SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP State panel to give a grant to officials to repair 3 bridges

Work on the bridges will begin as soon as possible, trustees said.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- The Ohio Public Works Commission has agreed to give Springfield Township $23,805 to repair three small bridges washed out in a May 21 storm.
Trustee Shirley Heck said at Wednesday's trustees' meeting that the grant amount will cover 90 percent of the cost. The township will have to provide the remaining $2,645.
The money will be used to hire a contractor to repair a bridge on Harmon Road and two on Beard Road. The work will begin as soon as possible, Heck said. A determining factor in granting the money was loss of emergency-vehicle access, Heck said.
Road Superintendent Richard Kennedy said at Mahoning County's recommendation, the Harmon bridge will be reduced from two lanes to one.
He also said that work is continuing on storm-damaged areas on South Range Road and that repairs on Paulin Road have been completed. He said there were several washouts on alleys in Petersburg and New Springfield, and other minor damage occurred in several areas.
Settling claim
Trustees also agreed to settle a claim by the estate of deceased clerk Shirley Casity against the township for $3,426 in accrued vacation and sick benefits.
Trustee Reed Metzka stipulated that the money be paid only if no further claims are made against the township. They county prosecutor's office recommended the township pay the money.
Trustees also handled these matters:
UHired Jennifer Diamantes as substitute recycling coordinator at $8.13 per hour, with no benefits. More substitute coordinators are needed. Applications can be made at the township administration building.
UMetzka said he wants a letter to be sent to the Ohio Ethics Commission determining whether it was legal for Heck to vote to hire her brother, Walter McKinney, last month as township recycling coordinator. Heck said it is her understanding the only instance where this is prohibited is when the person hired lives under the same roof as the public official voting for the hiring, which is not the case. Trustee Jim Holleran did not second Metzka's motion to send the letter. Metzka said he would seek a determination anyway.
URecognized the 24 members and 17 assistant advisers of Explorers Post 499 for their dedication to the township. The post's youth members, under the leadership of Karen Philibin and Matt Gebhardt, help fill air tanks and serve food to firefighters at fires, as well as undergoing training and riding along on ambulance calls.