Marlboro Trustees approve mower purchase, review road projects

Road Superintendent Rick Bergert reported that he and others had visited Randolph, Rootstown and Nimishillen townships to review tractors and mowers available for purchase, including a MowerMax. Trustee John Battershell noted the MowerMax Boom Mower’s features, including the ability to mow in front, which would take up less road space. He also recommended adding the Quick Attach feature for $14,000, which accommodates 30 attachments such as a road broom, snow blower and snowplow. Trustee Wayne Schillig was also impressed with the MowerMax. Bergert said the Ohio Department of Transportation Coop program ends in October, when prices will increase by 5%. The trustees approved three motions: to rescind a July 21 motion to purchase a tractor/mower unit not to exceed $209,000; to purchase a MowerMax Boom Mower with Quick Attach for $250,434.25; and to approve a third supplemental appropriation from the Gasoline Tax Fund for $250,434.25 to cover the cost.

At the July 21 meeting, Bergert had recommended accepting the 2025 Paving/Roadway Improvement Project bid from Northstar Asphalt, which submitted the lowest bid and had the necessary equipment. The trustees approved the bid for Immel Avenue at $213,934 and Osborne Avenue at $184,896, totaling $398,830.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported that John Ney from Regor Energy in Jackson Township had called regarding electric aggregation. Ney works with the Village of Hartville and can provide a nonprofit supplier with grants separate from the supplier rate. Ferrett forwarded the information to Schillig. Ferrett also reminded trustees and department heads that the 2026 alternative tax budget is due Aug. 20, requesting input on pay increases and capital purchases. The cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is estimated at 2.6%. A work session was set for Aug. 11 to get input from the road and police department heads.

The trustees approved adopting the Ohio Public Employees Deferred Compensation Program, a voluntary, state-sponsored supplementary retirement plan for eligible employees in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. Two employees expressed interest, and the fiscal officer was named the responsible official to execute the adoption agreement.

The Marlboro Township Fire Department reported 45 runs in July: 27 EMS transports, five EMS refusals, five tree/wire calls, five fires, three motor vehicle accidents, two EMS mutual aid from Hartville, two EMS mutual aid given, one search and one citizen complaint about a noisy oil well.

Bergert said he discussed with the Ohio Department of Transportation the possibility of installing a guardrail in front of the pool along State Route 619 at Cutty’s Sunset Campground. ODOT officials said a trustee must request a site study but noted the pool might be too far from the road to warrant a guardrail.

Battershell reported that Trustee Ken Eddleman had been contacted by the Veterans Service Commission to host a giving tree with 25 tags at Township Hall again this year, and the trustees agreed.

The trustees approved paying bills totaling $62,401.17. The next regular meeting, normally scheduled for Sept. 1, will be moved due to Labor Day.