Jersey Township, Licking County · March 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 (7:31) and Fry were in attendance.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the agenda with item #11 removed. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote (all three trustees).
Trustee Wetzel introduced the minutes from the February 2, 2026 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 Fry 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. There were no Cemetery Deeds.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Energy Co-Op Gas Line Project Discussion - Ian Nickey, Director, Communications and Government Relations with Hicks Partners discussed a project with Energy Co-Op for a gas line in the future. Mr. Platte discussed the ODOT Improvements to Mink Road and SR161 Interchange. Trustee Wetzel moved to authorize up to $5,000 to appraise the township-owned property as is, with the two entrances. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Platte presented information on the Will Power/Williams Company Pipeline Purge to take place on March 3, 2026. He also shared that Creamery survey for the 3-acre donation is underway. Finally, Road Department employees will be renewing their pesticide licenses this week.
Mr. Witney provided an update on the violations and zoning permits issued in the township.
There was nothing to report from West Licking Joint Fire District. Mr. Platte will be meeting with Monroe Township Fire Department this week.
Trustee Wetzel introduced Unfinished Business - No Unfinished Business was provided.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business.
This will be presented during the Organizational Meeting in the future. This is the schedule for the Overlay Districts to follow when submitting plans. Trustee Wetzel moved to adopt the Notice of Procedures and Plan Schedules for 2026 as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the Mailbox Repair or Replacement Procedure as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte discussed the potential development of +/- 20 acres at Summit and Morse Roads. He suggested a PMUD be created and stated that the township staff could do it in-house.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-03-02-01 a “Resolution to initiate the Summit Road PMUD Rezoning” as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte stated that the JEDD Boards need to convene and organize. Trustee Wetzel moved to appoint Rob Platte to the three New Albany JEDDs. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte presented a resolution to auction chain saws and a trailer that are no longer needed.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-03-02-02 a “Resolution Disposing of Township Property by Internet Auction” as presented. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Platte explained the easement is located on the Creamery property on Morse Road, Parcel Number 082-107466-05.000. The thirty-foot (30') wide permanent and ten foot (10') wide temporary utility easement is requested by the Licking Regional Water District.
Trustee Wetzel moved to approve Resolution #26-03-02-03 a “Resolution to Grant a Permanent and Temporary Easement” as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for any Public Comments.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Trustee Comments. Trustee Wetzel discussed work in the road right-of-way and the township requirements.
Workers compensation coverage requirements per the O.R.C. and Attorney General opinion. Trustee Wetzel moved to have Rob Platte contact the Ohio Township Association and State Representatives regarding the Workers Compensation coverage being required for zoning board members and authorize up to $5,000.00 in expenses to seek a legislative change. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Income Tax Bill 503 - Trustee Wetzel is concerned the bill could negatively effect JEDDs, and asked Mr. Platte to look into it.
Trash along US161 - Trustee Wetzel expressed his frustration with the amount of trash along SR161 and asked Mr. Platte to reach out to New Albany and ODOT to see what can be done. The board discussed supporting a joint effort, potential by contract, to pick up trash more often.
Trustee Wetzel moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and the voice vote on the motion was 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Marko F. Jesenko, Fiscal Officer
Attest:
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.