Fire contract with city approved 2-1
Mayor Hanwell says forming a district will take ‘extensive’ time
Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell (right) hands information to the Medina Township Board of Trustees explaining collaborative efforts he’s had during his time as mayor. Hanwell also answered questions specifically from trustees before they voted 2-1 for Medina City to take over Medina Township fire service. Photo by LAUREN KOKETKO
MEDINA TOWNSHIP – Trustees approved resolution No. 07132017-010 with a 2-1 vote to enter into a fire service contract with the city of Medina on July 13.
Trustee Chairman Bill Ostmann made the motion, which was seconded by trustee and fire commissioner Ray Jarrett. Ostmann and Jarrett voted for the contract with trustee Ken DeMichael voting no.
Before the vote, Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell answered questions specifically from the three trustees. DeMichael noted concern with ambiguous language in the contract as well as wanting details spelled out more clearly. He stated a committee would be helpful in gathering more answers and information, and said the ultimate goal is proper coverage.
“I appreciate and trust Mayor Hanwell and what he has done and what I trust he will do,” DeMichael said. “My issue is that, you know, none of us are guaranteed to be here tomorrow so I would like things spelled out more clearly.”
Residents were allowed to speak briefly after Hanwell, with most voices against the contract and the combining of city and township fire services.
Ostmann asked Hanwell if he would be open to a memorandum of understanding to tweak the contract after approval, to which the mayor said he would be open to doing so.
In regard to the 2-mill fire levy in the township, Ostmann said he’s looked into it and plans to roll that tax back. He said ideally at least three quarters of it can removed and he will then wait for the city’s assessment of cost to determine what to do with the remaining funds.
He said at the next meeting he plans to bring up additional information.
The next meeting of the Medina Township trustees is Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
Inflatable lawsuit
Also at the July 13 meeting, Zoning Inspector Elaine Ridgley told trustees the zoning office is needing to move forward with action regarding the large inflatable that sits on top of the Bill Doraty Kia building on state Route 18.
Ostmann made a motion that a lawsuit be filed on behalf of the trustees against Bill Doraty Kia for violating Medina Township’s inflatable zoning regulations. Ostmann and Jarrett voted for the motion, with DeMichael voting no.
Trustee Chairman Bill Ostmann made the motion, which was seconded by trustee and fire commissioner Ray Jarrett. Ostmann and Jarrett voted for the contract with trustee Ken DeMichael voting no.
Before the vote, Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell answered questions specifically from the three trustees. DeMichael noted concern with ambiguous language in the contract as well as wanting details spelled out more clearly. He stated a committee would be helpful in gathering more answers and information, and said the ultimate goal is proper coverage.
“I appreciate and trust Mayor Hanwell and what he has done and what I trust he will do,” DeMichael said. “My issue is that, you know, none of us are guaranteed to be here tomorrow so I would like things spelled out more clearly.”
Residents were allowed to speak briefly after Hanwell, with most voices against the contract and the combining of city and township fire services.
Ostmann asked Hanwell if he would be open to a memorandum of understanding to tweak the contract after approval, to which the mayor said he would be open to doing so.
In regard to the 2-mill fire levy in the township, Ostmann said he’s looked into it and plans to roll that tax back. He said ideally at least three quarters of it can removed and he will then wait for the city’s assessment of cost to determine what to do with the remaining funds.
He said at the next meeting he plans to bring up additional information.
The next meeting of the Medina Township trustees is Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
Inflatable lawsuit
Also at the July 13 meeting, Zoning Inspector Elaine Ridgley told trustees the zoning office is needing to move forward with action regarding the large inflatable that sits on top of the Bill Doraty Kia building on state Route 18.
Ostmann made a motion that a lawsuit be filed on behalf of the trustees against Bill Doraty Kia for violating Medina Township’s inflatable zoning regulations. Ostmann and Jarrett voted for the motion, with DeMichael voting no.