By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Gorham Township Trustees held their meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Trustee Brian Towers, with trustees Eliot Richardson and Jeff Martin also present, along with Fiscal Officer Lauren Lester and Fire Chief Tom Franks.
Minutes from the April 6 and April 17 meetings were read and approved. Trustees approved warrants and payroll totaling $38,713.55 before discussing a property at 24526 U.S. 20.
After learning that Dawn Stough was willing to sell the property as is, trustees approved not moving forward with abatement at this time and instead pursuing a purchase agreement through her realtor.
Fire Chief Tom Franks then reviewed fire department matters with the board. Trustees approved hiring Tiffany Johnson as an EMT at $10.50 per hour and Beau Zuver as an EMT and firefighter at $13.50 per hour.
The board also approved allowing Franks to sign a contract with CFS Inspections for ladder testing and to purchase two LED stop and slow signs after concerns were raised that the current sign was not visible enough in the dark.
Franks also reported that fencing around the generator had been removed after cameras were installed. He noted he would be attending FDIC from Wednesday night through Saturday, with Assistant Chief Matt Welch in charge while he is away.
Trustee Eliot Richardson reported that he had spoken with Dave Wheeler about repairing siding damage at the fire hall.
Trustee Jeff Martin said he had spoken with Nancy Cooley, and Fiscal Officer Lester read an email regarding a $6,500 compensation question related to the Road R project. Trustee Towers said he would contact Craig Meyers, the farmer involved, to discuss the project.
Towers also reported receiving notice of building permits near Road T and Marzolf Lane. Trustees reviewed two quotes for asphalt resurfacing on Marzolf Lane but decided to wait for a quote from Gerken before making a decision.
The board also approved hiring AJ Door to repair the shop door where salt is stored. Lester then gave her fiscal officer report, which included updates on the payroll calendar, a Daimler Truck safety recall notice, the 2026 Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll, DOT drug and alcohol screening, salt delivery, an outdoor siren bill, new hire screening invoices and the start of the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 audit.
Trustees also approved a correction to the double holiday time definition, ordering a second load of grindings from the Gerken Pioneer plant, and having a trustee get quotes for tree trimming on Marzolf Lane. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:41 p.m.