MEETING MINUTES
Date: June 9th 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
Fire Chief: Scott Dean
Special Guests: Tom McCarty, Portage County Asst. Prosecuting Attorney; Mike Tinlin, Portage
County Commissioner
CALL TO ORDER
Tiffany Havens called the meeting to order at 6:01. The Pledge of Allegiance began the
meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES/REPORTS
May financials: unanimously approved. Tiffany made a motion Laura seconded and Ed
said yes. Roll call vote was unanimous.
April 14 minutes: the motion was for 75 geraniums, not 100. Old business: the December
decoration charge for $458.56 was not in the minutes. In new business, Discussion about
Nancy’s hours was omitted.
May minutes – revisions: p2 – should specify which roof near completion. Haas Brothers
should be added as underground boring company. Last, sirens were not going to be
used during the parade.
We have made arrangements for fire district to come speak for 15-20 minutes today.
There will be another meeting this month for the whole community to ask questions
then, as this meeting is informational.
Jeff Bixler (Edinburgh) and Randy Porter (Charleston): brought back the concept of a
joint fire district, also to include Paris, Palmyra, and Deerfield (basically Southeast Local
Schools). We all struggle and can be stronger as one. We are putting together a bus
plan, but at this point, it’s a 30,000 ft. view, and we’re trying to collect information.
Meetings at Edinburgh are open to the public; anyone is welcome. 4th Wednesday at
6pm in Edinburgh. We’re trying to do what’s best for the communities. The intention is to
form one large dept, not remove people. Each township would have a board member;
together, they would hire a fire chief. The intention is to provide the best service with the
money we have. Deerfield is probably the largest – will pay more but use more than
others. We are already relying on one another for backup – this practice can end upwith 3-4 vehicles on a scene with only 3-4 people. Bixler and Porter will attend next
Monday’s fire dept mtg, with a following Monday meeting, open to public.
Regarding the hearing, Commissioner Mike Tinlin is in attendance today, as well as
Assistant Prosecutor Tom McCarty. Tiffany made a motion under ORC 121.22 (seconded
and passed unanimously) to go into executive session to consider an investigation into
complaints against a public employee. [entered exec session at 6:21 and returned at
6:28.] Tiffany made a motion to leave exec session and enter regular (seconded,
passed unanimously). The appellant requests another 30-day extension to prepare.
Tiffany made a motion grant the 30-day extension, to be brought back at the next
meeting (seconded, passed unanimously).
COMMUNICATIONS
Tracey read a letter from the Deerfield Volunteer fire dept, which expressed opposition
to joining the Southeast fire group. Would no longer have our own station and would
give up control to others, resulting in loss of property and life. They asked the trustees to
team with them to stop the movement toward a joint fire district.
Tracey: July 30, 9-10am, will be coffee with commissioners at Café 14.
Tracey: Budget is done – we need a motion to accept and file. We also need a
resolution to accept the 2025 Nopec grant. The budget is basically the same as last
year. Tiffany made a motion to accept the Nopec donation for 2025 (seconded and
passed unanimously).
Portage County recycling tire cleanup is Tuesday, June 17, 10-3. We just provide space,
and they do the rest. This will happen on the side where the gravel is stored. Tiffany
made a motion to allow the Portage County Health Dept to hold the tire drop-off
(seconded and passed unanimously). There is a list of 10tires/household, bike,
lawnmower, accepted. No agriculture or construction. This is open to all portage co
residents (need proof of residency). Tiffany gave information on the Charm program
through Portage County located on Mogadore Rd. In Brimfield. Which provides a drop
off facility for residents to dispose of items not accepted in regular curbside recycling or
trash services. Including electronics, appliances, tires, batteries, and hazardous
household waste.
(Laura) Rebecca Able – ODOT – Reviewed the Deerfield circle. Recent sign upgrades
(August 2024) have been unsuccessful in mitigating crashes. Between 2015-2024 there
were 8 failure to stops. There was an Increase in 2023, most likely to older signs. In 2024
newer and larger signs were installed, but 2025 data show the new signs have not been
effective. We need to consider LED stop signs; we qualify for the stop signs, and they
should be placed this fall. Funding is considered on June 30 (we can’t buy them
ourselves). Rumble strips may be another option in the future (would require a vote for a
residential area).
