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Township trustees discussed the requested annexation of properties owned by Fresh Mark into the city in its meeting Monday.
Trustees Chairman Steve Bailey said that Fresh Mark had requested to annex its properties in the city of Salem ahead of a planned expansion. Bailey explained that Fresh Mark's current joint status meant that it had been forced to get the necessary permits from both the city and the township for its prior expansions.
Bailey also said Fresh Mark already paid city income tax and that the township received little income from Fresh Mark's properties still within the township.
"They want to go all the way into the city, I understand that they're already paying city income tax we're getting a small amount on vacant land for those properties," said Bailey.
Bailey also said that the current split status created difficulties in policing the property due to it being partially within both jurisdictions, and the annexation would make it easier on the department.
"If something happens in the building its the city, if it goes out to the parking lot it's us, so it's making it hard on the police department, and talking to them they said it would make life easier on them,"
Trustees ultimately authorized continued negotiations of annexation terms. Once the annexation agreement terms are finalized, it must be approved by the city and township before final review by the Columbiana County Commissioners.
Trustees also approved the acceptance of a $33,189.30 grant MARCS grant for the purchase of new MARCS radio equipment for the fire department. Fire Chief Brandon Smith said that he intended to use the grant funding for the purchase of at least three new vehicle radios, and radio repeaters for the department's vehicle.
Other matters approved included sending Tony Constantino and Eric Buday to a two-day arson seminar in Ashland, Ohio, at a cost of $125 per person plus hotel expenses of $564.14 and mileage reimbursement.
The meeting concluded with an executive session for the discussion of personnel matters with no action to follow.
The board of trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. Feb. 12.