The board opted for a 0.75-mill levy for current expenses rather than a 1-mill levy for the November ballot.

Tuesday meeting

KEY ACTION Reduced the rate to 0.75-mills for a five year levy for current expenses being proposed for the November ballot.

DISCUSSION A 1-mill levy was originally being considered, however, trustees now believe a 0.75-mill levy would be sufficient to meet the township’s current needs. The reduced levy would generate $80,250 annually for the township and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $26.25 annually, a savings of $8.75 from the levy that was previously being considered. Fiscal Officer Jody Matics will submit the necessary documents to have the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office prepare a new resolution and ballot language based on the lower rate.

OTHER BUSINESS

● Made a motion to reallocate money in the general fund to cover the cost of demolishing the former residence at 6011 Kemary Ave. SW. A total of $4,000 was reallocated, including $1,500 that was designated for building repairs and maintenance, $1,500 for other building expenses, and $1,000 for park-related expenses. The township is required to cover the entire cost of the project but will receive a grant for half the amount from Stark County Regional Planning.

● Highway Superintendent Mike Strubel reported the street department is in the process of patching up the township roads, beginning with the roads that are in the worst condition. The crew has also started mowing the township cemeteries.

● Learned that TNT Disposal & Demolition of Navarre has filed the required 10-day notice with the Ohio EPA and intends to begin demolishing a structure at 6011 Kemary Ave. SW on May 14.

● Zoning Inspector Ed Cochran informed trustees of a potential issue that may need to be addressed in the township’s zoning resolution, as the current resolution does not require a space buffer between the driveway of a new development and the adjacent property. The issue has come up on several occasions, and Cochran suggested establishing some guidelines to eliminate any confusion. He will reach out to the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office for guidance.

● Learned that the Navarre-Bethlehem Park Board has decided not to pursue a grant opportunity that would cover 75 percent of the cost of purchasing new playground equipment for the park. The deadline to apply for the grant is June 1, and the township and village do not currently have the funds available to cover the local share of the project. The grant will be offered again next year, and the board is hoping to raise $25,000 over the next year and apply for a $75,000 grant at that time.

● Trustee Jim Urbach reported that the community cleanup day at Navarre-Bethlehem Park was a success and thanked the many volunteers who showed up to help beautify the park for the summer.

FOR YOUR INFO

● Due to scheduling conflicts, the May 8 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals is being rescheduled for a later date yet to be determined.

● The fourth annual Navarre-Bethlehem Park Memorial Golf Outing has been scheduled for May 26 at Elms Country Club in Lawrence Township. Details are still being finalized. Proceeds will be used to fund park improvements.

UP NEXT Meets at 7:30 p.m. May 15 in the township garage, 8600 Blough Ave. SW.

STACEY CARMANY