The Vermilion Township Board of Trustees met on June 18, 2025, to address several infrastructure and zoning issues, including fire station bay door repairs, a proposed cemetery clearing project, and the early steps of placing a full-time EMS levy on the November ballot.
Chair Trustee Kenn Baughman, Vice Chair Don Rowe Sr., and Trustee Kurt Johnson were all present, along with Fire Chief Frank Triana, Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson, and Township Administrator Joe Baxter.
A primary point of discussion was whether to repair or replace the garage bay doors at Fire Station #1. Two of the eight original doors are currently in failure, and repair estimates came in at $15,000. Replacing all eight with insulated, commercial-grade models would cost between $42,000 and $45,000. Trustee Johnson supported full replacement due to long-term savings and concerns over future failure, while Trustee Baughman favored holding off on a full replacement, citing the possibility that the remaining doors could last several more years. The board agreed to revisit the issue at their next meeting on July 2.
The board also discussed clearing land and removing dead trees from the historic Cuddeback Cemetery. Trustees are seeking updated estimates ranging from $15,000 to $20,000, with concerns expressed about the possibility of unmarked graves in the overgrown area. No final decision was made, and the matter was tabled pending further evaluation.
A draft of Resolution 2025-14, a proposed resolution of necessity for a full-time EMS levy, was distributed for preliminary review. The four-page document will be sent to the Erie County Auditor and Prosecutor’s Office for feedback before it is formally introduced for passage. Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson was credited by the board for compiling the necessary financial information.
The trustees also passed Resolution 2025-15, which amends the township’s zoning resolution to update political sign regulations. The revision removes previously enforced time and size restrictions to comply with a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Political signs will continue to be prohibited on public property and utility poles, but no longer require zoning permits unless they exceed 100 square feet.
During his administrator’s report, Joe Baxter outlined recent maintenance and zoning activity. He noted that despite more than four inches of rain, no township roads flooded. However, he did report stormwater infiltration at the Orchard Beach Package Point system, which was discharging sanitary water after recent rains. The matter has been referred to the Erie County Health Department and EPA for further enforcement.
Baxter also requested the purchase of two rugged iPads for fieldwork with GIS mapping software and noted continued delays in the Cherry Road ditch project, attributing the holdup to weather-related contractor backups. Additionally, Baxter described a backlog of zoning files requiring organization and proposed hiring a part-time assistant, possibly a college student, to assist with the task.
Twelve zoning permits were issued in the past month, and the township addressed several complaints, including a stop-work order issued for a home under construction without permits in Minneawa. “This is not the Wild West,” Baxter said. “Permits are required.”
During the public participation period, multiple residents raised concerns.
Tom Krukemeyer asked about the township’s certificate of compliance and questioned Administrator Baxter’s qualifications. Trustees declined to comment on the compliance matter, citing ongoing litigation, but said Baxter could provide a written summary of his professional background.
Katherine Schwanitz spoke emotionally about the flooding and damage to her neighborhood, which she attributed to ongoing drainage issues. “My kids couldn’t get home one day because the road was flooded,” she said. “I don’t feel like this is compliant in any way, shape, or form. It’s just a continuation of the problem.”
Chuck Hall raised questions about the township’s consideration of purchasing heavy equipment, including an excavator and wheel loader. He asked whether the equipment would be used frequently enough to justify the cost. Trustees stated that staff are certified to operate the equipment and that funds had already been earmarked. They emphasized that any purchases would undergo thorough review.
The board also voted to allow full-time township employees to observe the Juneteenth federal holiday on Friday, June 20, rather than on the traditional Thursday, to better accommodate schedules.
The next meeting of the Vermilion Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
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