Jersey Township, Licking County · January 5, 2026 - 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 Fry 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 from the December 26, 2025, 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 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.
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 has been appointed by the Licking County Commissioner’s to serve as one of their five representatives to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. The Gateway CIC is partnering with Jersey Township to clean up the Bush Property and the Blacksmith Shop. Mr. Platte reported on providing water for the cemetery via the Jersey Church.
Mr. Witney provided an update on the violations and zoning permits issued in the township. A resident with properties along Miller Road and Caswell Road has approached the township regarding lot splits and combining property to bring them more into compliance. These properties are currently legal non-conforming lots, and a variance will be needed if the property owner chooses to proceed. The Trustees agreed this could be done with one variance fee if applied for as one application since it involves one property owner.
There was nothing to report from Monroe Township or West Licking Joint Fire District. The lock on the gate along the on ramp has been secured.
Unfinished Business - No unfinished business was provided.
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 #26-01-05-09 a Resolution Employing Attorneys on an Annual Basis for the Year 2026. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-01-05-10 a Resolution to Contract for Technical Assistance and Planning Services. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. Discussion: The hourly rate remains $150 dollars per hour for 2026. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-01-05-11 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 moved to approve Resolution #26-01-05-12 a Resolution to adopt an amended Road Right-of-way Permit application and process. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte presented a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for both road maintenance and equipment replacement.
Trustee Fry moved to approve the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for both the road paving and equipment. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Fry moved to authorize Mr. Platte to submit the Licking County Engineering request for repaving roads in 2026. 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. Gus Smithhisler inquired if the township was aware of property along Beaver Road and Mink Street that has been purchased by Sidecat LLC, which is Facebook. The township does not have any plans submitted for these properties at this time. Trustee Wetzel has been told about different developments but does not announce them until they have submitted plans, in order to avoid confusion and misinformation.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments. No Trustee comments were provided.
Trustee Wetzel adjourned the meeting without objection at 8:20 p.m.
Attest:
Dan Wetzel, Chairperson
Jeff Fry, Vice-Chairperson
This page is the full text of the minutes. Signatures appear on the original signed PDF, available for printing.