On the record
Mathews
WHAT: Mathews Board of Education special meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Tarin Brown, Mary Swift, Ken Wallace and Terry Woodyard
ABSENT: Jamie Koehler
The board:
Approved Charles Pulice as supervisor of building, grounds and transportation under a one-year administrative contract of 260 days, effective July 1, at $45,000. Pulice was previously a bus driver in the district;
Accepted the resignation of choir teacher Laurie Brower at the end of the school year as she is moving from the area;
Approved Samantha Coleman as a tutor, effective June 8 for 10 weeks at $20 per hour during the summer;
Approved open enrollment for students from any district at discretion of the superintendent based on available space at each grade level.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Howland
WHAT: Howland Township trustees regular meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Rick Clark, Matthew Vansuch and James LaPolla
Trustees:
l Scheduled a public hearing for 4:30 p.m. June 24 to review the annual alternative tax budget of Howland for the next fiscal year;
l Heard that fire Chief James Pantalone and administrator Darlene St. George hired Sonjia Ferenac as a part-time employee at $8.53 per hour with no benefits and scheduled on an as-needed basis;
l Heard that 13 properties in the township were notified of violating a zoning ordinance to control grass height. If property owners do not cut their grass within seven days, the township will cut the grass and the homeowner will have to pay a starting fee of $150. If the grass continues to be unkempt, the property owner will have to pay an additional $75 each time the township cuts their grass;
l Set the summer meeting schedule for June, July and August. Trustees will meet at 4:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of those months.
– Hilary Crisan
Lordstown
WHAT: Lordstown Board of Education meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Roberta Hiller, Ron Tyndall, Tracie Allen, William Catlin and Sandra McBride
The board:
l Hired Michael Clark as director of transportation, buildings and grounds for a two-year period through July 2017 at $45,000 per year for 260 days a year;
l Approved 38 seniors for graduation 2 p.m. Sunday at the high school auditorium;
l Approved the purpose statement for the Lordstown Political History Club at the high school under the direction of government teacher Courtney Gibson;
l Heard from Superintendent Terry Amstrong that residents can pick up a pre-addressed postcard in the superintendent’s office to advocate state officials to not make cuts tangible personal property tax reminbursements;
l Heard from Armstrong that talks will begin with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Chapter 774 representing classified workers and the Lordstown Teacher Association representing certified employees on their next contract. Current contracts, which end this summer, were rolled over to the current year with no salary or benefit changes;
l Approved participation in the Ohio High School Athletic Association;
l Reported the cafeteria passed an inspection by the county health department with no violations.
– Bob Coupland
Farmington
WHAT: Farmington Township trustee special meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Martha Yoder, Kevin Bontrager and Bradley Hall
Trustees:
l Officially swore in Hall as the new township trustee to finish the remainder of the term of Wesley Largen, who resigned. Largen’s term ends December 2015. Hall was sworn in by Newton Falls Municipal Judge Philip Vigorito;
l Approved $30,000 for ditching work to be done on Larson West Road, west of Girdle Road, and on Ensign Road. Fiscal Officer Jay Allen said the county will do the work this summer. He said the county does the majority of the township’s road-related work.
– Bob Coupland
Newton
WHAT: Newton Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Greg Dubos, Doreen Lutz and Bob Page
Trustees:
l Discussed the possible need to place a road levy on the ballot due to the poor condition of roads in the township. Officials said the township does not have the funds to make the needed repairs;
l Approved Everbright Power Sweeping at $110 per hour for removing excess dust from Grand Boulevard and Miller Graber Road, both of which had chip-and-seal work done last year. Several residents have complained of all the dust making driving visibility difficult;
l Approved $1,116 for a dumpster used for the recent tire collection this month, which included more than 400 tires being dropped off;
l Approved continuing to get road department worker uniforms from Cintas Uniforms through 2018;
l Will be looking for a secretary for the zoning board and zoning commission meetings with the recent resignation of the secretary.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Warren
What: Warren Board of Education regular Tuesday meeting
Present: Patricia M. Limperos, John Lacy, Andre Coleman and Regina Patterson
Absent: Robert Faulkner Sr.
