Hiram Twp. – At a recent trustee meeting, Anne Spicer from the Charles E. Harris Company presented the findings from the Fire & EMS Contract Audit for the years 2016 through 2018. According to Spicer, the accounting would be simplified if all monies for the township and village-funded entity be collected in either a Fire or EMS Fund. She noted that currently there is an EMS Fund, but that money for the fire department is allocated through the Village’s General Fund. She noted that the money in each fund should be restricted for Fire or EMS use. She further noted that during the time period covered by the audit, fire department funding broke down to 72% from the township and 28% from the village; instead of the contracted amount of Township 60% and Village 40%. Fiscal Officer Diane Rodhe noted that since the Village and Township agreed to pay up to $4,000 for the audit, which wasn’t spent, if changes are agreed upon funds are available to hire a clerk to assist with setting up the appropriate funds and appropriations accounts. Lastly, Rodhe mentioned that 2019 and 2020 have not been audited.
Next, Rodhe noted that the NOPEC Community Grant for $1000.00 was received. The money will be forwarded to the Hiram Fire Association for use on public education materials. In similar news, the fire department shared some grilling safety tips for residents to keep in mind during the grilling season. They reminded residents that grills should be placed away from the home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. They advise home chefs to remove grease buildup on grates and trays below the grill, and never leave the grill unattended. When cooking on a propane grill, if you smell gas, turn off the tank and burners. If the leak stops immediately, have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the smell remains, move away from the grill and call the Fire Department immediately.
In other news, Rolling Meadows Homeowner Association President Tom Countryman was present to discuss the potential of posting of 25 MPH speed limit signs on Rolling Meadows Drive. According to Trustee Steve Pancost, a subdivision can request a posted speed limit for a non-through street. According to Pancost, the Trustees would then pass a resolution to establish and post the speed limit. There was also discussion about a “CHILDREN AT PLAY” sign. The Trustees suggested that the Homeowner’s Association come back to the trustees with an agreed upon speed limit for a resolution. The township will purchase and install the signs after the resolution is in place. It was noted that if the Homeowner’s Association votes for these signs, they will need to pay for the requested signs; the township would install them.
In correspondence from the police department, residents were warned that scammers posing as Covid-19 contact tracers have been preying on Ohioans. It was noted that legitimate contact tracers would initially reach out by telephone, but will never ask for social security or bank account numbers or any other financial information. Residents were also warned never to click an email link or respond to a text informing you that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. If you have concerns on whether a call is legitimate, contact the Portage County Health Department at (330) 296-9919. To report suspected scams, contact the office of Ohio Attorney General David Yost at 1-800-282-0515.
In Old Business, Alpha Road resident Chris Stacks is seeking grant money to install drainage to move water across the road for a septic system. Trustee Jack Groselle stated for the record that this project is to be maintained by the homeowner. Trustee Pancost requested a Right of Way permit application from the Portage County Engineer to use as a guide; Rodhe will use this as a basis to create a Township permit application for future right of way situations. Lastly, Trustee Pancost noted that in Ohio House Bill 13, the State House is working to establish improved Internet service in all of Ohio. He noted he’ll stay involved in discussions as it relates to internet availability throughout Hiram Township.
The next township trustee meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18th in the Township Hall at 7 pm.
