Mayor Womer Benjamin informed council that due to the recent announcement of the closing of the Aurora Advocate, she met with the editor of the Akron Beacon Journal and Gannett Publishing last week in an effort to find news coverage for Aurora.
Kubala arrived a few minutes late, smiling and carrying a large placard; she and the placard represented Edinburg United Church. The church will celebrate its 200th anniversary May 18, 2023.
J. Derthick updated the trustees on the Hankee Road culvert project. The culvert pipe arrived and is in place. It arrived on six trucks! Base gravel is now being installed.
This meeting began with interaction between the trustees and visitors at the meeting. Three people were introduced and spoke briefly with the trustees, often with the trustees asking specific questions of visitors or providing information to them.
Supervisor Matota has had “no luck” finding a part-time employee to join his department. He also said that the county has two open positions for drivers and has received no applicants as well.
Resolution 2024-01 was adopted without community comment, adding 80 acres to the current agreement between the township and the City of Streetsboro.
Council Member Tom Hardesty laid out potential plans for road repairs totaling an estimated $240,000; council approved Hardesty’s request to seek bids.
Fiscal Officer Jennifer Derthick was unable to attend the meeting after recently suffering two heart attacks. Derthick reported hiring two assistants to serve in her stead at the rate of $20 per hour.
Karen Pope, director of personnel/chief of staff, explained to council that they’re seeking approval for a new, classified, full-time position of finance coordinator to replace the accounts payable and administrative assistant positions. This new position will ensure accuracy for Aurora’s finances. Motion was made, seconded and approved for the item to be forwarded to the regular council meeting.
Trustee Nic Coia announced a new program for Portage County residents, Portage GrowLink, offering discounted rates for homeowners, farms, and farm businesses offered through Hometown Bank.
Law Director DePiero responded that he has received a lot of comments on Ordinance 2023-004, and it is not his intention to rush this piece of legislation through council.
The January minutes of the zoning commission were approved. There was a brief discussion of an abandoned cemetery originally belonging to the Mormons as they passed through the area.