The Vermilion Township Board of Trustees met October 1, 2025, covering a full agenda of road maintenance, zoning issues, fire department updates, and the ongoing debate over school funding at the county level. Trustees Kenn Baughman (Chair), Don Rowe Sr. (Vice Chair) and Kurt Johnson were all present.
Fire Department Report
Chief Frank Triana reported 36 fire and EMS runs in September, bringing the year-to-date total to 495. Facility upgrades included duct cleaning and exterior lighting repairs. Upcoming events include a pancake breakfast October 12 from 8 a.m. to noon, a Sandusky Silent Parade the same evening, a Town Hall open house October 27, and Halloween candy distribution October 31.
Triana noted firefighters will begin canvassing for the upcoming fire levy, stressing the department’s average response time of about eight minutes compared to 30–40 minutes in some neighboring communities.
Road Department Report
Steve Young detailed recent crack sealing, line painting, and cleanup work that filled multiple dumpsters and removed nearly 300 tires. Tree trimming will continue through the fall. Trustees authorized plumbing repairs at the garage and undercoating of larger trucks. Low-hanging branches along Barnes Road will be addressed by contractors.
Administration and Zoning
Administrator Joe Baxter said noise and dust complaints at Redwood were quickly resolved after discussions with the developer. He also reported drainage-related cost overruns on the Risden Road overlay project, raising the original $16,500 bid by another $7,800 and a $3,900 upcharge. Trustees noted the contractor may absorb the $3,900 charge, but approved an amended resolution with a “not to exceed” total of about $28,000 to ensure the work is completed.
Fiscal Office
Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson reported the township’s state audit is underway, noting Vermilion Township qualified for a less intensive review due to past strong performance. Trustees approved a supplemental appropriation within the gas tax fund and renewed vision insurance coverage. Johnson was also praised for her detailed budget presentation at Erie County, which was approved on the spot without deliberation.
Public Commentary
Residents raised several issues:
- Dianne Ladrach criticized misstatements from Vermilion mayor Jim Forthofer about Redwood’s project size and urged support for the fire levy, recalling the township’s creation of its fire department in 2006.
- Dan Ladrach pressed for fixes to dangerous sightlines at Mason and Darrow roads, concerns about utility poles, and repeated flooding problems.
- Tom Krukemeyer questioned cemetery boundary issues and campaign sign rules.
- Chris K. asked whether township officials must own property, with trustees clarifying only residency and voter registration are required.
Other residents expressed appreciation for township officials’ efforts and urged cooperation moving forward.
School Funding Concerns
Trustees reported on a packed Erie County Commissioners meeting earlier that day, where local school officials warned of catastrophic cuts if pending state legislation passes. Vermilion Treasurer Justin Klingshirn noted the district’s $27 million budget could be reduced by $24 million. Edison, Margaretta, and Vermilion schools are among the hardest hit because they are already at the 20-mill floor, leaving them no room for additional revenue growth. Trustees said commissioners were urged to pause decisions until state-level outcomes become clear.
Other Business
Trustees approved the county engineer’s offer to inspect road excavations, reminded residents that early voting begins October 4, and noted the fire department’s pancake breakfast October 12.
They also announced there will be no second trustee meeting in October due to the ongoing state audit. Trustees said they do not want to overburden the fiscal officer during the audit period.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Audio of meeting. ⬇️
https://recorder.google.com/d70ed10b-aa0a-43ae-8021-edeb41ee83a2
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