CYBER … Brandon of FalconForgeAI speaks to the Clinton Township trustees during the regular meeting’s cybersecurity presentation.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Clinton Township Board of Trustees met for its regular session on Thursday, April 2, 2026, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer before approving minutes from the March 19 meeting, the April 2 agenda, payment of bills, and the fiscal officer’s reports.
CYBERSECURITY PRESENTATION
The board then heard a presentation from FalconForgeAI regarding cybersecurity compliance for townships. Representatives John Crisp and Brandon Elliott explained that their service is designed to help local governments measure their current cybersecurity posture, identify any gaps tied to House Bill 96 requirements, and prepare documentation that could be used during a future audit.
Trustees noted that Clinton Township already has a number of policies in place and said any further investment would need to show a clear value, particularly given the township’s small size and limited staff.
Discussion followed on the growing risks faced by local governments, including the use of personal devices for township business, the importance of maintaining written documentation, and concerns over whether insurance coverage would fully protect a township after a cyber event.
FalconForgeAI representatives said their process includes a baseline assessment, training, policy review, and follow-up check-ins intended to help townships remain compliant and better prepared. The service will be looked at again once pricing options are presented.
HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL
Next, the board met with insurance representative Ben Otley to review the township’s upcoming health insurance renewal.
Trustees were told Anthem’s proposed renewal carried around a 29 percent increase, while Medical Mutual offered a nearly identical plan with an increase of about 1.5 percent.
After discussion, trustees approved a motion to move the township’s medical coverage to Medical Mutual while keeping dental coverage with Anthem, pending confirmation that the dental arrangement can remain in place.
ZONING CONCERNS
Zoning concerns were also raised during the meeting involving properties along State Route 2 near County Road 18. Trustees said neighboring residents had contacted the township regarding ongoing concerns at multiple properties in the area.
Wauseon Fire Chief Phil Kessler also spoke on the issue, describing safety and environmental concerns tied to commercial vehicles, fuel storage, maintenance activity, and traffic entering and exiting onto a state route from what is otherwise a residential setting.
Trustees discussed the preparation of letters for property owners involved and emphasized that while the matter will take time, the process is moving forward.
Additional discussion also focused on a separate property near County Road H and County Road 14, where officials said dirt is being moved and further investigation is needed to determine what activity is taking place there.
ROAD DAMAGE AND MAINTENANCE
Under old business, the board discussed damage to County Road 18 and a recent meeting with Scott Oberlin regarding the issue.
Trustees said Oberlin agreed to attempt repairs at his own expense by rolling the road during warmer weather in an effort to remove the cleat marks that had been left behind.
The board approved a motion allowing that work to move forward, with the condition that the road be assessed afterward and completed by September.
The trustees also approved hiring brush removal work along County Road 17 between County Roads A and B for $900 after receiving two quotes. A higher quote of $1,800 would have included additional work involving cattails, but the board ultimately chose the lower proposal.
BERM RECLAIMER DISCUSSION
Another old business discussion centered on the township’s berm reclaimer and a request involving Amboy Township. It was stated that Amboy would need a rental agreement if it were to use the equipment.
Board members discussed several possible options, including renting it out, supplying an operator, or exploring shared ownership between Clinton, Dover and Amboy townships.
No final action was taken, with trustees saying the options would be discussed further.
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
In his report, Fire Chief Kessler said the department had recently responded to a couple of structure fires, including a barn fire on County Road 16 and a smaller shed fire in town, and noted that both incidents were handled well.
He also said work is underway on informational material regarding the township’s upcoming levy.
ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Road Superintendent Eric Eyer reported on repeated issues involving corn stalks and other field debris ending up in roadways and the township rights of way after heavy rain events.
Trustees discussed whether cleanup costs could be assessed under Ohio law but ultimately agreed that in the current situation there were too many unknowns involving where the debris and water originated.
Because of that, the board decided the township would continue handling cleanup rather than trying to assign responsibility to specific landowners.
TRUSTEE REPORTS
During trustee reports, Ivan Hite noted leadership changes at the Ohio Township Association.
Additional discussion also touched on regional data center conversations taking place in Archbold, with trustees saying such developments may need to be addressed in township zoning through conditional use permits in the future.
Hite also briefly mentioned attending a Wauseon meeting where officials discussed plans for a new Circle K location at the former Rite Aid site. The meeting was then adjourned at 4:10 p.m.