Allen Township

During the reorganizational meeting, the Trustees appointed officers, naming Clark as chairman and Flanagan as vice-chairman, and assigned committee chairmanships for finance & roads, safety & cemetery, and building & maintenance. The schedule for regular meetings for 2026 was established. Key actions included approving outstanding warrants and electronic payments totaling $37,880.11 from 2025. The Trustees signed the ODOT 2025 Township Highway System Mileage Certification, noting 38.984 miles of roads. Financial statements for the 4th quarter and yearend 2025 were presented. Updates were provided regarding a Cooperative Economic Development Agreement (CEDA) offer and the ongoing One Energy appeal concerning Sunshine Law violations. The township confirmed that all current employees operating township trucks possess CDLs. A resolution was adopted authorizing Hancock County to contract resurfacing for TR 215 and TR 218. The Trustees accepted a bid of $415.00 to treat trees along the cemetery and sportsplex. A resolution establishing the three trustees as the 2026 audit committee was adopted. Personnel and compensation matters addressed included setting the 2026 annual salary payment structure for trustees, the 2026 snowplow driver hourly rate at $23.60, continuing Margaret Potteiger as part-time janitor at $17.50 per hour, and setting monthly rates for three part-time maintenance workers effective 1/1/2026. Fire department matters included establishing the 2026 administrative monthly salaries for the Chief, Assistant Chief, and Captains, and setting the fire-run rate at $18.00. A subsequent Records Commission meeting discussed the status of record review and destruction due to pending litigation, and a risk control report from KLA Risk Consulting containing 13 recommendations was received for future review.

Key discussions included the approval of outstanding bills totaling $157,977.59. The Trustees adopted an Amended 2025 Township Annual Permanent Appropriation Resolution to incorporate OPWC funds for resurfacing specific township roads. The Fire Chief presented the Fire Runs Report for the period covering 12/2024 to 11/2025, detailing 310 runs and associated costs. Road maintenance updates were provided, including discussions regarding the Jeffries' Antiques driveway location pending resolution with the State and County Engineer. A revised Cooperative Economic Development Agreement (CEDA) with the City of Findlay was discussed, authorizing changes to the draft millage and term length. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the invalidation of the May 6, 2025 Primary Election results concerning the Allen Township Zoning Resolution due to legal findings, resulting in the township returning to an un-zoned status, and ordering the issue placed on the May 5, 2026 ballot. Consequently, a resolution declaring two proposed amendments to the zoning resolution moot was adopted, and the November contract payment for the zoning consultant, who was incapacitated, was prorated based on the date of the ruling and accident. The annual review of the Cemetery Policy yielded no adjustments, and a resolution was passed to prepare a Payroll Certification Form for 2026 salary allocations. The Trustees discussed and approved paving specific roads (TR215, TR218, and the cemetery area) and restriping several other township roads for 2026 using the County Engineer's bidding process. They also approved wedging specific spots on TR142, TR114, and TR 228.

Key discussions included the payment of outstanding bills totaling $24,868.93 and the adoption of a resolution accepting the 2026 amounts and rates determined by the Budget Commission. The Fire Chief provided an update on expired air-packs (SCBA's) and requested approval to hire Nationwide First Responder Grants, LLC to secure grant funding for replacements, which was approved. Updates were given regarding the sale of two maintenance trucks and the handling of a damaged catch basin issue with OnePower, instructing legal counsel to seek reimbursement after repairs. The Trustees discussed a potential counter offer regarding the revenue sharing agreement with Findlay, the necessity of hiring a zoning inspector, and potential water and sewer alternatives presented by the Northwest Water and Sewer District. Discussions concerning a potential manufacturing development requiring annexation into the City of Findlay were noted. Finally, the compensation structure for the Fiscal Officer performing zoning administrative duties was brought forward for future research and resolution.

The Trustees addressed several operational and financial matters. The Fire Chief confirmed the accuracy of the fire hydrant list provided by the City of Findlay, and an update was given on the communications conversion project for fire stations and township buildings. Discussions focused heavily on the expiring .9 mil Fire Levy; the Trustees determined that a simple renewal would be insufficient given recent deficits. Consequently, they adopted a resolution to seek renewal of the .9 mil levy along with an increase of .6 mil. Appointments were made to the Allen Township Zoning Commission (ATZC) and the Allen Township Board of Zoning Appeals (ATBZA) following an executive session discussing personnel hiring issues. Additionally, the Trustees adopted a resolution establishing a Zoning Schedule of Fees, mirroring the 2024 schedule from Marion Township.

The meeting included the approval of outstanding bills totaling $37,795.20. The Trustees accepted an offer from Stacy Grain & Cattle Farms LLC to farm 14 acres north of the Allen Township Center for 2026 and 2027. Updates were provided by the Fire Chief on department operations, and by the road maintenance/cemetery representative. The Zoning Inspector also provided an update on zoning activities for October, with resolutions for two zoning amendments expected at the next meeting. Discussions included the status of the proposed revenue sharing agreement with Findlay and placing zoning signs at township borders. The issue concerning the damaged TR215 catch basin, involving OnePower and the County Engineer, was discussed, with plans to acquire third-party contractor estimates. The soccer group representative requested consideration for installing a separate water meter for field watering, with costs to be covered by the group. The Trustees approved the renewal of the Fire Protection Contract with Cass Township for 2026 and voted to continue providing Health Insurance and Life Insurance benefits to trustees and the fiscal officer for 2026. A motion also passed to reimburse attendees of the OTA Winter Convention in 2026.