DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP SPECIAL MEETING
MEETING MINUTES
Date: June 23rd, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Deerfield Township Hall
IN ATTENDANCE
Trustees: Charles “Ed” Dean, Tiffany Havens (Chair), Laura Lindberg
Fiscal Officer: Tracey Dean
Assistant Fiscal Officer: Nancy Cowan
Road Supervisor and Cemetery Sexton: Tim Suderman
CALL TO ORDER
Tiffany Havens called the meeting to order at 6:00. The Pledge of Allegiance began the meeting.
● Laura gave an introduction for Randy Porter to discuss and answer questions about the proposed Southeast fire district.
● The Southeast fire district comittee would like to combine local fire departments to make it easier to staff the stations.
● The plan consists of one trustee from each of the joining townships and form one department and be funded by a levy voted on by all five townships. If one township votes it down, it will still pass due to the other four townships making a passing vote.
● Example: When they do the levy Deerfield will pay more than any other township. Randy Porter states that doesn’t want to close the Deerfield Fire Station. When starting out they will be looking for part time volunteers and work their way up to full time.
● Randy also advised that the townships could pull out at any time.
● It was asked where the fire department’s money that it has now goes, to which Randy answered it would go to the Fire district if it passes.
● Alicia Bardelli, a member of the Deerfield fire department made some valid points and showed November emails from Bixler and an article written by Jeremy Brown June 4th 2024 from the Portager
● Tiffany connected Randy Porter with a student at Kent State University for Epidemology. A survey students do with E- maps. This system provides data on the accidents.
● Requested forms will be completed soon.
● Ed asked if they had any information on Fire Districts that have been started and failed.
● Randy said that Edinburg is currently looking into that.
● Randy announced that they will be having a meeting for anyone to attend the 4th Wednesday at 7pm located at Edinburg Town hall.
● Ed attended the first district fire meeting in May and Tiffany attended the second meeting.
● Randy also stated that he hasn’t made the presentation to Charlestown trustees or residents yet.
● Paris township will be the next township to receive the presentation, date and time to be announced.
● Trustees thanked Randy and Tiffany announced that the trustees will keep Deerfield residents up to date on the Fire District proposal.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Tiffany, seconded by Laura, Ed said yes.