On the record
Brookfield
WHAT: board of Education meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: George Economides, Kelly Bianco, Ronda Bonekovic, Ron Brennan and Tim Filipovich
The board:
l Heard from School Treasurer David Drawl the state auditors will come to the district this fall to develop a five-year forecast to help with getting the district out of fiscal emergency in nine to 10 months. He said the auditors will review the district’s accounting reports and compliance recommendations to later ask the fiscal advisory commission to be released from fiscal emergency status by next May or June;
l Increased lunch prices as recommended by the state auditor as follows: grades kindergarten to fourth $2 to $2.25; grades fifth to 12th from $2.25 to $2.50; and breakfast all grades $1.25 to $1.50;
l Heard from Superintendent Jo Taylor the district will not be taking part in a Mahoning County Educational Service Center literacy grant because of costs for training, need to hire two additional staff and other expenses. Economides recommended revisiting the program in the future;
l Approved a calamity day alternative makeup plan using ”blizzard bags” if the district goes beyond the hours allowed by the state when schools are closed for emergencies, such as severe weather. Teachers are to create blizzard bags online and paper form with assignments and work equal to three days of instructional contact time. Taylor said missed school days this year will be based on hours, not days. Students will have two weeks from date of posting to make up work;
l Hired Samantha Irwin as seventh/ eighth grade language arts teacher at $34,734, replacing Jennifer Scharba, who resigned. Irwin was selected from 27 applicants;
l Passed a resolution seeking a waiver to delay implementing career technical education for seventh and eighth graders for one year because of a hardship;
l Approved a one-year athletic trainer services contract with Sharon Regional Sports Medicine at $26,500.
l Heard from Bonekovic that coaches and others need to be careful about responding or making comments on social media. She said a coach in another district did and was removed from the position;
l Entered into an agreement with Ohio Schools Council at $400 for cooperative purchasing for various materials and supplies;
l Heard from Taylor the central administration offices have been consolidated into one area for better contact between people.
– Bob Coupland
McDonald
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Thomas Hannon, Catherine Harvey, Jody Klase, Kevin O’Connell and John Saganich
The board:
l Entered into an agreement with Trumbull County Educational Service Center for technology coordinator services at 108 days per year at $33,273. Officials said the coordinator will develop a technology plan and help with student testing for the district;
l Accepted the resignation of Joe Celli as the district’s technology coordinator effective July 22;
l Hired Linda Prokop as high school study hall monitor and Susan Gill as elementary head cook;
l Hired Wilma Sylak as transportation supervisor at two hours per day for 206 days at $6,365;
l Approved A to Z Plumbing at $16,250 for replacing a 125-gallon water tank at the elementary school boiler room;
l Entered into a two-year contract with Gas Search for natural gas at $3.18 per mcf;
l Entered into a contract with Grunau Company Inc. at $2,175 for inspections of fire alarms, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. Treasurer Bill Johnson said the contract saves $1,700;
l Approved Brad Sloan and Robert Reizian as chaperones for band camp Sunday through Thursday at Slippery Rock University;
l Accepted a $3,000 donation from Cherotti Enterprises for the football program;
l Heard from Superintendent Robert Rostan the Robert Jones family would like to place a bench in memory of the late board member at the schools;
l Heard from Rostan new gymnasium bleachers will be delivered Monday and bids will be sought for high school auditorium lighting;
l Announced the first day school for students is Aug. 22.
– Bob Coupland
Niles
WHAT: Board of Control meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Scarnecchia, Safety Service Director Jim Depasquale, Auditor Giovanne Merlo, Jeff Crowley, Lisa Smathers, Nicole Bacak, Carmen Vivolo, Andy Catanzarite, fire Chief Dave Danielson, Jim Newbrough, acting police chief Capt. Jay Holland, Council President Robert Marino, Dave Liste and Cara Smeltzer.
The board allocated the following:
l $8,145 to Solomon Corp. for a polemount transformer;
l $940 to power line supply for a cluster mount;
l $3,645.72 to Postal Mail Sort for printing and mailing utility bills, stacks of paper and envelopes;
l $720 to KV Electric for permits, material and labor to replace lighting in the kitchen;
l $1,750 to Gary Rising for the repair of a paint shaker;
l $1,125.53 to Postal Mail Sort, for printing and mailing utility bills;
l A $150 refund from the Board of Zoning Appeal to Neil Russo for a variance at 311 and 313 Scott Street, because of a variance delay.
