American Township

Key discussions during this session included the certification and acceptance of the 2026 township total road mileage, which was determined to be 69.268 miles. The Trustees approved contracting Natalie Bartlett for LEADS paperwork for the Police Department and reinstated the OAPFF 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for 2026. Several resolutions were passed concerning the bonding of Trustees and the Fiscal Officer through OTARMA, the demolition of property at 1107 Sherman Ave., and scheduling hearings for rezoning matters. The Road Superintendent discussed potential revenue opportunities and future information regarding a cell tower proposal. The Police Chief provided department statistics and committed to adjusting schedules for better second and third shift coverage. The Fire Chief reported the sale of an old medic unit and the resignation of one firefighter, leading to the hiring of a replacement. There was also a brief discussion regarding property tax evaluations.

The meeting included the approval of monthly financial reports for November, including Cash Reconciliation and Revenue Status. The Trustees passed Resolution #12-082025 regarding Dispatch Services for 2026-2028, increasing annually by 1.5%. The board named LACRPC as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for 2026 and approved payment of member dues. The Trustees authorized the renewal of bonds through OTARMA and established continued policies regarding employee benefits (medical, dental, life insurance), cash in lieu of benefits, salary installment payments, and appointments to the Audit/Records Commission and as representative for the CDL drug testing program. Appointments were confirmed for Dan Finch and Doug Degan to the Board of Appeals and Zoning Commission, respectively. Seasonal snow plow operators for 2025-26 were approved. The Fire Chief received a donation from the Moose Lodge, and the Trustees entered an executive session to discuss disciplinary action and employee compensation, followed by approval for the Fire Chief to cash out vacation time for 2025.

The special session focused primarily on reorganization matters for 2026. Key actions included the naming of Paul Basinger as chairman and Jody Long as vice-chairman. The Trustees passed temporary appropriations for 2026 totaling $9,714,300. Furthermore, appointments were made to the Volunteer Fire Fighters Dependents Fund Board. The board also approved signing the annual memorandum with the LACRPC to serve as the planning organization and pay the associated membership fee, maintaining current trustee positions on all LACRPC committees. Finally, Trustee Harmon was named Chairman of the Random Drug Testing Program for 2026.

The session addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included accepting health insurance rates for the 2026 fiscal year, following a presentation on the projected 6.2% increase. Concerns were raised by residents regarding water supply and potential dewatering activities related to a data center project. The Trustees canceled the subsequent December 29th meeting and scheduled the Yearly Reorganizational Meeting for January 2, 2026. Updates were provided on zoning commission activities, including cleaning up wording and managing open Board of Appeals cases. The board accepted a $250 donation for the police department and a $250 donation for the fire department from Tractor Supply. A resolution to lower the speed limit on Stevick Road to 25 mph was passed. The board contracted with Lima Security for a new station security system for $17,312, opting against a higher quote. Additionally, Mark Fannon was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Zoning Commission beginning January 1, 2026. An executive session was held to discuss employee compensation.

The American Township Trustees meeting included discussions regarding a neighbor dispute involving noise disturbances and a request for increased police presence. The Fiscal Officer presented financial reports for September, and there was a mention of a check cashed by an unknown source, which is under investigation. The trustees also discussed aligning with new cyber security requirements for public entities.