Coventry Board of Education member Bill Breitenbach announced the district is going to put an operating levy on the May ballot to try an eliminate a $600,000 shortfall at the regular Coventry board of trustees meeting.
Breitenbach said the closing of Lakeview school was discussed at a community meeting the previous night. The district's new configuration would leave preK-2 at Turkeyfoot Elementary, 3,4,5 at Erwine Middle, 6,7,8 at the Coventry Jr. High, and 9-12 at Coventry High School. To fund moving the ninth graders, the school district is considering taking out a $1 million loan to turn the bowling alley at the high school into classrooms. Breitenbach said at this point, he plans to vote no on the loan.
Brenda Patterson was elected as the board chairperson and Dave Bulgrin as vice chair.
This was former State Representative Tom Seese’s first meeting as a trustee.
Fiscal Officer Joni Murgatroyd announced the township received the First Energy Powering Our Communities grant in the amount of $133,715 and asked for the board's acceptance of the grant. She said the money can be used for any budget shortfall.
She asked for the approval of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program application for community and nonprofit organizations through the U.S. Department of Energy to be used toward a new HVAC unit for the administration office, insulated garage doors for the road and maintenance department and a new water heater for the fire department.
Murgatroyd said the 2009 Annual Financial Report is completed and available for viewing by appointment.
Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Antonio Williamson reported an arrest was made on a man making harassing/obscene phone calls to 11 women by getting a subpoena for the phone records. Also, an arrest was made and items returned from some January robberies.
Service Director and Fire Chief Dave Calderone reported 1,472 fire and EMS alarms and 85 service calls for 2009.
The fire department’s 1992 Chevy 1500 truck has died and will not be replaced, said Calderone.
Road Superintendent Lael Stouffer reported 600 tons of rock salt has been applied and stock of salt is good. He asked again that residents keep streets clear of vehicles and portable basketball hoops to help with snow plowing.
Zoning Inspector George Beckham reported the revised lease with Cutter Oil has been approved and signed.
Beckham met with a representative from M and M Drilling about a well to be drilled in the next few weeks on the Riverside Alliance Church property near Main St. and Althea Ave. Neighbors will have their wells tested as part of the state-required drilling process.
Beckham informed residents that the loss of local zoning control over oil wells which happened several years ago is now being revisited. He said now is the time to contact state representatives if you feel changes are in order.
He also said that in driving through the community, he has seen three properties on which substantial construction has occurred without a permit. Beckham said through tax records, aerial mapping and Google mapping, it is easy for inspectors to tell if construction is new. He assured the public that permits are not for fundraising but “for responsible development.” He reminded resident in addition to a zoning permit, a building permit and health deptartment approval is also required by the county.
Ed Diebold thanked Dano's, volunteers, and jumpers for their help in raising $23,000 from the Polar Bear Jump which benefitted families in need at Christmas. He said another Polar Bear Jump to benefit the National Cancer Society on Feb. 20 is scheduled. Jumpers need to raise $25 or more and those who raise $100 get a free T-shirt.
The trustees adjourned to executive session at 8:22 p.m. The next meeting of the Coventry Township Board of Trustees will be Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the township hall, 68 Portage Lakes Dr.
