The Bethel Township Trustees approved a resolution to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Miami County Commissioners to participate in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Permit. The NPDES program addresses water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants into the water.
Sheriff’s Deputy Parrish Brazel reported that the Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring the intersection of US 40 and SR 201 per the trustees’ request. According to Township Administrator Andy Ehrhart, the situation has improved with fewer cars creating hazardous conditions by driving around cars waiting to turn.
Ehrhart also reported that the Fire Department made 12 runs between February 6 and February 19. The department responded to two structure fires, one on Wildcat Road and one mutual response to Bethel Township Clark County. The department responded to five emergency medical service calls, three vehicle accidents with injuries and one vehicle fire.
For Planning and Zoning, Ehrhart reported that no certificates were issued and no zoning enforcement citations. In addition, Ehrhart announced the Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on February 25 to finalize a ruling on the request from Roger Watercutter to place a sign in the right of way at 5775 SR 201.
Ehrhart also announced that the township has advertised for the Planning and Zoning Position now available because of Jeff Green’s resignation. Resident Joe Sumpter requested, “I would like the township to strongly consider filling the zoning position with a resident from the township rather than an outsider.” The trustees acknowledged his concerns.
In addition, two candidates running for election in the Miami County scheduled for March 15 introduced themselves to the trustees. Mel Kemmer, who is running for County Prosecutor, told the trustees that he is a graduate of OSU and has a law degree from the University of Dayton. He has lived in the county for 40 years. In addition, he worked as an Assistant Prosecutor and was a judge in the county for nine years. When Beth van Haaren asked why he was running he said, “If I thought the incumbent was doing a good job, I wouldn’t be running.”
Furthermore, Chris Anderson, Republican candidate for Sheriff also introduced himself. He explained that he was born and raised in Miami County. He worked at the Troy Police Department for 31 years and was instrumental in getting the department accredited. He said, “Accreditation eliminates the good old boy network.” He added, “I want to bring new ideas and new energy to the Sheriff’s Department. I want to bring professionalism to the department from the bottom up. I have been a lifelong resident of Miami County. I have watched the Sheriff’s office go downhill. It is on the front page for all the wrong reasons.”
The next meeting of the Bethel Township Trustees is scheduled for March 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.in the Township Meeting Room.