– Renee Fox
Trumbull County
WHAT: County commissioners regular meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Mauro Cantalamessa, Frank Fuda and Daniel Polivka
The board:
l Awarded the lowest and best compliant bid of $112,500 to Intertech Security of Pittsburg for installation of new cable infrastructure and closed circuit television system for the Eastern District Court. Other bids were submitted by Datacom of North Lima, Midwest Telephone Service Inc. of Girard and Becdel Controls Inc. of Niles.
l Accepted the resignation of Vicki Thompson as a member of the county Workforce Development Board. Thompson, who served as the Adult Basic Literacy Education and Education-Barriers to Employment representative, was replaced by Beth Trace, whose two-year term began Wednesday. The board also re-appointed Daniel Palmer to a three-year term as the higher education representative to the Workforce Development Board.
– Guy Vogrin
On the record
Warren Township
WHAT: Trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Kay Anderson, Ed Anthony and Bob Bush
Trustees:
l Heard from resident Ken Morelli of Kibler Toot Road who purchased the former Leavitt School building off Risher Road with plans to use it for storage and in the summer months hold a farmers market in the center horseshoe-shaped courtyard. Work is to be completed by 2017;
l Heard from Darryl Parker of Miller Street about an abandoned home on the street with broken and open windows attracting raccoons. Bush said the home is included on a list of 35 homes sent to the county health department;
l Approved $13,500 for repairing the fire department ambulance;
l Appointed Jacob Waltermire as a reserve police officer effective Aug. 1;
l Accepted the resignation of part-time police officer Matthew Mysliwiec;
- Hired Annette Schick as part-time paramedic at $9.75 per hour and Aron Hamrick, James McBride and Joshua Newton as part-time EMTs at $9.25 per hour, all effective Saturday;
l Approved an agreement with LaBrae Little Vikings for use of the fields at the former LaBrae High School site off West Market Street, which is owned by the township;
l Renewed the township’s liability, automobile, real and personal property insurance with OTARMA at $41,369;
l Renewed township’s health insurance with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for one year at $12,973 per month.
– Bob Coupland
Bazetta
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Paul Hovis, Frank Parke and Ted Webb
Trustees:
l Will meet 11 a.m. Friday with Trumbull County commissioners over a business being in a residential area and if state guidelines override township zoning. Hovis said trustees received word from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities that an REM Ohio Tall Oak Circle home is located in Timber Creek. Officials said the home helps mentally challenged people go through rehab to prepare them to go back into the world and work. Residents expressed concerns of the business in a home in a residential area;
l Approved an IT cooperative use service agreement with Weathersfield Township to have Bazetta’s IT specialist provide work at $50 per hour and $75 per hour outside normal business hours;
l Heard from Hovis the fire station project off Warren Meadville Road is ahead of schedule. Originally scheduled for completion next June, it may be done in early 2017, he said. Milcam Inc. of Brookfield is doing the work;
l Approved $1,245 for an air compressor maintenance service contract with Koosen Fire and Safety in Indianapolis.
– Bob Coupland
Kinsman
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Tim Woofter, Linda Miller and Greg Leonhard
Trustees:
l Approved a contract with JS Northeast Contracting in Girard at $218,484 for construction of a restroom / concession stand for the township park. Woofter said the project will be started in two to three weeks, with completion in 120 days. The park now uses outhouses and has not had a concession stand;
l Will apply for state Issue 1 funding for work on a section of Delin Thomas Road, including a safety upgrade, culvert work and repaving;
l Reported Neighborhood Development Services expressed interest in locating senior housing in Kinsman that would include 10 to 15 units;
l Announced Girl Scout Rachel Swim will hold her Gold Award project in conjunction with the volunteer fire department’s 90th anniversary celebration taking place all day Aug. 6 at the fire department off Center Street. A parade will be at 11 a.m. Other activities include a dedication ceremony for deceased firefighters, community picnic, games and a pet parade. Swim’s project will have people paying to smash a vehicle with a sledgehammer.