The board:
l Passed a resolution honoring former longtime board of education member Linda Herst Metzendorf, who died May 17;
l Approved a five year financial forecast – the district is expected to be in the black through 2019;
l Approved the following donations: $438 in event refreshments from AVI Foodsystems and $50 for the Special Ladies Tea at Jefferson preK-8 from the St. Joseph Hospital Mission Fund;
l Approved $3,387.69 total in tuition reimbursements for Amy Burd, Diane Gibbons, Heather Guthrie, Joshua Guthrie, Monique Hoke, Lindsey Komora, Jilian Oswald, Patrick Pearson, Margaret Baker, Maire Komora and Heather Powers;
l Approved the appointment and reappointment of about 372 instructional staff members for the 2015-16 school year, with individual pay increases according to previously adopted salary schedules;
l Approved the resignation of Supervisor of School Improvement Margaret Kowach, effective July 26;
l Approved military leave for secondary education teacher Derek Pressell from May 26 to 29;
l Approved the resignation of substitute janitor Melissa Simpson with regret and best wishes, effective May 20;
l Hired Crystal DeJesus, Laureen Hoffman and Kathy Kardassilaris as food service helpers for about four hours per day at a rate of about $8.70 per hour;
l Hired Richard Morris as a computer technician at an annual salary of about $35,600;
l Agreed to renew the administrative contract of Willard PreK-8 principal Michelle Chiaro from July 1 to June 30, 2017. Chiaro will be receiving about $2,000 more per year from a step increase for longevity.
– Margaret A. Thompson
Austintown
WHAT: Austintown Trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Jim Davis, Rick Stauffer and Ken Carano
Trustees:
l Passed a motion ordering the removal of six vehicles that have been declared nuisances. The owner of said vehicles have 14 days to remove vehicle before they are towed. The vehicles are a Ford truck at 261 First St.; Ram pickup, 5450 Lou Ida; truck, 2826 Spring Meadow Circle; two box trucks, 2888 South Canfield Niles Road; white limousine, 4765 Elmwood Ave.; and a motor home, 494 South Edgehill Ave.;
l Approved the rezoning of the Wickliffe neighborhood for only single-family homes.
– David Roberts
Liberty
WHAT: Liberty Township trustees special meeting May 22
PRESENT: Stan Nudell, Jodi Stoyak and Jason Rubin
Trustees:
l Approved participating with the Ohio Department of Transportation summer and winter contracts for road salt. Nudell said the township will join other communities for bulk bidding for road salt for a better price for all participants. Officials have been working this summer to get roads chipped and sealed or patched due to severe road surface damage this past winter. The road with the most potholes have been given priority;
l Approved more than 20 properties for high grass abatement. The township cuts the lawns where grass has grown more than 12 to 14 inches tall and places the costs on the property owner’s taxes. Officials said letters were sent to property owners with about half of the properties having been cut by the township or rectified by the property owners;
l Changed the times of trustees’ meetings in the summer to 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bristol
WHAT: Bristol Township trustees meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Doug Seemann, Mark Webb and Ramon French
Trustees:
Are reviewing a policy on culverts and how township notification will be handled through the road department;
Heard from French the issue of residents using the spring cleanup and tire collection as a way to dispose of general household waste and avoid regular disposal at their home. Trustees will consider limiting amount or type of waste next year to avoid overburdening the day with regular garbage;
Heard from Seemann the township was not awarded the grant from Eastgate for Housel Craft Road project. Trustees will consider a wedge paving and chip and seal as a cheaper alternative to repaving;
Hired Zachary McMillen as probationary cadet;
Reported the fire department was denied the State Fire Marshals equipment grant. Also, the department obtained the state pricing for four sets of turnout gear of $9,128. Fire employees will be repairing an additional four sets of gear for a total of eight new sets purchased with the fire equipment levy. Hose replacement is the next item to be updated and that will be done following the hose testing next month to see what failures exist;
Heard from Webb on getting input on whether officials should establish a fund to tear down houses. The overall consensus was that there would be other problems created and a need to continue to try to find grants, programs or other ways to bill property owners to do this instead of using taxpayer funds;
Discussed the Trumbull County clean air grants to improve outdoor recreation areas. French will continue to research for state grants;
Reported the Bristol High School National Honor Society and Beta Club will assist in flower planting at the park and cemetery;
Approved Gaumer Landscape for Memorial Day preparations in Sager Cemetery at $1,995;
Are waiting a cooperative agreement from Bloomfield for shared services.
