Marlboro Township promotes officer, approves purchases

Police Chief Ron Devies requested that trustees promote Christopher Hay from auxiliary to full-time status retroactive to Feb. 15 to fill the vacancy left by Officer Travis Sheese’s recent resignation. Trustees approved a motion changing Hay’s status from auxiliary patrol officer to full-time officer effective Feb. 15.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported that the township received a letter from the Stark County Board of Elections regarding ballot issues and vacancies in office. The deadline for filing an issue to appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot is Aug. 5. Ferrett reminded trustees and the road superintendent to consider renewal of the current road district levy, which funds general maintenance and the summer road paving program. In response to a resident’s question about a road grant, trustees noted that a grant was received to pave Osborne Avenue last summer.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported that approximately 900 gallons of fuel were used in January and that all scheduled salt purchases for the year have been ordered. The Kenworth truck required repairs to fix broken wires and a wire harness. Battershell also ordered a wing system for the Ford F-550 truck, expected to arrive in a couple of weeks, to make plowing cul-de-sacs easier.

Battershell obtained a quote of $1,757 from Ziegler Tire & Supply Co. for rear drive tires for the Freightliner truck. Trustees approved the purchase. He also reported that Albright Electric replaced the road garage heater with an existing unit and installed a new heater in the township hall lobby. A bill had not yet been received.

Ferrett reported receiving a real estate tax bill for the one acre of land purchased in 2025 from Pegasus Farm and said she will complete an application for real property tax exemption.

The township received Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority 2025 MORE and police grants of $1,000 each as reimbursements toward the cost of portable and mobile radios.

Devies reported that the investigation office is ready for painting and may need a new desk chair, two side chairs and a chair pad. Trustee Wayne Schillig said he will prepare the walls for painting in that and other areas of the township hall. Devies also noted that seating in the patrol room is worn. He is working on organizing the evidence room and will file an affidavit for a disposal order once items are inventoried. Unclaimed items of value will be sold. A recent document shredding was completed in about 20 minutes at a cost of $300.

Trustee Battershell asked if other trustees had viewed a potential issue on Breck Street east of Beeson Street following a complaint. The trustees said they could not distinguish between planted items and brush. Battershell said the poles are likely in the road right-of-way but did not see a problem. He will contact the landowner and suggested the road department mow the area lower during the first mowing this spring.

Trustees approved payment of bills totaling $43,594.91.

Two residents spoke at the end of the meeting. One asked about recycling and yard waste, noting that a sign about Saturday recycling assistance from 9 a.m.-noon should be removed because the grant funding that assistance is no longer available. Trustees said yard waste may only be brought once a year during spring cleanup and that the township is not equipped to accept yard waste year-round.

Another resident asked zoning questions, which were addressed by Linda Marx and the trustees. Zoning regulations are available upon request for a fee, and Marx said she can email specific sections as needed.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Marlboro Township Hall.