Chester Township’s regular alternate Thursday meeting was opened at 7 p.m. March 24.
Administrative
The opening motions were to approve Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting minutes from two February 2016 sessions.
Police Department Business
Two of the recently retired township police cruisers will be placed on an online auction site (GovDeals.com), with sale reserve prices of $5,500 and $4,500. The information gained from these auctions will be used as a guide for pricing the third retired cruiser intended for sale to Thompson Township in response to a letter of request from their chief of police. Revised Ohio law enables Chester to sell assets directly to another government entity.
Road Department Business
By a 2-1 vote, trustees approved $3,684.44 funding to purchase high pressure hydraulic hose fittings for planned repairs to the Gradall mobile road excavator. They also discussed items related to the road department in the 2016 Permanent Township Budget including 2016-17 planned salt purchases, a proposed brine mixing station, and a track-style excavator to supplement the aging Gradall.
Recycling
Trustees approved after the fact a buy-back contract with River Valley Paper for recycled paper collected at the Chester Recycle Park. Two residents who live near the recycle park expressed their concern over recycle materials that have fallen out of containers and carried by the wind throughout the area. The Recycling Committee will be scheduling a visit to a local recycling facility to evaluate how Chester’s current recyclables are managed by the recycler.
Scrap Equipment
As part of an ongoing process to rid the town hall of obsolete and inoperable equipment, five additional items were identified and approved for scrapping by Fiscal Officer Craig Richter.
Chester Park
A budget request in the amount of $65,520 was approved for 2016 funding to the Chester Park Board, who under contract with the township, manages and operates Parkside Park.
Proclamation
Trustees approved a proclamation of recognition and appreciation to Tom Basista and Ron Basista of Western Reserve Properties for the Chesterland Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year. An awards dinner is scheduled for April 21. Call the Chamber at 440-729-7297 for more information.
Fiscal Officer’s Report
Of note, the next permanent budget meeting is scheduled for March 28 at 7 p.m.
Hanging Flower Baskets
By a 2-1 vote, trustees turned down a motion to provide funding for the hanging flower baskets for the 2016 summer season.
Approved meeting minutes and other information is available on the township website: www.chestertwp.org and trustees encourage residents to visit and learn more about activities in Chester Township.
If anyone wishes to be notified of regular meetings, special and emergency meetings, including agendas, please contact town hall at 440-729-7058 or via email to mlflorentine@chestertwp.org.
Respectfully submitted by
Chester Township Officials: Ken Radtke, Bud Kinney, Mike Petruziello, Craig Richter