– Bob Coupland
Girard
WHAT: Girard Board of Education meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Richard Rees, Diane Alejars, Cheryl Asente, Pete Cardiero and Joe Melfi
The board:
Approved one-year contracts to the following newly hired staff members: Stacey Semer, speech / language pathologist; Jason Johnson, high school social studies; Marissa Benson, vocal music; David Collela, band teacher / band director; Tara Morgan, Gretchen Walker and Melanie Lawson, all third grade teachers; James Keagy, fourth grade; Lance Ronghi, fifth grade; and Carey Brookhart, sixth grade. Rees said the district had eight retirements this school year and restructured staffing;
- Voted 3-2 for the reappointment of Keith Brown as head cross country coach for two years; and voted 3-1-1 for the appointment of current staff members Denise Kasula and Tali Williams as co-head high school cheerleading coaches. Rees and Cardiero cast ”no” votes on cross country position and Rees ”no” on cheerleading position. Melfi abstained on the cheerleading position. The previous head cheerleading coach had resigned from the position;
Announced graduation for 124 seniors 3 p.m. Sunday in the high school gymnasium;
Presented a high school diploma to Girard resident Myrell Scoville, who quit high school to enter the U.S. Navy in the 1960s. He was recognized for his military service and service to the Girard community;
Heard from high school Principal Bill Reyser that the high school has been included in U.S. News and World Report’s list of top schools earning a Bronze Award. The high school has been on the national list in past years.
– Bob Coupland
Mathews
WHAT: Mathews Board of Education meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Tarin Brown, Jamie Koehler, Mary Swift, Ken Wallace and Terry Woodyard
The board:
Hired Melissa Stiver as a math teacher on one-year contract at $33,193, and Brandi O’Connor as a tutor at two hours a week at 10 weeks at $20 per hour;
Approved Chris Protiva, a nine-month secretarial employee, to work 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays June 17 to Aug. 5 at $15.06 per hour;
Approved a contract with Synrevoice Technologies at an annual rate of $1,412, plus an administrative fee of $100, to provide automated phone notification system services;
Approved Valley Electrical at $3,919 for office cabling installation at the Prestwick property and Thompson Mechanical at $12,400 for the installation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning work also at the Prestwick property paid from the remaining BP funds. The board purchased the former Prestwick Golf Course in Fowler in hopes of using the Fowler property as the site of a new school complex.;
Approved 58 seniors for graduation held Thursday at Packard Music Hall;
Approved open enrollment for all grade levels at the discretion of Superintendent Lew Lowery.
– Bob Coupland
Southington
WHAT: Southington Board of Education meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Tim Arbogast, Patty Anderson, Betsy Dunn, Bob Baugher and Steve Gilanyi
The board:
Approved participation fee for sports and extracurricular activities for the 2015-16 school year at $100 per student per sport with a cap of $300 per student for the school year;
Reduced the number of work days in the contract for Principal Amy Burzanko from 214 to 205 for the school year;
Accepted the resignations of Heidi Wilson, bus driver; and Phil Rogers, science teacher and athletic director;
Eliminated an educational aide position at the high school due to restructuring of staff;
Approved Heather Harnett as summer school coordinator;
Recognized retiring staff members, Susan Griffin, an art teacher with 27 years; and Lori Dietz, elementary teacher with 30 years;
Presented the Mary Herner Leadership Award to senior Stephen Hall for leadership in schools and community; and the Award of Excellence to senior Jessica Ricks for excellence in academics;
Re-employed Donna Bixler and Angela Alberini as teachers; Katelyn Brown as preschool teacher and Darla Plant as assistant in preschool.
