Efforts to construct a multiuse walkway over I-475 on Airport Highway led the Springfield Township trustees to discuss future plans for the busy thoroughfare.
At the September 20 meeting, administrator Mike Hampton said the Ohio Department of Transportation is committed to a side path over the interstate that will be wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and be handicap accessible.
ODOT is in the preliminary stages of a study, Mr. Hampton explained, noting officials are considering a divergent diamond intersection similar to one on State Route 25 over I-475 in Perrysburg.
In a September 28 correspondence to the Journal, Dave Gedeon, vice president of transportation for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, confirmed that ODOT is in the early stages of a feasibility study.
“There are no plans, conceptual drawings or defined project alternatives at this point. The only money currently available is for the study,” he said, adding, “There is no committed funding for construction of any kind. This study will help inform the discussion of what a potential future project would look like.”
The trustees would like to build a walkway in the near future for residents who cross the highway on a regular basis for work or other business. Public transportation is not an option since the township is not a member of TARTA.
Trustee Bob Bethel, who sits on the joint economic development zone board, discussed another nearby road that parallels Airport Highway on the west side of I-475. The trustees would like to open the access road behind McDonald’s and IHOP, but the former has an issue with the road configuration.
McDonald’s is concerned with the layout since it requires employees to cross the road to access the restaurant’s dumpster. “That’s a valid concern,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Announced county jurisdictions that are part of the 911 regional dispatch system have agreed to pass a six month budget for 2022, but made it clear to county officials that they won’t extend funding beyond that time if a better funding option is not adopted.
Trustee Andy Glenn said officials from 12 jurisdictions turned out for the technical advisory committee meeting of the 911 regional council of governments to express their concerns.
Mr. Glenn believes these communities “have a very good plan with an alternate funding source” and would like the county to consider alternate funding options “so smaller communities are not forced to write a check they can’t afford.”
•Approved the purchase of a loader from Murphy Tractor Equipment for $163,499. It will replace a 2004 loader that is reaching the end of its useful life with the motor failing.
•Received an update on Lucas County sheriff’s department activity in the township from Lieutenant John Leach. “We have been doing traffic enforcement recently, especially at elementary schools,” he said, noting they also have been monitoring roundabouts which some drivers treat “like the autobahn.”
The lieutenant said the department continues to investigate a rash of catalytic converter thefts from cars. He pointed out the thieves are everywhere throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan as well. “We are following up on thefts and have some leads,” he said. The department also is beefing up patrols. “We are definitely out there.”
•Approved the temporary employment of six workers for eight weeks through Express Employment at a cost not to exceed $32,000. They will assist with leaf collection for eight weeks beginning October 25.
•Authorized the fiscal officer to seek an advance of taxes as they are collected in 2022.
•Heard from Andy Hohlbein, director of public services, that the slide at Carmella Park broke and cannot be replaced since the manufacturer is no longer in business. The department will remove the slide.
Public services also completed the second and final round of roadside mowing for the season and cleared downed trees and limbs from a recent storm.
•Received an update on the September Dumpster Day event. Mr. Hohlbein said 10 40-yard units and one 30-yard capacity were filled. “It was a little slow which is typical at this time of year,” he added.
•Paid bills from September 8 to 21 totaling $26,270 and electronic payments from September 3 to 16 of $631,887 which includes two biweekly payrolls of $43,892 and $260,046.
–Jane Maiolo
