PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS … Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro and Northwest Township Trustees Paul Green, Robert Kissinger II and Mary Gniewkowski listen to updates and consider a community event, zoning matters, and water board appointments.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Northwest Township Trustees met on Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. All trustees, Paul Green, Robert Kissinger II and Mary Gniewkowski, were present, as well as Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro.
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, community member Carla Armey presented a community event to the trustees.
Described by Armey as a family event to bring the community together and benefit the fire department and Ladies Auxiliary, Armey was open to ideas and potential dates.
All of the trustees agreed it could be a great community event, with Kissinger suggesting if the event were to be held in November that they should plan for an all-indoor event.
Armey agreed and suggested potentially at the end of harvest season. Several potential dates were discussed, including the first three weekends of October and the first weekend of December.
Trustee Green suggested that Armey talk to the Auxiliary and come up with a more definitive date.
Disbro provided her contact information but warned the building often fills up towards the end of the year, so the sooner the better. Some other ideas Armey is working on are a possible band, dancing, food and games.
Roadman Eddie Mountz updated the trustees on recent work and repairs throughout the township.
Along with the printed report he provided, Mountz said durapatching on County Road 3 is nearly finished and he will next move to County Road O.50.
Between those projects, he is planning on completing ditch repairs on Wilson Street, and cutting berm on Hollywood Street.
Green asked about the status of the brusher, which had been out for repairs. Mountz said it has been tested and is now ready for routine service before returning to use.
Gniewkowski next reported on a drainage issue with two properties on Biscayne Street. After researching the property at the recorder’s office and consulting County Engineer Todd Roth, Roth confirmed that the parcels involved are entirely private, with no county or township easements or tiles.
The prosecutor’s office later verified the same, noting the matter falls under the responsibility of the property owners rather than the township.
Gniewkowski drafted a letter outlining those findings and informing all property owners involved of their responsibility, asking the other trustees to approve and sign it.
Green and Kissinger agreed, while Gniewkowski abstained. The letters were signed and prepared for mailing.
The trustees then discussed a potential cemetery grant opportunity that Green had asked Gniewkowski to research. Disbro explained that she had been advised to apply every other year, as doing so increases the likelihood of receiving the $5,000 grant.
She noted that photos and a project quote are required for the application, and the deadline of July 31 is quickly approaching. After some discussion, the trustees agreed to wait until next year so they have adequate time to prepare a stronger submission.
Kissinger next reported a potential volunteer for the zoning board. He noted he still needed to confirm the interest with the individual, who currently serves with the fire department, and said the appointment would fill a recent vacancy.
Green suggested that Armey could potentially fill the second open seat on the zoning board. Armey said she was open to serving, but the trustees agreed they would first confirm the other candidate’s interest before finalizing the roster.
In a related discussion, Green asked Mountz if he would be willing to serve on the water board, and Mountz agreed to the four-year term. Term starting January 1 of this year even though it has passed to December 31, 2028.
Kissinger moved to appoint Mountz, with Gniewkowski seconding, and the motion passed.
Green also recommended Mountz for the role of zoning inspector, citing his service to the township and familiarity with its operations. Mountz agreed to take on the position.
During the review of upcoming dates, Disbro asked whether the trustees wished to send flowers to honor a longtime clerk who recently passed.
The trustees agreed, and Disbro was directed to make the arrangements.
Disbro then presented several financial documents for signature, with no major items requiring discussion. After completing the necessary paperwork, Kissinger moved to adjourn, and Green and Gniewkowski approved.
The meeting ended at 7:44 p.m. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, July 28, at 7 p.m.
