Jersey Township, Licking County · June 2, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
Trustee Wetzel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Platte called the roll confirming that Trustees Wetzel, Fry, and Pieper were in attendance.
Mr. Platte requested adding Carolyn Carnes before Item 5; the approval of the minutes from May 5th and 19th, 2025 after Item 5; and under New Business Item b. Monroe Township Fire Levy.
Trustee Pieper moved to approve the agenda as amended. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Carolyn Carnes and Bryce Ramsay with the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Ramsay will be the point of contact for Jersey Township moving forward. Ms. Carnes will still be with the Prosecutor’s Office and will be available to assist Mr. Ramsay. Nuisance properties in the township were discussed. The process of using Ohio Revised Codes sections 505.87 and 505.871 to enforce was reviewed. Ohio Revised Code §505.86 covers the removal, repair or securance of insecure, unsafe buildings or structures.
Consideration of Text and Zoning Map Amendment and Final Development Plan Socrates South, Will-Power Ohio LLC (The Williams Company) for four parcels at the SE corner of Morse Road and Mink Street. The township received an email from the applicant requesting the Board of Trustees table the decision until the June 16, 2025, Trustees meeting to allow additional time to fully evaluate the Final Development Plan (FDP) and the Economic Development Agreement (EDA).
Trustee Pieper moved to accept the request from Tara Meek with The Williams Company to table the decision until the June 16, 2025, Trustees meeting. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. The roll call was as follows: Pieper, yes; Wetzel, yes; and Fry, no; motion passed.
Trustee Wetzel introduced the minutes from the May 5, 2025, Regular Meeting and the May 19, 2025 Special 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 Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Public Comments. The process for nuisance complaints was discussed. Concerns with the laydown yard, possible construction delays, and how this will impact the Historic Plan were discussed.
Trustee Wetzel asked for the Finance Report. In Fiscal Officer Jesenko’s absence, Mr. Platte provided the current fund balances. Trustee Pieper moved to approve the Finance Report as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. Trustee Wetzel discussed the Fire Fund. The township received the first round of taxes. By contract, after one percent (1%) is retained for the administration costs a check needs to be issued to Monroe Township Fire Department. Three cemetery deeds were signed.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte met with the residents of Cole Estates regarding water and sewer and possible grant opportunities for funding.
Mr. Witney was not present. Trustee Wetzel provided updates on zoning matters in the township.
Mr. Platte reported that Monroe Township Fire Department held outreach meetings at the Jersey Townhall. Monroe Township Fire Department services the area in Jersey Township North of Worthington Road. It is a renewal levy for 1.6 mil operating levy collecting at .9 mills.
Trustee Wetzel reported the West Licking Joint Fire District’s levy passed.
Trustee Wetzel introduced Unfinished Business.
Verdantas has reviewed the bids and recommends awarding to the Shelly Company. The township received bids from LAW General Contracting and Shelly Company. The bid from LAW General Contracting came in at $865,994.28. The bid from Shelly Company came in at $771,995.78.
Trustee Pieper moved “Resolution to award the 2025 Paving and Culvert Project to the Shelly Company” as presented and to authorize Trustee Wetzel to sign the Notice of Award. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business.
Mr. Platte discussed HB315 of the 135th General Assembly of Ohio permitting the Board of Trustees to modify various newspaper publication requirements. Fiscal Officer Jesenko discussed the Ohio Township Association supporting this legislation and it allows townships to be equal to Cities and Villages with legal requirements.
Trustee Wetzel moved “Resolution to select public notice method” as presented selecting the option of publication by the township website in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte presented a resolution for the Monroe Township Fire and EMS levy. This would be to request the information from the Licking County Auditor before electing to place the issue on the ballot.
Trustee Wetzel moved “Resolution to request that the county auditor certify valuation and revenue information pursuant to R.C. 5705.03(B)” 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 any Public Comments. A resident discussed the hippo and the possibility of moving it to another location before the house is demolished.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments. Trustee Pieper reported the tower has been delivered and will be installed in the next two weeks for the emergency radios.
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 8:48 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.