Temporary worker handles duties after death of clerk

By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township trustees say things are running smoothly at the township offices despite problems caused by the sudden death of Clerk Shirley Casity in October. At Wednesday's meeting, Trustees Shirley Heck and Reed Metzka thanked temporary clerk Lisa Hankinson for getting out the payroll and helping with the difficult transition. Trustee Lee Kohler did not attend the meeting.
Hankinson, a township resident, has a bachelor's degree in finance and is employed by Jeffrey J. Chahine CPA Inc., Youngstown.
She was named by trustees last month as temporary clerk until the newly elected clerk, Patty Gibson, is certified by the board of elections.
Gibson, who ordinarily would not take office until April, will assume the position early because of the circumstances. A moment of silence in memory of Casity was observed at the meeting. The November issue of the township newsletter was also dedicated to her. Metzka, meanwhile, asked that as many township residents as possible try to attend the meeting of the Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District policy board set for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the district offices on Westchester Drive, Austintown.
Metzka said he would like them to show support for Dr. Joe Edwards, a township resident, to be named to the board. He said that the township needs representation on the board because the district receives a large amount of its operating revenue from tipping fees levied at a township landfill.
Trustees and Police Chief Matthew Mohn also thanked the public for passage of the five-year renewal of the 2-mill police levy.