By: Mario Gomez
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
There was plenty of discussion taking place at the Gorham Township Trustees meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Trustees Eliott Richardson, Jeff Martin and Brian Towers were in attendance as well as Fiscal Officer Lauren Lester, Gorham Fayette Fire Chief Tom Franks and maintenance worker Tyler Miller.
Franks opened the meeting with an update on fire department matters. P&R Communications serviced all radios and made sure all were up to standard as well as some minor modifications to existing software for the station.
A dinner was being held on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. for fire department members past and present with trustee members being invited to attend.
Miller gave an update on maintenance and informed the trustees that only a small amount of the grindings that had been purchased was left.
A full dump truck had been used on County Road 22 just north of County Road T, which had been in need of repair.
Miller stated that he would like to see the rest of the remaining grindings used up by June but is unsure where it is needed most.
New road signs were picked up from Norwalk, Ohio, with two stop signs being installed on the corner of County Road 27 and RS.
Ditch mowing is scheduled to take place weather permitting. A side mower needed parts ordered for a bearing bracket repair.
A hole on County Road 25 is getting worse and there is a need to fill the hole to repair. Road damage was found on County Road 27 and S due to farm machinery.
In trustee action, an email was received from Gerken Company that stated they will be increasing their aggregate by $1 a ton.
The township received a contract from the Fulton County Engineer’s Office for asphalt resurfacing.
Gerken Paving was awarded the contract for asphalt resurfacing on County Road R as the lowest bidder but payment will be made by the township directly to GP instead of coming from Fulton County.
Work on Marzolf Lane is coming closer to beginning with contracts being extended. Discussions with Randolph Tree Service will take place for tree trimming.
Resolution 2026-27 authorizes the township trustees to take necessary action to maintain township roads and allow the Fulton County Engineer’s Office to stake and clearly mark the right of way on Marzolf.
The resolution will take effect immediately upon adoption. Richardson moved to adopt the resolution with Martin seconding the motion.
Fulton County Health Center Corporate and Community Health Promotion Director Britney Ward, in conjunction with Healthy Choices Caring Community (HC3), is asking townships to share any past, current or anticipated moratoriums or ordinances that will address allowing or prohibiting the marijuana industry from operating within the township jurisdiction.
A resolution had been adopted by the township and then village officials back in 2023 to prohibit sales or distribution.
Three trustees are probable to attend the Fulton County Township pancake and sausage breakfast taking place on June 27, 2026, during the Threshers Reunion at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
The free-will donation breakfast earnings will be used to update the township building at the fairgrounds.
A rescind and replacement resolution was brought to the trustees concerning an agreed-upon payment that had been changed.
Resolution 2026-26 allowed the township to purchase land owned by Dawn Stough at the agreed-upon price of $44,000.
Liberty Title company was handling the transaction but when the township received the payment transaction, the price was increased to $45,414.95. The price increase included the second half of taxes that totaled $1,414.95.
Fees were to be incorporated in the original price, so it was determined a new resolution would need to be adopted for any additional money.
Resolution 2026-28 was established with a new figure of no more than $45,000 with the trustees stating they would take care of remaining balance on their end.
The resolution was brought forward by Martin with Towers seconding the motion and the resolution was adopted unanimously.
The meeting adjourned and the next meeting will take place on June 1, 2026, at 7 p.m.
