In preparation for a dedicated police force in Springfield Township, the trustees approved two agreements at the November 21 meeting.
The first is an agreement with the Lucas County sheriff’s office to provide police protection services. The contract calls for the sheriff’s department to provide a full range of police protection services.
They also approved the establishment of a police advisory board and appointment of members. The purpose of the advisory board is to provide a voice for community interests in policing services.
Appointed to five-year terms are Robert Ampthor, Lorrie Weekley, Doug Martin, David Brunn, Jon Houser and Oatis Amick.
Fire Dept. Contract
The trustees approved an agreement with 41 members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 3544. The three-year contract begins January 1, 2023 and runs through December 31, 2025.
Terms of the agreement call for the following increases based on position: basic EMT/firefighter, 3 percent each year; paramedic/firefighter, 6 percent in 2023 followed by 3 percent increases in 2024 and 2025; lieutenant, 6 percent, 5 percent and 3 percent, and captain, 6 percent, 5 percent and 3 percent.
“The disparities are intended to create some separation between ranks to encourage people to desire advancement,” explained Fire Chief Barry Cousino. “Previously, people didn’t see the incentive to take on additional responsibilities.”
Other changes to the contract include an increase in sick time calculation to .0575 hours for every hour worked to put them in line with all other township employees; an article that prohibits employees from working over 48 hours straight without authorization, and that all overtime will be paid at 1.5 hourly rate and forced overtime will be paid at two times the hourly rate.
Sheriff’s Report
Lieutenant John Leach of the Lucas County sheriff’s office presented his monthly report.
With the onset of winter weather, he reminds residents to use caution on roads, which can become icy in a matter of minutes in bad weather.
He advises motorists to slow down and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. “We want everyone to have a safe holiday,” he added.
Lt. Leach noted extra patrols have been instituted through the end of the year in the joint economic development zone, which runs along Airport Highway from Holland Sylvania to Holloway roads. The department also is utilizing a command vehicle with a camera mounted on it to deter theft during the busy holiday shopping season.
Trustee Andy Glenn thanked the sheriff’s office for the extra patrols. “You are already off to a great start,” he said.
Regarding formation of the new township police force, the lieutenant said everything is on track and the department expects to have the township squad cars ready on January 1.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Renewed the annual membership with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments for $9,797. They also renewed membership for 2023 with the Coalition of Large Ohio Urban Townships for $200.
•Reviewed the public services report for November. Andy Hohlbein, director of public services, said that during November Dumpster Days, the township filled eight, 40-yard and a 30-yard dumpster.
He noted the ODOT brine contract has been signed at a cost of 65 cents per gallon and provided an update on the leaf collection. “After three weeks, we have collected 1,740 tons. Last year, after three weeks, we had only picked up 328 tons.”
Mr. Hohlbein also informed the trustees that the 2023 pond treatment contract has been signed at a cost of $5,000.
•Hired John Thomas as a serviceman in public services.
•Approved the payment of bills from November 11 to 21 totaling, $277,222, which includes the first payment to the 911 regional council of governments of $249, 206.
They also approved electronic payments from November 4 to 17 of $278,594, which includes the biweekly payroll of $240,996.
The next trustees meeting is at 5 p.m., Monday, December 5, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. The meeting also may be viewed livestream at springfieldtown ship.net.
