The Vermilion Township Board of Trustees approved emergency fire department repairs, authorized a cemetery cleanup contract, and initiated two drainage infrastructure assessments during its regular business meeting on August 6, 2025.
Trustees Kenn Baughman (Chair), Don Rowe Sr. (Vice Chair), and Kurt Johnson were present, along with Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson, Township Administrator Joe Baxter, and Fire Chief Frank Triana.
Emergency Fire Squad Repairs Approved
Chief Triana reported that Squad #813 was struck by a motorist on July 30 while township crews were responding to downed trees and flood conditions. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle sustained front-end damage. The board passed Resolution 2025-19, declaring a public safety emergency and authorizing repairs not to exceed $9,000. The township’s insurance is expected to cover the majority of the cost.
Trustees also approved the purchase of replacement tires for the squad and recognized firefighter Tony Bassel for completing several recent in-house repairs.
Cemetery Cleanup Contract Awarded
Trustees passed Resolution 2025-18, awarding a $9,500 contract to Ohio Tree & Excavating for tree removal and site cleanup at Cuddeback-Orchard Beach Cemetery. The contract includes a 30-day window for property owners to remove debris, including a boat and large appliances, before township personnel proceed with clearing the site on September 12.
The goal is to prepare the area for seeding, strawing, and future maintenance.
Drainage and Infrastructure Projects in Motion
The board approved motions requesting cost estimates from the Erie County Engineer for road and drainage work on Daylon Court and Stanley Road. Trustees noted that recent storms delayed progress on several projects, including Bristol Road and the Orchard Beach development. They commended the road department for its prompt response and storm mitigation efforts.
A proposal from National Pavement Analysis LLC was also presented. The $5,500 project would document and rank all township roads by condition and provide a multi-year maintenance strategy. Trustees expressed interest and plan to revisit the proposal in September.
Fire Station Concrete and Sidewalk Plans
Initial quotes for replacing concrete and installing sidewalks around the fire station exceeded $225,000. No vote was taken, but the board agreed to gather more bids and evaluate funding options. Trustee Baughman noted that sidewalks would improve pedestrian safety, particularly as new development increases foot traffic in the area.
Equipment and Technology Upgrades
Trustees approved the purchase of two iPads, not to exceed $750, for the road department. The tablets will support GIS mapping and infrastructure tracking software provided through Erie County. Upgrades to garage doors, roofing, and internet security were also reported as complete or in progress.
Ohio Tree was confirmed as the township’s emergency tree removal contractor at a reduced daily rate of $2,000.
Public Participation
Kitty Schwanitz, a resident of Cherry Road, thanked the township for posting high water signage during recent flooding and described the experience of driving through those areas as terrifying. She asked about the fire levy status, the township’s digital sign, and suggested bringing back informal community meetings. Trustees confirmed the fire levy has been submitted to the Board of Elections and will appear on the November ballot. They also said residents are welcome to reach out for individual meetings or discussions at any time.
Tom Krukemeyer, who has publicly identified himself as president of the Grand Harbor Homeowners Association, was also present. He briefly addressed the board and yielded his time without additional comment.
Additional Actions
The board amended a previous resolution to increase the authorized payment for fire department pump testing from $12,000 to $14,598.52.
Trustees also voted to attend and participate in the August 12 Board of Zoning Appeals hearing related to a Cherry Road property. Their involvement will focus solely on township interests such as roads, drainage, and public safety infrastructure.
Two executive sessions were held during the meeting, one to discuss pending litigation and the other for personnel matters. No action was taken following either session.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Vermilion Township Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The second August meeting was canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
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