– Bob Coupland
Newton Township
WHAT: Trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Bob Page, Doreen Lutz and John Nemet
Trustees:
l Reported the township received word from county officials they are suspending the Scott Street sewer project, noting it is unaffordable to residents because of village sewer rates;
l Approved spending up to $27,000 for paving St. Michael Cemetery and Lutheran Cemetery;
l Approved renewing a contract with Medical Mutual at $4,339 for four employees;
l Announced a farmers market will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at village park.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Girard
WHAT: Girard City Council meeting Monday
PRESENT: Council members Reynald Paolone, Steve Brooks, Mark Standohar, Keith Schubert, Thomas Grumley, Lily Martuccio, John Moliterno and Joseph Shelby, and Mayor Jim Melfi
Council:
l Heard from Lauren Johnson of the Regional Chamber of Commerce of plans for the ”Better Block” event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 p.m. on East Market Street between the viaduct and U.S. Route 422. A $12,500 grant will cover costs for a farmers market, bike raffle, walking tours of the historic district, revitalization efforts, and showcasing businesses in the downtown area. Pedestrian, cyclists and motorists can participate at the event, she said;
l Heard from Melfi that the city is seeking Ohio Public Works Commission funds for street paving in 2017. He also reported bids will be sought in two weeks for the Glendale Avenue bridge improvement project;
l Approved an ordinance creating a limited one-year temporary moratorium on issuance of two-family and multiple dwelling construction. Melfi said the ordinance has been on the books for more than 20 years;
l Approved increasing the compensation of the prosecutor’s administrative assistant from $15 to $15.25 per hour;
l Gave first reading for advertising for bids for purchase of a single axle chassis dump truck for the snow plow;
l Reported the End of Summer parade and festivities set for Aug. 13 in the downtown area;
l Will be on summer recess in August with next meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 12, with economic development committee to meet 6:30 p.m.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Farmington
WHAT: Township trustee meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Martha Yoder, Kevin Bontrager, Brad Hall
Trustees:
l Discussed traffic counts that were done on both Clark and GP Easterly roads as a preliminary step for applying for an Ohio Public Works grant. Trustees are moving forward to try for a grant to improve GP Easterly based on higher traffic counts;
l Will be seeking estimates for mapping and digitizing cemetery records;
l Heard from fire Chief Jon Bland of what will be included on a new website for the township;
l Approved the road closure of Larson West for the Farmington Festival 5K 7 p.m. Friday off East College Street. The festival is set for Thursday to Saturday.
l Heard from Bland of repairs done to the HVAC unit for the fire hall. Plans are also for providing additional fencing around the unit.
l Heard from Bland the fire department would receive a $2,500 EMS grant this year.
l Approved Ohio Department Natural Resources making improvements to Hoffman Norton Road north of state Route 88 with no cost to the township.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Lordstown
WHAT: Board of Education special meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Tracie Allen, William Catlin, Nikki Reid and Roberta Hiller
ABSENT: Ron Tyndall
The board:
l Approved removing all classroom instruction fees, workbook fees and pay-to-participate fees for the 2016-2017 school year. Superintendent Terry Amstrong said with money from the Lordstown Energy Center, the district can cover the fee costs and help local families;
l Approved Seth Mansell as health and physical education teacher at $39,216 on a one-year contract;
l Approved Tom Vickers as full-time bus mechanic on a one-year contract for 260 days. He was approved to work in August when needed at $16.67 per hour;
l Entered into an agreement with the Lordstown Apple Cider Festival for use of school grounds for the annual festival Sept. 16-18;
l Reported asbestos abatement work at the former elementary school at corner of Tod Avenue and Salt Springs Road will begin Monday. Plans are under way to demolish the building in early fall;
l Reported uniforms will be ordered with a new Red Devil logo on them for fall sports. The cost will be covered by a donation from the Lordstown Energy Center;
l Recognized the Lordstown Political History Club and its students who attended the Republican National Convention this week in Cleveland.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Braceville
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Todd Brewster, Rebecca Rood and Aaron Young
Trustees:
l Adopted a policy to not permit hunting or trapping on township property. Brewster said there is not enough acres to allow this. Trustees had a recent request by a resident to hunt on township land;
l Discussed possibly getting port-o-johns for the township basketball courts during the busy spring and summer months. Officials said there has been problems with damage to the walls of the township restrooms used by people using the courts;
l Announced ”No ATVs” signs have been posted in the township to keep vehicles off railroad tracks and other areas;
l Reported swingsets are being ordered for the township park off Braceville-Robinson Road;
l Reported quotes are being received for fence work at the police impound lot;
l Heard from fire Chief Todd Garland the department is waiting on word for a federal grant for equipment, gear and hoses.
