By MELISSA FRANCIS - For the Star Beacon
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Gregory Williams was sworn in April 14 as Madison Township's 17th full-time police officer.
The Lake County resident has part-time experience with the Willowick and Grand River police departments.
"At a time when communities are losing police officers, Madison is able to retain and hire," said Police Chief Leonard DelCalzo. "I want to thank the taxpayers for their support. Because of it, we are able to replace an officer."
During other township meeting business April 14, Madison Township trustees were updated on Lake County Utilities Department infrastructure projects being planned. Among the projects are the second phase of the Hubbard Road waterline from Chapel Road to Lake Road, work on Shore Acre Drive, Dundee, Glasgow and Kelso, and an expansion of the wastewater plant on Cashen Road.
Trustees declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Robert W. Caswell was honored by resolution for his Eagle Scout Award.
"It's always good to see the number of Madison residents that attain the rank of Eagle Scout," said Trustee Bill Brotzman. "It's a reflection of the quality of families that live here in Madison."
Deputy Fiscal Officer Terry Gerred-Ditchcreek was awarded full compensation.
A driveway easement was permitted between Madison Township and a Chapel Road resident.
The police department adjusted their compensatory time from 60 hours to 70 hours.
Bonds of $220,000 each were approved for Gerred-Ditchcreek and Assistant Fiscal Officer Carmen Zielinski.
A zoning hearing is set for 7:15 p.m. April 28. A text amendment concerning lot size in zoning section 125 is the purpose.
Three seasonal part-time laborers were hired for the road and service department. George Geis Jr. at a rate of $11/hour, May 4 to Oct. 2, Marvin Christian at a rate of $15/hour from May 4 to Dec. 31, and Ira Holbrook at a rate of $15/hour from May 4 to Dec. 31. Insurance is not provided.
Christian and Holbrook will be working on the stormwater ditch-cleaning project, which is in its third year, said Administrator Larry Advey. Residents requesting ditch-cleaning should call the township office at 428-5128, he said.
Mobile VHF radios and antennas kits plus installation, were approved for purchase from Hamercheck Communications at a cost of $3,118.80.
Trustees agreed to purchase about 50 tons of infield mix from RW Sidley for the Madison Township Park ball field at a cost of $1,000.
Advey reported that The Lake County Port Authority applied for a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grant for Stanton Park and Madison Township Park.
The county-wide grant including communities such as Eastlake, Mentor-on-the-Lake, and Perry Township, has a total ask of $18.8 million. A reply is expected in May.
"They are fairly optimistic that something is going to happen here," Advey said.
The next regular meeting of township trustees is set for 7:30 p.m. April 28.