– Bob Coupland
Niles
What: Niles Board of Education regular Thursday meeting
Who: Richard Limongi, Tony Perrone, Christopher Doutt, Susan Longacre and Mary Ann McMahon
The board:
Approved the retirement of Niles Primary Head Cook Janet Sotak, effective June 30;
Approved an agreement with Liberty Local Schools to share the services of an education management information system coordinator for $15,000 from July 1 to June 30, 2016;
Approved a summer intervention program for third-graders from June 15 to 26 at the intermediate school, at a rate of $30 per hour for associated staff;
Approved the 2015 graduating class of 144 students, pending completion of necessary state and district requirements;
Rescheduled its June meeting for 6 p.m. June 29 at the middle school;
Approved a memorandum of understanding with the local American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Niles Educational Association to change their last payday to fall within the 2015 year to reflect an accurate budget.
-Margaret A. Thompson
On the record
Champion
WHAT: Board of Education meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Amy Schwab, Jim Scher, Kelly Boyle and Roger Samuelson
ABSENT: David Mahan
The board:
l Accepted the bid from Vasco Sports Contractor to pave and resurface the high school track and parking lot for moving board offices to the southeast wing of the high school. The track project is $145,000 and the parking lot $49,000. The district received a $10,000 discount for both projects being done by Vasco. The project will be paid for by a loan and permanent improvement funds with work to be completed for the start of the new school year;
l Hired Samantha Marscio as a first-grade elementary teacher and Joseph Harris as a middle school math teacher. The additional math teacher was to increase math instruction time for grades fifth and sixth;
l Approved 117 seniors for graduation 11 a.m. Saturday at Packard Music Hall;
l Approved applying for two student waiver days on August 21 and October 2 for staff professional training coordinated by Trumbull County Educational Service Center;
l Approved Genevieve Worley as an eight-hour secretary and Janet Diehl as a six-hour secretary/ substitute caller. Both are on 210-day contracts;
l Approved 25 additional hours for Deborah Hall, deaf education secretary.
– Bob Coupland
Lordstown
WHAT: Lordstown Village Council meeting on Monday
PRESENT: John Mansell, Ronald Radtka, Robert Bond, Don Reider and Howard Sheely III
ABSENT: Karen Jones
Council:
l Approved an ordinance allowing the administration to execute a license agreement with Foster Wheeler USA Corp. to use vacant land at 4976 Tod Ave. SW, which is part of the SSG John H. Kunkel in connection with the construction of the Matalco Inc. project.
l Authorized the village to pay $38,015.30 to the Lordstown Board of Education as part of a tax sharing agreement between the village and the school district for income taxes generated from employees of Anderson-Dubose Inc.
l Approved a resolution to renew the Mahoning / Trumbull County local government mutual aid agreement for law enforcement to provide reciprocal emergency police protection. The agreement is not to exceed more than four years.
l Agreed to submit an application to Eastgate Regional Council of Governments requesting resurfacing and safety upgrade of Salt Springs and South Leavitt roads. The estimated cost for resurfacing the roads will be $779,470.58.
l Authorized HCC Public Risk Claim Service to settle pending litigation involving former police dispatcher James Luonuansuu versus Village of Lordstown. A mediation hearing before Magistrate Judge Kathleen Burke of the United State District Court, Cleveland, is scheduled for May 28.
– Raymond L. Smith
Cortland
WHAT: City Council regular meeting on Monday
PRESENT: James Woofter, Dennis Linville, Kevin Piros, Terry Tackett, James Edwards and Scott Rowley
ABSENT: Deidre Petrosky
Council:
l Agreed to hire Alexander’s Pest Control for mosquito repellent spraying on a bi-weekly basis with up to 10 sprayings between May and August;
l Passed the first reading of an ordinance allowing service director Don Wittman to rent equipment and buy crack sealant material from SealMaster in Hillsville, Pa. for $7,500 from the Maintenance and Roadways fund and State Highway fund.
l Passed the first reading of an ordinance allowing Cortland fire chief David Rea to hire Grunder Contracting and Tile to remodel the shower and men’s restroom at the fire station at around $9,349, which will come out of the Fire Levy fund and Continuing Education fund.
l Passed a resolution to begin advertising bids for the 2015 resurfacing program. Roads that will be resurfaced are Lakeview Drive, Wakefield Drive, Willow Street, Russell Street and Cedar Drive. The project will cost about $192,305.
l Passed a resolution to advertise bids for the second phase of the Downtown Waterline Replacement Project. The engineer’s construction cost is about $377,485.
