Nelson Twp. – Township officials present at the first Nelson Township trustee meeting of the month were Fiscal Officer John David Finney; Trustees Kevin Cihan, Anne Mae VanDerHoeven, and Joe Leonard; Zoning Inspector Jackie Kable; and Community House Caretaker Sandy Huzl.
After the meeting was called to order by Leonard, Finney presented the trustees with the minutes of the prior meeting which were approved as presented. Finney also presented the trustees with bills & wages to be paid totaling $24,286.85 (13.5k of which was for OTARMA insurance payments). A $35 increase in insurance costs was seen this year, however, the township is eligible for a $910.36 rebate from OTARMA once everything is paid for. Finney then provided the trustees with a fund status report. The trustees also received copies of two letters; one anonymous, the other from Timothy Cain.
Community House Caretaker Sandy Huzl turned in her report. She mentioned that the Boy Scouts have requested use of the Community House for a Spaghetti Dinner on May 12. The proceeds from the event will benefit their upcoming camping adventures. A motion to waive the $100 rental fee was made and approved unanimously. Huzl also mentioned that there has been no additional water on the floor of the men’s room.
In zoning news, Jackie Kable reported that Michael Pitsinger has received his permit. She has also met with Chris Meduri regarding a couple zoning items – among them the issues with Soinski’s property. Kable provided information publicly available from the websites of Soinski’s various ventures. Meduri suggested scheduling a meeting between the Windham and Nelson Township trustees. Leonard mentioned he had received more calls from residents and Windham trustees regarding the “bigger and badder” ammunition being fired off on the property. The trustees are happy to meet with their Windham colleagues and Meduri as long as doing so does not violate sunshine laws.
Cihan mentioned that he has followed up with NOPEC since the last meeting and received confirmation that the available grant is worth $6,995.The trustees passed a motion allowing the township to enter into an agreement with NOPEC to receive the grant money – which will be used for energy efficiency improvements in the township. Cihan also received an email about NOPEC’s community sponsorship program. In short there is $1,000 available to help with a community event. The trustees agree that this is something to look into once the pavilion is installed at Pixley Park.
The trustees discussed how to handle issuing access codes going forward. It was decided that the scout leader of the Boy Scout troop would be provided with a door code. Other groups will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they come before the trustees and inquire. Cihan shared that he has concerns about the number of cigarette butts Huzl has had to clean up lately. Renters are reminded to place their cigarette butts in the provided ash urn, not on the ground.
The computer in Finney’s office is now operational but Cihan is spec-ing out a new tower that will be adequate for the office.
VanDerHoeven reminded everyone that the CRA meeting with the County Commissioners was scheduled for the following day. Follow-up: The CRA was approved by the county commissioners and will now proceed to the state—despite protestations made to the commissioners by former trustee Mike Elias, and township resident Rodger Pettit.
VanDerHoeven and Leonard answered some questions Cihan had about the Pixley Park pavilion’s intended placement. The specific position was staked out about two years ago. Cihan is going to look at the site plan to get a better idea of its location. Dumpsters for the township cleanup have been ordered at the same price as last year.
Area residents were reminded that the receptacles at the Community House are for recycling only and should not be used for garbage, tires, glass, or couches.
Leonard reported that the Boy Scout sign was destroyed the previous week. He would like to see the township invest in a security camera system for the Community House and the township garage after several instances of improper dumping and property damage. Cihan is not in favor of cameras at this time but may reconsider his position if the problems become repetitive. He would rather see security systems installed – which could potentially lower insurance rates.
Area residents were reminded that the receptacles at the Community House are for recycling only and should not be used for garbage, tires, glass, or couches. Yep, you read that right, stop putting your couches in the Nelson township’s recycling bins, folks.
The monument in the center of Nelson Circle found itself under attack by a driver who seemingly lost control of his vehicle. Ron Zolar at ODOT was contacted regarding possible guardrails, but the area’s shallow rock base may make that difficult. Other options include adding more planters or stone.
Portage Portable Toilets informed the trustees that they would no longer be servicing the port-a-potty at Pixley Park. ASAP out of Chardon will be contracted for weekly service
Austin Wise’s Eagle Scout project was discussed briefly. He is building a flag retirement box that will be located somewhere on the Community House grounds.
The upcoming tax levy was discussed in more detail. It was decided to proceed with the renewal of both road and bridge levies. Two resolutions were passed (one per levy) to get the auditor to certify the amounts that will be generated by the levies – a necessary formality even though the amounts are already known.
Lightbulbs in the exit signs at the Community House are going to be checked/replaced as necessary in the coming weeks. Residents also asked that the trustees add lighting over the handicap parking spaces at the Community House as part of the NOPEC grant.
VanDerHoeven noted that the marquee on the Community House could use a rebuild, hinting that it would make a great Eagle Scout project for anyone interested.
The meeting was adjourned shortly after.
This article contains a correction to those in opposition of the CRA. We apologize to Dan Dolan for incorrectly listing his name in the printed edition.
