Trustees discuss safety after mowing crash
VERMILION TWP. — Vermilion Township trustees approved hiring two road employees Nov. 4 as the department prepared snowplows and salt spreaders for winter.
Paul Gardinier was hired full time at $25 an hour for a 40-hour workweek, with full benefits after a 90-day probationary period.
Richard Reel was hired part time at $25 an hour on an as-needed basis, with a limit of 24 hours a week and $30,000 annually, without benefits.
Both hires passed unanimously. Their targeted start date was Nov. 10, pending completion of onboarding.
The appointments followed the resignation of a road employee announced earlier in the meeting. Trustee Keith Sexton made both hiring motions, and Trustee Don Rowe seconded them.
Officials reported that repairs to the township’s dump truck were complete and that crews were preparing winter equipment. Roadside mowing was expected to finish that week.
Trustees also discussed additional warning lights and safety training after a driver struck township mowing equipment from behind.
Board Chairman Kenn Baughman said road foreman Steve Young was hurt in the crash but was thankful his injuries were not serious. Officials had received a copy of the crash report from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Baughman supported adding green and yellow strobe lights to township vehicles to improve visibility. Sexton said officials were researching safety improvements and possible grants through the township’s insurance provider.
No equipment purchase was approved during the discussion.
In the fire department report, Chief Frank Triana announced that firefighters Anthony Basso and Dylan Wood had been promoted to lieutenant, effective Oct. 26.
Other business
- Property tax relief. Trustees discussed possible additional relief for qualifying senior homeowners and a separate incentive for home improvements. Officials are researching the options.
- Road planning. Trustees tabled a pavement analysis proposal while they consider pricing, mapping and timing. Sexton suggested scheduling the study later in 2027 to help plan 2028 road work.
- Substation doors. Baughman’s motion to proceed with doors for the sheriff’s substation and a hallway partition died for lack of a second after trustees discussed cost and need.
- Chardonnay Circle. Rowe said his latest report showed 15 lots sold. Officials also reported that the development’s addresses had been entered into the county’s system.
- Senior address signs. Serving Our Seniors was handling installation, with 14 of 50 signs installed at the time of the meeting.
- Phone system. Baughman said the new internet-based phone system was operating and estimated monthly costs would fall from about $600 to $300.
- Noise complaint. A resident reported recurring dirt bike noise near Coen Road. Rowe was expected to report back at the Dec. 2 meeting after consulting township building and zoning officials.