The-Press-News.com - Osnaburg Trustees lower speed limit on Orchardview, discuss county-wide 911 system

By DONNA ROBINSON

The Press-News

OSNABURG TWP. -- During a regular meeting on Monday night, the township trustees considered lowering the speed limit on Orchardview Drive from State Route 44, east to Lotz Avenue.

Trustee Donna Middaugh said the speed limit in that area is 55 miles per hour, which is much too fast for the hills and winding sections on Orchardview. Road Superintendent, Aaron Saurer said the Ohio State Patrol has been monitoring that section of the road. A resolution was made to send a letter to the Ohio Department of Transportation to request the speed limit be lowered to 40 miles per hour.

Trustees Steve Fetterman and Middaugh reported they had attended a meeting to discuss setting up a county-wide 911 system. Funding was the main topic. Those at the meeting suggested adding a sales tax or a pay per call instead of asking voters to pass a property tax. It appeared that all thought a county-wide 911 system is needed, but funding it was the big hurdle. The estimated cost would be over $13 million and a yearly cost to maintain would $5 million, it was reported.

Saving the historical section of Cindell Street, which is the old Lincoln Highway, was discussed. Middaugh asked the trustees to consider applying for a grant through the Transportation Enhancement Funding Program. She said the grant would cover 80 percent of the cost. However, Middaugh said the grants take a couple years to process, so it could be 2012 before the township would know if they would receive the grant. She also said the township may be able to find another grant to help cover the 20 percent. Middaugh asked the trustees to allow her to apply for the grant, and they agreed, with trustee Dick Pero casting the only no vote.

More discussion was held about the Stark C&D Landfill. Middaugh reported the township made some headway in its fight to prevent the landfill from expanding. At the court of appeals, Middaugh said, the judge asked a lot of questions, and she is confident good results will come from the session. Middaugh also reported she had read a report that said East Canton Village Council members have recently taken a tour of the landfill. Middaugh said she hopes the village will not annex the property into the village or allow them to expand.

In a report about the township's cooperative economic development agreement with the city of Canton, Middaugh composed a letter to send to the mayor of Canton. The letter asked for more precise information about tax information involving the CEDA.

Trustee Pero, mentioned that Rev. Terry Bailey, of Indian Run Christian Church, requested the township take over the mowing of the cemetery located at the old Indian Run Church, since the church will soon be moving to its new location. Pero said the responsibility of taking care of the cemetery falls to the township, so he will contact Rev. Bailey to discuss the matter, and report back at the next meeting.

Middaugh asked road superintendent Saurer if he could do anything to help a resident on Mapleton Street with a water problem. She said the resident reports that water and gravel from a neighbors property flows down and lays at her garage door during heavy rains. Saurer said he could not do anything to solve the situation; the problem needs to be worked out between the two residents.

Saurer reported he has been working on ditching on Mapleton Street. He said Ace Body is working on the township's new truck. "NO TRUCKS ALLOWED" signs have been placed on the brick section of Cindell Street and blacktopped was done on Circlevale, he added.

In the absence of zoning inspector Dorothy Bucher, Richard Pero gave the report. He said $225 had been turned in for zoning permits. The property at Fairhill and Woodland is in need of mowing, and a letter will be sent out giving a deadline to the resident for the mowing. If not done during that time, the township will mow and add the charge for the work on their property owner's taxes.

During his fire report, chief Dan Adams, turned in $236 from the scrap items taken into Slesnick's. He reported Steve Visnick resigned from the fire department. Adams recommended sending fire fighters Alfred Gray and Rich Lorenzo to a leadership seminar in Medina at a cost of $65 per person. The trustees agreed to pay for the class, plus mileage for one car and a food allowance of $15.

Adams reported on the following runs made by the fire department: advanced life support-24; basic life support- 7; fire or carbon monoxide calls-4; runs turned over to Nimishillen Township-1 and Louisville -1, mutual aid to Louisville-1 and Robertsville-1; medic assistance to Canton City-1.

In other business, the trustees:

* AGREED to pay legal fees of $500.06 to Attorney R. Sahli;

* SET trick or treat for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3-5 p.m.;

* CHANGED the November township meetings to Thursday, Nov. 6 and Wednesday, Nov. 26.