Although temperatures this past week are no indication, spring is here and with warmer weather on the horizon, Springfield Township officials remind residents to exercise caution doing outdoor activities.
“The trend for safety services increases as more people come out,” said Administrator Mike Hampton, at the April 18 Springfield Township trustees meeting.
“If you have need for emergency safety services such as fire, EMS or police, we encourage you to call 911 immediately,” he continued.
For non-emergency issues or general questions, Mr. Hampton asks that residents call fire/EMS at 419-8654136, and police at 419-2558443.
Residents also are welcome to contact the community service officer at 419-461-7877.
Lieutenant John Leach of the Lucas County sheriff’s office also offered advice to residents during his monthly presentation.
With warmer weather, traffic changes, he said. “I want to remind people to slow down. There are more pedestrians, cyclists and buses out and about.” He also encourages teens to drive safely and attentively during prom and graduation season.
The lieutenant urges all drivers to put down their cell phones, noting the new Ohio law regarding the use of handheld cellular devices while driving.
Lt. Leach said training has begun on the use of speed trailers in the township.
Mr. Hampton added that he is in the process of writing a policy for usage of the trailers.
The lieutenant also provided the trustees with a copy of the report from the community service officer Aalea Robertson.
Community outreach events she has helped organize include a citizens police academy, coffee with a cop, citizen ride along and visits to schools and senior centers.
In the future, Deputy Robertson is planning to hold a bike rodeo in conjunction with Holland police.
Other potential ideas for the future include a stroll with patrol, gun lock distribution, book bag giveaway and quarterly meetings with watch groups.
The CSO has been working with the Northwest Ohio Regional Information System to establish crime data such as density maps and calls ending in reports filed.
She also is gathering nuisance abatement data on Hill Avenue and Harefoote Street where there has been an increase in calls for service.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Entered into an agreement with Triotech of Whitehouse for upgrades to the camera and surveillance system at Community Homecoming Park’s shelter house and concession area. Cost of the upgrades is $13,354.
Mr. Hampton said the project is long over due, and added, “We did appropriate for this in the budget.”
•Appointed Oliver Turner to the Lucas County Land Bank Reutilization Corporation’s board of directors.
•Announced that the Springfield Area Prevention Coalition wants to do a holiday drive-through at Community Homecoming Park this December.
•Learned that Quality Inn has balked on doing what should be done in compliance with the township zoning resolution.
Mr. Hampton said he and Law Director Kent Murphree plan to meet with the county prosecutor’s office to decide what steps can be taken to enforce action.
•Heard from Trustee Bob Bethel that attendance was disappointing at the Lucas County Township Association.
One action was taken involving the appointment of Mr. Hampton to the solid waste committee, he said.
•Approved the payment of bills from April 4 to 17 totaling $$441,035, which included the ambulance payment of $250,080 and the village of Holland revenue share of $40,895.
They also approved electronic payments of $381,552 from March 31 to April 13. Included in the payments were the biweekly payroll of $271,666 and elected officials and board members payments of $11,364.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, May 1, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. The meeting also can be viewed via the livestream at spring fieldtownship.net.