– Bob Coupland
Bristol
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Ramon French and Mark Webb
ABSENT: Doug Seemann
Trustees:
l Approved proceeding with the purchase of a $60,000 used 2009 fire squad from Penn Care in Niles with the township to receive a five-year loan from Cortland Banks. French said the vehicle will replace another squad that is older and out of service;
l Received word the township has been approved for a $118,786 APG grant for air packs and masks. The local match is $4,439;
l Accepted a letter of resignation from Nellene Ackerman from the Zoning Board of Appeals since she is moving. Residents interested in filling the remainder of her term through December can send a letter of interest to a township trustee;
l Approved a contract with Pontem Software of Grand Rapids, Mo., at $6,241 for cemetery mapping work;
l Received $300 in needed materials from VFIS Insurance for firefighter and emergency medical service training.
– Bob Coupland
Trumbull County
WHAT: County commissioners regular meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Mauro Cantalamessa, Frank Fuda and Daniel Polivka
The board:
l Hired Lorna L. Patrick as a part-time clerical assistant with the Trumbull County Office of Elderly Affairs. Patrick, whose hiring will be effective July Monday, will work less than 30 hours a week and make $9 per hour.
l Awarded the lowest and best bid of $108,172 submitted by Paycor of Independence for online payroll services. Another bid was submitted by HR Focal Point LLC of Plano Texas, totaling $250,000, which included a $120,000 human resource management module.
– Guy Vogrin
On the record
Southington
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Tim Arbogast, Betsy Dunn, Steve Gilanyi, Tom Proverbs and John Shaffer
The board:
l Entered into a contract with Kreidler Construction in Youngstown at $268,200 for a maintenance facility addition at the southeastern corner of the school complex. Officials said the building will be used for buses and repair work on district vehicles and equipment;
l Heard from Superintendent Rocco Nero they are waiting to proceed with making roof repairs to a section of the school complex that caught fire recently and was damaged;
l Named Arbogast as delegate and Dunn as alternate to the Ohio School Boards annual business meeting in November;
l Named Don Nelson as football / softball field manager;
l Announced a local back-to-school event for children will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at township center park.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Champion
WHAT: Champion Board of Education meeting Monday
PRESENT: David Mahan, Roger Samuelson, Kelly Boyle, Jim Scher and John Pitts
The board:
l Approved placing a 1.5-mill, five-year renewal permanent improvement levy on the Nov. 8 ballot. It will raise $105,958 annually for renovating, remodeling and equipping school buildings. The owner of a $100,000 home will pay about $20 per year. The levy was first passed in 1976;
l Approved placing a a 11.3-mill, five-year renewal emergency operating levy on the ballot. It will raise $2 million annually for emergency needs of the district. The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $346 per year. The levy was passed in March 2012 as a combined levy of two existing levies passed in 1987 and 1994;
l Announced a community presentation of plans for the new PK-8 School will be 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at the high school auditorium. Work has begun on the new complex to be located south of the high school;
l Accepted the resignation of Krystle Favra, elementary special education intervention teacher, effective July 10. She served one year in the district;
l Approved additional courses at the high school where students can earn college credit through Hiram College;
l Set workbook fees with slight increases as follows: kindergarten, $10; first and second grades, $28.77; third grade, $17.12; and fourth grade, $30;
l Will have Mahan serve as representative on the Trumbull County Planning Commission Tax Incentive Review Council;
l Hired David M. Clark of Campbell as assistant varsity football coach.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Howland
WHAT: Trustee meeting Monday
PRESENT: Rick Clark, Matt Vansuch and James Lapolla
Trustees:
l Hired James Sapp as assistant director for the Howland Training Center effective July 5 at $30,000 per year on an ”as needed basis” with no benefits;
l Entered into an agreement with the Howland Volunteer Fire Department for volunteer fire protection and emergency medical service through June 30, 2017. The township pays $1 to the department;
l Approved Joseph Danko, Shane Stelk, Benjamin Moody and Sonjia Ferenac as part-time firefighters / emergency medical technicians;
l Declared 12 properties as public nuisances because of high grass and debris with the zoning department not receiving responses from property owners to rectify the violations;
