Brownhelm Township needs snowplow drivers; speed limit decrease recommended for North Ridge

                Shawn Cline, Zoning Inspector, submitted eight permits. The permits included a pole barn, two requests for solar panels, two sheds, inground pool & whirlpool, and a fence totaling $1,495.60.  The property owner located at 7026 West River Road has not responded to phone calls, so a letter will be sent.

Labor report

                Joe Buchs, Labor Superintendent, reported plow markers are up. End of the year roadside mowing is almost complete. Railroad delineators have been damaged.

                In old business, Joe Buchs, reported he still looking for part-time plow drivers. He asked for clarification about replacing locks at township hall and will look into options. The new truck order has been postponed. Internet installer, Pat Carano, wants to wait until spring to dig trench for underground cable. He also plans to attend a future meeting to discuss a service contract with the township.

Township finances

                Debra Mastellone, Fiscal Officer, reported the Recycling Grant is completed and township should receive reimbursement by the end of the month. The new Gator invoice was received, and payment remitted. The 2023 OTA conference will be held January 25-27.  OPWC Brownhelm Reconstruction Phase II was not approved for funding.                                                                                                

Miscellaneous

                Deputy Nicole Osborne introduced herself. A resident asked for clarification on road frontage and about how to handle a foul smell from drainpipe. Trustee Greg Abraham recommended contacting the health department about the odor.

                Ron Zaleha, BZA Chairman, is going to arrange a work session with the county prosecutor and include the Zoning Commission.

                Trustee Rini asked Joe Buchs to prepare a job performance review for 2023.

Temporary appropriations

                Trustee Greg Butchko made a motion to approve the 2023 Temporary Appropriations as follows:

Trustees voted to approve the motion.                                                                                                                            

Fire report

                Fire Chief Nick Halliwell from Florence Fire Department presented a new fire contract. A new 2-year contract was presented for years 2023 and 2024 at annual cost of $15,000; a $9,516 increase over the previous contract. Trustees reviewed the contract. Rini made a motion to approve the contract with Florence Township Fire Department. Butchko seconded the motion. Abraham, Rini and Butchko voted to approve the contract.

Board appointments

                Trustee Rini made a motion to appoint Lee Dohanos to fill the vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals held previously by Brett Domin, effective immediately with term expiring 1/31/2027.  Butchko seconded the motion.  Trustees voted to accept the motion.

                Trustee Tom Rini made a motion to appoint Angel Pinkerton to fill the vacancy on the Zoning Commission for term expiring 1/31/2023 previously held by Dennis Miller, and new term (2/1/2023-1/31/2028). Trustees approved the appointment.

North Ridge Road speed reduction 

                Trustee Rini reported the Lorain County Engineer has recommended a speed reduction on North Ridge Road from the Erie County line to west end of Mill Hollow. The reduction from 55 mph to 45 mph is pending approval. 

Work session

                Trustee Rini suggested a Permissive Use public work session for license plate registration tax during March before the regular meeting.