Detective retires, work continues on land use plan

by Alex Vukoder

Jan. 13 township trustees meeting

Bath Township trustees acknowledged the retirement of Det. Michael Gabel, a K9 police officer since 1995 and integral part of the detective bureau. Police Chief/Township Administrator Vito Sinopoli said he was known for his tireless dedication and steady demeanor and will be missed. 

In his resignation letter, Gabel wrote, “I have been very fortunate to have experienced many opportunities while with this department (patrol, drug unit, K9 unit, instructor in several areas and the U.S. Marshals Task Force). Bath Township has been like a second family to me, and I cannot thank you all enough for the support you have given me over my years with this department.”

The trustees expressed their appreciation for his years of service and wished him the best in his retirement.

Several recommendations were approved for the police department including a $14,179 payment to Axion for the third year of a five-year contract for Tasers, including cartridges and batteries. Additionally, the department will purchase 25 electric impulse Tasers.

The department will also apply for a $6,271 Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Grant for the replacement of seven bulletproof vests. The grant has a local match of 25%.

Sinopoli reported on the police department’s participation in the annual “Christmas with a Cop” event in Fairlawn and the inaugural Winter Wonderland event at Montrose Ford. He also said the police department responded to 21,643 calls in 2024.

Planning Director and Zoning Inspector William Funk recommended the township enter into an agreement with Envision Group LLC for professional consulting services to create zoning text for an overlay district. The agreement cost was $23,120. This is part of the ongoing work on the Ghent Corridor Land Use Plan, which includes a moratorium on Zone B developments while new language is crafted. 

Service Director Caine Collins reported that the parks have been fully winterized. The department used 800 tons of salt last year during a mild winter and is on track to use 1,200 tons this winter, which is typical according to Collins.

Several administrative items were approved including:

• The renewal of the $1,658 annual service contract for the electronic sign/trailer message board, which has been replaced twice in recent years due to being hit by cars.
• The posting of a full-time parks administrator position on Indeed.com and the township website.
• The acceptance of the 2024 Highway System Mileage Certification from the Ohio Department of Transportation and Summit County Engineer, confirming that Bath Township maintains 63.21 miles of public roads.

Applying for two grants: the America 250-Ohio Grant for local history education and the Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau Development grant for the Heritage Corridors of Bath to promote the township to tourists.