l Heard from residents concerned about a burned structure on Ravenwood Drive. Fire Chief Jim Pantalone said the home is being addressed;
l Will place two 2008 Chevy Impalas on the LightGov auction site with a minimum bid of $4,000 for each.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bristol
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Don Mickel, Scott Chapman, Kathie Johnson, John Hickey and Misty Berry
The board:
l Approved extending high school Principal Timothy Fairfield’s contract by three years through July 2020. He is in the second year of a two-year contract through July 2017;
l Accepted the resignation of high school science teacher Eric Christmyer, who is moving from the area;
l Approved Rebecca Dobson as science club advisor for a new club to start at the high school;
l Increased the fee for parking at the high school from $3 to $10 per year. Officials said there has not been an increase for some time. All other school fees and lunch prices will remain the same for the upcoming school year;
l Waived elementary workbook fees for grades kindergarten to sixth and high school general fees for grades seventh to 12th. Dray said the district will continue to do this if able;
l Approved purchase of an ICOM digital radio system from Hudson Communications LLC at $21,330. Dray said the radios will be used in school buses and the administration offices so no drivers will need to use cell phones, which get poor reception in parts of the township and are not to be used when driving. Officials said the radios also will help during power outages;
l Learned the disrict will be getting two carts of chrome books to be used for state testing next spring at the elementary school; and
l Accepted a $1,200 donation from the Bristol Farmington Baseball Association.
– Bob Coupland
Weathersfield
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Cheryl Basista, Joshua Garris, Bruce Bacak, Tim Gleason and Aaron Wallace
The board:
l Approved a new three-year agreement with the local classifed union represented by the Ohio Association of Public School Employees through June 2019. The union represents 27 bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and secretaries. Superintendent Damon Dohar said employees will receive a 2.5 percent pay increase the first year, 2 percent the second year and 1 percent the third year. Dohar said employees now pay a 5 percent premium copay for health insurance and it will increase to 6.5 percent the first year, 8 percent the second year and 10 percent the third year;
l Approved a contract with RT Vernal Paving & Excavating, Inc of North Lima for installation of a new track at the Joe Lane Stadium at a cost not to exceed $200,000. Officials said work will start this month and be completed by Aug. 15;
l Hired Elexa Kamovitch as intervention specialist at Seaborn Elementary School at $32,273; and
l Approved a three-year contract for cafeteria supervisor Debbie Donkers at $25,000 the first year, $25,500 the second year and $25,750 the third year.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Johnston
WHAT: Trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Davis Denman, Dominic Marchese and Jim Carnes
Trustees:
l Appointed Ron Rodgers to a vacancy on the zoning appeals board through 2020. A seat on the board became open with the resignation of Terry Meyers, who moved from the township;
l Set the annual scrap tire collection 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 3 at the fire hall garage for township residents.
– Bob Coupland
Kinsman
WHAT: Trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Tim Woofter, Linda Miller and Greg Lenhart
Trustees:
l Will open bids Friday for a planned restroom facility to be constructed by October at the township park. Woofter said the park now uses outhouses;
l Reported the Kinsman Rotary Club raised $3,000 from the annual chicken dinner held July 9 at the park. Woofter said the club also raised $12,000 from an annual golf outing held in June. He said funds are used for scholarships for local high school students, food banks, the Children’s Rehabilitation Center and other organizations.
– Bob Coupland
Niles
WHAT: Board of Control meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Scarnecchia, Safety Service Director Jim Depasquale, Law Director J. Terrence Dull, fire Chief Dave Danielson, acting police chief Capt. Jay Holland, Nicole Bacak, Jeff Crowley, Mike Dibble, Carmen Vivolo, Andy Catanzarite and Jim Newbrough
The board allocated the following:
l $15,000 to the law firm Clemans Nelson and Associates for legal services;
l $3,898.96 for various waterline repair parts;
l $2,118 for water meter parts;
l $6,000 to NEO Solutions for polymer;
l $748.71 to Summit Supply for limestone, mason sand, cement and bricks for emergency repair of State Street at Park Avenue; and
l $63,325 to York Mahoning Mechanical Contractors Inc. for a rooftop heating and cooling unit for the administration building.
