Marlboro Township trustees review baseball training center plan, audit process, August fire calls

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported that the township received a Notice of Subdivision Review from the Stark County Regional Planning Commission (SCRPC) regarding “Russell–Baseball Training Center” in Marlboro Township. A Subdivision Review Subcommittee meeting was held Monday, Sept. 8, and an SCRPC meeting was held Tuesday, Sept. 9. Trustee Wayne Schillig reported that he intended to attend the SCRPC meeting. Assistant Zoning Inspector Linda Marx stated that Zoning Inspector Marty Joseph had the details in his office. She added that it is not a rezoning since the property is already zoned B-2, but the owner wants to put in a baseball training field on the west side of State Route 44.

The township also received an email from the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office stating that an independent public accountants (IPA) firm will be engaged to perform the audit of Marlboro Township for the fiscal periods Jan. 1, 2024–Dec. 31, 2029. Ferrett has completed the required questionnaire to assist in preparation of the request for proposals (RFP) and returned it to the office.

The Fire Department reported 58 runs in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 411 — 54 more than the same timeframe last year. The department completed its annual fire inspection at Marlboro Elementary School on Aug. 19 and found a few minor issues that have been repaired, reinspected and approved. The numbers are as follows: Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Transports = 27; EMS Refusals = 16; Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) = 3; Tree/Wires Down = 3; Fires = 2; Citizens Complaint/Investigation = 2; Open Burns = 2; Alarm Activation = 2; DOA = 1; Mutual Aid EMS Given to Lexington Township = 1; Mutual Aid EMS Received from Hartville = 1; Assist Police Department = 1; Canceled En Route = 1; Cow Rescue = 1.

Trustee Ken Eddleman recommended that the township, due to the retirement of Rick Bergert, begin the search for a third person to be hired in the Road Department before winter.

Trustee Eddleman also reported that the Stark County Township Association (SCTA) dinner meeting will be at the Canton Township Community Center. The meal sponsor is the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC), with the meal provided by Waco Market. Program highlights include talks from Jeff Dafler, president and CEO of the CRCC, and Todd Hawke of the Stark Economic Development Board. Members must RSVP by Sept. 11.

Trustee Eddleman had previously reported speaking to a Nimishillen Township trustee regarding the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority (OTARMA) insurance renewal rates. Nimishillen Township uses County Schools Insurance to provide employee benefits. Employees fill out questionnaires, similar to FormFire, and if they go without a claim, they receive one month’s premium free. The Nimishillen trustee provided Trustee Eddleman with a contact number, and the trustees agreed that Trustee Eddleman use it to get more information about options for next year.

Trustee Schillig reported attending the Marlboro Township Historical Society (MTHS) meeting last Tuesday. Trustee Schillig presented information about seeking grants for cemetery restoration and preservation. The MTHS is on board with assisting in writing grants for this purpose.

Trustee John Battershell suggested the township mow the lot on Wade Drive again due to high grass. Trustee Battershell has an injunction from the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office to remove trash/solid waste and is awaiting a quote for a company to supply a bin and workers to clean the lot. The trustees agreed to have the Road Department mow the property. Ferrett reported that expenditures from the 2024 cleanup of that property have been added to the tax duplicate.

The trustees approved a motion to pay bills totaling $51,604.95.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Marlboro Township Hall.