The Oct. 2 Chester Township Trustees meeting began with a presentation by the Chesterland Recycling Committee, including public input and discussion.
Based upon survey results, there is strong support in the community for a combined curbside solid waste and recyclables program if it can save residents money. The board requested the recycling committee to develop a bid specification for this program. We thank the members of the committee for their efforts in this endeavor on behalf of the residents.
Trustees next went into executive session, as allowed by law to discuss employment and compensation of a public employee.
The fiscal officer and Road Super-intendent Rob Pealer also participated in executive session. The board approved a motion to hire a new road mechanic, Steve Voigt, who will train with current mechanic John Rogers for two months.
Pealer explained the lengthy process he and Trustee Bud Kinney conducted including resume reviews, phone calls and personal interviews.
The decision to hire Voigt was based in part on his strong technical and diagnostic skills and automotive certifications.
Voigt currently works part time in the Chester Township Fire Department and services our Fire/EMS vehicles at his current employer.
We would like to thank John Rogers, who will be retiring at the end of the year, for his many years of dedicated service to Chester Township.
A motion was made to re-establish vacation anniversary dates for two road employees who were injured on the job.
Monies were approved for the fiscal officer and assistant fiscal officer to obtain continuing education, which is a requirement of the job.
Authorizations were executed for electronic funds transfer from our EMS billing vendor and also to establish EFT payments to the state of Ohio as required by law and for a vendor to do research of our phone bills, at no charge, to identify cost-savings.
Fiscal Officer Craig Richter explained the timesheet process and how it is completed, reviewed, authorized and approved by supervisors, department heads and the fiscal office.
Reena Kanner of the Chesterland Rotary Club explained their needs relating to decorations for WinterFest at Parkside Park and $3,000 was approved for the Chester Township Park Board for this expenditure.
We thank Kanner for her helpful explanation of these items.
Trustee Ken Radtke said he will establish a special meeting so the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation representative can present information regarding the Drug Free Safety Program, which is intended to reduce accidents and injuries as well as save money through reduced worker compensation rates.
Kinney was appointed the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council representative on behalf of the township and to attend their general assembly meeting. The board set 7 p.m. Oct. 6 for a special meeting to consider drafting a letter regarding the master commissioner’s report.
Please note Chester Township’s Trick or Treat night has been rescheduled to 6-8 p.m. Nov. 1 due to a conflict with the West Geauga High School football game on Oct. 31.