– Renee Fox
Southington
WHAT: Trustees meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Sam Plott, Dan Tietz and Bob Reader
Trustees:
l Reported the cemetery committee, with the assistance of the fire department, will be straightening knocked over and fallen markers and graves starting in the Old German Reformed section of the township cemetery;
l Will contact the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office about possibly borrowing their equipment for unplugging three dry fire hyrdrant ponds in the township;
l Approved turnout gear for the fire department at $1,678 from Finley Fire Equipment;
l Approved a John Deere zero-turn lawn mower at $5,200 from Cope Farm Equipment through state purchasing. Plott said the mower is $8,000 but more than $3,000 on trade-in on another mower will lower the price;
l Announced Back to School Day for local children 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the township park with school supplies to be given.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bazetta
WHAT: Trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Paul Hovis, Frank Burke and Ted Webb
Trustees:
l Reported a representative of the Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District inspected the new fire station property on Warren Meadville Road and recommended that standing dirt be removed. Trustees said the project is ahead of schedule;
l Approved paying $322,812 to Milcam Inc. for contracted work at the fire station up to June 30;
l Appointed Arnie Roman, Robert Giering, Megan Giering, Jane Lewis and Jennifer Kuhn, all to two-year terms on the park / recreation board;
l Approved selling 2003 Ford Explorer and 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier from the police impound lot at cost not to exceed $2,500.
– Bob Coupland
Girard
WHAT: City council meeting Monday
PRESENT: Reynald Paolone, Steve Brooks, Mark Standohar, Keith Schubert, Thomas Grumley, Lily Martuccio, John Moliterno, Joseph Shelby and Mayor Jim Melfi.
Council:
l Reported the Design Review Board has been meeting and granting local businesses, including Royal Gardens, Black Horse Tavern and Grille and S&T Laundromat, approval for exterior painting, downspout work and sidewalk repairs in the downtown business district. The board provides funds for enhancements and reviews guidelines for projects to maintain the appearance of the area;
l Heard a request from Standohar for legislation to require all property owners to be responsible for water bills, whether they live there or rent the property. Melfi said landlords need to be responsible for their tenants’ water bills if the tenants move out.
– Bob Coupland
Weathersfield
WHAT: Trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: H. Gilson Blair, Marvin McBride and Steven Gerberry
Trustees:
l Congratulated the Cleveland Cavaliers for their June 19 NBA Championship win against the Golden State Warriors;
l Created an additional fire lieutenant position and authorized the fire chief to fill it, because a fire captain is transitioning to a safety officer role;
l Recognized members of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church for volunteering to pick up trash along a 2-mile stretch of state Route 169;
l Renewed liability and property insurance policies with the Ohio Township Risk Management Authority;
l Authorized township administrator, David Rouan, to contract with Matrix Claims Management for management of the township’s workers’ compensation claims;
l Agreed to accept the title of a car in exchange for the elimination of towing and storage fees for towed car in the impound lot;
l Encouraged residents to request tablets from the Trumbull County Combined Health District that can be put in standing water to control the mosquito population.
– Renee Fox
Liberty
WHAT: Trustees meeting Monday
PRESENT: Jodi Stoyak, Stan Nudell and Jason Rubin
Trustees:
l Placed a 2-mill, five-year police renewal levy on the Nov. 8 ballot. The levy will generate $342,363 annually for the police department;
l Accepted the resignations of firefighter Jason DeLuca effective Aug. 1, part-time firefighter / medic Joel Wharry effective June 24 and seasonal employee Ryan Donchatz effective June 29;
l Heard from resident Paul Trebilcock of Redfern Drive over concerns of the loud fireworks at Youngstown Country Club. Safety officials said only one day per year are fireworks being set off by trained professionals at the location;
l Heard from police Chief Richard Tisone the department received the Ohio Collaborative designation of meeting all standards on proper use of force, recruitment and hirings. Tisone said Liberty is among 37 agencies, including Austintown and Bazetta, to receive the designation. He said earning the standards will help in getting grant money;
l Heard from Tisone the auction of 32 police vehicles and other items netted $15,832 for police department. The fire department received $800 and road department $2,400 for trucks;
l Heard from Nudell of efforts to get more business and development in the area of new Comfort Inn on state Route 193 opened;
l Declared property at 1439 Townsend Ave. a public nuisance due to high grass and debris. The township will cut the grass and place the cost on property owner’s tax bill.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Lordstown
WHAT: Lordstown Village Council meeting
PRESENT: Robert Bond, John Mansell, Donald Reider, Karen Jones, Ron Radtka and Howard Sheely
Trustees:
l Accepted unanimously the revised proposal from Herman & Rossi Sons Inc. to perform concrete work at the village fire station, Muth and Salt Springs roads, the library and the administration building at a cost of $1,755.
