PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FINANCIAL FOCUS … Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro and Trustee Paul Green briefly review a few financial reports before diving into public concerns.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Northwest Township Trustees met on Tuesday, April 28, with all trustees Paul Green, Robert Kissinger and Mary Gniewkowski in attendance as well as Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro.
The meeting contained several attendees bringing concerns to the trustees. Getting straight into business, the meeting was called to order promptly at 7:00 p.m. and started off with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting minutes were quickly approved by all members, a few minor spelling corrections were discussed and corrected right before the meeting got started.
Green questioned a few items in the fiscal report regarding chip and seal material funding. Disbro pointed out the funds on the financial report and verified the totals for Green.
Kissinger motioned to approve the financial report and Gniewkowski seconded. The motion passed with no objections.
Moving into public participation, Green invited the first concerned community member to speak. Fred Kaufman, a resident of Sunny Street in Montpelier, wanted to bring to the trustees’ attention the current state of a residence and alley on that street.
The residence is what Kaufman described as a blight. He has been in contact with several entities regarding this property, including the health department, EPA, and sheriff’s department.
He warned the trustees the EPA could potentially hold them responsible for the burn barrels in the alleyway, which he believes is on township property. Kaufman said, “In November the EPA sent them the letters about burning trash and tires.”
Also concerning to Kaufman is the alley being roped off by that same resident. Again, he was inquiring if this was legal and if he could remove the rope.
Kaufman noted the sheriff’s department is also interested in the trustees’ opinion about the alleyway.
Green suggested the best approach would first be to drive over and assess the area. The other trustees agreed that before any decisions can be made, they need to see exactly where and what is being discussed.
Continuing under a similar topic, Sherry Jones and co-chair Mike Gerken of the Nettle Lake Improvement and Preservation Committee presented an initial proposal to the trustees regarding potential zoning regulations for the portion of Nettle Lake connected to the sewer district.
This was described as a preliminary introduction, with the group seeking the trustees’ support as they continue exploring the idea. The main goal is to better address neglected properties.
According to the presenters, the county auditor, a state legislator, and the Northwest Township Zoning Committee have already been contacted while gathering information for the proposal. The zoning committee was supportive of the idea.
In response to a question from Trustee Kissinger, Gerken noted that of the roughly 20 attendees at the recent Nettle Lake Improvement Association meeting, 10 full-time residents expressed support.
They emphasized that any proposed zoning district would exclude farmland, a point they said has already been discussed with the zoning committee.
Gerken also informed the board he had been in contact with the Williams County Board of Elections to discuss zoning implementation.
Trustees raised several questions. Their primary concern was the exact boundaries of the area being considered for zoning. They requested a clear map before offering any formal position. Jones tried to provide additional location details, emphasizing that they are only trying to focus on the residences.
Some attendees also questioned certain properties, informing Jones that a few farmers were required to connect to the sewer system which Jones documented.
Additional questions focused on the legality of the proposal, with Gniewkowski suggesting the group verify with the state whether the Nettle Lake area could be zoned separately from the rest of the township.
She also asked about the process for placing the issue on the ballot, including requirements for public notices, responsibility for ballot costs, and advertising expenses.
Gniewkowski also questioned what the rules and requirements would be. Jones responded stating they had not outlined the specific rules but they are looking to keep them very simple.
Jones stated they are looking to see if they will receive support from the trustees and have to start somewhere.
Gerken added that the zoning committee also volunteered to assist with drawing up the zoning areas.
Jones noted they would get a petition if that is what is required. Gniewkowski questioned if they were aware of what was needed for a petition and Gerken confirmed they would need approximately 40 signatures from Northwest Township registered voters.
Kissinger said he would like more time to consider the matter before further discussion. Gniewkowski noted she would need to abstain from any formal action because she resides within the proposed zoning area.
Both Gerken and Jones indicated they would review the trustees’ suggestions and continue refining the proposal. They reiterated that their goal is to begin addressing abandoned and nuisance properties around the area.
COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE
Green moved the discussion along to a recurring topic on County Road N-65 and County Road 5. The toll road would like to raise the bridge 15 inches, reducing visibility at that intersection. A similar issue in Fulton County was addressed minimally by placing blind intersection signs.
Trustees declined to support either option presented by the toll road, stating that closing the road or narrowing it to a single lane would not adequately address the issue.
A cul-de-sac was suggested but the toll road declined stating there is not enough room. Gniewkowski noted that Sheriff Tom Kochert contacted her regarding cemeteries in the area.
Flags are going to be placed by the American Legion and the government classes and National Honor Society from Edon High School on May 6. If one is missed, the sheriff’s department should be contacted.
Also brought to her attention was a local resident at 118 Summit Street who would like gravel to be distributed to his house, which is currently all mud. Green had not gotten a chance to look into it yet.
Gniewkowski also noted several inconsistencies on the County Auditor’s website. Disbro documented the revisions and would follow up.
NEW HIRE TERMS APPROVED
Disbro has a few items to discuss, starting with the new hire, discussed at the previous meeting. The start date was verified to be Monday, May 4. Disbro would also provide a business card with the agreed-upon $2,500 limit.
Sick time accrual was suggested by Green at the previous meeting as earning 2 hours of sick time for every 40 hours worked, totaling 104 hours accrued per year.
The trustees agreed to this with a max limit of 160 hours. The suggestion PTO of one week to start and one week at the one-year anniversary was also approved, with a three weeks maximum.
Disbro notified the trustees that as a separate entity, she was accepting the wage increase.
Disbro concluded with news of the purchase of several cemetery plots as the trustees finished signing checks. Kissinger then motioned to adjourn and Gniewkowski seconded.
The motion passed unanimously, adjourning the meeting at 7:57 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m.