Chris Kish

The meeting began with the approval of previous minutes. Key financial discussions included the approval of payment listings and fund summaries, as well as the acceptance of credit card transaction details. The primary focus was a presentation by the Amherst Athletic Association requesting approval for a field renovation project plan for the two ball fields at the township park. The association detailed that the project, focused on improving the playing surface and drainage, would be fully funded by them (an investment exceeding $32,000). The board expressed strong support for the investment in youth sports and community pride. A resolution was presented to approve the infield renovations and mandate that the Road Superintendent oversee and administer the work, coordinating material storage and equipment access to minimize park damage, consistent with the existing lease agreement. This discussion also served to satisfy the annual meeting requirements specified in the lease agreement.

The meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes, specifically for the January 5th organizational meeting. Key discussions centered on financial reports, including year-to-date revenue and expenditures, noting significant payments for Amherst Fire Department services and the first installment of OPWC loans. A major focus was the proposed drainage improvement project for the area bounded by Rice Road, Middle Ridge Road, and Corey Road, which affects private residences. This project involves applying for a grant from the Lorain County Stormwater District, necessitating a voluntary resident match of $8,200 toward the estimated $49,000 cost, and securing permanent easements for a proposed 10-inch main line and associated 6-inch lateral lines. The official closing of the 2025 fiscal year and filing of state/federal reports was also noted.

The meeting commenced with procedural discussions regarding the organizational aspects for 2026, specifically nominations and voting for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Key agenda items included the approval of the previous Trustee Meeting minutes from December 23, 2025, and the corresponding Public Hearing Zoning Amendment meeting minutes from the same date. There were no financial reports, bills, or receipts processed for the current meeting date due to recent year-end activities. Correspondence covered several topics: a warning regarding the Ohio Township Association (OTAA) Amazon Business Prime account renewal notice, anticipation of the renewal for the township education subscription, notification that the Lorraine County Planning Commission issued a special flood hazard area development permit for the Stratton Corners development, and a recommendation to place the legal advertisement for the road and bridge renewal levy on the May 5th ballot in the Chronicle Telegram. The board also passed a resolution to authorize the township administrator and a trustee to apply for and accept the $1,500 NOPAC 2026 NCES grant funds to partially offset the cost of the annual dumpster days event. Finally, committee assignments for 2026 were made for the trustees across various functional areas including cemetery park, lighting, solid waste, sewer, and more.

The meeting included the approval of minutes from the December 9th session and a review of financials, covering a payment listing that included year-end payments for the zoning commission and BZA, as well as mid-month payrolls and travel reimbursements. Discussion on financials noted year-to-date revenue and expenditures, and the placement of the storm water mini grant revenue. The Board also addressed the temporary annual appropriations measure for 2026, noting a significant expenditure planned for a new tanker truck, which may roll over into the following year. Further discussions involved updating county subdivision review regulations and confirming that local township road requirements maintain precedence. Personnel decisions included appointing the chairman as the primary signer for Ohio Public Works documents, establishing the compensation for the Road Superintendent at wage class A (with a 3% increase), appointing two new members to the road crew at specific wage classes, and approving the compensation for the Fire Prevention Officer.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call confirming the presence of trustees and the clerk. Key discussions included corrections to the minutes regarding the date of the next regularly scheduled meeting, which was noted as February 10, 2026. The board approved the minutes as corrected and reviewed the current bills and financial reports, noting a correction related to an Ohio Edison payment spanning two months. There was an extended discussion concerning the percentage of township revenue derived from property taxes versus other sources like gasoline tax and franchise fees. Correspondence included notification about the County's pursuit of Urban County Designation, which may result in increased funding potential. The board also noted that the Lorraine County Planning Commission is transitioning to fully digital communication. A notification regarding changes to the Ohio basic building code for one through three-family residential construction was shared, prompting discussion about the history of the township's involvement with building codes and the associated costs and responsibilities of forming a local building department, which the township opted against previously. The status of the Healthy Places grant application was reviewed, with a decision made not to pursue the current application due to time constraints and historical favoring of first-time applicants, though the concept of an outdoor fitness center derived from a national fitness campaign was enthusiastically discussed for future consideration, potentially involving partnerships. Another item involved the Ohio Capital Budget, with a note that while past park comfort facility projects were considered, current parameters may not be applicable; the importance of this biennial funding source was highlighted. Finally, the board discussed participation in the County Engineer's chip and seal program, including requesting estimates for specific roads like Stang Road, and the deadline for commitment to the county engineer was noted as April 3rd.