Hiram Twp. – At a recent meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees, Trustee Jack Groselle mentioned that the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Office of Farmland Preservation is inviting local cities, townships and conservation districts to apply for Local Sponsor Certification by November 15. Local sponsors who qualify would be allocated a portion of the over $6 million available statewide to fund the purchase of agricultural easements on local farms. Landowners who participate in Ohio’s Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program retain title to their land, continue to pay taxes and can farm however and whatever they wish, but the farm must remain in agricultural production. Easement proceeds are typically spent locally to expand farm operations, purchase new machinery, install conservation practices, or reduce debt. Contact Trustee Groselle at (330) 569-7977 if you’re a landowner interested in participating in this program.
In other news, the Trustees voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2013-17, which includes updated rules from Ohio Revised Code concerning the removal of junk vehicles. The resolution took effect October 1, and will be enforced by Hiram Township’s Zoning Inspector.
In addition, Chairman Kathy Schulda has requested that the Ohio EPA 24-hour hotline (1-800-282-9378) be added to the Township’s website. This is the number to report dumping or other activities concerning oil, gas, and disposal wells and the trucks that service wells. Furthermore, if someone sees something that they believe requires an oil & gas-specific investigator, they can contact ODNR’s regional office at 330-896-0616.
Lastly, Road Supervisor Tom Matota announced that Hiram Township will now accept used oil for recycling. This service is open to individuals and businesses in the area, and is not limited to Hiram Township. To participate, used oil can be dropped off at any time at the Hiram Township Road Department at 11588 Ryder Road in Hiram. If you would like your container returned, please clearly mark it with your contact information.
The next Hiram Township Trustee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15th at 7pm in the Township Hall.
