In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting was held on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
Following an executive session and by majority vote, trustees approved the promotion of Terry Varner from assistant road superintendent to road superintendent of Chester Township at a starting salary of $65,000. The board congratulates Terry on his new role and responsibility.
Road Department
Trustees approved a contract with Cintas for Chester Road Department uniforms. The contract represents a $1,500 annual savings for the uniform cleaning service.
Trustees also approved the voluntary termination of seasonal worked Vincent Van Almen and thank him for his service. Funds of $5,000 were approved for aggregate from Ontario Stone Corp. They also approved for Trustee Radtke to issue collection letters for unpaid drive-pipe work and construction of a gas main on Puddingstone Drive.
Fire Department
The board approved purchasing five sets of replacement fire turnout gear for $9,040 payable to All-American Fire Equipment. The balance of the sets that need replacement are expected to be purchased next year as part of a grant initiative planned by Fire Chief John Wargelin.
Police Department
Two patrolman positions – one full time and one part time – are currently open for hire and the Police Chief Mark Purchase is actively receiving applications and interviewing candidates. The new police scheduling software is operating and will begin use in December. Road Superintendent Terry Varner recently met with patrol sergeants to review procedures for calling out road crews during snow or ice related events.
Operation Santa Sleigh/Police Department Toy Drive for Geauga County Job & Family Services is scheduled for Dec. 10 with the parade beginning at 10:45 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m. at Chester Plaza.
New Business
The 2017 Chester Township temporary budget in the amount of $6,848,719.57 was approved.
Based on a recommendation from Fiscal Officer Craig Richter, trustees approved an early payment of $98,000 to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation in order to receive the 2 percent early payment discount.
By a majority vote, trustees approved renewal of the three-year contract with the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District for the single-stream recycling program being operated at the Chester Recycle Park.
By a majority vote, trustees approved payment of $39,004.53 to Mazanec, Raskin & Ryder for legal fees reading the Chester Township Park District bringing the ongoing total in this case to $84,292.77
Fiscal Officer’s Report
Fiscal Officer Craig Richter presented a summary and plan for transferring some of the Government Sweep account dollars from First National Bank to the STAR Ohio account for 0.41 percent higher interest rate.
Discussion
Trustee Kinney presented an updated proposal for the township monument/sign, which includes of donations of materials and time by the Chester Lions Club. Discussion ensued regarding the use of a manual versus electronic sign; no action was taken.
Prepared by W.L. Bud Kinney, Trustee