By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Gorham Township Trustees held their meeting on Monday, July 6, approving the hiring of a new firefighter while reviewing several ongoing township projects.
Brian Riegsecker attended in place of Fire Chief Tom Franks and spoke with trustees about an application received from Khristopher Lauber.
Lauber previously served as a captain with the Archbold Fire Department and was described as an experienced pump operator. Trustees approved his hiring with a unanimous vote. The department also reported that a new air conditioning pump will be installed on Engine 302.
Tyler Miller, Township Maintenance, said work on the County Road R and Gamble Road improvement project continues to progress.
He has been working with Gerken on the project and will assist with removing topsoil and setting a riser as work moves forward.
Miller also helped clear storm-damaged trees from the cemetery and plans to begin work on the township mower now that the needed parts have arrived.
Trustees asked Miller to complete the township’s monthly sign inspection after a damaged sign was reported near County Road 20 and County Road T. He was also asked to mow around the township’s recently purchased property once road work allows, with officials hoping to locate an old septic tank near a house.
Survey work involving Marzolf Lane remains under review as trustees determine how to proceed. Preliminary maps from the Fulton County Engineer’s Office were reviewed, and officials hope to have additional survey information ready for the township attorney before the July 21 Regional Planning Commission meeting.
Fiscal Officer Lauren Lester reported that the township’s audit had been completed with no notable discrepancies. The township also received a $6,618.75 safety grant that will be used to purchase a washer for firefighter turnout gear.
The township’s STAR Ohio account earned $1,620.65 in interest during June, bringing the total earned since the account was opened in August 2025 to $17,321.37. A federal FEMA grant application was also submitted for fire department equipment carrying an estimated cost of $142,100.
Trustees also approved $28,916.19 in bills and payroll before voting to cancel the September 7 meeting because of scheduling conflicts with the Fulton County Fair. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.