– Hilary Crisan
On the record
Southington
WHAT: Southington Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Sam Plott, Bob Reader and Dan Tietz
Trustees:
l Approved MKC Associates Inc. at $4,322 for specification preparation and bidding for work at the 1907 school building. Work, which will include redoing the fire escape, removing and adding doors, is scheduled to be completed by late September. A pre-bid meeting will be 10 a.m. July 16;
l Approved Cody’s Lawn Service at $640 for two additional lawn mowings of township property;
l Approved the county engineer’s office doing chip-and-seal work this summer on Herr Fieldhouse Road, Leiby Osborne Road, GP Easterly Road, Countyline Turnpike Road and the driveways at the fire station and cemetery;
l Heard from a resident of the concern of the surface of Countyline Turnpike Road;
l Are reviewing the Explorers program through Boy Scouts of America with the township fire department. Plott said township officials are reviewing liability and insurance issues. Seven applicants have signed up for the program for ages 14 to 20;
l Approved paying $9,000 for township building insurance with OTARMA;
l Reported elementary students will tour town hall and Chalker Building 10 a.m. Monday to learn of local history;
l Heard from Plott that Southington students attended prom on May 8 and then walked in their formal attire in the Warren Relay for Life;
l Heard from Skip Hanes of the Water Board that starting in June, resumes will be accepted from any township resident filling a position on the board;
l Announced the water board has canceled their second meeting this month and will only meet at 5 p.m. the second Monday of the month in June, July and August.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bristol
WHAT: Bristol Board of Education meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Dennis Lenney, Don Mickel, Kathleen Johnson, John Hickey and Scott Chapman
The board:
l Heard from superintendent Christopher Dray the board will discuss placing a 2.5-mill renewal of a permanent improvement levy on the November ballot. No action has been taken. He said the levy’s funds are used for roof repairs and bus purchases. Plans are to repair the roof above the high school and purchase a new bus;
l Recognized retiring teachers James Baginy, fourth grade, 22 years; Robin Koval, fourth grade, 38 1/2 years; and Linda Pollock, second grade, 35 years, who said she is ”the last original Farmington Elementary teacher,” since the school is no longer used;
l Approved using “blizzard bags” for severe weather calamity alternative makeup days in 2015-16 school year. This winter, the district used two blizzard bag days. Dray is checking to see if the days can include power outages and water problems;
l Approved a three-year administrative contract to Maintenance Supervisor Roger Prior at $47,550 per year;
l Approved the Bristol High School band and choir members trip June 1 to Cedar Point;
l Approved former Title I teacher Dana Slenscak as a fifth-grade math teacher for the 2015-16 school year;
l Approved Kimberly Larson as a cafeteria worker and Wendy Schoonover and Debbie Heck as bus cleaners for the summer at $100 per bus for 10 buses to get the buses ready for state inspections;
l Approved various additions and revisions to policies including College Credit Plus program which allows high school students to take college credit courses while in high school online , at the school or at the college;
l Set graduation for 2 p.m. May 24 at the school gymnasium;
l Will hold a beautification day 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the school complex with volunteers needed to help plant flowers and clean;
l Heard from Dray the district is having trouble getting substitute bus drivers;
l Accepted the retirement of Shirley Hrubik, administrative secretary, June 30, with 26 years of service;
l Accepted the resignation of Gail Mazey, high school secretary today. She has taken a position with a therapy center that uses horses;
l Heard from Johnson that class photos from past school years are being collected for display at the school.