Tiffany attended 28th SE fire meeting. There was talk about surveys, and a need for more
meetings. Tiffany was not comfortable voting for new officers, as we are not yet part of
the joint district (we would no longer be a township; we would be a district). There was
discussion about the number of calls that went unanswered with each dept., and what
depts provide mutual aid. Also discussed was a written business plan (in the works). KSU
College of Public Health will help run numbers and look at data. Ed talked to the chief
about not conducting the survey unless we decide to move forward with this endeavor,
as the survey is a lengthy and time-consuming effort. Randy Porter said that the
opposite was also true, that it’s hard to make decisions about a joint district without
data. Tiffany expressed that more data is useful and part of public record and would
not commit us to a decision. Chief said we would need a couple months to gather
data and conduct the survey; four other districts have completed their surveys.
Guest speaker:Mike Tinlin, Portage County Commissioner, reported about the project started 2 yrs ago
regarding towers and a radio system to assist first responders. The towers are up, Spectrum has
wiring up, and since November, Mike has hounded state reps to get this going. There are still
parts on order to complete the job (the project is languishing). Once up and running,
everyone in the county will have free WIFI. Please call with any questions.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Roger Mansfield – President, Southeast Portage County Lions Club – 1st, we would like to
dedicate a bench for a former trustee (Herman Prevot) and his wife (Beth Prevot) who
both recently passed away. Ed asked about the bench for Sue Bell (already passed), and
Roger said a plate is being made for her. We would fasten both benches outside. Soft
plastics/bags may be donated for the benches at a collection box near the garage
Monday-Friday 6am-3pm. Ed made a motion to accept the bench (seconded and passed
unanimously). 2nd, The Lions Club district has 53 clubs from Ashtabula to East Liverpool (eye
foundation to help with cataract surgeries, reading equip for blind, etc.). They would like to
meet here, if possible, 2nd Tuesday of the month 7pm. In the winter, the meetings are
conducted more often online. Ed made a motion to allow the meetings (seconded and
passed unanimously).
Dennis Jones – spoke against joining the joint fire district. Our department does a great job.
Dennis worried that service will be slower with a larger district. We already assist them as it
is.
Mark Reinhart – expressed support for the fire dept. Also we have requested pickleball
courts, and hope that grant money could be used to support such a popular activity.
End of meeting commentary.
Denise Adams – Piece of history: Denise read a blurb about the Apple Butter Fest and the
inception of our Civic Association in 1976 for Deerfield to get their bicentennial recognition.
Chris Sutcliffe: fire dept. we shouldn’t make rash decisions before we have more
information. We should give the planners all the info they want right now (for free). We also
need more info about their current staffing (we don’t know anything). We only get info on
the number of calls. They might be doing a great job; we have no idea.
Kenny Budd: lost MIL a week ago and it took ½ hr to get responders there. We need better
staffing, and the joint fire district will possibly take longer. Randy: we would not serve you
well if we didn’t use that station. Chief: we will have more info at the next meeting in two
weeks (special meeting to address fire concerns).
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Road Department/Maintenance (Tim Suderman)
Road Department
Roadside mowing – weather has been tough, but most is complete.
There is road patch work to do, requesting ~$7500 worth of asphalt (10 loads). (Tiffany
made a motion to purchase the asphalt, which was seconded and passed
unanimously).
The International dump truck repairs at Alliance Motors amounted to $110 (no motion
necessary for emergency repair).
Two trees on Treasure Blvd need removed (quote was $300). Ed made a motion to pay
$300, which was seconded and passed unanimously. We need $200 to replace a pressure washer hose. Ed made a motion to approve the
funds, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Cemeteries
Driveways are raked with 150 tons of stone needed at $37/ton (#8 white limestone):
$5,550 (Deerfield). $2960 for 80 tons for Hartzel. Ed noted that it’s been around 10 years
since we put stone down. We would like input from the cemetery assn. before a
decision.
