Entering 2023 with a new administrator at the helm, Perrysburg Township is poised to move forward with plans for a new administration building.

At the January 18 meeting, Administrator Jon Eckel expressed his belief the time has come to construct a new building.

He cited a report on the condition of the existing structure that dates to April 2007.

“It’s got numerous problems,” he said, noting the report cited structural, mold and asbestos among building issues.

“And we have no idea what is under the concrete. For all these reasons, we should move on with a new structure,” he added.

Mr. Eckel is recommending a new building of approximately 8,000 square feet be built behind the existing one.

He said the best part of the plan is that it allows staff to remain in the existing structure until the new one is complete “and the big advantage is that it does not interrupt service for anyone.”

The administrator understands that maintenance uses part of the building now for storage of equipment, and recommended to the trustees that a 60 by 130 foot pole building be built at their campus across the street to house equipment and other necessities.

Regarding the new administrative office, he presented a rough layout of its features, which include a meeting room, office space, kitchenette, communications center and enclosure for the monthly food giveaway program.

“The new communications center is one of the biggest things,” said Trustee Gary Britten, noting the current one is inadequate. He also questioned whether the space would be sufficient for dispatch.

Mr. Eckel reiterated the drawing is only a rough draft. “It’s in its early stages, but we will get there. We want to build something they [staff] are proud of and is functional.”

But at the end of the day, the administrator added, “The most important thing is that we do it right the first time.”

When asked about a time line, he said none has been established, but to move the process along, he recommends using a construction manager who would oversee the project in its entirety.

Mr. Eckel said funding for the estimated $2 million project will come from the federal American Rescue Act as well as other funds set aside in the budget totaling $1.8 million.

The trustees pointed out that a decision also will need to be made on where to relocate the recycling bins, which are currently located where the building would be constructed.

They discussed moving them to the Lime City Road shelter house acreage temporarily during construction, as well as a location on Simmons Road.

Mr. Britten favors the shelter house because of its proximity to the township campus where “at least we can keep an eye on them.”

“We will figure something out,” Trustee Joe Schaller said.

Police Report

Police Chief Mark Hetrick presented the police report for 2022 and last month’s detective report. Police Chief Mark Hetrick said the department fielded 18,556 calls last year.

“It was not our busiest, but it was still a busy year.”

He noted catalytic converter thefts continue to plague the township and region, adding that they recently arrested a suspect for the theft, which he allegedly performed using stolen tools.

Chief Hetrick said the greatest number of calls last year was for dwelling checks, 4,102, followed by traffic stops, 2,215; incidents, 1,543; traffic crashes, 465; alarms, 443; suspicious activity, 246; theft, 121; fraud, 92; drugs, 38; overdoses, 12; burglary, seven, and breaking and entering, six.

They also handled 176 crimes of violence–domestic, 88; menacing/harassment, 77, and assaults, 11.

In December, detectives worked on a number of new cases including theft, counterfeit check and catalytic converter theft.

Among their active investigations are rape, car thefts, catalytic converter thefts, vehicle thefts, fraud and fire death.

“They worked several retail operations for theft and credit card fraud with Perrysburg and Rossford police departments,” the chief said. They also recently closed a criminal complaint for fraud.

The investigation led to Africa, but there were no further leads, Chief Hetrick said.

Road Projects

Marvin Conner, road supervisor, presented the proposed road project list for this year.

He is recommending the following road improvements: Thompson Road south of Eckel Junction to Five Point roads; Belmont Meadow Road’s entire length; Lindsay Lane from Simmons to Belmont Meadow; Lakevue Drive from US. Route 20 to 27128 Lakevue Drive; Holiday Lane from U.S. Route 20 to the road’s end; McCarty Drive from Simmons to State Route 795, and Hull Prairie Road from River Road to the Maumee River.

He is proposing work on Five Point from Tracy Road to Route 25 be performed in 2024. He noted they may push back Five Point construction to 2025.

Other Business

In other business, the trustees:

•Appointed Michael Grimm and Tom Stange to the board of zoning appeals.

“Thank you for your service,” said Trustee Joe Schaller.

•Approved participation in the U.S. numbered bicycle route section that will run through a portion of the township.

Once the specific route is selected, signage, maps and other information will be publicized.

Mr. Eckel believes “it’s important to support this. It’s a national bike trail.” he noted it also will help promote tourism in the region.

•Certified the number of lane miles in the township at 79.21.

•Heard from Bob Warnimont, recreation director, that the swing has been ordered. It will be paid for using funds from a Wood County Park District grant.

Mr. Warnimont also complimented the park district’s Wild Lights display held January 13 to 15 at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in the township.

“The park board did a tremendous job,” he said.

•Authorized Gretchen Welch, fiscal officer, to move a $77,000 matured CD to another account with the highest return on investment.

The next trustees meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, at the township meeting hall, 26609 Lime City Road, and is open to the public.