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Boardman trustees OK hiring police dog
By Ashley Luthern
Boardman
The Boardman Police Department continues to grow as township trustees approved hiring and training a new, four-legged member of the force.
The trustees agreed Monday night to take $11,000 out of the Law Enforcement Trust Fund to pay for a new police dog from Shallow Creek Kennels Inc. in Sharpsville, Pa. The $11,000 will be paid back to the trust with funds from a private donation drive that is under way, said William Leight, township fiscal officer.
About $5,000 has already been collected, Leight said. He added that donations can be dropped off at the Township Administration and Police Department building, 8299 Market St.
The new police dog is expected to be on active duty in October and replaces Officer Robby, a police dog who retired April 21 after eight years of service. His handler, Officer Brian Cionni, paid the township $1 to keep Robby as a pet. Cionni will work with the new dog, too, said Chief Jack Nichols.
Trustees also entered into a 10-year agreement with the Ohio Edison Co. for eight streetlights to be placed on Forest Park Drive.
“We’re definitely for it,” said a chorus of 13 homeowners from the street. None of the residents who attended the trustee meeting voiced opposition to the project.
Forest Park residents will be taxed $5.81 for the first year and $16.08 for the next nine years. The lights will be in place in three to six weeks, said George Platton, assistant to the fiscal officer.
The township road department is partnering with the Mahoning County Green Team for an electronics collection from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 21, said Larry Wilson, road superintendent.
Residents can bring computers, televisions and other electronics to the department office at 8299 Market St., and there will be drop-off fees, ranging from $5 to $25, depending on the size and type of electronic, he said.