NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Although township officials said no one has applied for any permits for a sober recovery house in the township, they plan to check on a property off West River Road that residents suspect may be one in progress.

Ten residents attended Wednesday’s meeting, where officials explained what they know and what can be done.

Trustee Chairman Pete Augusta said he and the other trustees have received phone calls about a possible halfway sober house at the former Fair Price Store building off West River Road.

Patrick Wilson, the township’s legal adviser, explained sober houses are a place individuals can go for recovery from substance abuse. He said the individuals seeking help are disabled, and such places provide a living arrangement to help them, which makes it difficult for a township to prevent a sober house from assisting someone.

The Ohio Recovery Housing Act requires certification, accreditation and local oversight for sober houses.

“There are different categories of care that a sober house can provide,” Wilson said. “We need to check on what is planned for this facility,” as well as what kind of care is being provided.

He said townships can have regulations in their zoning codes that can include restrictions on occupancy of a location and how many people can be in the building at a time.

Zoning Inspector Tom Irons said the property in question is zoned residential, and if something is being planned for it, they need to let the zoning department know.

Trustee John Nemet said to date no one has applied for a permit for that location.

Irons said he also checked with the county zoning office, and there has been no one seeking a permit for a sober house.

Residents at the meeting told trustees they have seen work being done on the building and dumpsters on the property as well as lights on at night and people outside at night talking and coughing.

Others said they are concerned the city park is nearby where children play.

Resident Abraham Wally said while he understands people need treatment and help, he does not support a recovery house at the location.

“There have been things being done there to the building. You do not want a sober house going in there,” Wally said.

ZONING INSPECTOR

Following an executive session, trustees appointed Jeffrey Leeworthy as a part-time zoning inspector trainee, pending successful completion of pre-employment testing.

He will work alongside Zoning Inspector Tim Irons until Irons leaves his role on June 30, at which point Leeworthy will assume the position of zoning inspector.

Leeworthy was selected from four applicants.

NOPEC

Trustees also heard from Ross McDonald, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) director of community expansion, who presented information to trustees if they were interested in establishing their own electric aggregation program.

McDonald said if residents support an issue on the election ballot wanting trustees to move forward with an aggregation program, which would include an opt-out component, NOPEC would provide assistance.

Officials said as a member of NOPEC, the township would receive grant funding for energy efficiency projects.

Liberty Township is a local NOPEC member.

Augusta said they will review the idea.

In other business, trustees:

• Were presented a plaque of recognition from Dennis Richter of the senior van program thanking officials for their support of the program, which transports local residents 60 and older and those who are disabled to doctor’s offices, grocery stores and other locations.

• Approved seeking jointly with Braceville, Ohio Public Works Commission funds for improvements to Hewitt Gifford Road, which is located in both townships. Each township would pay 50% of the local share. Residents have expressed concern about the loose gravel surface of the road, which is unsafe for motorcycles and cyclists.

• Approved $1,400 to Dugic Tree Service LLC for cleanup of a fallen tree at East Cemetery.

• Heard from Nemet the joint district fire board is getting a $376,000 ambulance.