The-Press-News.com - East Sparta Clerk asks for apology from Pike Township solicitor, trustee

EAST SPARTA -- During a regular meeting of village council, which was held June 16, clerk John Rice talked about an ongoing situation involving the village and Pike Township.

Rice presented council with a letter he had recently received from Charles Hall, attorney for Pike Township, and copies of two Press-News articles. Rice said Hall had stated in his letter that the "East Sparta Clerk" had not followed through with his obligations to certify the annexation to the Stark County Recorder and the Ohio Secretary of State. Rice also reported that in the first Press-News article, Pike Township Trustee Doug Baum had made the same statement. Furthermore, Baum said jurisdictional questions linger regarding the recent fire at Slats and Nails.

The second news article was a rebuttal from Rice concerning these statements. Rice reported to council that the statements made by Hall and Baum concerning the certification of the annexation were untrue. Rice displayed a time-stamped copy of the certification from the Stark County Recorder along with the certified mail receipts from the secretary of state and the Stark County Auditor. The certification was filed in July 2008.

The clerk also said he had called the county recorder and was told the certification was on file.

"Concerning the question of jurisdiction, there is none," said Rice. "Slats and Nails was part of the annexation agreement but has not been annexed as of this date." Rice continued that he wanted council to know what was happening behind the scenes and stated that he has spoken with East Sparta Solicitor Robert Cyperski about the matter. Cyperski was to inform Hall and Baum that an apology needs to be issued for their statements.

David Collier and Dan Fetters of the East Sparta Volunteer Fire Department attended the meeting. Collier addressed council, as he said he was, once again, in attendance to inquire about what records council member Mike Caudill desires.

Collier also said he had spoken with council member Kenneth Byrd, informing him the department understands the economic need of the Village. Therefore the fire department are in favor of postponing placing any further fire levies on the ballot until the operating levies of the village are approved. Council thanked the fire department for their cooperation and understanding.

Fetters asked council if a donation of Sandy Valley Community Park passes or items could be made for the fire department's raffle during the upcoming homecoming. Fetters was assured a donation would be coming.

In another matter about the East Sparta Homecoming, which will be held July 1-3, Linda Muir of the East Sparta Civic Association presented a copy of the loss payable insurance certificate from the fireworks company. Muir reported success in raising funds for the firework, which will be held Thursday, July 2, at 10 p.m. Muir also asked for permission to once again uses the old school property as the location to set off the fireworks, and council agreed.

During the police report, Magnolia Chief Jeff Hager advised of the following activity for May: five traffic arrests, two driving under the influence arrests, two crash reports, five misdemeanor arrests and nine calls for service.

In other business, council:

* PAID bills totaling $133,212.89;

* RE-SIGNED with Gates McDonald for group-rated workers compensation insurance for $367, which saves the village about $6,200;

* ACCEPTED Nick Marich's bid $400 for the cruiser, which was the only bid received;

* HEARD mayor Jackie Truax report she had received one bid for the McKinley Street property-- Mary Shine bid $3,300 for the property, which was accepted;

* HEARD the mayor say that she had received a notice from Ohio Liquor Control Agency regarding the application for a liquor license for the East Sparta Marketplace (formerly McDade's Market), and council had no objections about issuing a license since it is a replacement or transfer of the original license;

* RESCHEDULED the zoning committee meeting for July 6 at 2 p.m.;

* AGREED to purchase a new copier for village hall at a cost not to exceed $1,500; the cost will be shared with the village, water department and park, and the other entities will be contacted for their approval of splitting the cost;

* HEARD Mayor Truax say the Park Committee is operating the park until the reorganization of the board is finalized; letters have been sent to Magnolia, Waynesburg, Sandyville, Pike Township and Sandy Township asking for submission of names of individuals to serve on the board;

* HEARD the mayor report 155 votes were received concerning the use for the former school property, and the top three suggestions were walking track, ballfields and recreation center;

* RECEIVED the park board minutes from Barb Malavite, who said the committee is in the process of researching the purchase of surveillance cameras and plans are being considered about rebuilding the pump in the off season; Malavite reported that the Park Committee will meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month;

* HEARD the mayor has received the run reports from Tri-Division and the East Sparta Fire Department;

* HEARD the water board minutes.