Jersey Township, Licking County · November 3, 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 and Pieper were in attendance.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the agenda as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel introduced the minutes of the October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting and asked if there were any changes requested. With no changes being requested, Trustee Wetzel moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes of the October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting 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. No public comments were provided.
Trustee Wetzel asked for the Finance Report. Mr. Jesenko provided the current fund balances. One cemetery deed was signed. Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the Finance Report as submitted. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Jesenko discussed the invoice from CXT for the culverts. Mr. Platte explained the reimbursement process with OPWC. Trustees Wetzel and Pieper requested the payment of +/- $53,000 be released for the invoice dated September 15, 2025 to CXT. Mr. Platte shared that the roads project has been delayed due to supplier issues, and that this is a “No Good Deeds Go Unpunished” situation, as the township tried to procure materials ahead of the project to help expedite it. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte provided an update on selling the equipment on GovDeals. Mr. Platte discussed the structure at Burnside and Beaver Roads and is waiting for confirmation from the Monroe Township Fire Department, Health Department, or Licking County Building Codes on declaration of insecure, unsafe, or structurally defection per ORC 505.86. Mr. Platte has reached out to West Licking Joint Fire Department regarding the Mead Hotel that partially burned down also. Mr. Platte will be working with Fiscal Officer Jesenko on the budget for 2026 and hopes to present a draft at the next meeting.
Mr. Witney provided updates on zoning matters in the township.
Mr. Platte is working with Monroe Fire regarding tax abatement impacts. Trustee Wetzel reported that West Licking Fire is business as usual and on the upcoming Toy Drive.
Trustee Wetzel stated that no Unfinished Business existed.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business.
Mr. Platte explained the Land Use Plan that is required per the CEDA with the City of New Albany. He had posted an RFQ as discussed, and had received a response from the NBBJ company.
Trustee Wetzel moved “A Resolution authorizing a services contract for land use planning services” with NBBJ as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
This was discussed during the Administrator’s Report.
Mr. Platte stated that a tree needs removed from the cemetery. He provided two quotes, one from Yeager’s Precision Tree Service for a total of $2,500 dollars and one from A to Z Tree Experts quote for $3,200 dollars.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve up to $2,500 dollars to Yeager’s Precision Tree Service for the tree removal at the Universalist Cemetery, with Yeager’s providing proof of liability insurance prior to work commencing. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte explained the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution #25-09-03-02 to submit to Ohio Public Works Commission for funding assistance for Cole Estates. Mr. Platte explained that after further thought, the application is premature as other funding must be secured first. The township is still pursuing the project, but needs to line the funding up correctly.
Trustee Wetzel moved “A Resolution rescinding Resolution #25-09-03-02” 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. No public comments were provided.
Trustee Wetzel discussed a household appliance item that has been at the roundabout on Mink Street at Dragon Fly Way that looks like a carpet cleaner for over six months. Trustee Wetzel moved to have the Road Department remove the item and notify the City of New Albany. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel announced a Speedway Truck Stop is going in at Innovation Campus Way and Mink Street.
Trustee Wetzel moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(1) to consider an employee issue. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. The time going into Executive Session was 8:12 p.m. Invited into the executive session were Trustees Wetzel and Pieper, Fiscal Officer Jesenko, and Mr. Platte.
Trustee Wetzel moved to come out of Executive Session and return to regular session. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. The time out of Executive Session was 9:14 p.m.
Trustee Wetzel explained that the Board will be looking at employee compensation as we are heading into next year, and that he believes a performance bonus structure should be considered for the Township Administrator. Trustee Wetzel moved to authorize a Performance Bonus structure for the Township Administrator in an amount to be determined as we head into the new year. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked if there was any other business to come before the Board prior to the meeting being adjourned. Mr. Platte stated that he had forgot to address the OPWC Administrative Services agreement earlier in the meeting. Mr. Platte shared that it is that time of year again to renew the agreement for liaison services if the Board desires to do so. Trustee Wetzel moved to authorize an Administrative Services agreement with OPWC should the District 17 IC desire to do so at its next meeting. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and the voice vote on the motion was 2-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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.