– Bob Coupland
Southington
WHAT: Southington Township trustee meeting on Wednesday
PRESENT: Sam Plott, Bob Reader and Dan Tietz
Trustees:
l Approved MKC Associates Inc. at $4,322 for specification preparation and bidding for work at the 1907 school building. Work, which will include redoing the fire escape, removing and adding doors, is scheduled to be completed by late September. A pre-bid meeting will be 10 a.m. July 16;
l Approved Cody’s Lawn Service at $640 for two additional lawn mowings of township property;
l Approved the county engineer’s office doing chip-and-seal work this summer on Herr Fieldhouse Road, Leiby Osborne Road, GP Easterly Road, Countyline Turnpike Road and the driveways at the fire station and cemetery;
l Heard from a resident of the concern of the surface of Countyline Turnpike Road;
l Are reviewing the Explorers program through Boy Scouts of America with the township fire department. Plott said township officials are reviewing liability and insurance issues. Seven applicants have signed up for the program for ages 14 to 20;
l Approved paying $9,000 for township building insurance with OTARMA;
l Reported elementary students will tour town hall and Chalker Building 10 a.m. Monday to learn of local history;
l Heard from Plott that Southington students attended prom on May 8 and then walked in their formal attire in the Warren Relay for Life;
l Heard from Skip Hanes of the Water Board that starting in June, resumes will be accepted from any township resident filling a position on the board;
l Announced the water board has canceled their second meeting this month and will only meet at 5 p.m. the second Monday of the month in June, July and August.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bloomfield
WHAT: Bloomfield Township trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Roger Peterson Jr., John Beran and Mark Smith
Trustees:
l Hired James Merlino as the road supervisor at $16 per hour, effective Monday. He was selected from eight applicants;
l Announced openings on the zoning commission and zoning board, with interested residents to contact a township trustee;
l Announced the Bloomfield Township Optimist Club’s annual festival May 28 to 30 on township center green with food, carnival games, antique tractor display, and softball game. There will be a fireworks display at dusk May 30. A miniature replica display of the township from the early 1900s will be shown in the town hall.
– Bob Coupland
Howland
WHAT: Howland Trustees regular meeting
PRESENT: Rick Clark, Matthew Vansuch and James Lapolla
Trustees:
l Approved the Summer Sport and Recreation 2015 contract between trustees and Mark R. Lyberger, director for the Center for Sport Recreation and Tourism Management at Kent State University, for $13,500;
l Hired Nathaniel Durig, Brian Bellus and Brian Penick as EMS/fire training instructors, who will teach CPR classes at $17.06 per hour as a lead instructor and $11.73 per hour as an assistant instructor on an as-needed basis;
l Notified the owners of 16 properties to cut their grass or be fined fees that start at $150. If the city has to cut the owners’ grass an additional amount, the owners will be fined an additional $75;
l Increased the wage of Matthew Madgar from $8.53 per hour to $10 per hour to assume the additional responsibility of assisting in zoning inspections, starting on May 12. Madgar now is responsible for the July 4 celebration and SummerYouth Recreation Program.
– Hilary Crisan
Weathersfield
WHAT: Weathersfield Township trustees regular meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: H. Gilson Blair, Steven J. Gerberry and Marvin J. McBride
Trustees:
l Announced the annual Spring Clean-Up for June 8 to 12;
l Awarded a state grant of $35,000, which will be used to replace road signs across Weathersfield;
l Renegotiated a promissory note with Ohio Public Works Commission for $67,084 for the Carver Niles Road safety upgrade project. The renewal is for 22 years at 0 percent annual interest rate to reduce amount of payment;
l Accepted a donation of a parcel of land at the old Weathersfield Middle School from the Weathersfield Board of Education for construction of a public gazebo, provided the township secures the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Grant;
l Authorized the Mineral Ridge Historical Society to place an Ohio Historical Marker at Kerr Cemetery for recognition of the historical significance of the salt springs in the area.
