Township approves service building expansion

by Laura Bednar

Sept. 3 township trustees meeting

Bath Township trustees approved an $845,800 contract with Classical Construction LLC for the expansion of the service department building. Service Director Caine Collins said work will include exterior and siding plus winterizing the space to allow it to be functional during cold months.

Collins said the contractor will begin the permit process and hopes to be working under roof by winter. Trustees President Sean Gaffney said the expansion is needed because the service building lacks female locker rooms and storage space.

Cameras

The township will apply for a $6,650 grant from the Bath Community Fund to buy an additional Flock license plate reader (camera) to place at Springside Drive. Township Administrator/Police Chief Vito Sinopoli said the amount would cover the cost of the camera for two years. He added that the existing 10 cameras have been an effective tool since their installation in 2023.

“It gives residents a sense of security,” he said, adding that with hotel thefts on Springside and recent threats to the Jewish community, another camera on Springside – where Temple Israel Akron is located – would be helpful.

Finances

Trustees approved $181,747 to pay purchase orders which included $54,500 to Miller Roofing for roof replacement at Fire Station No. 2, a 50/50 split with Copley; $15,267 to Hall Public Safety to outfit a police cruiser with equipment; $15,194 to Envision Group for its work creating a proposed comprehensive plan for the township; and $19,433 to Forerunner Technologies to replace the township’s phone system.

Bath will pay Local Government Services, an arm of the state auditor’s office, to review Bath’s financial statements to ensure the numbers reconcile. Trustee Sharon Troike said the township has had four fiscal officers in the past 2½ years and thought it would be beneficial to review everything. The service costs $15,000.

Zoning members

The zoning commission and appearance review commission welcomed six new members.

New zoning members include Marshal Pitchford as a regular member whose appointment expires July 1, 2029; Kyle Craven as alternate No. 1 to fill the remaining term through July 1, 2025; and Kristin Sanchez as alternate No. 2 through the remaining term ending July 1, 2026.

New appearance review members are Bill Weber as a regular commission member through July 1, 2028; Elizabeth Smith as alternate No. 1 for the remainder of a two-year appointment through July 1, 2025; and Michael Ackermann as alternate No. 2 for the remaining two-year term ending July 1, 2026.

Trustee Elaina Goodrich said township officials interviewed 10 applicants for the positions and chose those with the most experience and knowledge of zoning and appearance subjects. ∞