Hiram Twp. – At the last meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees, Assistant Chief Mark Kosak thanked village and township residents for their votes in support of the Fire Department’s latest ballot issue. Kosak announced that as of January 1st, the department will begin 24 hour staffing, with two firefighter/EMTs on staff around the clock. Due to the increase in staffing, response times should see a reduction. In addition, Kosak shared that the Hiram Fire Department will once again be transporting Santa through the township and village on the evening of December 21st. To schedule a visit, contact the Fire Department at (330) 569-9826 by December 19th with your address and a package for delivery. Kosak noted that a certain centenarian is pleased to get his delivery of Christmas cheer each year, and encourages others in the community to participate as well.
Next, township trustees approved the continuation of a contract with the Hiram Police Department through first quarter of 2015. The contract provides township residents with ten hours of policing by the village’s police department each week. Trustees noted that after their 2015 budgets have been determined, they hope to increase the number of patrol hours in the township for the remainder of the year.
Next, Tim Kasper and Dan Brokos provided a brief recap of the hike they hosted at the Township’s new property on State Route 82. According to Kasper, hikers were, “impressed and surprised,” by the trails and natural spaces they discovered that afternoon. A discussion ensued about not allowing hunting on the township-owned land, as well as suggestions about parking, a picnic pavilion and a lean-to shelter near the pond. A full report on the feedback gathered during the event will be provided shortly after the holidays.
Similarly, Trustees approved the cost to move 15 trees, at $50 per tree, to be planted along the property line.
Road Supervisor Tom Matota reported that the plans for the new salt shed have been completed and an appointment has been made to get building permits from the county. Once plans are approved, bids will be requested.
In other news, trustees agreed that Paul Shaughnessy of Excel K-9 Services should not be called before the BZA. They determined that Mr. Shaughnessy is not doing anything not permitted according to township requirements, and that if neighboring property owners have any issues with Shaughnessy, they are entitled to hire their own legal representatives to pursue the matter.
Lastly, Gary Bott was appointed as an alternate to the Zoning Board. Trustees are still seeking an alternate for the BZA. Kellie Durr, the new Secretary for the Board of Zoning Appeals, was in attendance. This was the Garrettsville resident’s first meeting since accepting the position.
The next meeting of the Hiram township trustees will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at 7 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend.
