Document outlines plan for Boardman

By Denise Dick

Gathering public input is one of the elements in developing a strategic plan.

BOARDMAN — Goals in an early framework of a Boardman Township strategic plan include restoring services, establishing a capital improvement plan and phasing out reliance on inheritance tax revenue for operations.

Trustee Larry Moliterno presented the document, which he calls a first step in developing a strategic plan, to fellow trustees, members of a business advisory committee, department heads and union leaders.

“I’ve asked them for input by Friday,” Moliterno said.

After trustees prioritize the issues outlined in his plan, Moliterno wants to go to the community to gather public input.

“We need to go to different groups to present it to the community — church groups, neighborhood groups, civic groups,” he said. “As we continue with the process and take it to the public, we’ll tweak it.”

He described a strategic plan as a living document that evolves as the community and its needs change.

Jim Rosa, who heads the business committee, said Moliterno presented the document to committee members earlier this month and is expected to return to next month’s meeting to provide more information.

“Our committee was favorably impressed with what he’s done,” Rosa said.

A lot of work remains, he said.

The document Moliterno submitted to other township officials lists 32 items to be included in a strategic plan. Hiring up to 10 police officers and six firefighters are short-term goals. The police department is down 12 officers through attrition and nine full-time firefighters were laid off in February because of budget cuts.

If a 2.2-mill police and fire levy on the November ballot passes, township officials have said they plan to recall six firefighters and hire between six and 10 police officers. The levy would generate about $2 million annually.

The document also lists development of a capital improvement plan, establishment of a beautification plan, phasing out of the inheritance tax revenue from the operation budget over a five-year period, developing a marketing plan for the township, and developing more community events to help foster a sense of community pride.

Exploring the pros and cons of incorporation and the feasibility of an in-house ambulance service also are listed.

When trustees proposed the levy last month, business committee members said they wanted more information before deciding whether to endorse it.

Among the items committee members requested were development of a long-term strategic plan for the township, a five-year projection of income and expenses, a comprehensive capital improvement plan and public input.

Rosa said the committee hasn’t made a decision about a levy endorsement, but he described Moliterno’s document as a “healthy first step.”

He said it’s important for township officials and employees to work together.

“I think the need for unified leadership and cooperation is paramount, and we can always do better,” Rosa said.

After trustees have prioritized the items, they will identify a lead individual for each task and subcommittees will be formed. The subcommittees will establish deadlines for tasks.

Moliterno envisions an annual review of the plan to include a re-establishment of priorities and a report to the public of township successes.

Jason Loree, township administrator, said the township already is working on some of the items. He developed a format for departments to use in evaluating township infrastructure and expects those evaluations to be completed at the end of September.

“We’re on track,” he said.

SEE ALSO:Boardman Township Plan.