Jersey Township, Licking County · January 6, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
Trustee Wetzel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance was foregone as it had been recited at the Organizational Meeting. Mr. Platte called the roll and it was confirmed that Trustees Wetzel, Pieper and Fry were in attendance.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the agenda as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel introduced the minutes from the December 26, 2024, Regular Meeting and asked if there were any requested changes. With no changes being requested, Trustee Wetzel moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Public Comments. No public comments were provided.
Fiscal Officer Jesenko provided the current fund balances. Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the Finance Report as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte discussed the need to set hearing dates for the JEDD’s. Trustee Pieper moved to set Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for the JEDD for the Worthington Corridor and 7:45 p.m. for the JEDD for the Mink Road Corridor. Trustee Wetzel seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte discussed the America 250 Celebration. He did not have a lot of information but asked if the trustees wanted him to pursue it. Local communities are invited to join the state-wide celebration. The trustees discussed keeping any observance local and decided not to participate.
Mr. Witney provided an update on the violations and zoning permits issued in the township.
Trustee Wetzel reported that the West Licking Joint Fire District is continuing to work on union contracts. There was nothing to report from Monroe Township.
Trustee Wetzel introduced Unfinished Business. Mr. Platte reminded the Trustees of the Jersey Historic Preservation Plan Draft review that will be scheduled for February 3, 2025.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business. Mr. Platte presented resolutions for the Board to consider that are follow-ups to the Organizational Meeting.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #25-01-06-09 a Resolution Employing Attorneys on an Annual Basis for the Year 2025. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #25-01-06-10 a Resolution to Contract for Technical Assistance and Planning Services. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. Discussion: The hourly rate increased from $125 dollars per hour in 2024 to $150 dollars per hour for 2025. This is comparable with other planning firms. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #25-01-06-11 a Resolution Expressing the Intent of the Township to Sell Property by Internet Auction O.R.C. 505.10(D). Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for any Public Comments. One comment was offered to F/O Jesenko regarding monthly expenses for the township. F/O Jesenko will follow-up with the resident on the total of one month of expenses for the township.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments. The Trustee discussed the services Crossroads provided the township and the cost last year. Mr. Platte explained that CCP is retained on an hourly basis for technical services, but larger projects such as PUDs are priced separately.
Trustee Wetzel provided a Year-End-Review. The Revitalization District was created and passed by the voters. A CEDA Agreement with New Albany was created to control annexation and ensure continued quality development in Jersey. With the expiration of the 3-mil Road & Bridge levy, residents will see a property tax savings. He and Mr. Platte met with ODOT regarding an exit from I-70 to Intel and the ninety million dollars for road improvements. Jersey and the CIC created a Jersey Township Historic Preservation Plan draft to be adopted in 2025.
The CIC purchased the Old Blacksmith Shop and looking into purchasing additional properties to preserve historic buildings in Jersey Township. The Trustees and residents discussed the need for housing and the impact of housing on the schools. He discussed looking for grants to help with costs in the township.
Trustee Wetzel moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and the voice vote on the motion was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Marko F. Jesenko, Fiscal Officer
Attest:
Dan Wetzel, Chairperson
Jeff Fry, Vice-Chairperson
Ben Pieper, Trustee
This page is the full text of the minutes. Signatures appear on the original signed PDF, available for printing.