The Springfield Township trustees believe the data collected from beefed up law enforcement patrols over the holidays will continue to deter criminals from visiting the township.
As the January 17 meeting, the trustees received the results of the patrols conducted by the Lucas County sheriff’s office between Thanksgiving and December 31. During that period, deputies monitored retail establishments in the joint economic development zone district which runs on Airport Highway from Holland Sylvania to Holloway roads and encompasses a large swath of the retail shopping district.
Sergeant Shrewsbury said the department had a heavy stationary presence in areas where the most crime was occurring. “Our goal was to limit thefts to stores and damages in neighborhoods.”
From November 23 to December 31, the department responded to 115 incidents. The largest number were for shoplifting and traffic stops, 24 apiece. They were followed by property damage accident, eight; suspicious person, five; alarm and hit and run accidents, four each; check property, three; suspicious vehicle, check safety, abandoned vehicle and parking, two apiece, and missing person and OVI, one each.
Most incidents of shoplifting occurred at the 1200 and 1300 blocks of South Holland Sylvania Road, 1400 and 1500 blocks of Spring Meadows Drive, 1400 block East Mall Drive and 1300 block South McCord Road.
The trustees questioned how the patrols are going in 2023 with startup of the township’s dedicated patrols.
“Our response time is better since we are here,” the sergeant responded. “We apprehended a lot more people and it’s been a lot more successful.” Roundabouts
Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski delivered good news to the trustees. He said the county sought grant funding under the federal infrastructure law for three projects, two of which are in the township.
“We were awarded all three,” he said, adding the two township grants are for roundabout projects at Centennial Road and Bancroft Street and Angola at Crissey roads. The third is in Waterville at the Anthony Wayne Trail and Dutch Road.
He is hopeful that one of the projects, scheduled for 2028, can be moved up a year if funding is available. “We are always working for you,” Mr. Pniewski said. [See related story on page 2.] Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved a purchase request submitted by Andy Hohlbein, public services director. The department will be repairing inhouse a 2006 International truck that has a cracked cylinder. Cost for the parts is $23,204, he said, adding, “It’s still better to repair it than the cost for a new one. I’d like to get another six years out of it.”
In a related matter, the trustees authorized the public services director to purchase a new 2024 Freightliner from Valley Freight for $94,305 and accompanying chassis from Kalida Truck for a total cost of $187,605. He noted the purchase has been budgeted.
•Discussed continuing efforts to seek alternative sources of funding for the regional 9-11 dispatching system. Mr. Glenn is “optimistic” they will be able to generate support from the Ohio general assembly in the upcoming budget.
•Accepted the resignation of Doug Holland from public services.
•Heard from Mr. Hohlbein that the department has been working on sign repair and replacement in the Lincoln Green subdivision. He also updated the trustees on activity at the cemetery last month There were five burials, one indigent and one grave sold.
•Learned that during the only snow event this winter, the township used 44 tons of rock salt. Mr. Hohlbein said the lack of inclement weather has left the rock salt storage shed relatively full and with one more shipment coming as contracted, “we now need to find a place to store it.”
Mr. Pniewski said the county is facing a similar dilemma since rock salt is ordered months in advance and communities are locked into purchasing a certain amount.
•Recognized five-year employee Brendan Kretz for his work in the public services department. “Mr. Kretz is well deserving of this,” said Trustee Tom Anderson Jr. “He is a good worker and all around wholesome person.”
•Approved the expenditure of $50,000 for the Independence Day fireworks. The annual Freedom celebration will take place at dusk on July 1. Fireworks will be launched from Springfield High School baseball field.
Mr. Hampton is working on a plan for a fund-raiser to offset the township’s costs.
•Paid bills from January 4 to 17 of $72,863, which includes a tax payment of $48,541 to Lucas County. They also approved electronic payments from January 1 to 12 of $405,124, including the biweekly payroll of $302,304; elected officials pay of $10,389, and board members, $750.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, February 6, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. The meeting also may be viewed via live stream at springfield township.net.
