Trustees review road bids, discuss spring cleanup

At the Marlboro Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 13, Trustee Wayne Schillig opened the 2026 road materials bids.

Submissions were received from East Fairfield Stone Co. of North Lima for various stone, Tuscoat of New Philadelphia for crack seal work, Carroll Asphalt & Sales of Carrollton for liquid asphalt (AE90G and CRS-2), Shelly Materials of Twinsburg for asphalt and various limestone and gravel, and Melway Paving Company of Holmesville for chip seal at approximately $20,883 per mile using No. 8 slag. Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett noted the bid deadline was April 10 at 4 p.m. The trustees approved a motion to table the bids until Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell can review them and make recommendations at the next meeting.

Battershell thanked everyone who helped with the township’s spring cleanup, including the Fire Department, trustees, Braylon Battershell and Case Battershell. He also thanked the Marlboro Women’s Club for providing lunch. The cleanup was a success, with two more trash dumpsters and one more metal scrap dumpster filled than last year. Trustee John Battershell also thanked A.J. and Tristan for organizing the event and recognized Fire Department members who volunteered their time. He suggested revising requirements for next year, including no longer accepting yard waste due to the difficulty of unloading it and the space it takes in dumpsters. Trustees also thanked the Marlboro Women’s Club and Anne Eddleman for providing food and cookies.

In other road department business, Battershell reported the township received a new plate compactor and has been gathering specifications and pricing for a new truck, with quotes expected from Kenworth of Richfield and Young Truck Sales. He also contacted the county regarding paving at the square in the Village of Marlboro and was told the township is responsible for raising manholes, with the county covering half the cost of risers. Labor and additional paving costs will be the township’s responsibility, and Battershell estimated six to seven risers will be needed.

Ferrett reported that the 2026 Ohio Public Employees Retirement System annual conversion plan resolution approved March 30 has been accepted, confirming that payments for converted leave are considered earnable salary. She is drafting a road levy resolution of necessity and preparing materials for the upcoming 2024-25 audit. Salary estimates for fiscal year 2027 are due May 1 for continued participation in the Operating Vehicle Impaired Task Force grant, and trustees authorized using a 5% increase estimate for planning purposes.

The Marlboro Fire Department reported 32 EMS transports, 21 EMS refusals, six motor vehicle accidents, one fire, 10 incidents involving downed trees or wires, one canceled call, one police assist, one dive team response, two alarms, five open burns, one mutual assistance call and one public assist during March.

Police Chief Ron Devies reported 155 calls in March, including three criminal arrests and six traffic citations for excessive speed. Officers patrolled 9,708 miles and used 549.9 gallons of fuel. Devies noted increases in drunk driving arrests, overall calls and the severity of incidents.

A fire department inspection of township offices found several emergency lights and exit signs not working. Devies noted the township has a backup generator. Trustee Battershell offered to replace batteries or fixtures. Another issue involved insufficient clearance in front of electrical panels, which must meet the minimum 30-inch requirement.

The police department plans to attend a job fair at Stark State College with Officer Martincic and Cadet Spangenberg to recruit additional personnel.

Trustees also noted that Cutty’s Sunset Cruise-In car show raised funds for local departments, with the police department receiving a $1,800 donation for the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

The trustees approved payment of bills totaling $25,895.14. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Township Hall.