Jersey Township, Licking County · February 2, 2026 - 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 and it was confirmed that Trustees Wetzel, Pieper and Fry 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 from the January 5, 2026 Organizational Meeting, January 5, 2026 Regular Meeting, and January 9, 2026 Special Meeting and asked if there were any requested changes. With no changes being requested, Trustee Fry moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes as presented. Trustee Wetzel seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Public Comments. A resident thanked the Road Department for their hard work clearing the snow from the recent storms. Trustee Wetzel discussed Governor DeWine’s Declaration of a State of Emergency.
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. There were no Cemetery Deeds.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte presented information on the Bush Property Demolition. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has provided information regarding SR161/SR37 proposed improvements. The ODOT Preferred Alternative for SR161 and Mink Street is a Diverging Diamond Interchange. Information on these projects will be placed on the township website.
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 submitted a variance to combine four properties into three to bring them more into compliance.
There was nothing to report from Monroe Township or West Licking Joint Fire District.
Trustee Wetzel introduced Unfinished Business -
Mr. Platte discussed the process for the creation of a New Community Authority. The proposed resolution would allow the negotiation and recommendation to the County Commissioners for the creation of an NCA in Jersey.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-02-02-01 a “Resolution to authorize the negotiation and recommendation of New Community Authority Creations” as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. Discussion: This was reviewed by legal counsel. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business.
Mr. Platte discussed a revenue sharing agreement with Jersey Warehouse I, LLC in lieu of a tax abatement and discussed the difference between the CRA program and the TIF statutes.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-02-02-02 a “Resolution to approve a Revenue Sharing Agreement” as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. Discussion: The agreement was reviewed by legal counsel. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte discussed the benefits related to sharing services between public entities as permitted by Ohio Revised Code. The recent snow storm is a good example of communities sharing resources when needed.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-02-02-03 a “Resolution Ratifying Current and Authorizing Future Shared Services Agreements” as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. Discussion: This is a template to be used for shared services. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte stated that two chain saws have been replaced and the old ones are ready for listing on GovDeals.com.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-02-02-04 a “Resolution disposing of Township Property by Internet Auction” as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. Discussion: This is for two Stihl chain saws one 18" bar and one 24" bar. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for any Public Comments. The New Community Authority creation was explained. A resident inquired about the proposed access road to be used by Michels Company for the pipeline. There are flags located at Mink Street and Condit Road for pipeline access but the access has not yet been approved by the Licking County Engineer.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments. Trustee Wetzel discussed the property at Beaver Road and Mink Street acquired by Sidecat LLC. Mr. Platte has a meeting on Thursday and will know more at that time. Road construction at Duncan Plains and Clover Valley roads was discussed. These projects are being done through the Licking County Transportation Improvement District (LCTID).
Mr. Platte will provide links on the township website regarding the road projects. Trustee Wetzel provided an update on the issues with Brightspeed and landline phones on Beaver Road.
Trustee Wetzel moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(2) to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and/or the sale of property at competitive bidding. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. The time going into Executive Session was 8:43 p.m. Invited into the executive session were Trustees Fry, 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 10:00 p.m.
Trustee Pieper moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Wetzel seconded the motion and the voice vote on the motion was 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Marko F. Jesenko, Fiscal Officer
Attest:
Dan Wetzel, Chairperson
Ben Pieper, Trustee
Jeff Fry, Vice-Chairperson
This page is the full text of the minutes. Signatures appear on the original signed PDF, available for printing.