Kimberlee Flamm

The Springfield Township Board of Trustees meeting involved the adoption of multiple resolutions. These resolutions included declaring improvements to real property parcels (Diebel and Grossman) as a public purpose for tax exemption under Section 5709.73(C) of the Ohio Revised Code. Other resolutions addressed initiating text amendments for special exceptions and conditional uses related to adult use cannabis dispensaries, authorizing the private sale of unneeded property from the Police Department, declaring specific motor vehicles as junk motor vehicles, declaring nuisances at various properties pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 505.87, and establishing assessments for nuisance abatements.

The Board of Trustees conducted a work session where several key actions were taken. The Board passed a motion to not request a hearing for the issuance of a liquor permit to RL Smoke and Vapes, LLC, and instructed the Fiscal Officer to forward the necessary paperwork to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. Furthermore, the Board adopted two resolutions: Resolution Number 20--2026, which declares certain motor vehicles on public or private property as junk motor vehicles and orders their removal; and Resolution Number 21--2026, which declares nuisances at various listed properties pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 505.87 and authorizes abatement actions.

Key actions taken during the meeting included the passing of a motion to award the bid for the Cilley Creek and Congress Run Floodplain Restoration and Stream Stabilization Project, pending final legal review. The Board also passed a motion to revise the Township Public Records Policy. Furthermore, the date and time for the 2026 Permanent Appropriations public hearing were set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The Board adopted two resolutions: one authorizing the private sale of unneeded property in the Police Department, and another declaring certain properties as nuisances pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 505.87 and authorizing abatement actions.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The Board approved minutes from previous work sessions and regular meetings. A financial report for the period ending March 31, 2015, was reviewed and approved. Major action items included approving a proposal to increase EMS billing rates, which had not been adjusted for three years, following a recommendation from the Chief to align with rising costs. The Board also revisited and authorized the renewal of Property and Casualty Insurance, which increased due to near $2 million in increased property values, the addition of 13 Auto units, and increased replacement costs for fire apparatus, including new decorative light poles. Authorization was also sought and granted to accept the transfer of police and fire department radios from Hamilton County following a 2003 system upgrade. Personnel matters included accepting several resignations, announcing the upcoming retirement of the Police Chief after over 40 years of service, the promotion of the Assistant Chief to Police Chief upon retirement, a promotion to Sergeant, and the welcoming of two new part-time police officers. The Fire Chief provided an update on the ongoing annual maintenance of 1,700 fire hydrants. Finally, the Board approved adding Jack's Catering LLC to the approved caterer list for The Grove banquet hall.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming all trustees were present, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The fiscal report for the period ending February 28, 2015, noted township expenditures of approximately $1.6 million and receipts of $5.65 million, resulting in an ending cash balance over $19 million. Key action items included authorizing a Preferred Developer Agreement with The St. Francis Group LLC for the development of approximately 50.7 acres of former water nursery property for mixed residential and commercial use, with the goal of serving housing needs and acting as a catalyst for township transformation. The Board also authorized the Fire Chief to execute an updated Fire EMS Mutual Aid Agreement, revising the 1991 agreement to align with current computerized automatic dispatch procedures. Updates were provided on community events, including a sold-out Mom Prom event, an open house at The Grove, and future public hearings scheduled for March 24th concerning solid waste service options and 2015 permanent appropriations. Personnel actions included accepting the resignation of a part-time paramedic firefighter effective March 17, 2015. Extensive discussion focused on the recent significant snow events, the volume of salt used, and the dedication of snowplow staff who worked up to 12-hour routes, with one trustee sharing a firsthand account of riding with a driver, noting the specialized skill involved and equipment concerns.