The Chester Township Board of Trustees held its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 12. The meeting opened with an executive session regarding negotiations with public employees.
Trustees approved minutes from Oct. 15 and Oct. 29. Township minutes are available at http://www.chestertwp.org.
Ken Mantey, of the Chesterland Kiwanis, gave an update on progress regarding the Chester Recycling Park under construction at the site of the old Chester school. The proposed opening date for the park is Dec. 5. By majority vote, trustees approved $500 for additional signage.
Andrew Esposito, of the consulting firm Clemens-Nelson, kicked off the project to update the township’s outdated policy manual. All township department heads, assistant and fiscal officer, as well as the trustees, were present and offered suggestions regarding development and implementation of this critical family of documents. Other members of the township staff and residents not present at the meeting are welcome to provide input as this project is expected to last several months and involve multiple public sessions.
On Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Chester Police Department staff will be hosting its fifth annual toy drive supporting Geauga Job and Family Services. Since its inception, over $40,000 in new toys have been collected and distributed to needy families in the local community. Chief Mark Purchase invites all to stop by West Geauga Plaza for an opportunity to visit Santa and help bring joy to others with unwrapped gifts.
The police chief, fire chief and road superintendent offered their input and concerns as part of the trustees’ discussion of a resident’s request to allow hunting on the township’s 80-acre property.
Funds of $3,323 were approved to purchase truck tires in preparation for winter and $3,908 was approved to purchase vehicle diagnostic equipment. During the past several months, the township mechanic has generously loaned his personal truck diagnostic equipment, demonstrating the speed and improved efficiency of owning and using these tools on-site. Please look for the winter season service announcement in the Chesterland News.
Continuing the evaluation the “out-of-service” no. 2 fire station, Fire Chief John Wargelin has worked with a local contractor to identity the location of the septic leach fields and tanks. Additional work to determine what’s required to bring the system into compliance was recommended. In addition, the trustees discussed a possible change to the zoning for the property to make it more attractive to sell. In a related topic, Wargelin shared with trustees that the fire department will be audited to update the township’s ISO rating.
Engine No. 93 undercoating is complete. The new mobile data terminals have been installed in vehicles. The fire department plans to offer CPR training to the public in December.
Trustees discussed how to address the 25 percent proposed increase in OPEC-HC health insurance. They also discussed proposing a levy (possibly 2 to 2.5-mills) to support the needed resurfacing of township roads.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Ken Radtke, Bud Kinney,
Mike Petruziello, Craig Richter
Chester Township Officials