penney, girls cross country, and Craig Charnas, girls tennis;
Accepted the resignations of educational aides Ashley Bankston and LaShonda Coleman; community liaison Trisha DiCesare; crossing guard George Glenn; and bus driver Amy Moore;
Granted leaves of absence for food service helper Kassia Calbert and educational aide Mechelle Kovach;
Hired workers for athletic events on a limited, on-demand basis;
Hired educational aides Peggy Benz, Paris Bruner, Charmaine Charles, Amy Gazdik, Shalisha May, Derek Sumner and Shaina Trebilcock; and night janitor Karen Carpenter;
Reassigned Don Stefan from day janitor to grounds crew;
Employed 12 crossing guards and 13 noon-hour aides on an as-needed basis;
Hired substitute night janitors Justin Bennett, Jelani Franklin, Mark Lee and Melissa Lee and substitute bus driver Melvin Howard;
Issued supplemental contracts to Anthony Davis and Karin Kilpatrick-Matthews as Title I family coordinators at $17 per hour; Patrick John Scalley as sign language interpreter at $19 per hour; and Garrick Matlock as English language learner interpreter / tutor at $18 per hour;
Hired Michael Phillips as head middle school football coach, 75 percent of contract;
Granted supplemental contracts to Justin Drapp, Ashlee Schier, Joan Elliott, Michelle Stoutmire and Emir Salem at $24 per hour for OGT Intervention.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Howland
WHAT: Howland Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Rick Clark, Matt Vansuch, James Lapolla
Trustees:
Purchased two vehicle exhaust removal systems for the fire station at $52,900 from Hastings Air Energy Controls with a grant to cover most of the costs and the township paying $15,000;
Accepted an $18,525 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for purchasing mobile data terminals for the four ambulances and the fire chiefs’ vehicles for better communications with 911;
Promoted firefighters James Williamson to lieutenant and Lance Blair to captain;
Entered into a one-year agreement with Constellation for natural gas program at $4.69 per mcf effective Dec. 1;
Will have the township mow grass on six vacant properties in the township;
Set trick-or-treat for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Girard
What: Girard City Council meeting on Monday
Present: Reynald Palone, Larry Steiner, George Eicher, Thomas Grumley, Joseph Shelby, John Moliterno and Louis Adovasio
Council:
l Received a request by Mayor James Melfi to begin the process of drafting legislation to regulate clothing donation boxes in the city;
l Authorized the director of public service to enter into an agreement with S.E.T. Excavating & General Contracting of Lowellville for the construction of soccer fields at Liberty Memorial Park for a price not to exceed $126,524.83;
l Declared properties located at 40 S. Davis St. and 415 S. Davis St. as unsafe and ordered them to be demolished with funding through the FY2013 CDBG Community Development / Neighborhood Revitalization Program;
l Established a vacant property registry for the city;
l Established salary of city council members at $7,600 a year, effective with the term starting Jan.1, 2016;
l Established salary of city council president at $7,601 a year, effective with the term starting Jan.1, 2016.
– Colin Harris
Liberty
What: Liberty Township trustees meeting on Monday
Present: Jodi Stoyak, Jason Rubin and Stan Nudell.
Council:
l Passed a motion to extend the $175 tool allowance for mechanic supervisor Keith Seifert from Aug. 1, through Sept. 30, 2015;
l Accepted a fill system component bid by Breathing Air Systems in the amount of $35,651.50. The contract, which will be reimbursed by a grant, lasts for six years of service, filters and parts;
l Accepted a defibrillator bid from Southeastern Emergency. The only bidder, Southeastern Emergency will provide a monitor and two heart defibrillators for $44,724, with the cost to be reimbursed by a grant;
l Hired Nick Macchione as a part-time volunteer firefighter at the rate of $10.50, with station duty at the rate of $7.95 per hour;
l Passed motion to advertise for sealed bids for the sale of a 1997 Type III ambulance.
