Trustees adopt ban on guns in buildings

A trustee says police should take charge of any weapons discovered at accident scenes.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township trustees adopted a county policy prohibiting weapons in public buildings, even concealed weapons carried by people with permits.
The action is in response to a new state law allowing qualified residents to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons. It is illegal for anyone except authorized officials, such as police, to bring weapons into public buildings such as governmental offices, police and fire stations.
Signs announcing the policy have been posted at all township buildings.
There was also discussion about what emergency medical services volunteers should do if they discover a concealed weapon while examining a patient, for example after an auto accident.
Police Chief Brian Hughes said a county policy is still being worked out. He said he would like to purchase lockboxes for the ambulances so that any such weapon could be secured and then turned over to hospital security.
Another idea
Trustee Jim Holleran pointed out that a police officer would be at an accident scene or ambulance call and should take charge of any weapons discovered.
Trustees also awarded the lowest of four bidders a paving contract.
The Shelly Co., Twinsburg, bid $48,184 to pave Rapp Road between Middletown and Calla Roads and a section of Metz Road.
Other bids were: Cleveland Asphalt, Hillsville, $48,799; Shelly and Sands Inc., Twinsburg, $52,894; and Butch and McCree Paving, Hillsville, $49,754.
Work is expected to start within a month.
Speed limit study
Trustees asked the county to study lowering the speed limit on South Range Road from Unity to Baird roads. Trustees say the 55 mph limit is too high because firetrucks and ambulances exit the township property onto the road.
Trustees hired Andy Grist of Springfield Township to remodel the road department offices and restroom for $6,500.
They agreed to buy new extrication equipment for the fire department from Howell Rescue Systems, Kettering, for $23,000. The current equipment was purchased in the 1980s.