Nelson Twp. — The Nelson Township Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on May 15, 2013 with all trustees present. Chairman Tom Matota opened the meeting with guest recognition. Mark Russell from Ellerhorst Russell Insurance presented the trustees with a rebate check from their insurance company OTARMA. The township received a rebate of $1075.14 from the 2012 insurance premiums. Each year OTARMA board of directors evaluate their assets and liabilities; if they are in good balance they offer rebates to their customers.
Residents questioned whether they would have a Memorial Day service at the town square, asked about mosquito spraying at the race track, and high grass on foreclosed properties. Memorial Day services are at 10 am with Howard Furl as the speaker. Mike Elias will contact health department about mosquito spraying, and Matota addressed the high grass issue. Matota said, unless it is a safety issue, their zoning code doesn’t address it, leaving them with no recourse. Trustee Joe Leonard will ask assistant prosecutor for a ruling on the matter.
Fiscal Officer David Finney presented bills and wages totaling $82,292.46, cemetery deeds, bank reconciliation with a $22.25 adjusting factor which will be reflected on the May bank statement, and a vacation request for Chuck Vanek. The trustees approved all the measures.
Finney then presented an internet package from Frontier for $69.99 a month including phone and WIFI service. After some discussion, the board agreed to enter into a two year contract with Frontier for internet service at the Community House.
Finney presented an estimate for a portable sound system for the township. The cost of the system was $236.70 plus shipping, handling, and batteries. The trustees approved the measure, stating they would use it for Memorial Day Services. Leonard suggested they use it for the trustee meetings as well.
Matota thanked the residents who volunteered to help on clean-up weekend, as well as the township employees. He also thanked Jim Turos for the use of his machinery that helped crush large items, making the most out of their dumpster space.
Road Supervisor Chuck Vanek reported that Doll Lumber donated eight yards of mulch to the township. Vanek said they used it around the trees in the town circle. He also said they had everything caught up and could start working on tearing down the old building next week. The trustees approved the rental cost for a large piece of equipment to help with the demolition process. They approved up to $1,500 for the equipment. Trustee Leonard asked Vanek what they did with the [possibly contaminated] dirt that was removed from the garage, Vanek stated that they dumped it at Brian Collin’s residence where they had been putting dirt from ditching. Leonard also questioned Vanek on the fuel tanks being left unlocked and turned on over night.
The trustees then addressed the proposed amendments to the zoning code and sent their recommendations back to the zoning commission for revision.
Prior to the regular meeting, the trustee held a public meeting on the proposed zoning amendments. The trustees rejected portions of the amendments, sending them back to the zoning commission for revision. During the meeting on zoning, Turos sat quietly and offered no opinion on the zoning changes, even though he was asked for an opinion.
At the end of the regular trustee meeting, a resident accused Turos of failing to do what he was elected to do, by not voicing an opinion on issues. The resident said Turos had to have an opinion on the matters, that is what the taxpayers elected him to do and what he is compensated for. Chairman Matota ended the discussion by stating “this is an issue for another day in November”.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.
The trustees meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the community house. Residents are encouraged to get involved. More township news can be found at www.nelsontownshipohio.org [hr]
