Jackson Township trustees have one meeting to decide if they want to place electric aggregation on the May ballot.
They heard proposals from Mark Burns of Independent Energy Consultants, Inc., Tom Bellish of Buckeye Energy Brokers, and Ray Martinez of First Energy and Emily Ochsenhirt of First Energy Solutions.
The township can place the issue on the ballot. If approved, the township becomes a certified aggregate or they can decide to enter into a contract with the brokers or First Energy, a supplier.
Each of the proposals included community grants and discounts to residents.
However, the trustees acknowledged AEP customers, approximately one-half of the township, have lower rates and would not be effected by an aggregation program, unless AEP saw an increase over the next few years.
“That could be confusing to residents,” said Martinez. “Education upfront is important.”
Trustees have to decide to participate and place the issue on the May ballot because there is no guarantee the program will be available in November.
Approximately $250,000 in a community grant is at stake if the trustees opt not to participate. Residents are guaranteed a 6 percent savings through an aggregation program.
Buckeye Energy Brokers and Independent Energy Consultants, Inc. are brokers who contract with suppliers for energy. First Energy and Energy Solutions is the only supplier contracting in the program.
If the trustees decide to move forward, an aggregation program, some with opt-in plans or opt-out plans, could be in place by July or August, said Burns. Bellish said the township buildings could receive a 20 percent discount. Martinez said regardless of how high rates go, residents would see a 6 percent difference and commercial properties would pay 4 percent less.
In other township business, Trustee John Pizzino announced some good economic news. He said Thursday’s Plaza on Dressler Road will again be 100 percent filled with businesses. Several businesses are moving into the plaza.
He also said a “large company” requiring 20,000 square feet of space is moving into the township. Even though leases were signed, he was not permitted to give the name of the company during the Jan. 25 trustee meeting.
“We’ve been the business hub of Stark County,” said Pizzino. “Businesses are starting to move back in.”
He thank Ruthanne Wilkof, president and CEO of the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce, for diligently working to attract and enhance business in the township.
The next meeting of the Jackson Township trustees is Feb. 8 with a work/executive session at 4 p.m. and the general session at 5 p.m.
During the Jan. 25 meeting, township trustees John Pizzino, James Walter and Bill Burger approved several motions. Here is a breakdown by department of action taken:
Administration
Trustees entered into an agreement with the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District and approved an application for liquor for the 2010 Jackson Community Celebration.
Mike Thompson was appointed to a two-year term on the CIC board. Township Administrator Marilyn Lyon will serve as an alternate.
Highway
Trustees approved the advertising of bids for materials for the highway department. The bids will be opened Feb. 22, 5:15 p.m.
A budget module was approved for the widening of Fulton Road from Brunnerdale to Foxboro. The new construction costs of $312,500 will be matched by the Ohio Department of Development, said Highway Superintendent Ralph Boger.
Legal
Trustees will not require a hearing of the transferring of a liquor license at the Holiday Inn on Everhard Road.
Police
Trustees accepted a $10,000 donation to the police department from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, North Canton Aerie #2223. The donation was not earmarked for any particular purchase, however, Chief Harley Neftzer suggested the donation be placed in its own line item to account for the use of the money.
