The Springfield Township trustees have appointed a replacement for Trustee Bob Bethel who stepped down in December after accepting the village administrator position at Holland.
At the end of the January 22 meeting, the trustees tapped Rachel Geiger to fill the remainder of Mr. Bethel’s term, which expires December 31, 2025.
She was among three candidates for trustee, and Trustees Tom Anderson Jr. and Andy Glenn believe that she stood out as the best candidate.
Mrs. Geiger is currently a member of the board of education for Springfield Schools, a position she will resign from to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
A longtime township resident, she began serving on the school board in 2015.
Mrs. Geiger holds degrees from the University of Toledo, Kaplan University and Concord Law School.
A military veteran, she has been employed by Elevance Health for 26 years. She was elected by township voters in November as the next fiscal officer for the township.
The trustees are now faced with filling the fiscal officer seat. Unlike trustees, who take office the January after a November election, the terms of fiscal officers begin March 1.
“I am excited about the growth and opportunities that lie ahead in my role as Springfield Township trustee,” Mrs Geiger said, adding that her role as a Springfield Schools board of education member ended with her acceptance of the trustee post.
Police Report
Lucas County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mike Shrewsberry provided an update on investigations into recent breakins at the Stone Oak subdivision and activity that took place over the holiday in the joint economic development district.
The sergeant said the investigation into the breakins at the subdivision is ongoing, adding that they have made one arrest.
The arrest came after sheriff’s obtained a search warrant for a dwelling in the 5800 block of Airport Highway. Inside, they found a number of stolen items.
Regarding holiday patrols of the JEDD which runs along Airport Highway between Holland Sylvania and Holloway roads, Sgt. Shrewsberry said the extra coverage led to 41 incidents, six arrests and four citations.
The sergeant also informed the trustees that a new community resource officer had been selected to serve the township.
Deputy Miquael Warren is taking over the reins for Sergeant Aalea Robertson, who has been reassigned.
“We will be getting her up to speed as quickly as possible,” he added.
The sergeant concluded his report by complimenting township residents for stepping up with information that has helped officers arrest the alleged perpetrators.
“I want to thank residents for helping us with tips and other information that led to arrests,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Heard from Andy Hohlbein, director of public services, that the 2007 dump truck has been repaired and a new motor installed. “It’s working well,” he said.
Administrator Mike Hampton commended the department staff. “Their skill set is unmatched. It’s remarkable and quite an accomplishment,” he said. Mr. Glenn agreed, adding, “and they save us thousands of dollars.”
•Appointed Mr. Hampton as representative and Mr. Anderson Jr. as alternate to the public works district 12 integrating committee.
•Set remuneration for members of the zoning commission, board of zoning appeals, park advisory board and police advisory board at $75 per meeting, which is the same amount they received last year.
•Learned that so far this winter, the township has used 2,835 gallons of brine and 382.5 tons of rock salt to treat roads
•Authorized payments from January 9 to 22 of $129,298, which includes the first payment of $25,000 for the Freedom Celebration fireworks.
The trustees also paid electronic bills of $329,981, including the biweekly payroll of $278,426.
•Certified township road mileage at 77.45 miles.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, February 12, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