Colin Harris
Weathersfield
What: Weathersfield Township trustee meeting on Tuesday
Present: Gil Blair, Marvin McBride and Steve Gerberry
Trustees:
l Entered into a natural gas aggregation services agreement with Integrys Energy Services for an opt-in program for residents and businesses for one year, effective Nov. 1, at a fixed rate of $4.40 per thousand cubic feet;
l Approved fire Chief Randy Pugh purchasing $51,187 in equipment from Finley Fire Equipment for the new fire engine currently being manufactured. Sensible Products of Richfield was also approved at $5,400 for installing and mounting the fire equipment on the engine;
l Accepted $1,000 from an anonymous donor who is an avid bike rider for the purchase of signage for the Niles Greenway Bike Path that passes through the township. The signs will provide information on how many miles to Niles and other locations on the trail. The township will install the signs;
l Reported the fire department received a $20,000 Federal Emergency Management grant for six mobile dispatching terminals in vehicles which help safety forces locate hydrants and destination areas;
l Heard from Administrator David Rouan that the township was able to get salt earlier in the year at $44 per ton and save the township money as costs have risen to $129 per ton;
l Heard from acting police Chief Michael Naples the township is waiting word of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to hire an additional officer;
l Recognized sixth-grader Jaclyn Craver for creating the flag picture for the new township banner;
l Presented the annual State of the Township address recapping accomplishments of the past year, which included conservative spending and careful planning due to fewer tax dollars and the economic situation. Blair said the goal is to make the township more attractive for business and homeowners;
l Set trick-or-treat for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
On the Record
Brookfield
What: Brookfield Township trustees regular meeting on Monday
Present: Gary Lees and Dion Magestro
Absent: Ron Haun
Trustees:
Agreed to set the closing time for the park for a half hour after sunset;
Agreed to lease a 2015 International dump truck from FMB for five years at an annual rate of $27,000, with a purchasing option of $1 at the end of the lease.
– Margaret Thompson
Champion
What: Champion Township trustees meeting on Monday
Present: Bob Farmer, Jeff Hovanic and Keith Bowser
Trustees:
Received a $97,520 Federal Emergency Management grant to be used toward the purchase of a $94,930 brush truck for the fire department. The township will also cover $4,876 toward equipment for the vehicle;
Approved the sale of the 1979 brush truck at $7,300, with township receiving $6,752;
Heard from police Chief Chris Redick that the police department received a $1,950 Ohio Department of Justice grant for bulletproof vests;
Heard from Road Supervisor Chris Connelly that beaver dams that were causing flooding in the Raymond Avenue area have been taken down;
Approved Holton of Lordstown at $3,900 for the demolition of a township-owned house and shed off Mahoning Avenue and reseeding by the end of the year;
Approved new policy on the use of the cemetery chapel, with a charge of $50 per half hour for the first half hour of usage for nonresidents and $50 per half hour after the first half hour for up to two hours for both residents and nonresidents usage. There is no charge for residents to use the chapel for the first half hour;
Announced trustees will meet with the county planning commission at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the commission’s office for a workshop and update on the township’s comprehensive plan for future land use and development;
Scheduled the fire department open house for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27;
Declared seven properties with high grass and debris as public nuisances and have grass cut and costs placed on lien of property owners;
Set trick-or-treat for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
LaBrae
What: LaBrae Board of Education meeting on Monday
Present: Russell Sewell, Virginia Blaney, Tim Gibson, Diane Duncan and Gary Morton
The board:
Hired Courtney Christy as a second-grade teacher at Bascom Elementary on a one-year limited contract;
Approved Anthony J. Calderone and Todd Rowe as credentialed teacher evaluators through the 2015-16 school year;
