At the December 8, 2015 meeting of the Bethel Township Trustees, the trustees amended the 2015 permanent appropriations to reflect the actual interest earned for the four cemeteries located in Bethel Township. Deborah Watson, Fiscal Officer, must estimate the interest income at the beginning of each year. However, the end of year report must reflect actual earnings. The total income was reduced by $1.98 to reflect actual earnings.

In addition, the Fire Department received a grant from the state for $3,250 for EMS services that needed to be included in the appropriations as well.

For the Fire Department, Andy Ehrhart, Township Administrator, reported that the Fire Department made 18 runs between November 21, 2015 and December 4, 2015. Eleven of the 18 calls were for emergency medical services (EMS). The remaining calls were for services that ultimately were cancelled or for calls that did not result in any needed service from the department.

In addition, the Fire Department will sponsor a Breakfast with Santa at 9:00 a.m. at the Fire Station on December 19, 2015. All community members are encouraged to attend.

For Planning and Zoning, Ehrhart reported for Jeff Green, Planning and Zoning, who was unable to attend the meeting, that no applications were received and no building permits were issued. However, the department received a rezoning request from Dennis Swartzbaugh of 8355 Flick Road to split five acres from the 38.92 acres at the address. In addition, Swartzbaugh requested that the new lot be rezoned from A-2 General Agriculture to A-1 Domestic Agriculture. The Miami County Planning Commission will hear the case on December 15, 2015 and the Bethel Township Zoning Commission will hear it on December 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the township meeting room.

For Zoning Enforcement, Green addressed three zoning violations. Two of the violations were at 9200 Mann Road for old tires and junk cars. The other violation was for 7865 Newbury for a health referral.

In other business, all residents in the township who will be affected by the Phoneton Water and Sewer system received notification that they would be assessed $8000 plus interest, payable over a 20-year period for access to the water line once it is completed. Residents who own property zoned A-1 Domestic Agriculture or A-2 General Agriculture can apply for an agricultural exemption for the assessment. However, the water and sewer line will not be assessable to them. In addition, if the property owner later chooses to hook into the line, they must pay the $8,000 up front before they are granted access. Residents who qualify for the agricultural exemption should contact the township office for an application, rules, and additional information.

The next meeting of the Bethel Township Trustees is scheduled for December 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the township meeting room. In addition, the township office will close at noon on December 24, 2015 and remain closed on December 25, 2015 for the Christmas Holiday. The office will also be closed on January 1, 2015 for the New Year’s Holiday. The office will only be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. December 28 through December 31, 2015.

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