The Bethel Township Trustees of Clark County met last Tuesday, March 22 to address township issues. The following items were either discussed or approved by a vote.

Road Department

-The board stated that trees hanging over many township roads are in need of trimming soon. They accepted the cheaper of the two bids received for the project, approving Risners to elevate the low-hanging branches over township roads at a cost of $10,800.

-It was announced that the township’s garage needs a new roof, and the trustees discussed the benefits of a metal roof compared to a flat roof. Trustee David Phares said he is still “pricing everything out,” noting that he would prefer a metal roof if possible, but plans to call in the building’s architect and construction company to see which roof is ideal for the building.

Cleanup

-Township Administrator Ray Nelson told trustees he has been receiving calls from residents inquiring about a township cleanup day this year. Trustees Nancy Brown, Don Minton, and Phares all discussed their experience with the township cleanup days in the past and what items should be accepted this year, and decided that they should host another cleanup day this year.

Township cleanup days allow residents to dispose of large items such as furniture, construction debris, and other hard-to-dispose-of items at little to no cost. The board will contact the appropriate county agencies such as the Health Department and Solid Waste District to discuss the cost of accepting tires this year. The date will likely be set for some time in the summer after school lets out.

Parks

-Raynor Park will soon be re-planted with trees donated from Scarff’s Nursery. The trees were recently donated to the township to replace the dozens of Ash Trees that were removed from the park last spring due to safety concerns from falling limbs or trunks. The Ash Trees had fallen victim to the Emerald Ash Borer, and rather than wait to see what damage had been inflicted by the shiny green beetle, the trustees acted proactively in having them removed.

The board announced at Tuesday’s meeting that the locations had been chosen for each of the many varieties donated by Scarff’s—including Buckeyes, Ivory Silk Lilacs, and Weeping Willows, which will be planted near the creek as they are able to withstand water. Crews will soon begin work on replacing the nearly 70 felled Ash Trees with the same amount of donated trees.

Nuisance Properties

-The following properties were declared nuisances:

• 523 Caldwell Circle
• 210 Beach Drive
• 543 Stratmore
• 550 Stratmore
• 10720 Kendig Road

Financial

-Township Fiscal Officer Melanie Cochran discussed the bank reconciliation and fund status reports, adding that everything looked to be fine in the township accounts, and noted that real estate taxes were “rolling in.”

Cochran said the township’s permanent appropriations for 2016 were set at $3,715,161.32, and added that she’d been in contact with the Auditor in reference to the township’s upcoming audit in the summer.

Fire Department

-Interim Fire Chief Chris Ludwick said that as of last Monday evening, the Bethel Township Fire Department had received a total of 418 runs since the beginning of the year. In February, they went on 77 EMS responses, and 14 for fires.

-Lieutenant Chris Cotterman was granted a six-month leave of absence, effective March 20, holding his Lieutenant’s position until May 19.

-Alicia Perkins—EMTA/FF, Carter Shumann—EMTB/FF, and Shaun Arthur—EMTB/FF were hired to the part-time shift.

-After consulting with their legal counsel, the township agreed to hold McKesson responsible for any and all fines, fees, or other charges that resulted from McKesson’s error in their billing process for Bethel Township squad runs. McKesson claimed that a training error led to them overbilling the township’s accounts in Medicare and Medicaid, which must be repaid to both companies through future squad runs and bills. The trustees said that upon receipt of a signed statement, they will authorize McKesson to act on their behalf in resolving the matter and handling any associated fees.

Brush Pickup

-The board announced that the 2016 brush pickup schedule will be set for the first full week of each month from April through October. Residents are asked to call the township’s offices at 937-849-9499 at least a week ahead of time to schedule a pickup.

Township meetings are held at the fire house on Lake Road the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., with members of the public always encouraged to attend.