Hiram Township – At their meeting in February, Stan Carlisle from the Portage County Combined General Health District was present. Mr. Carlisle and associates from the department were present to discuss some of his organization’s capabilities and offerings, which include immunization clinics, plumbing and sewage inspections, restaurant inspections, car seat programs, and Project Dawn Narcan programs. Mr. Carlisle also invited township officials to the Health District’s Annual Advisory meeting, which will be held in Ravenna at the Elks Lodge.
In similar news, trustees shared that low interest home-improvement loans are available to qualifying Hiram Township residents through a program through the Portage County Treasurer’s office, and that the Portage County Board of Commissioners has a revolving loan program fund for home sewage treatment repair or replacement. For more information on the home improvement program, residents should contact the Treasurer’s Office at (330) 297-3586. For details on the sewage repair or replacement program, contact Neighborhood Development Services at (330) 297-6400.
In the Fire Report, Lieutenant Jason Groselle shared that the department has received a grant from the Monsanto Corporation in the amount of $2,500. The department has received this grant in four of the last five years. Last year’s grant was used to purchase thermo-imaging cameras to help firefighters be better prepared in the event of structural fires.
In similar news, Fiscal Officer Diane Rodhe congratulated the fire department on another successful visit from Santa Claus in December. You may remember that in mid-December, Santa rode a fire truck through Hiram Village and Township delivering gifts to children of all ages. Lt. Groselle noted that the annual event has gotten much larger, and that Santa had to begin making deliveries earlier than originally planned in order to arrive before children went to bed that evening. The event was so popular — be sure to mark your calendars for a visit from the jolly old elf the same time later this year!
Next, Tim Kasper from the Community Evaluations and Accomplishments Committee (CEAC) presented Township Park recommendations for trustees consideration. As a part of the proposal, trustees agreed that adding a main kiosk that denotes the hiking trails currently available at the township’s newly developed property on State Route 82, as well as trail signage and a designated parking area should be CEAC priorities in 2018. In addition to the existing salt shed and cold storage building for township service department equipment, trustees plan to move the historic Township Hall to the property, provided grant funding can be secured.
Lastly, questions from Trustee Debra Blake fueled a discussion among township officials regarding a special dispensation provided to Road Supervisor Tom Matota, which permits him to drive the township’s vehicle home each evening. Both Trustees Groselle and Pancost explained that Mr. Matota responds to emergency calls “at all hours” for events ranging from roadside accidents, downed trees or power lines, as well as winter weather in order to insure township roads are clear for residents. They noted that often, the township’s roads are often in better condition than county roads thanks to Mr. Matota’s attention and supervision with paving and snow removal, adding, “We’re so grateful for our Road department.”
The next meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees will be held at the Township Hall on Tuesday, March 20th at 7 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend.
