County services available to residents

by Laura Bednar

Sept. 25 township trustees meeting

Keri Newman, executive assistant in the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development, presented information on services available to Summit County residents.

The first was lead poisoning abatement. County homeowners and landlords can apply for grant money to remove lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978, according to Newman. To be eligible, homes must meet local ordinances and housing codes, property taxes must be up to date, and there must be a pregnant woman or child under the age of 6 living in the home or who visits more than 60 hours per year.

Newman said the county public health district tests surfaces for lead, and construction updates would only be for the areas that tested positive such as windows, siding, porches and doors.

“Additional grant funding is coming down the pike for lead abatement,” she said.

Financial assistance is available through a five-year, deferred forgivable mortgage. Call 330-643-8013 or email hmiller@summitoh.net for an application.

The home weatherization assistance program provides new energy efficient furnaces, new hot water tanks, insulation, new refrigerators, freezers and LED light bulbs to qualified renters and homeowners 200% or below the poverty line.

An inspection will be made on each home that applies to determine which services are needed. These services will be done at no cost, according to county documents. For more information call 330-643-2537.

Summit County also offers a minor home repair program eligible to low- to moderate-income homeowners. Newman said roofs or wheelchair ramps are examples of qualifying repairs. Financial assistance for the program is available through a five-year deferred loan.

A letter from the county outlined its household sewage treatment system program, which assists low- to moderate-income homeowners in replacing failing septic systems or connection to public utilities. To apply, homeowners must meet the income guidelines, have homeowners insurance, be up to date on property taxes and have a citation from the health department. Email hmiller@summitoh.net for an application.

Newman said residents can download the Summit County EMA app to receive county alerts regarding emergencies such as traffic accidents or severe weather.

Police hire

Morgan Lilly was hired as Bath’s newest full-time police officer. Police Chief and Township Administrator Vito Sinopoli said he met Lilly three months ago at the police academy at the Tri-C Parma campus and called her the day she graduated.

This is her first law enforcement position; she is the second female officer in the department. Board President Sharon Troike said, “It’s nice to see someone following through on following their passion.”

In other action

Trustees ratified an agreement with Lewis Land Professionals for $16,800 for boundary surveying and property line staking at North Fork Preserve. Interim Parks Director Caine Collins said the department is planning work on the final loop of the triple-loop trail at the preserve and wants to mark property lines around the trail. A fence post will be added every 200 feet to keep trail visitors from walking on private property.

Bath extended its agreement with the Revere Local School District and the Richfield Village to continue the school resource officer program through Aug. 31, 2026. The SRO program has been in place since 2013, according to Sinopoli.

“We are pleased to continue the partnership,” he said.

Wertz Geotechnical Engineering will perform drilling and engineering services for $4,400 at 1170 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. to determine if it is a viable site for a new Bath fire station. Sinopoli said the eastern portion of Bath’s campus has poor soil, and the existing fire station is settling.

“We are testing to see if the southern property would be better,” he said. ∞