Following an executive session at the July 2 meeting, the Springfield Township trustees voted to accept the retirement resignation of Fire Chief Barry Cousino, effective June 21.
His resignation brings to a close a chapter that began in January when two firefighter/ EMTs wrongfully declared an overdose victim as deceased.
In April, William Fordyce and Aiden Yoon were terminated for their actions, and in May, former assistant fire chief David Moore–who was in charge when the incident occurred, and has been on administrative leave since then–was demoted.
Chief Cousino, who was on vacation when the incident occurred, also had been on administrative leave.
In his letter to the trustees, the chief was brief, writing, “This letter serves as my formal notice of resignation and retirement from employment with Springfield Township as fire chief effective at the close of township business Friday, June 21.”
According to the former chief’s LinkedIn site, he served the township fire department for more than 28 years and was named fire chief in 2005.
A graduate of Whitmer High School, he received his paramedic certification from the Medical College of Ohio in 1988.
Since being placed on leave, Cousino’s post has been filled by Acting Chief Jonathan Ziehr and the assistant chief post is held by Andrew Sauder.
Zoning
A request to rezone 17.8 acres at 8020 Hill Avenue from RA-4 rural residential to R-A suburban residential was approved by the trustees.
Thomas Schlachter submitted the request and is seeking to construct 52 single- family residences at the site.
“It’s consistent with the surrounding area,” explained Jacob Barnes, planning director, adding, “We do not anticipate any negative impact to the surrounding property.”
Barnes also pointed out that both the township zoning commission and Toledo Lucas County Plan Commission recommended approval of the change.
Don Feller of Feller Finch and Associates said other subdivisions in the area are zoned similarly and the proposal complies with the land use plan for the area.
The trustees also approved a text amendment adding an economic development to the supplemental regulations.
The development district will be called a joint economic development district, and the intent is to create tax revenue for the township when new commercial or industrial businesses develop vacant land or reutilize existing sites.
“It’s a way to increase our revenues without going to taxpayers,” said trustee Andy Glenn.
“It’s a great benefit to the township,” added trustee Rachel Geiger.
In other zoning matters, Barnes presented the trustees with the zoning permit report for June. The department issued 35 permits and collected $2,640.
“It was a very busy month,” he said, adding that they processed four permits for new dwellings.
Permits also were issued for fencing, 12; signs, six; decks, three; temporary building and commercial remodel, two apiece, and new commercial, commercial variance, accessory structure, remodel, garage and pool, one each.
Barnes said the department continues to work on complaints and violations, particularly of vegetation. “Good progress is being made,” he added.
His report concluded with a request to investigate zoning for accessory dwelling units such as inlaw suites.
While Barnes does not expect to encounter many in the township, he believes there could be spots for them “as long as the right safe guards are in place.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Glenn responded.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Reviewed a letter sent by the Lucas County prosecutor’s office to Baymont hotel at 1214 Corporate Drive.
The prosecutor noted a number of issues including failure to maintain the property grounds and building and criminal activity including assaults, theft, drug activity, drug trafficking and criminal damage.
If the issues are not addressed or the activity ceased, the prosecutor will declare the property a public nuisance and take legal action to order that the property “be padlocked for one year and its contents sold.”
•Requested engineering assistance from the Lucas County engineer’s office for the 2026 Ohio Public Works Commission funding application process.
•Paid bills from June 19 to July 2 totaling $50,565, and electronic payments from June 14 to 28 of $357,884. This includes the township biweekly payroll of $275,032.
The next trustee meeting will be at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