l Hire a permanent part-time school resource officer, David Harrison. Mayor Arno Hill said the salary will be around $32,000 a year.
– Samantha Phillips
On the record
Lordstown
WHAT: Lordstown Board of Education meeting Saturday
PRESENT: Roberta Hiller, William Catlin, Niki Reed, Traci Allen
ABSENT: Ron Tyndall
The board:
l Hired Melissa Starkey as K-12 assistant principal on a three-year contract at $68,500, effective Aug. 1, for 265 days. Starkey, who most recently was a special education teacher at Trumbull Career and Technical Center, will take on special education director duties in the district the second year of the contract. Superintendent Terry Armstrong said the district pays more than $40,000 for special education services annually and would save about $30,000 when Starkey takes on director duties. Starkey was selected from 24 applicants who sought the principal’s position;
l Approved Mindy Moyers as instructor for the summer Jump Start program at $22 per hour for three hours per day for 11 days. The program has been held for several summers to prepare children for school;
l Is reviewing what logo to include on school uniforms that will be paid for through donation from the Lordstown Energy Center. The board is looking to have the same logo for all sports teams;
l Named Reed as delegate and Allen as alternate to the Ohio School Board Association conference in November.
Bob Coupland
On the record
Braceville
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Todd Brewster, Rebecca Rood and Aaron Young
Trustees:
l Scheduled a special meeting 6 p.m. July 19 to give second reading for placing the renewal of three 1-mill operating levies for fire, police and road departments on the November ballot. Brewster said that previously, the three levies were put on the ballot as replacement levies and now need to be renewed;
l Approved the purchase of a swingset at $6,200 for the park off Braceville-Robinson Road;
l Approved placing six vehicles in the police impound lot up for Internet auction;
l Scheduled a special meeting 6 p.m. Aug. 16 for a public meeting with the Trumbull County Planning Commission members to review the comprehensive plan for the township. Trustees will vote on the completed plan in September;
l Announced mosquito spraying 7 p.m. today, with residents advised to bring pets inside and close windows and doors.
– Bob Coupland
Bristol
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Doug Seemann, Ramon French and Mark Webb
Trustees:
l Received an emergency medical service grant of $5,500 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety;
l Heard from fire officials that the cooling system repairs on Squad 17 and cot maintenance work are complete;
l Purchased a speaker system from Radio Active for use during the Memorial Day services and the lighting cermony for $1,848;
– Bob Coupland
Lordstown
WHAT: Board of Education special meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Tracie Allen, William Catlin, Roberta Hiller, Ron Tyndall and Niki Reid
The board:
l Met with the soccer / track facility committee to discuss options for the planned all-weather eight-lane track project after receving a $1 million donation from Lordstown Energy Center. The district’s track teams have for years been using a gravel track near the old elementary school and have been unable to host events. The committee was reviewing location options and aspects of the project. Superintendent Terry Armstrong said the location will be slightly north of the current track. Work will proceed when funds become available;
l Approved teacher Brian Rust as athletic director;
l Abolished the technology director position effective July 31 and instead entered a contract with Epiphany Mangement Group for technology services and support. Officials made the change as part of reorganization of administrative functions;
l Accepted the resignation of Gary Luzadder, custodial staff, effective Sept. 1 after 35 years of service.
