| DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES | |
| MEETING MINUTES | |
| Date: | August 10th 2026 |
| Time: | 6:00 PM |
| Location: | Deerfield Township Hall |
IN ATTENDANCE
Trustees: Tiffany Havens (Chair), Laura Lindberg, Vaughn Sutcliffe
Administrative Assistant: Nancy Cowan
Fire: Todd Bardelli
CALL TO ORDER
- Tiffany Havens called the meeting to order at 6:04pm; the Pledge of Allegiance began the meeting.
MEETING MINUTES
- 6/8 Minutes. Laura made a motion to accept (seconded and passed unanimously).
- July 13 Meeting Minutes. Tiffany made a motion to table (seconded and passed unanimously).
- July 25 special meeting minutes. Laura made a motion to accept (seconded and passed unanimously).
- July Financials and Funds Ledger. Tiffany made a motion to table (seconded and passed unanimously).
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Vaughn shared a letter from the Portage County Land Bank for the brownfield reutilization program, focused on commercial properties. Nothing needs addressed.
- Letter from the Department of Commerce regarding any issues with liquor licenses – due in Sept. No issues, so requires no response.
- Nancy got a call from a new company about electric rates; There is a preferred pricing rate available. Our current rate (Integrity Energy) is better, but we’ll look into it.
- The circle. Laura said that she sent photos to ODOT regarding the wreck at the circle Friday morning. They will fix any signs that were damaged. Separately, In August of ‘24 a large tree fell near the circle, leaving a stump/hole, which needs repaired. Laura asked ODOT if they could fix it; they’ll come and take a look. In July, work was to begin by ODOT at the circle on islands and delineators; It will be delayed until September or October due to tornadoes.
- Tiffany received a letter from a resident about a barking dog. Those complaints need to go to the county, as the township has no noise ordinance.
- Tiffany received correspondence and a call from American Fireworks Company owner Roberto Sorgi, who appeared at the meeting to discuss 9673 Route 224 (Good’s Raceway), which he and his brother/co-owner would like to purchase. Based in Hudson Ohio, they do 850 shows per year and sell wholesale. They have another facility in Garfield but are running out of space. They’re looking at the raceway property for storage and perhaps future retail (no raw materials or manufacturing); it’s under contract with 90-day due diligence. They are asking whether the township will give its blessing. They will seek a license for a mercantile store as a secondary use, but not full-fledged retail due to lack of water access. They also brought a packet of info that includes aerial views. The facility would be regulated by state and federal governments; furthermore, this location will probably be inspected monthly. Some testing may be done on sight with permitting. Given no zoning, Tiffany simply asked that they bring in the fire department to be familiar with the facility, and that they keep it clean, mowed etc. Tiffany made the motion to support the purchase in writing (seconded and passed unanimously).
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
- none.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Road Department/Maintenance (Vaughn on behalf of Tim Suderman)
Road Department
- Doing patch work, mowing, fixed sidewalk crack at township hall and concrete by library box.
- Flower basket got moved to fire station after recent accident.
Cemeteries
- There was one cremation interned at Hartzell and one full burial at Deerfield.
- In review of quotes, Raelynn’s service was the best price (by far) for dead tree removal at $900 (including removal, grinding, and cleanup). Vaugh made a motion to use Raelynn’s (seconded and passed unanimously).
Buildings and Grounds
- Gazebo. Vaughn reached out to our lawyer and to ODOT about details for the gazebo (barriers around structure).
- We have 3 bids out currently. Tiffany made a motion to have a special meeting Saturday morning at 9am to open bids and potentially make a decision (seconded and passed unanimously). We’ll add the meeting to the billboard and website.
- We’re still waiting on approval on the revised plans from Portage County.
- Parking lot grant. We’re waiting for a check to be cleared to submit for reimbursement.
- Drinking water delivery (bottled water) in township – refills? Tiffany to follow up.
- The water fountain will be removed in the Town Hall when the cover plate arrives.
- Garage door opener at FD was replaced.
Fire Department (Capt. Bardelli)
- We had 37 calls last month, 17 Fire, 20 EMS.
- We’re working with the EPA about a possible citation of a burning camper.
- Bruce Whicher resigned August 6th.
- We need a quote for truck maintenance.
- We got a portable pump from ODNR in Chillicothe. It will be placed in service soon.
- The Board of pharmacy visited and requested a few minor changes; for example, they want a key lock on oxygen (a drug), so we got a lockable cage.
- Todd brought a stack of receipts for trustees. Several motions ensued. Todd would like to go to an officer development class for $385. Tiffany made a motion to approve (seconded and passed unanimously). Tiffany made a motion to accept Derek’s expense reimbursement report (seconded and passed unanimously). Tiffany made another motion to reimburse Todd for $534.99 at Tractor Supply for the Board of Pharmacy costs (seconded and passed unanimously). Tiffany also made a motion to cover a FEMA grant administrator resources invoice for $4,380 (seconded and passed unanimously).
- Update on whom people should call for fire and EMS? Vaughn said the 222# is best for around the lake if you know where you are.
- Tiffany spoke with the Ohio Plan about lending equipment to other depts. She suggested that whoever borrows equipment shares info validating that their insurance will cover.
- Turbo pump – Tiffany asked the BLA for clarification of agreement. A demo is scheduled.
- We have a request in to the Board of Elections for fire levy (in process).
- Vaughn restarted the septic project at the fire department. Physical plans are done, We created a login to the Ohio ID system for permits, etc., and we have forms to sign to get permit to install ($427.50). Discharge permit is $200. The company’s permitting fees will be $2,500 for budgeting purposes and $55,000 for the system itself. Tiffany made a motion for Vaughn to proceed (seconded and passed unanimously).
OLD BUSINESS
- Teams and cybersecurity. Trustees touched base about phones, phone messages, emails, security on WIFI.
- Groves Appliance Repair will send an invoice for the new fridge.
NEW BUSINESS
- Vaughn contacted Denise Adams about veterans banners (missing or broken ones); this was a Civic Club project. Vaughn suggested they go up on Memorial Day and come down on Labor Day. They need policies about how to change or replace them.
- There was discussion about the Portage County Fair display board.
ADJOURNMENT
Tiffany made a motion to adjourn at about 7:05, which was seconded, and passed unanimously.
______________________________ ______________________________
Tiffany Havens Vaughn Sutcliffe
Trustee/Chair Trustee
______________________________ ______________________________
Laura Lindberg Tracey Dean
Trustee Fiscal Officer
Minutes respectfully submitted by Cary Wecht
Cary Wecht