DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Date: October 13th 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Deerfield Township Hall
IN ATTENDANCE
Trustees: Charles “Ed” Dean, Tiffany Havens (Chair), Laura Lindberg
Fiscal Officer: Tracey Dean
Fire: Assistant Chief Derek Day
Special Guests: Sherriff Bruce Zuchowski and Dan Young, Coordinator for Portage County 911.
CALL TO ORDER
Tiffany Havens called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance began the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES/REPORTS
August 11th meeting minutes. Tiffany clarified that Mike Kimble paid for the labor of painting the
old Town Hall. Tiffany made a motion to approve the minutes (seconded and passed
unanimously). Financials: Laura made a motion to approve the August 2025 financials subject
to audit, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
September 8 minutes and financials. Tabled until next meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tiffany said we received a communication from the Portage County Board of Commissioners;
they are assembling a database about any township wind and solar building restrictions.
Because Deerfield has no zoning, this is not applicable and therefore no resolution is
necessary. Tiffany made a motion that no resolution was necessary (second and passed
unanimously).
We received a letter from the Land Bank (see copies) regarding blight properties. We can
suggest properties to the Portage County Brownfield Remediation Program and/or Building
Demolitions Revitalization Program. Ed mentioned the structure across the street from the post
office; anyone can suggest a property. Trustees have until January 16th 2026 to decide.
NOPEC. We got a letter from the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and
Development about clean water plan facilities. Tiffany looked at the Portage County map, and
this doesn’t apply to us.SPECIAL GUESTS- DISPATCH SERVICES
Sherriff Bruce Zuchowski, Mike Davis, and Dan Young, Coordinator for Portage County 911.
Dan explained what is offered through dispatch and 911 and the pricing/cost system (cost
sharing with townships they contract with). Calls are dispatched through the Sherriff’s office (if
you are on the edge of the township and calling by cell, you might be diverted to Mahoning
County – it’s wise to ID Portage County). The contract cost is locked in for the term of the
contract, and the price is gaged by population. Basic reprogramming for our radio system would
be included. There is a 30 day out clause in the contract. Bruce invited people to call the
Sherriff’s office with any questions or concerns.
Jolleen Clelland with Ravenna Dispatch. The price has come down considerably since the last
meeting (see pricing sheet). The price is locked in for three years. Call Ravenna Dispatch with
any questions.
It was decided to wait until the next meeting to vote on a dispatch contract.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
none
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Road Department/Maintenance (Ed on behalf of Tim Suderman)
Road Department
We need approval for replacing the water pump on the International ($1,102.41), and we also
need to approve a tow bill for $450 to get the truck to K+D truck service. Ed made the motion to
approve both, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Steiner 440 repair: We would like to get the steering valve looked at; it’s bypassing internally. Ed
made the motion to take it in and have the repair made if necessary (should be under $1,000).
The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Erosion control. On Fewtown Road, we added crushed #2s along the ditch bank to prevent
further erosion in the worst areas. We used stock materials for this, so no approval is needed.
Cemeteries (Ed on behalf of Tim)
One full burial since the last meeting; we’ll continue mowing and leaf cleanup as needed.
We will finish building repairs such as installing boards in the Mottown building, but we would
like to approve a few gallons of paint and another half dozen boards for the project (estimated
cost if $200). Ed made the motion to approve (seconded and passed unanimously).
A man who lives in South Carolina bought a Deerfield Cemetery plot but no longer wants this
location. The Township needs to buy it back for $675 (FYI). Ed made a motion for the buyback
(seconded and passed unanimously).
Tiffany: We asked the prosecuting attorney to send out a letter about the fence replacement but
have not heard back. We’ll follow up.
Buildings and Grounds (Ed on behalf of Tim)
We need approval for paint for the bollards at the maintenance garage (will be $100 or less so
no motion is necessary).
We need a couple LED lightbulbs for the Township Hall at about $53 each. Ed made a motion to
approve (seconded and passed unanimously).
