When Sharon Township Trustees met March 14, trustee Ray Lurtz reminded that work is expected to begin within the next few months on the township’s 42-acre portion of a 178-acre parcel of park land. The remaining 136-acre tract was purchased by The Medina County Park District through a grant from the Clean Ohio Fund, which limits the uses to walking trails, picnic and fishing areas. The land is located in an undeveloped area between Ridge and State Roads and extends south to the township maintenance property. Sharon’s portion lies across from Sharon Community Park.
He said the township has enough acceptable land available to build soccer and football fields, but needs space for two baseball fields, as wetlands cannot be used for any type of construction. However wetlands can be used for walking trails, and fishing areas.
Problem arises in land swap
Lurtz said since the county has ample “high ground,” when Tom James, Park District director, suggested a switch of use of 20 acres of township property considered non-buildable wetlands for 20-acres of land on which athletic fields can be constructed; it seemed like a win/win situation.
However, the idea was nixed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources because the grant under which the land was purchased by the park district prohibits any aggressive activity, such as sports. Therefore, the township must get a correct appraisal of both parcels and pay the difference to the park district, as the “high ground is considered more valuable than wetlands.”
As originally planned, the county park district will place walking trails the entire perimeter of the park, in addition to trails throughout, thereby utilizing the wetlands.
Columbarium
Before proceeding with final plans to place a columbarium to hold urns of cremated remains in the new section of Sharon Cemetery adjacent to and north of the maintenances building, trustees agreed to ask the county prosecutor at what price an item or service must be bid. The columbarium being considered is four feet high and 27 feet in diameter and holds 150 urns. The cost is $21,125 plus $4,000 to construct on a concrete pad provided by the township.
News from the fire department
Assistant Fire Chief Mike Stance announced that Angela Potter, Fire and Life Safety Educator for the past five years at Sharon and Granger elementary schools, Northside Christian Academy and Windfall School, is resigning to accept a position in the state fire marshal’s office. Potter and her certified therapy dog, Ahrens, are well-known throughout the area. Potter is a 19-year veteran of emergency services, a member of the Granger Fire Department and a dispatcher for Bath Police and Fire.
Trustees approved repairs on fire engine number 131-1 up to $9,870.27. They also agreed to purchase blinds for the 10 windows at the new addition of the fire station for $1,200 from My Office Products of Akron. They put the proposed furniture purchase of $16,000 for two offices and a conference room on hold for further discussion with the fire chief.
Stanec said the semi-annual fish fry, sponsored by the Sharon Firefighters’ Association, will take place April 29, from noon to 6 p.m. at the town hall.
In other news
• Trustees said the post office floor and part of the roof need repairs. They will contact the government leasing agency, which has asked to be involved, and also review the contract to determine who is responsible for what.
• Trustee Kim Miller said she recently attended a Health Department Advisory Council meeting, comprised of one member from each township and city in Medina County, whose responsibility is to educate local government of the progress and status of the health department. Miller, who is this year’s president, said the health department offers a myriad of services to county residents and urged the community to utilize those services.
• Diane Citino, one of the organizers of the huge community Easter party, said donations of small, soft, wrapped candy are needed immediately, and may be dropped off at the fire station through March 30. Volunteers are also needed to stuff 15,000 eggs April 1 at the township administration building. Come anytime after 8 a.m. and leave when you wish.
