Hiram Twp. – At the last meeting, a resident asked for clarification on whether township residents are required to pay for ambulance services received in the township. According to Trustee Jack Groselle, residents are not charged for this service, those services are funded through residents’ taxes.
At their previous meeting, Diane Rodhe was asked to investigate adding a light and/or heat to the portable toilet in Hiram Rapids at the request of residents who frequent the church and cemetery during the winter months. Rodhe noted that neither services are available. Trustee Debra Blake asked that the facilities remain in place until the end of December, so that the facilities could be used during a holiday event scheduled at the church. She offered to place portable, battery-operated lights inside to make the facilities more amenable.
In his zoning report, Zoning Inspector Rich Gano discussed the status of the Weigel’s zoning violation. He noted that the issue was under review at the prosecutor’s office. He also noted the same with the issue with Mr. Byler on Wheeler Road, and expects a resolution to be reached during mediation some time in early 2020.
In his road report, Road Supervisor Tom Matota shared that both chip and seal projects and ditch work have been completed for the year. When Trustee Debra Blake asked about tree limbs lying on the wires on State Route 305, Matota explained that the State of Ohio will need to take care of it, and noted that they had been contacted. He noted that his team will be trimming trees along township roads until the weather prevents such work. In other news, Matota reported that his Department employees received training from the Hiram Fire Department; he will provide documentation to trustees for insurance purposes.
For those needing to reach the Service Department, residents may call (330) 569-8908 to reach Matota’s cell phone. He noted that the landline at the garage has been disconnected in an effort to save money. Lastly, Matota noted that the Portage County Engineers office will no longer allow area Service Departments to drop off old tires for collection.
Lastly, a special meeting held later to discuss an audit of the Fire and EMS Contract, to which both Hiram Township and Hiram Village allocate funds. Township Fiscal Officer Diane Rodhe suggested that both entities move forward to hire Charles E. Harris to audit the fund. The recommendation is based on lowest bid per hour, the firm’s reliability, availability, and their willingness to respond to both communities’ questions. Sue Skrovan, Village of Hiram Fiscal Officer agreed; the group collectively decided to cap to the amount of hours allowed to auditors, and noted that the expense of the audit will be split among the Village and Township at a cap of $2,000 per entity.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 7 pm in the Township Hall.