The little white building – repairs in progress, lots of work. Laura made a motion for $500
in paint for the Deerfield and Hartzel cemeteries (seconded and passed unanimously).
We have an account at Lowes; Tiffany argued that we should open an account at
Sherwin Williams as well if the deal is better. Tiffany made a motion to open an account
at Sherwin Williams (seconded and passed unanimously). There was consensus that we
should purchase paint at the lowest cost.
Mud mats – we would like 5 mats at $240 each. (This is another matter we can ask the
Cemetery Assn. about). Laura made a motion to support funding for the mats
(seconded and passed unanimously).
Ed made the comment if we are joining the fire district do we want to do a well and
addition. Tiffany added she would like to move forward with the well and addition as it
would be an improvement to Deerfield fire department.
Buildings and Grounds
Gazebo – (Ed) – would like to remove our architect as we’re getting no response since
December. Tiffany talked with him, and he said that they would be back next week or
so, but he was rather vague. Tiffany noted that sending him a letter might move the
project along. Ed: The new head building official in Portage County will be willing to
work with us on repair, rather than building new. He’s willing to come out next week.
Building new would require engineering studies. Tiffany made a motion to get a building
permit if it’s under $500 (seconded and passed unanimously).
(Ed) A recent accident at the circle (failure to control) resulted in $1800 damage. Our
new insurance co will go after their insurance.
Propane currently is $2.99/gallon, but new company quote is $1.49 initial, then $1.79
gallon (price lock). Superior is the current company. We are already using 21st Century
for other things and they are quoting the better price. Tiffany made a motion to switch
companies to 21st Century (seconded and passed unanimously). Tim stated well at fire
department will be drilled early to mid week.
(Ed) The Township Hall was rented May 24 for a wedding reception and it was left a
mess (cigarette smoke and butts, open windows, open doors, dirty floors, etc.). Ed
made a motion not to return the security deposit of $250 with a note explaining why
(seconded and passed unanimously). They paid cash, so only a letter is necessary.
Tiffany agreed to send the letter about holding the deposit.
Someone in the audience mentioned a large pothole on 224 near the dam (noted)
(Ed) The Civics Assn. would like to have a kids’ carnival along with the apple butter
festival. The carnival would be on Sunday, extending the festival for a second day. Ed
made a motion to allow the Civics Assn. to host a two-day fest (seconded and passed
unanimously).
Fire Department
(Captain Bardelli) For May, we had 26 calls, 15 medicals, 2 fire calls 4 service, 5 MVA.
Kaley and Cody passed their paramedic test.
(Tiffany): The Levy for infrastructure is expiring. August 6 is the deadline for getting on the
November ballot. Renewal of the 2.5 mil levy brings in $144,819. Next year we have a
1.5 mil levy. The current cost per household is $39 year per $100,000 household. The
average house in Deerfield in $212,100 ($82.72 for the renewal). A replacement would
be $186.65 but would be adjusted for the newer property values (an increase of $49 per
$100,000 household per year for four years). Laura thinks renewal is best given
everyone’s increased tax situation. Ed noted that if it doesn’t pass this year, we would
still have time to get it on next year’s ballot without any loss of money. Laura made amotion to submit a renewal; there was no second. Ed argued that there are increasing
costs and that the tax monies have been steady for years; we need additional funding
in the form of a replacement levy. One firefighter employee costs about 100,000/year,
not to mention the cost of vehicles, equipment, etc. We haven’t purchased new
equipment in years. If we join the joint fire district, any current levy would expire and we
would be required to seek a new joint levy. Also, if Ohio does away with real estate tax,
we will lose major funding. If we ask for a replacement levy this time and if fails, we can
ask for a renewal next year. Laura wondered whether the school board is seeking
additional funding (Ed thinks no). Ed made a motion to add a replacement levy at the
same milage for the November election (second and passed unanimously).
OLD BUSINESS
none
NEW BUSINESS
none
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed at 7:58pm.