Hiram Twp. – According to Fiscal Officer Diane Rodhe, the Portage County Board of Elections sent the notice to prepare for the August 8th Special Election. The resolutions and related documents have been sent to the Portage County Board of Elections for Hiram’s Fire Replacement levy and Road & Bridge Replacement Levy on the November ballot. In addition, the Portage County Road Department sent a bulletin to alert all Fire and Emergency Personnel of the bridge replacement and temporary closing of Center Street in Nelson Township.
The June Fire Report was submitted. In it, the Department’s average response time was noted as 6 minutes and 41 seconds. In the Police Report, it was noted that Sergeant Brian Gregory, who had been acting Police Chief for slightly more than a year, was named Chief of Police of Hiram Village. He was sworn in at the last village council meeting. Former Police Chief Ed Samec pinning the eagles on the new chief as Chief Gregory’s wife Lisa, and Mayor Bertrand looked on. In addition, Former Chief Samec called in to dispatch one last time to, “sign off – out of service.” Dispatch read an emotional account of Chief Samec’s accomplishments over the air, giving him heartfelt thanks and wishes for a happy, healthy retirement.
In Old Business, Kathy Schulda mentioned that there has been some interest in the Kosher property that is for sale. She explained that the sellers are aware that the property currently has no occupancy permit. She also mentioned that another resident is interested in some of the materials within the structure; Zoning Inspector Rich Gano mentioned that someone may be interested in purchasing and renovating the property.
In his Zoning Report, Mr. Gano submitted fees for seven zoning applications. He confirmed the property on Cadek Road would be demolished in the near future. He also reported receipt of a variance request for a single driveway to provide access to five different homes on Pioneer Trail.
In his Road Report, Tom Matota requested the purchase of a sign reading ‘Road Department Office’ to be installed at the new building. He also requested payment for the foundation work on the new building before the next meeting, and trustees agreed. In addition, Mr. Matota listed expenses related to the new building, which included $6,000 for stone, $200 for pipe, and $200 for gravel.
In other news, a resident contacted Tom Matota with questions regarding the cemetery. After a brief discussion, trustees agreed that individuals are allowed to set a headstone; similarly, when the Service Department installs headstone footers, there is a charge of $70.00 per square foot.
The next meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees will be held on Tuesday, September 5th at 7 pm in the Township Hall.
