By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bridgewater Township Trustees held their regular meeting on April 15, 2026, at the township hall. The meeting was called to order by Brandon Hinkle at 8 p.m.
Roll call showed Trustee Austin Rummel present, Trustee Mike Elser absent, Trustee Brandon Hinkle present, and Fiscal Officer Nicki Cogswell present. Also in attendance were residents Jeff Tabaka and Greg Sobczak.
A motion was made by Hinkle and seconded by Rummel to approve the minutes and financial report from the previous meeting. A separate motion by Rummel, seconded by Hinkle, was approved to pay the bills.
The trustees then signed the March bank reconciliation and the purchase orders.
An email from the Williams County Engineer’s office was received, inquiring whether the township wished to participate in the county’s spot paving project scheduled for this summer. The trustees determined they had no areas to submit for the project.
New stone prices from Pahl Ready Mix were received and reviewed. Quotes for chip and seal projects were also received from Ward Construction. Discussion was held regarding the 2026 chip and seal projects, but no specific projects were outlined at this time.
The trustees discussed the $5 Permissive Motor Vehicle fee and tabled the item for future consideration.
Recent road flooding conditions were also addressed, with trustees noting locations where additional signage may need to be placed. Residents Tabaka and Sobczak raised concerns about standing water at the corner of County Roads 9 and R.
The trustees stated they had been in contact with county officials and members of the Seneca Lake Association regarding the issue.
They suggested that Tabaka and Sobczak reach out directly to Trustee Elser, who has served as the primary point of contact in all communications on the matter.
The trustees reminded attendees that the Northwest Fire Breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for this Saturday, April 18, and noted that a banner had been placed in support of the event.
A motion was made by Hinkle and seconded by Rummel to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. The next Bridgewater Township Trustees meeting will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 8 p.m.