Montville trustees discuss road costs, fiber installation concerns, EMS expenses

Montville Township trustees discussed rising infrastructure costs, ongoing concerns with fiber-optic installation projects and emergency medical service expenses during their May 26 meeting.

One of the most significant discussions centered on township road maintenance and future development.

Resident Bill Hanigan asked trustees whether new housing developments should be encouraged to use private roads rather than public roads in an effort to reduce future maintenance obligations for the township. Planning and Zoning Director Paul Jeffers explained that developers may choose either option, depending on site conditions and financial considerations, but public roads require additional right-of-way and roadway width. He noted that private roads shift future maintenance responsibilities to homeowners associations and property owners.

Service Director Chris Kosman reported that the township's annual paving program has been completed unusually early this year and that curb work in Montville Lakes also has been finished. Trustees later approved a payment of $307,663.50 to Perrin Asphalt for completed road repair work.

Kosman also raised concerns about the township's aging roadside mower, which recently required additional repairs after being used under a shared agreement with York Township. He said the mower is approximately 20 years old and replacement costs are estimated between $260,000 and $300,000. Trustees discussed possible partnerships with neighboring townships to help offset future equipment costs.

Another major topic involved ongoing complaints related to fiber-optic installation projects throughout the township.

Trustee Mary Albrecht reported receiving numerous complaints from residents regarding property damage and restoration issues associated with fiber installation. She encouraged residents to document the condition of their properties before work begins. Trustees also discussed a letter sent to Medina County commissioners requesting that no additional fiber installation permits be issued until concerns can be addressed. Township officials plan to share guidance with residents through the township website and homeowners associations.

Trustees also addressed several park-related matters. Jeffers reported that no bids were received for the Cobblestone Park lacrosse field drainage project before a deadline tied to an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant. Trustees approved an amendment that will provide an additional year to secure bids and complete the project.

Police Chief Neil reported that the department will auction surplus Law Enforcement Support Office equipment through GovDeals or eBay. Trustees also approved transferring retired WatchGuard body cameras and related equipment to the Brunswick Police Department to help that agency replace failing equipment.

Emergency medical service costs and ambulance transport policies generated additional discussion.

Neil reported that township officials continue working with Champion Creek, the provider of local life support transport services, regarding ambulance billing practices and non-emergency transports. Officials expressed concern about situations in which 911 services may be used for non-emergency transportation needs. Discussions are ongoing among township officials, Champion Creek representatives and legal counsel regarding potential changes before the current contract expires at the end of the year.

Trustees approved a payment of $23,790.86 to Medina Hospital for April life support transport services. Neil also reported that Montville Township recorded 164 transport runs and 50 non-transport runs during the first quarter of 2026. The township accounted for approximately 14.4% of the regional program's total call volume during that period.

Other actions included appointing Trustee Mark Brandon and Fiscal Officer Elaine Pawlowski to represent the township in upcoming union contract negotiations and approving bills totaling $357,894.30. Trustees adjourned the meeting at 3:40 p.m.