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WHAT: Township trustee meeting Wednesday
PRESENT: Matthew Vansuch and James Lapolla
ABSENT: Rick Clark
Trustees:
Hired Michael Armour as a full-time public works employee at truck driver wage of $22.64 per hour for the first 90 days and then $25.16 per hour after the successful probationary period;
• Hired Barbara Hanson as a part-time administrative assistant in the public works department at $15.30 per hour on an as-needed basis;
• Accepted the retirement of Samuel Tisher, public works employee, effective May 1 with his last day of work on April 30; he worked for the township more than 30 years. Armour was hired to replace him;
• Received a $1,150 state fire marshal's training reimbursement grant of $1,150 for fire inspector training classes in 2022;
• Heard from Vansuch that the annexation hearing with Howland objecting to Niles wanting to annex property into the city was rescheduled again to July 17.
• Accepted the resignation of patrolman David Ritz effective April 24 for personal reasons with his last day April 23. Ritz was the Howland schools resource officer who accepted another job. Police Chief Nick Roberts said another officer will be assigned as SRO;
• Accepted at $14,297 Geauga / Trumbull drop off recycle reimbursement grant with the township's share $1,588 to be used for the North River Road recycle project at $15,885. The project is to make improvements to the recycling site. Township administrator Darlene St. George said the funds will cover an automatic gate opener at the site, cameras to monitor the area, and for extended hours into the evening and Saturday for dropping off items;
• Accepted a $3,057 Geauga / Trumbull recycle Go Green reimbursement grant of $3.057;
• Approved updates to the township zoning fees to bring them in line with other communities' fees effective May 12. Officials said most permits are $20 for various projects such as building storage shed or pergola; Officials said anything structural in nature being built needs a permit. Fees have not been changed since 2018;
• Approved M&M Demolition to demolish property at 332 Niles Cortland Road NE at $6,745 and at 3271 Valacamp Ave. at $4,985. The two properties were declared to be nuisances. Vansuch said costs will be placed on the property owner's tax duplicate for monies spent to complete the work;
• Received $44,711 was Norfolk Southern to replace equipment used in the Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine, which includes air packs and tank, and masks;
• Received $1,005 from the OneOhio opioid settlement;
• Heard from Vansuch plans have begun for the parade and other activities for the July 4 celebration;
• Announced branch and limb pickup will begin Monday for residents living on streets east of Mosquito Creek and May 1 for residents of all streets off North Road and including North Road. Branches must be placed at curbside;
• Announced a shred-it event and collection of nonperishable food items by the police will be May 6 at the Howland SCOPE Center parking lot;
• Heard from fire officials that residents need to stay away from fallen electrical wires and power lines after a storm;. Residents also were informed no open burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
• Heard from Planning Director Kim Mascarella that the farmers market will return each Saturday starting June 3 at the Richard Orwig Park. Food truck Fridays begin June 16;
• Announced a meeting on the comprehensive plan will be 5 p.m. May 17 at township administration building.