A larger than normal crowd of 17 people watched the Suffield Township Board of Trustees conduct mostly routine business. In the crowd was Corky Powers Smeyak and Jim Albertoni, both of whom have been away for several months. New to the trustee's meeting were Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sims, who took the sights and sounds as well. Former trustees Ron Mishler and Dave Polen were also in the audience (Jim Albertoni is also a former trustee).
The first order of business was to hear Fiscal Officer Lori Calcei report that the Bureau of Workers Compensation would be raising the township's fees from about $9,700 for the 2017 fiscal year to $15,858 for the year 2018. Lori Calcei reported that the speed limit would be lowered to 35 MPH on Saxe Road from Mogadore Road to Martin Road. This comes after a request from Brimfield Township was approved by the County Engineer's Office. Trustee Tom Calcei motioned to re-hire Kyle Knapp as a part-time firefighter. This was on the request of Fire Chief Robert Rasnick.
Trustee Jeff Eldreth said that Road Department had widened Trares Road in the area known as Snake Hill in preparation for chip & sealing there. He also said that the Road Department was beginning its first roadside mowing of the year. Trustee Chairman Dave Vartenuk said that the Zoning Commission would meet on Wednesday May 10th at 7:00 PM. He also said that the property at 1560 Carriage House Drive is to be auctioned at "Sheriff's Sale", which is yet to be scheduled. This is a new wrinkle in this ongoing drama. Two weeks ago the trustees believed that they were ready for public hearings to condemn the house and proceed with demolition, but the day after the last trustee's meeting, the county prosecutor who handles township legal matters, Chris Meduri, told Suffield to put on hold any further actions until at least after this new "Sheriff's Sale". A Congress Lake Road resident and his neighbor discussed with the trustees a problem with run-off water. They were ultimately referred to the Portage County Soil and Water District for possible resolution.
The trustees acknowledged the fast approaching Memorial Day Parade to be held on Monday May 29th at 2:00 PM in beautiful downtown Suffield. Trustee Tom Calcei, who also presides over the Suffield League, said that they are looking for more persons to be in the parade. It was also mentioned that the Suffield Historical Society has as their speaker the current Fire Chief Bob Rasnick, who will provide a lot of facts, photos and information about the Fire Department, which celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. That meeting is in the Community Room of the Fire House on Monday May 15th at 7:00 PM.
The Suffield Township Board of Trustees next meet on Tuesday May 23rd at 8:00 PM. The Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday May 10th at 7:00 PM. There are no Board of Zoning Appeals hearings set.