– Bob Coupland
Newton Falls
WHAT: Village council meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Richard Zamecnik, John Baryak, Tarry Alberini and Mayor Lyle Waddell
ABSENT: Mark Stimpert and Philip Beer
The council:
l Approved Anna Musson of Bloomfield as full-time finance director for the village at a salary of $60,000, replacing Tracy Reimbold, who left in May;
l Reported that the village will take part in a two-year audit for 2015 and 2016 because of staff changes in the finance department;
l Authorized City Manager Jack Haney to submit an application for Ohio Public Works Commission grants for water lines for the South Canal Street waterline project;
l Announced that a new Taco Bell will be breaking ground this week off North Canal Street, with the project expected to be completed in 110 days;
l Thanked village employees and volunteers for their work at the recent car and bike shows and the July Fourth celebration this week, with between 1,500 and 1,800 people having attended.
– Bob Coupland
Warren Township
WHAT: Trustees special meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Kay Anderson, Ed Anthony and Bob Bush
Trustees:
l Hired Darryl Wells as interim fire protection officer at $13 per hour, at no more than 30 hours per pay period, effective July 5 during the time that fire Chief Ken Schick is on sick leave following surgery;
l Interviewed candidates for the emergency medical service positions but took no action while background checks are being done.
– Bob Coupland
Vienna
WHAT: Township trustees meeting Tuesday
PRESENT: Phil Pegg, Heidi Brown and Rich Dascenzo
Trustees:
l Will put out for bids for services related to improvements at the Vienna Township cemetery, with plans for a cemetery chapel and recycling dropoff center at the north border of the cemetery. The project also includes paving roads in the cemetery. Trustees approved a professional design services contract with Baker, Bednar, Snyder and Associates for services related to the improvements;
l Hired Callie Mallory and Joe Danko as emergency medical technicians for the fire department and Scott Ardary as a part-time police officer at $10.50 per hour;
l Declared three properties with high grass to be public nuisances and plan to proceed to get lawns cut;
l Announced that a flag retirement ceremony will be 7 p.m. Monday behind the fire department;
l Received a $320 donation from the Vienna Neighborhood Watch for a digital camera for the police department;
l Approved paying up to $800 for two digital cameras for the police department;
l Approved paying D.C. Rappach $1,080 for mowing and brush-hogging properties that were declared nuisances because of high grass;
l Approved paying Republic Services $3,312 for cleanup services;
l Approved paying Colonial Gardens $1,254 for topsoil, mulch, fertilizer , annuals and geraniums for township properties;
l Approved paying Mathews School District $143 for custodian service for Memorial Day services.
– Bob Coupland
On the record
Bazetta
WHAT: Township trustee meeting Monday
PRESENT; Paul Hovis, Frank Parke, Ted Webb
Trustees:
l Reported the new fire station project on Warren-Meadville Road is ahead of schedule. Baker, Bednar, Snyder and Associates, project contractors, reported to officials that all catch basins are in, masonry work has been started, apparatus bay masonry and trusses are complete, walls are up, underground plumbing is complete, the northside driveway is started and plans to pour concrete slab. Target completion is June 2017;
l Heard from several residents who questioned what is being located at a home on Tall Oak Circle, with some believing it may be a halfway house. Trustees said they will check on what is being planned there;
l Hired Nick Wildman, Dylan Herrick and Max Beacher as a part-time patrolmen effective Sunday;
l Approved trading seized and forfeited weapons from the evidence room for law enforcement equipment deemed appopriate for use by Bazetta officers. Fiscal Officer Rita Drew said police trade seized weapons for free gun bullets and other items;
l Announced mosquito spraying at dusk on July 25 and Aug. 29. A spraying was held this week. Anyone not wanting their properties sprayed need to call Alexander’s at 1-800-927-7378.
– Bob Coupland
Howland
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Susan Brocoli, Matt Darrin, Ken Jones and Scott Lehman
ABSENT: Barbara Wright
The board:
l Hired James Kosek as Howland Middle School assistant principal on a two-year contract at $73,000. Kosek was selected from 61 applicants and will replace Vincent Procopio, who returned to a teaching position;
l Hired Cecelia Velazquez as third-grade teacher at H.C. Mines Elementary; Heather Bayus as high school science teacher; and Jennifer Scharba as middle school language arts teacher, all on one-year contracts;
l Accepted the resignation of high school science teacher Dana Ackerman and retirement resignation of nurse assistant Pam Gladd;
l Entered into an agreement with Mangiarelli Rehabilitation LLC to provide athletic training services for one year through June 2017.
– Bob Coupland
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