Nelson Township Trustees
12.6.23
Attendance
Mike Kortan, Chair
Joe Leonard, Trustee
Anna Mae VanDerHoeven, Trustee
Kevin Cihan, Fiscal Officer
Chuck Vanek, Road Supervisor
Jackie Kable, Zoning inspector
Documenter’s Notes
The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Kortan at 7 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by the board’s approval of the minutes from the meeting held Nov. 15, 2023. Fiscal Officer Kevin Cihan reported a paid total of $30,645.36 to satisfy bills and warrants. Cihan updated the board on income and fund status.
Resolutions
The trustees approved a township employee compensation recommendation as provided by the state (Resolution 118-2023).
A resolution (119-2023) regarding trustee meeting time and date was discussed and tabled for the following meeting.
Employee insurance coverage (120-2023) was approved.
The trustees voted to enter temporary fund usage for all regular and necessary expenditures to allow the township to close the books for 2023 (121-2023).
Correspondence
Cihan read a letter of interest from Ted Abbott regarding his interest to continue in his position on the zoning board. A trustee vote reappointed Abbott to another term.
Chair Mike Kortan read a letter from Sheri Braynard expressing her interest in serving on the zoning board. The board voted to seat Braynard on the zoning commission for a five-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Zoning
Zoning Inspector Jackie Kable reported issuing a permit Nov. 17 for an addition to a property on Route 305, and another addition on Center Street on Nov. 28. Kable reported visiting Lester Slabaugh, a horse trainer, in response to a complaint by a community member. Kable met with Judge Doherty and received the judge’s signature on seven buildings slated for demolition by the township. The trustees asked Kable for her prioritized list of demolitions funded by grants. After some discussion, the trustees agreed to proceed according to Kable’s recommendations.
Community House
Sandy Huzl reported a full schedule of rentals for the remainder of December. The local Girl Scout troop had decorated the facility for Christmas. Huzl also stated that the doorknob to the women’s restroom was sticking.
Roads
Superintendent Chuck Vanek requested $1,900 to replace a faulty EGR cooler on truck 4. The board approved the purchase up to $2,000. The repair will be done by the road crew. Vanek submitted proposed increases to the cemetery rate schedule. The document was last updated in 2006. Vanek suggested $100 increases across the board, citing an increase in Saturday burials, resulting in overtime pay for township employees. The trustees accepted Vanek’s proposals as submitted effective immediately, excepting the funeral scheduled for the following Monday.
New Business
VanDerHoeven reported ordering plaques in memory of two indigents. She also requested $300 for a Christmas party for township employees. The board approved.
Trustee Joe Leonard reported that cleanup on the Eaken property had begun. Leonard suggested a temporary moratorium on cultivation, processing and retail distribution of adult-use cannabis per the suggestion of Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell. The trustees voted in favor of a three-month moratorium.
Kortan recommended signage stating visitors to the Pixley Park Garage location are being recorded since the installed cameras have audio capability. Audio surveillance is illegal without notification. Kortan suggested a permanent prohibition on commercial wind and solar energy farms, following Mantua’s lead. A motion was passed to adopt the language from the Mantua prohibition document dated April 19, 2023.
Christmas bonuses for township staff were approved before adjournment at 8:08 p.m.
