Hiram Twp. – In his Fire Report, Chief Bill Byers shared that the department has been awarded $2,500 from the Monsanto Farmers Grow. He noted that Groselle Farm designated the Hiram Firefighters Association as the recipient of the funds, which will be used to purchase handheld thermal imagers.
“Locally there are many worthy groups for such an award as this,” Chief Byers shared. “It is great to have the continued support from the Groselle Family.” The chief continued, “We always look for ways to use these awards, as well as other donations and funds raised by the Firefighters Association, to not only increase firefighter safety, but to improve our abilities through training opportunities in order to be better prepared to help those who rely on us in their times of need.”
In similar news, trustees voted unanimously to award the $1,000 Community Education Grant received from Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) to the Township’s Community Evaluations and Accomplishments Committee (CEAC) for use by the Township Parks Committee for educational opportunities.
In his Zoning Report, Inspector Rich Gano shared that nine zoning permits have been issued so far this year for a variety of projects, ranging from a grape arbor and deck to several agricultural structures, and a new home. At a previous meeting, trustees had requested that Gano follow up regarding shipping containers with a resident on Thrasher Road. He noted that he provided the resident with a deadline in June for removal of the containers, which the resident is using during a construction project.
Township Road Supervisor Tom Matota will provide trustees with a list of township roads that will undergo chip and seal work during the current construction season at the next meeting.
Lastly, a Tire Collection Day for both Hiram Township and Village will be this Saturday, May 18th from 8 am until noon. The event will be held at the Village’s Rosser Municipal Building parking lot (11617 Garfield Road in Hiram). This year the program will include several changes. It was noted that passenger tires and tractor tires with rims will still be accepted. However, a strict limit of 10 tires per vehicle will be accepted. (The Ohio EPA requires a “Tire Manifest” document for anyone hauling more that that number.) Tires that are muddy or filled with dirt won’t be accepted. Tires from heavy equipment, semi tires, treads from mini excavators, or chunks of metal will not be accepted, nor will cut tires or tires from commercial businesses. Portage County Solid Waste Management District funds the scrap tire collection program at no cost to the community, and asks that residents adhere to the above guidelines to participate in the event.
The next regularly-scheduled township trustee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 7 pm in the Township Hall; residents are encouraged to attend.
