Township officials recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Every Austintown Township official wore an article of pink clothing during Monday’s meeting in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We should all have examinations – men and women,” Trustee Ken Carano said. He said his wife, Linda Carano, was lucky enough to have a test done that found something in a very early stage of cancer and have it treated.

In other business, the township zoning department reported 35 new construction permits, grossing about $800,000.

During public remarks, Trustee Jim Davis said there has been an uptick of burning leaves and garbage in the township. Burning leaves or garbage is illegal in the township, and fires must be 3 feet in diameter or under.

Davis said recent garbage burns have attracted rats to area neighborhoods, and he advises residents to stop.

Trustees motioned to transfer $25,000 from the township’s general fund for the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. The task force is a county-run program, led by Detective Jeff Solic of Austintown police, focused on drug- and alcohol-related crimes. The township does bookkeeping for the force.

They also moved $35,000 to the township’s communications sector. Trustee Rick Stauffer said the funds will be used for general expenses in the fire and police radio work conducted by the township.

Trustees agreed to demolish two homes within the township at zoning’s recommendation: 499 Ohltown Road and 5305 East County Line Road.