Hired Peggy Layne as a speech pathologist on a substitute basis at a per diem rate of $110, effective Sept. 8;
Hired Donna Alflen as a permanent substitute teacher at LaBrae Intermediate on an as-needed basis at a rate of $100 per day;
Employed Alivia Webber as a non-certificated Title I tutor at a rate of $8.75 per hour;
Approved Megan Frantz as assistant Cross Country coach for the 2014-15 school year;
Approved supplemental contracts for Erin Haught, Spanish Club; Regina Helmich, Spirit Sweeties; and Joseph Slifka, technology assistant;
Approved an agreement with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center in the amount of $6,675 for assistance in implementing a site license and professional development for the Trumbull Virtual Learning Academy, effective Aug. 25;
Approved a payment of $50 per enrollee from the Trumbull County ESC for the Summer of Growth participation;
Approved Amy Frederick as the Viking Learning Center after-school facilitator at a rate of $20 per hour;
Set the next regular board meeting for 6 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Complex Band Room.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
Cortland
What: Lakeview Board of Education meeting on Monday
Present: Donna Zuga, Mary Willams, Larry Sherer, Beth Harris and Troy Adair
The board:
Accepted the following donations: $7,500 from the Lakeview Elementary PTO for the purchase of iPad Minis; sponsorship of a scoreboard from Thomas P. Shortreed and Associates; and $10 to Lakeview Athletics from the Ohio Institute of Pain Management;
Entered into a one-year contract with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center in an annual amount of $350,000;
Approved the transportation contract for Grabrielle Ainsley for Hunter for the 2014-15 school year;
Accepted the following resignations: Douglas Bear, technology aide, effective Sept. 12; and Michelle Wilfong, bus driver, effective Sept. 8;
Hired Taylor Pishotti as intervention specialist assigned to Lakeview Elementary for the 2014-15 school year;
Hired the following staff members: Michelle Wilfong, cook; Sarah Miller, bus driver; and Karl Brest, bus driver;
Hired the following supplemental personnel: Brittney Abbott, class adviser; Ron DeJulio, Health and PE chairperson; Thomas Pavlansky, social studies chairperson; Maureen Maczak, drug and alcohol coordinator; Elaine Morgan, after-school tutor; and Angela Sarko, after-school detention supervisor;
Hired Zachary Kendall on an as-needed basis for the Athletic Department.
– Bonnie L. Hazen
On the record
Bazetta
WHAT: Bazetta Trustees regular Tuesday meeting
PRESENT: Paul Hovis, Frank Parke, Ted Webb
Trustees:
l Adopted a revised Bazetta Township Investment Policy based on the Ohio Revised Code;
l Set trick-or-treat for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30;
l Authorized a balloon release in Bazetta Township Park on Sunday, Sept. 7 for Grandparent’s Day;
l Accepted a $2,000 Wal-Mart grant; $1,000 will be used for the Shop with a Cop Program and the remaining money will be used for buying Knox boxes;
l Approved the expenditure of $824 to Knox for four residential Knox boxes, to be paid from the Fire Fund;
l Accepted a $201,570 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, with 90 percent as the federal share and 10 percent as the local share, to be divided proportionally by the 10 fire departments sharing in the grant, with Bazetta’s share not to exceed $1,000;
l Authorized Chief Hovis to sell a 1986 Toyota pickup truck obtained via the Police Department Impound Lot, at a sale price not to exceed $2,500;
l Appointed Robert J. Giering Jr. to the Parks and Recreation Board, effective immediately.
– Margaret Thompson
Newton Falls
WHAT: Newton Falls Village Council regular Tuesday meeting
PRESENT: Richard Zamecnik, Nancy Hoffman, David Wilson, Phillip Beer, Tarry Alberini
Council:
l Authorized the village manager to enter into a contract with Rudzik Excavating for the South Canal Waterline Replacement at a cost of $183,598.26;
l Set trick-or-treat from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in conjunction with the Kiwanis Cake Walk.
– Margaret Thompson
Niles
WHAT: City Council meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Frank Pezzano, John Merlo, Edward Stredney, Michael Lastic and Reggie Giancola, Jr.
