By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Gorham Township Trustees held their meeting on April 6, 2026, and approved several actions involving township roads, fire department matters, and routine fiscal business.
Minutes from the March 16 meeting were approved, along with warrants and payroll. Total payments approved from March 17 through April 6 came to $48,185.53. Purchase orders were also reviewed.
ROAD MAINTENANCE AND EQUIPMENT
Township Maintenance Worker Tyler Miller updated the board on several projects and equipment needs. He reported the new plow had been painted and the front mount installed on the truck, and said work on the remaining plows would be done soon.
Miller also said a small tile or culvert under County Road 25 continues to wash gravel through the pipe and will need to be marked before repairs can be made.
He added that berm work is needed on Road 21-2, other roads also need attention, and he would like to widen the turnaround on Marzolf Lane.
He also noted the vac truck hydraulic hoses still need to be checked and repaired, and said an updated W-9 is needed for a grant while the township’s Harbor Freight account also needs to be updated.
Following that discussion, trustees approved the purchase of 50 tons of processed millings from the Gerken Pioneer plant, with Borderline to provide transportation. The motion passed 3-0.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Tom Franks then reported the department had handled 78 calls so far this year. He said silicone was purchased from Fayette Hardware to repair seals on truck door 303, while the department is still working through insurance matters related to the door on truck 301.
Franks also told trustees he plans to attend the fire conference in Indianapolis from April 22 through April 25 and will take 301.
In additional fire department business, trustees approved the hiring of Todd Miller at $10.50 per hour. Board members also reviewed a $300 quote from Dave Wheeler to repair damage to the fire hall building. Trustees approved the quote contingent on OTARMA insurance approval.
FEED MILL PROPERTY PROPOSAL
Trustees then discussed a proposal from Fred Stockburger regarding the purchase of the feed mill property in town. Board members said they would like to hire an architect to determine what could be done with the lot but felt they could not get a design completed in time for Stockburger’s deadline.
They also said no one had yet spoken with Ebersole regarding 10 acres tied to the matter. For now, trustees decided not to move forward with the proposal, and Trustee Brian Towers said he would relay that decision.
ROAD AGREEMENTS
The board later discussed road agreements after Tyler Miller and Trustee Eliott Richardson met with the county engineer’s office regarding mowing, snow removal, and ice control.
Township officials said they would like to keep the mowing agreement the same for now, while also looking at increasing summer road work to improve the roads.
The county may assist with snow plowing on Marzolf and Wallace lanes using smaller trucks. Trustees said decisions on plowing for the late 2026 to 2027 agreement period would likely need to be made by September or October.
FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT
Fiscal Officer Lauren Lester then reviewed several administrative items. She reported a certified nuisance letter sent to Dawn Stough had been received according to USPS tracking on March 9, but no response had been received, and trustees said the next step would be to consult Prosecuting Attorney Luke Jones and potentially post for a hearing.
Lester also said proof of payment for SCBAs had been submitted through FEMA, and she updated the board on insurance correspondence involving damage to truck 301.
In addition, she reported an ODJFS benefits notice involving Wes Schaffner totaling $17.98 and noted a health care reimbursement would be paid in the second payroll of April.
OTHER BUSINESS
Other matters included discussion of a road use agreement involving the county and Ritter, with trustees wanting photographs or video of roads before solar field work begins. Lester said Zach Hughes from Ritter is expected to attend an upcoming meeting to help finalize the agreement.
She also reported the ARS monthly bill will increase by 7 percent, trustees had no objections to a liquor permit notice received from the Ohio Department of Commerce, and the March STAR Ohio statement showed $1,642.72 in interest.
Lester further noted a Sunlight Access public records request had been fulfilled digitally at no charge, and that the township had received a new Circle K gas card for truck 301.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
