Documenters: Atwater Township Trustees meeting for Aug. 12, 2025.

Atwater Township Trustees 
Aug. 12, 2025 at 7 p.m. 
9011 N. Main St., Atwater, Ohio

Attendance: 
Charlie Harris – Trustee 
Thora Green – Trustee
Dale Wiley – Trustee
Emily Lashley – Fiscal Officer 

The Atwater Township Trustees meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. and opened with those in attendance reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s prayer. The meeting began with public comments from two residents. The first resident requested an update on the transfer station. The second resident called to attention a grammatical correction on the first quarter fiscal report and requested copies of meeting minutes from August, October, November and December of 2024.

Next, Chris Meduri, assistant prosecutor for Portage Country, reviewed zoning code regarding the land in Atwater and clarified that current zoning does not allow commercial use property to be used for a transfer station. The landowner would need to pursue a zoning amendment if the transfer station would be pursued. Currently, the zoning code has a transfer/trash disposal station of any kind listed as prohibited use. Meduri shared the steps to appeal the zoning use with the trustees and the public attendees and confirmed that even with an application to amend a zoning ordinance, the public can have an opportunity to bring a referendum to the township to adopt the new zoning ordinance. Section 519.12 of the Ohio Revised Code explains the process to amend zoning code and the process to appeal.  

Harris made a motion to adjourn to executive session with Meduri advising to discuss scenario with township employment. Thora Green made a motion to rejoin regular sessions. 

Once the public session resumed, Thora Green proposed approval of the July 22, 2025, regular trustee minutes and the Aug. 4, 2025, special meeting minutes held to hear public comment on the proposed transfer station. Approved by unanimous vote. 

Lashley presented a fiscal report and proposed the acceptance of payments of all wages, invoices, bills and committed obligations prepared by the fiscal officer. 

Fire Chief Jay Brock presented July’s monthly report with metrics totaling 37 calls (10 fire and 27 EMS) and an update on gas and diesel fuel consumption. Of the calls, 60% were BLS (Basic Life Support) and 40% were ALS (Advanced Life Support). Brock’s update included several events, including Safely Landed, a program they hosted for local youth, participation in rescue task force training hosted at the high school, the upcoming Back to School Bash and the fire safety inspection at the school. The last event was a pancake breakfast fundraiser coming in October. 

Harris presented the road report. He shared that maintenance was busy with seasonal work on the grounds, cemetery and roadway. He updated the trustees that a $1,500 repair is going to be needed on the excavator. 

Milt Green presented the zoning report. He shared that permits thus far in August were three (two agricultural, one garage). Communication metrics were 11 calls and 10 emails. Zero complaints to the department. In July, five permits were requested (three agricultural, one  garage, one addition).

Park, Cemetery and Real Estate: Wiley presented that the summer has been quiet.  

Thora Green presented an administrative report that included the Eagle Scout project at the township property that would include a sign and flag to be erected by the end of August. She directed that the Ohio Department of Commerce retail liquor permit will be discussed at the next meeting to ensure that any motions that might need to be passed are reviewed. She also reviewed the electric bills from NOPEC and the fixed term pricing available to the township and community members, indicating that community members can enroll in fixed rate pricing by calling the customer support line to explore the most recent options for fixed rate pricing in Atwater. For natural gas, Enbridge offers $5.29/mcf until December 2025, with a fixed price of $5.50 for a 12-month term. Harris suggested the township review the best rates and lock into the best fixed rate. Motion was made and seconded by Wiley for the 24-month fixed rate program at the discounted rate. Approved by all.

Township announcements from the trustees were a records retention meeting to be held Aug. 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.