– David Roberts
On the record
LaBrae
WHAT: LaBrae Board of Education meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Russell Sewell, Virginia Blaney, Gary Morton and Tim Gibson
ABSENT: Diane Duncan
The board:
l Gave first reading to a new policy on random drug testing of students for participating in extracurricular activities and driving to school. Sewell said the district’s athletic director spoke with students about what is proposed. He said what is planned is parents can opt-in to have children placed on random test list. Second reading is planned for June;
l Approved a two-year contract for Margaret Kowach as principal at Bascom Elementary School, effective Aug. 1, replacing Walter Carpenter, who is retiring this summer. Kowach has served as a principal in McDonald schools and other districts;
l Approved 103 seniors for graduation 7 p.m. May 29 at Packard Music Hall;
l Discussed plans for restructuring the guidance department with plans for three positions, one for kindergarten to fifth, one for sixth to ninth and one for 10th to 12th;
l Revised the speech pathologist position from five to four days per week, with plans to post for the position;
l Approved Stephanie Ratliff at $3,500 for the ”Success by Six” readiness program this summer provided by the United Way for children entering kindergarten;
l Approved participating in the summer food service program to provide free breakfast and lunch provided by Ohio Department of Education;
l Approved the Trumbull County Health Department holding their food service conference in August at LaBrae school complex;
l Approved the following head varsity coaches for various sports: John Armeni for football, Brad Barnhart for boys golf; Adrienne Candiotti for girls bowling; Diane Downing for girls soccer; Chad Keiser for boys basketball; Craig Klotzbach for boys soccer; and Larry Sanderson for girls basketball.
– Bob Coupland
Girard
WHAT: City Council meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Reynald Paolone, Steve Brooks, Larry Steiner, George Eicher, Thomas Grumley, Joseph Shelby and John Moliterno
ABSENT: Louis Adovasio
Council:
l Learned the paving of Churchill Hubbard Road will be postponed until 2016 as sidewalk curbing work is required to be in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act. Mayor Jim Melfi said the city would be required to cover the ADA sidewalk work at $220,000, with the paving work costing $400,000. The city would cover 20 percent of total project cost ;
l Approved a resolution to seek an Ohio Nature Works grant for paving work in Liberty Memorial Park;
l Will seek a $300,000 downtown revitalization grant from Department of Development for enhancing the business district;
l Heard from Melfi that MS Consulants has been hired for engineering study and work for the Glendale bridge project.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Brookfield
WHAT: Brookfield Township trustees meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Gary Lees, Ron Haun and Dion Magestro
Trustees:
l Reported paving work will be done this summer on Bedford Road between state Route 82 and Stewart Road and Route 82 from the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line to Brookfield Avenue;
l Renewed a county mutual aid agreement for the township to work with other police agencies in Mahoning and Trumbull counties;
l Heard from Haun that damage was done to the cemetery both by freezing winter weather and vandalism. He said local Boy Scouts helped make repairs. Police Chief Dan Faustino said vandalism was also done at the high school and park which are being investigated;
l Heard from Code Enforcement Office Jimmy Ewing that vandalism was done to vacant properties in the area of Addison and Bedford roads, where someone threw tires through windows. There was also illegal dumping of items including sofas. Ewing submitted 18 properties for high grass violations, with some being turned over to Trumbull Land Bank;
l Heard Lees that at 10 a.m. May 28, local kindergarten students will help plant a community garden with pepper and tomato plants which should be grown by the fall when students start first grade. Lees said 70 children and parents are to take part;
l Heard from Ewing work is continuing at 7932 Rose Ave., where the property owner has 30 days to comply with property codes or face citations;
l Presented the 2014 beautification awards to property owners Lenny and Jeannette Hubbard and Michael and Barbara Yanik for the landscaping and commercial property owner Dan Briceland for Briceland Funeral Home;
l Announced historical commission meeting 7 p.m. Thursday and comprehensive plan meeting 6 p.m. May 13, both at town hall;
l Heard from Road Supervisor Jamie Fredenberg of reinstalling the veterans memorial along with landscaping and a new foundation east of the flagpole at the cemetery. He said 1,200 flags will be placed Saturday morning by volunteers on veterans’ graves;
l Announced upcoming events; firefighter memorial service 7 p.m. May 19 at fire station; Memorial Day service May 25 with retired Col. Don Shaffer, a Brookfield native with 27 years in Air Force; and rededication of the township green and concert 7 p.m. June 13.
