The Nelson Township Board of Trustees gathered on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the Nelson Community House. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., with Trustees Anna Mae VanDerHoeven, Mike Kortan, and Joe Leonard, Fiscal Officer Kevin Cihan, Road Supervisor Chuck Vanek, and Zoning Inspector Jackie Kable in attendance. Community House caretaker Dan Huzl and several guests, including Sam VanDerHoeven, Paul and Susan Mason, Lisa Soeder, Terry Duffield, Kathie Tylicki, Kim Kohli, and Sandy Gibson, were also present.
Fiscal Officer Kevin Cihan presented a significant milestone for Nelson Township. With the final payment on the USDA loan for Pixley Park made on September 4, the township is now officially debt-free. Cihan emphasized his commitment since 2017 to expedite the loan payoff, saving the township over $60,000 in interest and reducing the loan term by ten years. In the past four years, Nelson Township has cleared three loans, totaling over $250,000. Cihan credited additional principal payments, federal grants, and cost-saving measures, including township-owned road surfacing equipment, as contributing to this accomplishment.
Zoning Inspector Jackie Kable reviewed her report, addressing zoning citations, permit extensions, and variance requests. She updated the board on zoning violations and citizen concerns regarding ongoing issues with training horses on Mills Road, clarifying that it was not a zoning matter but could be directed to the sheriff’s office. Road Supervisor Chuck Vanek reported on repairs to Hobart Road and S.R. 422, with asphalt provided by the state, and discussed ongoing road maintenance, including a culvert clean-up project on behalf of resident Mr. Gibson.
Among other updates, Trustee Joe Leonard highlighted the success of the Zach Peterson Memorial Car Show, which drew hundreds of attendees and classic cars. Trustee Mike Kortan shared plans to install a new streetlight at the intersection of S.R. 305 and S.R. 282 and addressed concerns raised by resident Patricia Kellog regarding roadside ditch maintenance.
Trustee VanDerHoeven discussed her attendance at the Township Association dinner, where she inquired about the installation of charging stations and shared details about a possible partnership with NOPEC. Additionally, she presented a quote for new siding on the Community House. After deliberation, the trustees agreed to assess the entire building’s needs, including kitchen, bathroom, and insulation upgrades, for comprehensive capital planning in early 2025.
During the public comment period, resident Sandy Gibson raised concerns about a business operating on Bancroft Road without proper permits. Zoning Inspector Kable stated she would make another visit to the property.
The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m., marking another productive session focused on infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
Editor’s Disclosure: This article was written from the meeting minutes of the Nelson Twp. trustee meeting.
