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WARREN TOWNSHIP -- Residents thanked trustees for all they did to try to prevent the demolition of the Leavittsburg Dam this summer.
Trustees voted last week to end their fight because of financial costs.
Resident Terry Ambrose, a former trustee, said at Tuesday's trustees meeting the trustees showed perseverance and dedication in the fight to help save the dam.
"I think the community really appreciated what you did. I can't say I am not disappointed we aren't moving forward but I understand and respect your decision. Bureaucrats are making decisions that affect us all. Money is being spent by the Ohio EPA to fight against us. I know that you worked very hard and put a lot of time into the fight," Ambrose said.
Her comments were met with applause from many of the 20 people at the meeting.
Trustee Chairman Ryan Yoho said the EPA has been helping to pay the Trumbull County MetroParks costs in this fight. The Leavittsburg Dam is owned by the Trumbull County MetroParks, which voted in December to proceed with the demolition because of safety concerns.
Yoho said the township has exhausted all legal options and spent $50,000 fighting the dam's removal.
He said trustees still remain opposed to the dam's removal and recommends the county commissioners continue opposition to the dam being removed, including opposition to providing funds that will be used to assist with the removal.
Trustee Ed Anthony said during the six-year fight, residents provided support and attended Trumbull County commissioner meetings to voice their concerns and provide information.
"We appreciate all the residents did to support us and voice their opinions. I know more residents in the township were against the dam being taken out,'' he said.
Anthony said he will wait and see what happens when the dam comes out and the Mahoning River water level drops.
Resident Art Williams said when it comes to projects in the township, the county does not always treat the community well, WARREN TOWNSHIP -- Residents thanked trustees for all they did to try to prevent the demolition of the Leavittsburg Dam this summer.
Trustees voted last week to end their fight because of financial costs.
Resident Terry Ambrose, a former trustee, said at Tuesday's trustees meeting the trustees showed perseverance and dedication in the fight to help save the dam.
"I think the community really appreciated what you did. I can't say I am not disappointed we aren't moving forward but I understand and respect your decision. Bureaucrats are making decisions that affect us all. Money is being spent by the Ohio EPA to fight against us. I know that you worked very hard and put a lot of time into the fight," Ambrose said.
Her comments were met with applause from many of the 20 people at the meeting.
Trustee Chairman Ryan Yoho said the EPA has been helping to pay the Trumbull County MetroParks costs in this fight. The Leavittsburg Dam is owned by the Trumbull County MetroParks, which voted in December to proceed with the demolition because of safety concerns.
Yoho said the township has exhausted all legal options and spent $50,000 fighting the dam's removal.
He said trustees still remain opposed to the dam's removal and recommends the county commissioners continue opposition to the dam being removed, including opposition to providing funds that will be used to assist with the removal.
Trustee Ed Anthony said during the six-year fight, residents provided support and attended Trumbull County commissioner meetings to voice their concerns and provide information.
"We appreciate all the residents did to support us and voice their opinions. I know more residents in the township were against the dam being taken out,'' he said.
Anthony said he will wait and see what happens when the dam comes out and the Mahoning River water level drops.
Resident Art Williams said when it comes to projects in the township, the county does not always treat the community well, noting there are issues with streets needing sidewalks and now plans for the dam's removal.
TERMINATE LEGAL SERVICE
At Tuesday's meeting, trustees passed a motion to terminate the legal services of Michael Dortch of Kravitz, Brown and Dortch LLC and Thomas Hall of Manchester, Newman and Bennett, LPA for dam-related legal actions.
Yoho said last week it would cost the township $50,000 or more to appeal the matter to the Ohio Supreme Court. Two previous appeals were denied at both the local and state levels.
Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, an appellate court and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Review Appeals Commission all ruled against the township's appeals, allowing for the demolition to move forward.
The dam is expected to be taken out in August or September.