Perrysburg Township’s trustees were taken aback to learn last week that their two chief financial personnel will retire next month.
At the May 19 meeting, Trustee Gary Britten announced the retirement resignations of Becky Johnson, payroll and financial specialist, and fiscal officer Shirley Haar. Both are effective June 4.
In her May 10 letter to the trustees, Mrs. Johnson said she is retiring after more than 25 years of service. “I have given this much thought and with grandkids and many changes, I think it is time to enjoy my family,” she wrote.
Trustee Bob Mack extended best wishes to Mrs. Johnson. “I have been a beneficiary of your flawless and dedicated work ethic. You have been a most exemplary employee and our township team and constituents will miss your skills and impact.”
Mr. Britten agreed, “Becky will be sorely missed. She is only the second administrative secretary we have ever had.”
Mrs. Haar submitted her retirement notice in a letter prior to the trustees meeting. “It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of Perrysburg Township as their fiscal officer the last 18 years,” she wrote. “That is why it is with great sadness that I am ending my service to the township and its citizens.”
The fiscal officer fully intended to serve her full term, but cited the atmosphere at the township as “no longer being conducive to my mental and physical well-being.”
She noted that when she ran for re-election in 2019, she believed she could make a difference in the township and for its citizens. “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I no longer feel that way. Matters are not proceeding in the direction I had anticipated and needed changes are not conceivable in the near future.”
Mr. Britten acknowledged that reading the retirement letters into record was difficult. “Between Shirley and Becky, they’ve done a wonderful job. They have always been here to help and helped me when I was maintenance supervisor,” he said.
Following the meeting, the trustees entered into executive session to discuss replacements for the women, but took no action afterward.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, “the fiscal officer of a township shall notify the board of elections of all vacancies in the elective offices of the township. The notification shall be made in writing and filed not later than 10 days after a vacancy occurs with the board of elections of the county in which township is located.”
The revised code also stipulates that “if there is a vacancy, the board of township trustees shall appoint a person having the qualifications of an elector to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term or until a successor is elected.”
The trustees had scheduled a special meeting for 4 p.m., Monday, May 24 to discuss hiring.
U.S. Route 20 Starbucks
The trustees addressed continued issues with traffic backing up at the Holiday Lane, Route 20 Starbucks drive-thru. Mr. Mack acknowledged “it’s a problem right now,” but is hopeful with Biggby under construction nearby at French Quarter Square and Starbucks allowing customers inside, the issue should resolve itself in the near future.
Mr. Mack also speculated part of the reason for the backup could be the need for additional baristas. “There is a labor shortage that could be contributing to the slower service,” he said.
The trustee suggested that when the new Starbucks opens on State Route 25, it could reduce demand at the Route 20 store.
The trustees had originally considered the installation of left turn barriers on Holiday Lane, but now believe doing so would move the problem the opposite direction.
They noted about 25 years ago, Holiday Lane was three lanes with a middle turn lane and suggested conferring with ODOT officials about possibly reinstating that lane.
“We should be relieved to know there is room for a turn lane if we need it,” Mr. Mack said.
Mr. Britten suggested the township also ask for input from the county engineer’s office.
While admitting the problem may resolve itself, he said, “We should be proactive. It’s good to know we’ve got options.”
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Set a public hearing to consider a zoning change from A-1 agricultural to C-2 community business district for a 12.16-acre parcel at the intersection of Route 20 and Thompson Road.
•Reviewed the police and detective division reports for April. Last month, police handled 1,719 calls including dwelling checks,485; traffic stops, 205; incidents, 99; traffic crashes, 39; drugs, 36; alarms, 26; theft, 16; suspicious activity, 11, and fraud, seven.
Of the 12 violent crimes, seven were for menacing/harassment, followed by domestic, four, and assaults, one.
Police Chief Mark Hetrick said detectives are working on a number of new investigations pertaining to sexual assault, identity fraud, theft and breaking and entering.
Administratively, detectives continue to assist the county prosecutor on cases and are collaborating with federal agencies regarding criminal organization activity in the township.
•Discussed new cyber security measures being implemented such as two factor IDs to log into the system and adopting new passwords on a quarterly basis.
Township Administrator Walt Celley said the township was fortunate not to suffer any serious issues after a recent attack on government technology systems nationwide.
“We got off virtually unscathed,” with insurance covering the cost of about $50,000.
He believes it is important to enhance security measures. “It’s really necessary,” he added.
•Addressed the concerns of Parliament Place residents whose sidewalks are deteriorating. The residents asked the township to consider replacing them and assessing property owners for the work. Mr. Britten said the town
Mr. Britten said the township is aware of multiple sub divisions with sidewalk problems, including Oakmont, Oak Meadows and Starbright.
The money required to address sidewalk replacement would come from the road fund, which has been appropriated this year to replace curbs and basins in several areas including Parliament Place.
In addition, he noted that sidewalk replacement is “very expensive.”
But the trustee admitted the sidewalk condition is poor. “We’re in full agreement with you and know they’re bad.”
When the curb work and resurfacing of the subdivision roads are complete, Mr. Britten believes residents will be pleased with the results and acknowledged the inconvenience they are enduring while work is completed.
•Appointed Bill Irwin to serve as an alternate member on the board of zoning appeals. The township still is in need of an alternate for the BZA and zoning commission.
•Approved an LED streetlighting agreement for a lighting project at the Perrysburg Heights Community Association.
The next trustees meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 2, at the township hall, 26609 Lime City Road and is open to the public.