Trustees increase liability coverage
By LARRY SHIELDS, Salem News staff writerPERRY TOWNSHIP - Trustees approved a resolution increasing its liability coverage from $2 million to $3 million on Monday.
Fiscal Officer Susan Johnston said after a policy review, the township's insurance agent made the recommendation.
Last year, the township paid $13,290 with a discount and the new policy will cost $13,790 this year.
Trustee Larry Parker wondered if the additional coverage was needed and Johnston said the agent advised that a township of its size, with a police and fire department, needed it.
Parker said, "An additional $1,000 gives us additional security."
Trustee Mike Halleck said the $1 million would cost about three dollars more a day and reasoned it was a good deal.
Trustees passed another resolution for a letter to be sent to the city of Salem to cease dispatching for the township. Johnston said township dispatching has been taken over by the Columbiana County sheriff's department for the past week.
Also, trustees passed another resolution declaring 232 E. Pidgeon Road as nuisance property so procedures can begin to clean it up.
In other business, Police Chief Mike Emigh advised trustees the department patrolled 10,277 miles in September, answered 128 calls, assisted officers or other agencies 45 times, issued 49 citations and made five arrests, three for disorderly
See COVERAGE,
Page 5A
conduct and two for domestic violence.
Fire Chief Phil Panezott said he was still working on a department budget but advised trustees of an open house at the north station at 2198 N. Ellsworth Ave. from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.
The event will celebrate the department's 20th anniversary at the north station, Panezott said, adding there will be demonstrations for: auto extrication, rescue airbags, stove fire and chemical fire extinguishment, fire extinguisher classes, and fire safety for children.
Also on display will be all the townhip's fire equipment, Perry Township police equipment, the STAT Medevac helicopter (if available), along with fire safety handouts, coloring books for children, kid's Ident-I-Kits and reflective house numbers can be ordered, one for $8 and two for $12. Panezott said the numbers can be horizontal or vertical.
In other business, Road Supervisor Darreck Ferrell said leaf pickup will begin on the north side for two weeks beginning Nov. 3.
It will begin on the south side on Nov. 17 for two weeks.
State Street in Salem is the dividing line and residents are required to bag leaves and bundle (tie) brush separately. Bags and bundles should be big enough for one person to handle.
In other business, Parker brought up an issue regarding compensation time and vacation time and employees combining the two. He said he didn't want to micro-manage departments, but thought the issue should be looked at.
Halleck suggested taking the issue up during the township's next reorganizational meeting at the beginning of 2009.
Parker also wondered about writing a letter to the Columbiana County officials regarding delinquent taxes which Johnston said have cost the township about $47,000 this year.
"It's money we're not getting," she said.
Parker wanted an "adequate explanation" and Trustee Chairman Cliff Mix said there "probably is a pretty good explanation ... foreclosures ..."
