Hiram Twp. – Chairperson Kathy Schulda reported that she received calls from Township residents reporting that they saw brine trucks dumping into a township river. Ms. Schulda immediately reported this to both the Portage County Sheriff’s office, and to Akron Water Works. When the Sheriff’s office arrived at the scene, trucks were no longer present. As of the Township meeting, Ms. Schulda had not been contacted by Akron Water Works. In future incidents, Trustees implored residents to call 911 immediately to notify the Portage County Sheriff’s Office of any illegal activity. In addition, residents are encouraged to photograph the license plates and drivers of the tanker trucks engaged in this activity. According to Mark Bruce, Public Information Officer with the ODNR, if anyone sees a spill or other environmental crime happening, they can call the Ohio EPA 24-hour hotline at 1-800-282-9378. If they come across circumstances they think may require an Oil & Gas specific investigator, they can contact ODNR’s regional office at 330-896-0616.
In other news, Hiram Fire Chief Bill Byer reported that the Department has responded to roughly 300 emergency calls so far this year. Response time has been very good. The Chief shared that in the event that response time to a call would be longer than seven minutes, dispatchers have been instructed to call neighboring departments for mutual aid so that residents receive the assistance they require. Emergency calls to the Hiram Fire Department are currently dispatched through Mantua.
In addition, Chief Byers updated Trustees on the status of repairs to the 2002 Rescue Squad. The mechanical work was done first, at F & S Automotive in Mantua. Bodywork, by Perfect Choice Collision in Mantua, should reach completion within the next week. Graphics and lights will be updated last, and the squad is scheduled to return to service by month’s end. The upgrades will improve the overall safety and performance of responders, and ultimately, the community they serve.
Road Supervisor Tom Matota reported that the Road Department spent $26,000 to repair damage from the July 10th storm. Matota will act as the agent representing Hiram Township in presenting this information to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. In addition, Matota reported that all the Township chip and seal work has been completed. He shared his calculations for what the work would have cost, had the township used an outside vendor to complete the paving work versus having the Service Department complete it. The savings to the Township was considerable; Matota estimates the Township saved $60 – $80,000.
In New Business, Jack Groselle suggested that the Hiram Township Service Department look into collecting used motor oil from Township services and residents vehicles. According to Mr. Groselle, Palmyria Township has implemented a used motor oil program, in which the Southern Portage County Township earns additional funds while providing a valuable service to their community. More details will come in future meetings.
Lastly, the recently held Hot Rod Car Show raised $860.00 for Hiram Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program. Hiram Police Chief Ed Samec beamed, “It is so nice to see folks from all around come out and support the Department and our community programs. This was our first Hot Rod car show and will definitely not be the last.” Be sure to mark your calendars for the Police Department’s next event on September 21: Fill-a-Police Car/ Pet Adoption event. The event will run from 9am-2pm on the front lawn at the Hiram Municipal Center. Non-perishable food will be collected to help support the local 4C’s food cupboard and pet adoption agencies will be bringing a large variety of pets available for adoption. You won’t want to miss it!
