PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CYBERSECURITY … The board listens to John Crisp of Falcon Forge about cybersecurity.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The York Township Trustees met for their regular session on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with trustees answering roll call before moving into a presentation and regular township business.
CYBERSECURITY PRESENTATION
Guests John Crisp and Brandon Elliott of Falcon Forge opened the meeting with a presentation on cybersecurity compliance requirements under Ohio House Bill 96.
The pair explained that their company was formed after state-funded agencies raised concerns about meeting the new standards and avoiding potential funding issues.
They said their work focuses on helping local governments understand their current cybersecurity posture, identify weaknesses, and develop plans to close any gaps before audits begin.
According to the presentation, Falcon Forge offers a gap analysis that reviews an agency’s policies, insurance coverage, technology, and current practices.
The company said it also helps create required policies and procedures, disaster recovery planning, evidence binders, and training programs.
Representatives said the state is expecting agencies to have several key documents in place this year, with more requirements anticipated next year.
The company also outlined a compliance dashboard that can be used to track progress and provide auditors with an overview of where an agency stands.
Trustees asked several questions about cost and how the process would apply to a smaller township, particularly with fire and EMS operations.
Falcon Forge representatives said the gap analysis starts at $600 and that additional training and compliance materials can be tailored to the size and structure of the township.
FIRE AND EMS REPORTS
Fire department billing schedules and related service fee structures were discussed. There was also a conversation about records and documentation tied to hazardous materials response and other fire service charges.
The fire chief reported that the department recently received acknowledgment that crews had been nominated for a pediatric clinical save award tied to a September 20, 2025, crash involving two children who suffered burns.
The chief also reported on a small fire at the Legion on Sunday, noting that it was limited to the kitchen area and did not spread into the building.
Two patients suffered burns; one was transported by EMS and the other went to the hospital by private vehicle. A separate field fire north of town was also mentioned; officials noted it did not spread far.
Additional fire and EMS updates included mention of an upcoming planning meeting, an EMS meeting set for April 1, and expected delivery of a monitor once service work is complete.
PLAYGROUND AND PARK
Playground improvements and park planning were also discussed at length. Officials reviewed installation materials for recently received playground equipment and talked about possible labor options to assemble it.
Mulch, edging, and required signage were all mentioned as items that still need to be addressed before the project is complete.
Trustees also discussed ways to keep children away from the new equipment until installation is finished, including the possible use of snow fence or similar barriers.
ROAD AND BRIDGE
Under road and bridge matters, officials discussed ongoing drainage and settling issues at Sullivan’s property. The road superintendent said dirt had been added where a previous pipe repair had been made, but the area continues to settle following winter weather.
Trustees discussed prior conversations on whether the township would cover final driveway repairs once the ground had fully settled.
Following the discussion, trustees approved moving forward with covering the concrete driveway repair once conditions allow, with the understanding that the work should wait until the settling is complete to avoid cracking.
There are also plans to rent a man lift for work at the old shed, tree removal at the park, and maintenance at the fire station. Trustees indicated support for moving forward with the rental.
The road superintendent reported that old radios listed on GovDeals had sold for a total of $8,447, although payment had not yet been received.
Officials confirmed that chip-seal bid requests had already been sent to the county and discussed the possibility of also looking into road reclamation and mill-and-fill options with potential public works grant assistance.
The goal, according to the discussion, would be to improve road surfaces that have become worn and grooved over time.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIALS
Trustees also handled several administrative items tied to phones, computers, and township operations.
One cell phone line will be canceled once an old phone is returned, and there was discussion about whether additional computer replacements may eventually be needed, depending on cybersecurity recommendations.
In fiscal matters, the fiscal officer explained that because the Nature Works playground grant is reimbursable, the township first needed to establish a separate fund and then advance money from the general fund to cover the upfront cost.
Trustees approved Resolution 2026-27 establishing Fund 4901 for the Nature Works grant. They then approved Resolution 2026-28 authorizing an advance of $20,165 from the general fund into the Nature Works grant fund.
Trustees also approved Resolution 2026-29 to enter into an administrative services agreement with Burnham and Flower through Acrisure for insurance-related services.
The fiscal officer reported that the township had received annual annexation agreement payments from the Village of Delta, including $3,582.44 from MetalX, $13,227.07 from Nova Tube, and $10,152 from BlueScope/MetalX, for a total of $26,961.51
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Additional discussion took place regarding township records, public records request procedures, hold harmless language for park use, and risk assessment items that may require updated documentation, including proof of insurance for individuals using personal vehicles for township business and hepatitis B vaccination forms or declinations for applicable personnel.
Before adjournment, trustees approved the meeting minutes for March 11, 2026, along with payment of warrants, electronic vouchers, purchase orders, and bills as presented.
The meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