– Bob Coupland
Vienna
WHAT: Vienna Township trustee meeting on Monday
PRESENT: Heidi Brown, Phil Pegg and Rich Dascenzo
Trustees:
l Reported a petition from resident Diane Fredenburg of Sodom Hutchings Road and signed by her and nine other residents who live on the street was presented to Scott Verner, assistant Trumbull County sanitary engineer. The residents, who rely on well water, are asking that oil and gas drillers Kleese / FDA company provide a city water system to be implemented in the Sodom Hutchings and Kings Grave roads area within a two-mile radius of the Kleese property. The petition was a result of toxic brine injections that have been pumped into the ground close to the residents’ water source.Officials said the residents want waterlines extended north on Sodom Hutchings Road due to the concerns of the injection wells being near their wells.
l Heard from Verner, who provided an update on Kleese/ FDA water issue and and said he will review with legal counsel any unresolved issues and possible monetary charges for problems residents faced for the water usage concerns due to the tie-in by Kleese near their wells;
l Entered into a contract with the county engineer’s office for road repair work on Melbourne Avenue not to exceed $2,000 and crack-and-seal work on Coal, Mackey, Roy, Rogers and Smith-Stewart streets not to exceed $4,000;
l Reported the property at 10364 E. Market St. has been demolished;
l Announced the township cleanup is 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 behind the fire station and township garage off Warren-Sharon Road entrance ;
l Heard from police Chief Andy Pecchio that overall township crime has dropped by 7 percent in the past three years. In statistics compiled from 2011 to 2014 by Pecchio, breaking-and-enterings have decreased by 73 percent, theft is down 43 percent and identity fraud is down by 17 percent, while arrests were up by 51 percent. Pecchio said drug possessions are up by 300 percent and domestic calls up 56 percent;
l Accepted the resignation of police officer Jessica Gollan for personal reasons.
– Bob Coupland
Hartford
WHAT: Hartford Township trustees meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Rebecca Whitman, Mike Bridge and Phil Whilhelm
Trustees:
l Entered into a mutual aid agreement with other police departments in Trumbull and Mahoning counties. This will be the first time Hartford police have been part of the agreement;
l Set township cleanup for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at the township center, where large Dumpsters will be placed;
l Announced Memorial Day ceremony 10 a.m. May 25 at the center.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Cortland
WHAT: Cortland City Council regular meeting
PRESENT: James Woofter, Dennis Linville, Kevin Piros, Terry Tackett, Deidre Petrosky, James Edwards and Scott Rowley
Council:
l Authorized Service Director Don Wittman to pay $26,370 to Thomas Fok and Associates to design the Downtown Waterline Replacement Project;
l Heard second reading to authorize the mayor to hire Alexander’s Pest Control for mosquito control;
l Allowed Wittman to apply for $510,000 in Federal Surface Transportation Program funds to resurface portions of East and West Main streets;
l Established the wage of seasonal, part-time city employees at a rate ranging from $8.60 to $9.50. Some seasonal employees start as early as Monday and will work through most of August.
– Hilary Crisan
Newton Falls
WHAT: Newton Falls Village Council regular meeting Monday
PRESENT: Richard Zamecnik, Nancy Hoffman, David Wilson and Phillip Beer
ABSENT: Tarry Alberini
Council:
l Re-appropriated $12,000 for a new lawn mower;
l Paid $250,000 of a $2,045,000 loan.
– Hilary Crisan
On the record
Bristol
WHAT: Bristol Township trustee meeting on Tuesday
PRESENT: Doug Seemann, Ramon French and Mark Webb
Trustees:
l Introduced a policy for a resident to have a ditch, driveway culvert, landscape tile or water collection basin installed. The township is mandated by state law to install and maintain those items. The township will determine the size of ditches, pipes and basins for all installations. Only approved materials approved by the township will be responsible for the cost of material only. The procedure is the homeowner will request the town supervisor to estimated the scope and cost of the project, the supervisor will complete the application form, project estimate and schedule the project and homeowner will pay for project upon completion.
l Heard from Steve Craiger, assistant fire chief, that there are 34 abandoned structures in the township. The fire department is working on developing a policy to protect the firefighters if an abandon structure should catch fire;
l Heard from Seemann of a request by a resident to sell produce on the roadside near the township park;
l Announced the zoning commission will hold a public hearing 6:30 p.m. May 20 on zone changes.
l Announced the Bristol Historical Society will hold a picnic and meeting May 12 at the town hall.
– Bob Coupland
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