The Bethel Township Board of Trustees in Clark County met Tuesday, January 27 for a brief meeting in regular session.

The trustees spent three days last week in Columbus for the Ohio Township Association’s Winter Conference—a venue in which representatives gather for educational workshops and to discuss issues within their respective townships.

In news from the Fire Department, trustees approved the purchase of 15 new mattresses to be used in Stations 51 and 54, for a cost of $2,600.  Fire Chief Jacob King said the mattresses would be purchased from a retailer who offers mattresses to all fire departments for 50-percent off regular prices.

Also approved was the purchase of two hi-band radios with MARCS capabilities.  Currently, only two first response entities in Clark County use the MARCS communication system, with all of the other departments using hi-band radios.  Chief King said the new radios will increase communication capabilities between his departments and others in the area, which will come into play especially during mutual aid responses.  The two new radios will cost a total of $8,000.  The township also purchased a headset radio system for the Fire Department at a cost of $4,640, which will provide hearing protection for Fire Department members as well as allow them to communicate with one another inside the cab of the engine.

As of the meeting date, the Fire Department had responded to a total of 160 calls for service so far in 2015, although only 27 days into the year.  At the January 13 meeting, the department had responded to 68 calls for service.  Of the year-to-date calls for service, six have been working structure fires, 16 motor vehicle crashes, with 15 mutual aid requests.

Township Coordinator Ray Nelson reported that he had received a phone call from someone interested in the zoning permits of a business along 235 in Park Layne.  Nelson said the caller was specifically interested in whether or not the building would be zoned for a Taco Bell.  Trustee Nancy Brown laughed, saying that a Park Layne Taco Bell rumor is generated every few months but she has yet to hear anything official that suggests the restaurant will open a store in the area.  

The Board went to Executive Session to discuss discipline and compensation of personnel.  No disciplinary action was taken, however the Board did vote to approve a maintenance worker’s pay rate.

Bethel Township meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Bethel Township Fire House at 3333 Lake Road, with the public always welcome.

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