Jersey Township, Licking County · July 7, 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.
Trustee Pieper 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 June 2, 2025, Regular Meeting and asked if there were any requested changes. With no changes being requested, Trustee Pieper 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.
Alan Gummere with the National Society Sons of the American Revolution Hocking Valley Chapter requested permission to install a sign at the entrances of the cemeteries and to place grave marking stones at the headstones of the Revolutionary War Patriots. There are three graves in the Universal Cemetery and four in the Jersey Cemetery. The Trustees granted the request for the markers and the placement of the signs.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Public Comments. No public comments were provided.
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. A then and now purchase order for Selective Insurance was presented and approved. Two cemetery deeds were signed.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte presented a quote from Ace Truck for the auger and spinner, salt spreader for $6,770 dollars. Trustee Wetzel moved to authorize up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to Ace Truck. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte discussed the current Rumpke three-year contract extension that will be expiring. The Trustees can extend the contract for an additional three years or put it out to bid. After discussion it was decided that Mr. Platte will reach out to Rumpke. Mr. Platte has sent a notice to the property owner at Mink Street and Morse Road regarding the nuisance condition of the property. The Nuisance Process and policy were discussed. Mr. Platte attended the ODOT meeting regarding the North South corridors which are SR310 and Mink Street. The Old Jersey Church and Creamery site were discussed. The Memorandum of Understanding with The Williams Company will need to be signed by Board President Wetzel for the laydown yard.
Mr. Witney provided updates on zoning matters in the township.
Mr. Platte did not have any items to discuss for the Monroe Township Fire District. Trustee Wetzel reported the business was as usual for the West Licking Joint Fire District.
Trustee Wetzel introduced Unfinished Business. There was no Unfinished Business.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business.
Trustee Wetzel moved “Resolution Declaring it Necessary to Levy a Tax in Excess of the Ten Mill Limitation” 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 any Public Comments.
The Monroe Township Fire Levy was discussed, and the residents will still be provided with fire services if the levy fails. A nuisance at the end of Beaver Road was discussed and Township Administrator Rob Platte will investigate this.
A resident on Patterson Road requested an additional driveway for safety purposes. The Trustees discussed the options and the requirements from Licking County. The township is not permitted to do work outside of the public road right-of-way.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments.
Trustee Wetzel discussed a complaint on Miller Road regarding traffic speeding. There have been discussions on whether to dead end Miller Road. The portable speed sign has been requested from the Licking County Sheriffs Office to be placed on Miller Road.
Trustee Pieper reported on the installation of the tower and the emergency radios. Ken Pieper will be providing training in the future.
Trustee Wetzel discussed the Gateway CIC Homestead Exemption Tax Credit Grant and eligibility. Properties deemed eligible from the statewide property tax reduction program known as the Homestead Exemption will be automatically eligible for the fixed amount of five hundred dollars. Not every resident will qualify for the grant program, but it is a start.
Trustee Wetzel discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers. Trustee Pieper feels they bypass the local government.
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 8:41 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.