PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ROADS … Board discusses road work within the township and a possible grant for signs to replace those that are not reflective anymore.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Amboy Township Trustees met for their regular session on Monday, March 30, 2026. The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Cybersecurity
One of the first items brought before the board was a presentation from Falcon Forge regarding state cybersecurity compliance requirements tied to House Bill 96.
The speaker told trustees the company works with local governments to help them track compliance with the law, including areas such as two-factor authentication, vendor payment security, computer inventory documentation, disposal procedures, and email practices.
Trustees questioned how the requirements would apply to a small township and discussed concerns over the cost and logistics of creating separate email accounts or a township domain.
It was also noted that the township currently routes some functions through the county and that additional research may be needed before any decisions are made.
No action was taken, with trustees instead planning to review the information that had been emailed to them.
Fire and EMS Reports
The meeting then turned to a lengthy fire and EMS report that covered equipment, staffing, and upcoming expenses.
Trustees were told that recently ordered gear items are continuing to arrive, while 16 more sets are set to expire in November 2027.
Officials discussed whether it might be best to begin planning now rather than waiting and replacing all of them at once.
The board also learned that the department had been denied a State Fire Marshal small-county grant for a compressor system. The earlier quotes are now outdated; new pricing will be requested so the township can decide how to proceed.
Another major discussion centered on a gas detector that is currently not working. Repairing the existing unit would cost $1,714.59, while a replacement device would cost $2,311.11.
Trustees also reviewed pricing for additional gas meters and calibration equipment from other vendors.
In the end, the board agreed that a replacement unit appeared to make more sense financially than continuing to repair a monitor that has already failed multiple times.
Additional fire department expenses were also reviewed. The older hydraulic extrication unit needs new hoses costing $1,245 each, while six Milwaukee batteries for the cordless set would cost $275 each.
Portable batteries have also been ordered for department use. Trustees were informed that hose and ladder testing is scheduled for April 16, and they also reviewed a proposed multi-year service contract that would begin at $3,376.45 for the first year and increase to $3,506.45 for the following two years.
The fire chief also reported that the station alerting system is now up and running and has been well-received.
Attention then shifted to station-related needs. The fire chief said the station inventory has now been completed and sorted, which should make equipment tracking easier moving forward.
The possible purchase of a garbage disposal for the station kitchen was also brought up after concerns about avoiding future plumbing issues. Quotes are expected to be gathered for later discussion.
EMS matters followed, with officials discussing changes connected to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office switching to a new Central Square dispatch system.
The department will have to adjust truck naming conventions in that system. Trustees also heard that an advanced cardiac life support class and a pediatric advanced life support class are expected to be hosted in April.
Medic 52 was reported to be having mechanical issues, specifically with shifting when cold, and was scheduled to go in for service later in the week.
The board was also advised that new federal drug storage requirements are forcing changes in how controlled substances are stored and accessed. Work is continuing with the pharmacy and the DEA to determine the proper setup.
In staffing matters, trustees were told two members of the department are attempting to enter paramedic school, and the board was asked to consider whether any future financial help might be possible.
It was also reported that the department has handled 59 incidents so far this year.
The chief then explained that it is believed that some part-time workers do not regularly place themselves on the schedule, and because of that, others have been left to cover too many shifts.
A future policy may be created requiring a minimum number of hours per month for part-time staff. The board also heard that a new paramedic has completed nearly all of the pre-employment steps and may soon be added as a part-time employee at a rate of $21.60 per hour.
Road and Infrastructure
Road and infrastructure matters were also addressed during the meeting. ODOT is expected to close U.S. 20 from April 20 through April 25 between State Route 64 and County Road 4-3.
Emergency vehicles and local homeowners will still be allowed through, but truck traffic will be rerouted.
Trustees also reviewed road estimates and ultimately decided to proceed with the second round of work on County Road 4-3 from U.S. 20 south to County Road S.
The estimated cost for that portion of the work came in at $222,300. Additional discussion focused on sign reflectivity, possible grant money for sign upgrades, and the use of overlays instead of replacing entire signs.
Cemetery and Township
Cemetery and township association items were also brought up before the meeting wrapped up. Trustees noted that the first grub application has already been completed at the cemetery.
A speaker has also been lined up for an upcoming cemetery-related program. The board further discussed old wreaths that have not yet been picked up, preparations for the April 9 county township fish fry, township sponsors, and a sheriff’s report that listed 22 complaints.
The meeting also included a brief safety minute focused on spring weather and tornado season, with trustees discussing storm preparedness and sheltering options.
At the close of regular business, trustees prepared to enter executive session at 8 p.m. to discuss a discipline-related matter.
After the executive session, the meeting was adjourned. Meetings will now be at 8:00 p.m. from April to October. The next regular meeting will be held on April 27, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.