The Town Hall refrigerator is no longer cooling. Ed called Grove’s; they charge $99 for the
service call and additional for repairs. Ed made a motion to get it fixed as long as repairs don’t
exceed the cost of a new refrigerator (second and passed unanimously).
We used NOPEC grant money for energy upgrades to purchase blinds and efficiency flush
commodes. There is some remaining money left. Tiffany made a motion to spend the remaining
money on LED lights in the Fire Department (seconded and passed unanimously).
Tiffany asked about the letter to the architect; Ed will have info at the next meeting.
Fire Department (Derek Day on behalf of Chief Dean)
We had 26 calls last month, 17 EMS and 9 Fire.
We had three new applicants to the department, please review. Tiffany asked for additional
resumes from former applicants. Applicant Matthew Vizzuso EMT, FF1 appeared to answer
questions. Ed made a motion to appoint Matt, one year probationary, pending fingerprints,
physical, and background check (seconded and passed unanimously). Applicant Miles Eston,
Paramedic, and Jessica Hartzell, EMT Basic, were not present. Tiffany made separate motions
to appoint Miles and Jessica, both one year probationary, pending relevant requirements (i.e.,
fingerprints, physical, drug test, background check) (both seconded and passed unanimously).
We have 6-7 people who are interested in 36hr fire training at a cost of $700 each plus books.
FEMA grant money will reimburse us. Tiffany made a motion to cover the course fees and
reimburse people for the books (seconded and passed unanimously).
The Chief asks for a position on a radio for the new truck. We have one quote (Hudson) on the
radio for $3,000. Brian Allison looked at the quote and was really happy with the brand. Tiffany
made a motion to look for another quote for a price of under $3,000 (seconded and passed
unanimously).
Derek asked whether we can use NOPEC money for fire alarms to hand out to the public. Ed
said he would check, but it seems doubtful, as that money is earmarked for energy upgrades.
The new ambulance needs fixed. Ed made a motion to take it to K+D, Clarks, or Springers,
whoever can fix it first (seconded and passed unanimously).
FEMA renewal paperwork is done.
BWC 2021 case study having to do with Vaugh Sutcliff is done.
We’re going to have to schedule ladder testing.
Lettering for the new truck will be about $600. Tiffany made a motion to support this up to $650
(seconded and passed unanimously).
Derek asked about three sign quotes for the fire department, ranging from 15-20K. Derek said
that he would rather use grant money for fire equipment. Trustees and Asst. Chief Day will look
at this further.
Derek would like to update their rules and regulations manual and asked whether they need
approval. Ed said that he would like the prosecutors’ office to look into it. Tiffany asked for a
copy to review and mail to the prosecutors’ office.
Todd and Alicia Bardelli did a great job at a fire recently.
Tiffany stressed the importance of getting the survey done, as it’s been six months. She would
like it by the end of the week.
Laura asked about presence at high school football games; Captain Bardelli said he has it taken
care of.
Tiffany asked to go into executive session with Lindsey Davis under ORC 121-22 due to the
personal nature of the matter. She made the motion, which was seconded and passed
unanimously. Ay 7:35, trustees returned from executive session. With regard to Lindsey’s
onboarding, Tiffany made a motion that Lindsey will complete training (4 hrs with Brian Allison
and the other 4 hrs TBD), and that Lindsey has until Dec. 31st to fulfill all obligations in the
matter (sexual harassment and ACLS training). The motion was seconded and passed
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
none
NEW BUSINESS
Tifany announced that she applied and was awarded a park and trail improvement grant for just
under $25K; however we need a resolution to accept the grant. The grant is to improve
accessibility and help people enjoy nature (pickleball and baseball fields are not allowable, but
parking, walking trail resurfacing, and signage are allowable). We have until the end of next year
to use the money and it must be maintained. Competitive bids and compensation for our
workers are required. Ed asked whether there was funding available for the reimbursement.Trustees agreed to look over the paperwork and revisit this issue at the next meeting. The grant
must be accepted by the end of 2025.
ADJOURNMENT
Tiffany made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded, and passed at 7:34 pm.