Council:
l Gave a first reading to a resolution authorizing the transfer of $8,000 from the city’s unappropriated street fund to the street department’s vehicle maintenance account. The street department is requesting the funds to make repairs to their vehicles;
l Gave a first reading to a resolution authorizing the transfer of $12,000 from the unappropriated state highway fund to the state highway fund’s equipment purchase account in order to purchase parts for snow blades;
l Gave a first reading to a resolution authorizing the transfer of $2,000 from the unappropriated general fund to the health department’s bioterrorism account. The health department is requesting the money to purchase equipment that can be used in case of a biological incident;
l Gave a first reading to an ordinance authorizing the vacation of a portion of Charter Alley. A petition was signed by several owners of property abutting a portion of Charter Alley, from the south right of way of Allison Street to the south property line of Niles City Lot 1715, on the notion the street is no longer of use to the public and its vacation will not be detrimental to the general interest.
– Colin Harris
Southington
WHAT: Southington Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Sam Plott, Bob Reader, Dan Tietz
Trustees:
l Passed a resolution requesting the Trumbull County commissioners vacate a small southwestern section of Shanks-Down Road, which has been closed for more than 20 years. In addition to Southington, the resolution also must be passed by Braceville, Nelson, Windham and Portage and Trumbull counties since the road is in different communities;
l Will submit a grant application seeking up to $20,000 from the Ohio Historical Society for replacing a section of the 1907 building’s north brick wall. Resident Sue Tietz will help with the application for the 60-40 grant since she has worked with the society. The township acquired the building from the school district;
l Discussed holding an auction Oct. 4 with the fire department having cabinets, sinks, refrigerator and other items no longer needed;
l Announced trick-or-treat is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
– Bob Coupland
Trumbull County commissioners
WHAT: Regular meeting of Trumbull County commissioners Wednesday
PRESENT: Mauro Cantalamessa, Frank Fudaa and Dan Polivka
Commissioners:
l Declared that the Scott Street sewer project, phase two, is necessary and set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Newton Falls Community Center, 52 E. Quarry St., to discuss the project.
l Approved the vacation of a portions of Greenfield and Clearfield avenues in Weathersfield and then approved easement agreement with Ohio Edison in connection to the street vacations.
l Gave permission to the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office to close Hoagland Blackstub Road in Mecca between state Route 88 and Housel Craft Road for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed through Friday.
l Granted overweight hauling permit to Chadderton Trucking Inc. of Sharon, Pa., to move overweight equipment on Hubbard Masury Road in Hubbard Township.
– Ron Selak Jr.
On the record
Hartford
WHAT: Township trustees meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Rebecca Whitman, Mike Bridge and Phil Wilhelm
Trustees:
Approved the final payment for the $17,195 playground to be located at the center green at state routes 7 and 305. A community build day will be held at 8 a.m. Sept. 27 to assembly the playground equipment. Whitman said by constructing the playground locally will save money;
Reported various road projects are being completed this week;
Announced the 51st annual Hartford Apple Festival will be held Sept. 19 to 21, with a committee meeting set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the township hall;
Approved Eagle Scout projects at the center and also a scout flag retirement ceremony for 7 p.m. Oct. 7.
– Bob Coupland
Vienna
WHAT: Vienna Township trustees regular Tuesday meeting
PRESENT: Heidi Brown, Richard Dascenzo and Phil Pegg
Trustees:
Approved an expenditure of $854 to Warren Fire Equipment for air pack testing for the fire department;
Approved an expenditure of $600 to the Vienna-Fowler Seniors;
Approved an expenditure of $995 to the Xerox Company for yearly fire house software updates;
Approved an expenditure of about $3,500 to D&TPM Truck Repair for township vehicle repairs.
– Margaret Thompson
Braceville
WHAT: Braceville Township trustee meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Dennis Kuchta, Todd Brewster and Aaron Young
Trustees:
Hired firefighters Ronald Rood and Kenneth Fenstermaker;
Are waiting to hear from the county on setting up a meeting on the new comprehensive plan for the township;
Approved a five-year service agreement at $2,815 for the heart monitor equipment used by the fire department;
Reported the cadet program in the fire department is under way and prepares 15- to 17-year-olds for firefighting by helping at the department. Local high school students take fire protection training at the TCTC and can receive their certification at age 18.
– Bob Coupland