Marlboro Township trustees hire auxiliary officer, review grants and audits

Chief Ron Devies requested the appointment of Christopher R. Hay as a probationary auxiliary patrol officer. Hay, 26, of Kent, has worked for the past six years as an automotive technician at Walmart. He is a graduate of Field High School and a 2025 graduate of the Kent State University Trumbull Branch Police Academy. He passed his psychological exams, interviews, background investigation and firearms qualifications. The trustees approved a motion to appoint Hay as a probationary auxiliary patrol officer effective immediately.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett received a letter from the Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, stating that all Class C and D retail permits that sell alcoholic beverages in the political subdivision will expire Feb. 1, 2026. Every permit holder must file an online renewal application to maintain their permit privileges. The letter also stated the township has the right to object to the renewal of a retail permit and request a hearing. A copy was forwarded to Devies for review.

The Auditor of State’s Office selected Perry & Associates CPAs as the independent public accountant for township audits for 2024-29. Ferrett received the memorandum of agreement, and the trustees agreed she was permitted to sign as designee.

Ferrett also reported that, following her previous update regarding street lighting fixtures on the Marlboro District Ohio Edison bill, the township had been overcharged for six lights. New information shows the number of LED fixtures increased from 24 to 25 with the addition of a fixture in front of the New Baltimore Ice Cream stand. Ferrett previously contacted Amy Hopkins of FirstEnergy about the overcharges and is awaiting a reply. Trustee John Battershell was also to follow up with Earl Clevinger, an engineer at FirstEnergy.

The township received an email from the Office of Justice Programs regarding the Fiscal Year 2024 Justice Assistance Grant, which the township had applied for to help purchase new police radios. Marlboro Township was not eligible for funding. Ferrett suggested applying for the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority MORE Grant for $1,000 and a police $1,000 grant to request reimbursement for mobile and portable radios purchased in 2025, and the trustees agreed.

The township also received a letter from MedMutual Life, the provider of group life insurance to members of the Public Employees Benefits Association, stating the programs can renew with no change in premium rates beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The renewal rates are guaranteed for two years.

Devies reported that he and Officer Chloe Martincic worked at the Christmas on the Square event and estimated attendance at about 2,000 people. He said traffic flowed smoothly. Trustee Wayne Schillig thanked Devies and Martincic for maintaining traffic control, noting the event was a success and surpassed last year. Trustee Ken Eddleman thanked businesses and residents near the square, saying everything looked great.

The Township Police received a John Deere Gator from the Marlboro Township Fire Department. A trailer that came with it will be listed for sale.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported attending a Community University Education rock salt co-op purchasing program meeting. Members receive a discount for attending at least two of the four meetings per year. Discussion topics included budgets and dues.

The township purchased 11 tons of stone under the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne recycling grant for use in the parking lot in front of the recycling bins. Because the stone made the bins higher, residents were having trouble flipping the lids back. Sticks are available in the rack next to the bins to lift and hold up the lids.

The Road Department installed road signs in the Osborne Avenue allotment, and Schillig reported receiving a thank-you for the work. The department has also readied snow equipment for winter.

The department finished laying 380 feet of pipe for a ditch elimination project on Albert Horning Avenue. Battershell requested permission to dispose of or scrap the old V-plow and old steel salt boxes. The suggestion was to sell them for scrap value.

Zoning Inspector Marty Joseph reported working on the Russell Baseball Complex issue.

Eddleman reported that both Tim Cognata and Sue Bugansky wish to continue their service on the zoning boards. A motion to accept them for another term will be made at the beginning of 2026.

The trustees approved a motion to pay bills totaling $438,759.46. The total included the second payment under the Marlboro Fire Contract.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Marlboro Township Hall.