At the January 26, 2016 meeting of the Bethel Township Trustees, the trustees approved the employment of four new fire department employees.

The trustees approved the employment of Kristie Medley, Jace Justice, Ryne Pugh, and Scott Grigsby to the Bethel Township Fire Department. Hirt asked, “Does the township have a pool of applicants’ resources?”

Township Administrator Andy Ehrhart replied, “Most of the candidates were recruited from the Job Fair at Sinclair. One of the candidates is a paramedic and two are working on their paramedic certifications. I plan to go the next job fair at Sinclair as well.”

In addition, the trustees accepted the resignation of two members of the Bethel Township Fire Department. Gary Stitzel and Jim Ake both resigned because they no longer have time and their priorities have changed because of changes in their life circumstances.

 Ehrhart also reported that department made 18 runs from January 9, 2016 through January 22, 2016. The department responded to one minor building fire, one passenger vehicle fire, and one trash fire. The majority of the calls were for emergency medical services including two accidents with injuries. In addition, he reported that one of the accidents took out a utility pole, which caused a temporary power outage.

For the Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Deputy Parrish Brazel reported that there have been a series of car thefts and break-ins in Clark County bordering Miami. Brazel asked that the trustees keep an eye out for such activity and report it to the Sheriff’s Office. Other than that, she reported that things have been quiet in the township.

In addition, Ehrhart asked that the department have a presence at the intersection of SR 201 and US 40. He said, “At around 8:00 a.m. many people are trying to make turns at that intersection. Cars behind them don’t want to wait and are going around them, which creates a hazard for other cars coming in the opposite direction.”

Brazel agreed to let the other deputies know about the situation.

In Planning and Zoning, Ehrhart reported for Jeff Green, who was unable to attend, that the Bethel Township Zoning Commission and The Bethel Township Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) would meet on January 28, 2016 to hear several cases. The Zoning Commission will hear a case to split and rezone two acres at 9885 Palmer. The BZA will hear a request for a sign in the right of way at 8755 SR 201, a conditional use to locate a residence in the floodplain at 5775 SR 571 and a conditional use to place a second residence at 8263 US 40.

For Zoning Enforcement, Green removed an illegal sign at US 40 and Palmer. Trustee Jerry Hirt said, “I have seen several other signs popping up at intersections.”

Ehrhart agreed to pass the information to Green for enforcement.

The next meeting of the Bethel Township Trustees is scheduled for February 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Meeting Rm.

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