PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chairman Parker

ROLL CALL: Trustees Stewart, Parker, & Leber present as well as Fiscal Officer David and Road Superintendent Dunlap

Mr. Parker greeted all the family and family friends of Mr. Stewart and turned the meeting over to Mr. Stewart for a special announcement.  Mr. Stewart announced his intended retirement effective March 1, 2024.  He thanked everyone present for attending the meeting and stated he was pleased to have served the township for 30 years and that he enjoyed the service greatly.

Mr. Parker read a resolution signed by trustees Parker and Leber honoring Mr. Stewart as follows:

___________________________________________________________________

1 February 2024

OXFORD TOWNSHIP

11104 RANSOM RD.

MONROEVILLE, OHIO 44847

RESOLUTION HONORING JAMES W. STEWART, TRUSTEE 

WHEREAS,  James W. Stewart, Oxford Township Trustee has announced his retirement effective March 1, 2024,

WHEREAS, James W. Stewart has honorably and faithfully served the Board of Oxford Township Trustees and the residents of Oxford Township for 30 years, spanning four decades,

WHEREAS, James W. Stewart has worked diligently with other members of the Board of Oxford Township Trustees, past and present, to continuously maintain and improve conditions in the Township with projects such as:

Huber Rd. Stabilization   

Numerous Park Improvements via Grants   

Development of Oxford Slugger Field

Upgrades to Township Hall

Purchase of Kimball Property and Erection of Storage Building

Establishment of Fire Contract with Groton Township

Establishment of Groton Fire Department Station at Oxford Township

Establishment of Road Maintenance Program

Purchase of Numerous Pieces of Equipment to Ensure Best Maintenance Practices for Township Roads and Buildings

WHEREAS, Trustees Michael G. Parker and Scott Leber deeply regret the need for Mr. Stewart to announce retirement,

Following reading of the resolution, Trustees Leber and Parker presented Trustee Stewart with the plaque mentioned in the above resolution.  

After the presentation the official proceeds of the meeting were suspended for refreshments and cake with the attendees present, that not only included family and family friends, but also Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth, County Commissioner Matt Old, Groton Township Fire Chief Kerry Jett with members of the Groton Township Fire Department, former Trustee Tom Weilnau, Fiscal Officer - Elect Pelletier, and retired Road Superintendent Dave Kelley.  Note that the reception was kept small at the request of the family.  The meeting was re-adjourned at approx. 8 p.m. 

Mr. Dunlap reported he had worked with a state official to submit an application for an Ohio EPA grant to build a new salt shed.  If approved, the grant would entirely fund construction of a new salt shed.  

Mr. Dunlap updated trustees on paver maintenance.  Costs for repairs are to be split evenly among Groton, Oxford, and Margaretta Townships.  Tires were found severely cracked on inside side walls and will cost approx. $2750/twp. to replace.  Driveshaft was worn and keyway and keyway severely worn.  The drive shaft will be replaced by reverse engineering and machining by Charles Rogers, Oxford Twp at a fraction of the cost and no long lead time.  The clutch plate was also cracked and will be replaced.  Mr. Stewart moved to approve the repairs and Mr. Leber provided a second and the motion was carried unanimously. It was noted that this is the first time the paver has required repairs since purchase.

Mr. Dunlap and Margaretta personnel had set up a new base for the replacement emergency generator.  It should be installed in the 2nd week of February.

JIM STEWART – nothing to report.

FISCAL OFFICER – no report, the monthly financial statement was handed out.

COMMUNICATIONS –a flyer for Stormwater Regulation Overview virtual class was in the meeting packet.

NEW BUSINESS – Mr. Parker asked if Mr. David had started work on the Fiscal Officer Certificate of Transition required by Ohio Revised Code.  He stated he had started it.

NOTICE TO FILL VACANCY ON BOARD OF OXFORD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

Due to a retirement, effective March 1, 2024 The Oxford Township Board of Trustees, Erie County is required to fill a vacancy within 30 days for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2025 for the position of Trustee.  The Oxford Township Board of Trustees is seeking applications from eligible residents of Oxford Township.  To be eligible, residents must be an elector of the township as defined in Ohio Revised Code thus: Every citizen of the United States who is of the age of eighteen years or over and who has been a resident of the state thirty days immediately preceding the election at which the citizen offers to vote, is a resident of the county and precinct in which the citizen offers to vote, and has been registered to vote for thirty days, has the qualifications of an elector---.  Interested persons should submit resume by mail to Michael G. Parker, Chairman Oxford Township Board of Trustees, 5617 Taylor Rd. Sandusky, Ohio 44870.  Deadline for receipt of resumes is February 22, 2024.  Resumes will be reviewed by Trustees Leber & Parker and select candidates interviewed in February and March.  Appointment of selected candidate will be made at regular session of the Board of Oxford Township Trustees held at 7 PM March 21, 2024. 

To be posted in Sandusky Register February 8,9,10

Finally, a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $12,941.49 was made by Mr. Stewart with a second by Mr. Leber and the motion carried unanimously.

Motion to adjourn by Mr. Stewart, second Mr. Leber.