Geneva Township 2009 in Review

 

2009 proved to be a challenging and successful year in Geneva Township.  Progress was made on the Township’s goal of getting all the dirt roads paved.  The Township’s dedicated road employees, Gordon Schupska, Jim Burhenne, Don Ferron, Bob Alderman and Denny Crawford continue to provide excellent service to the Township’s residents.  Tim Mills who has served as Township Trustee since 2002 and Bob Russell who has served as Township Trustee since 2006 were elected to another four year tern in November of 2009.

Major projects for 2009 include the following:

A waterline connecting East Maple Avenue to Austin Road was completed in the spring.  This joint project between the Ashtabula County Engineer’s Office, Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services and the Township was funded through a Community Development Block Grant.

Barnum Road received extensive repairs consisting of line of sight improvements, drainage improvements, widening and paving of the roadway.  This project was funded in part through a $159,000.00 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission and $8,000.00 worth of engineering services provided by Tim Martin, Ashtabula County Engineer.

Construction began in September on Wheeler Creek Road just north of US Route 20.  This project was made possible by a grant from The Ohio Public Works Commission will improve and pave 3,000 feet of road and is scheduled for completion in late 2010.

Over five miles of roads were “chip and sealed” to extend the useful life of the road.

A flashing traffic signal was erected at the intersection of State Route 534 and Maple Avenue thanks to the cooperation of the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The fire department’s training center was completed in early spring.

The fire department purchased a boat and trailer along with other equipment that improved the fire departments ability to handle water related incidents.  Several items were also purchased that expanded the fire departments capabilities to perform ice rescues.

The Township applied for a year grant to survey and replace traffic signs on township roads.

The Citizen’s Advisory Committee formed to investigate building a fire station to serve the northern sections of the township recommended to the Trustees that a fire levy should be placed on the ballot.  As a result of the recommendation the Trustees place on the November 2009 ballot a one mill fire levy.  This levy was narrowly defeated and the Advisory Committee will continue exploring different options for improving fire protection within the Township.

The Geneva Union Cemeteries erected a new office building at the Evergreen Cemetery.

 

Geneva Township Trustees: Timothy Mill, Robert Russell, Richard Pruden

Fiscal Officer: Tony Long