At the September 6 meeting, the Springfield Township trustees recognized retiring fire department Captain Robert Wepler for more than 37 years of service to township residents.
Fire Chief Barry Cousino said Captain Wepler’s career began in January 1985 when he joined the fire department. He was promoted to engineer in 1989 and captain in 1992. In 2005, he was hired full time.
“Through his different roles and responsibilities, Captain Wepler has been instrumental in the protection of our community and personally responsible for saving countless lives,” Chief Cousino said.
The chief added, “He has served our community very well, and we want to thank his family for allowing him to serve.”
“I’m really honored and want to thank the trustees for giving me the opportunity to do this job,” Captain Wepler said.
“It’s been a pleasure to have you,” replied Trustee Bob Bethel, who at one time worked in the fire department alongside the captain. “You have done a lot for Springfield Township.”
Zoning Report
Planning director Jacob Barnes provided an overview of activity in August. The department issued 36 permits and collected fees of $3,020.
“It was a particularly busy August,” Mr. Barnes said.
Issued last month were permits for signs, seven; accessory structures, five; new dwellings and fencing, four apiece; decks, three; temporary buildings and pools, two each, and shed, new occupant, commercial remodel, new commercial and zoning compliance letter, one apiece.
The planning director said numerous violations were investigated, adding that “parking issues continue to be addressed with help from the department of public services.”
Mr. Barnes also noted that last month he facilitated the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments summer caucus. “We had a great turnout. Townships were well represented.”
In other business, the trustees paid bills from August 16 to September 6 of $180,415 which included an Ohio Public Works Commission second payment of $107,378 and $28,560 to Buck Pavement Restoration for crack sealing work.
They also approved electronic payments from August 12 to September 1 of $544,229, including two payrolls of $244,258 and $246,413.
The next trustees meeting is Monday, September 19, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
Due to road construction, access to the administration building is from Albon Road to eastbound Angola. The meeting also can be viewed via livestream at springfield township.net.
