PERRY TOWNSHIP — The board of trustees discussed repairs to the township’s salt building in its meeting Monday.

Trustee Chair Steve Bailey said that most of the building’s wooden structures and entryway would need to be replaced due to rotting, and that the cost for repairs would likely “be on the higher end” of the quotes it received for repairs by the time they are completed. He said that the township should consider constructing a hoop barn for storing salt in the future, noting that Green Township had recently had one installed for $50,000.

“I think that’s something that we need to look at because by the time we replace all the shingles and everything and rebuild that one we might run into the same issue again. I think it’s worth looking at the cost of something new as opposed to repairs,” said Bailey.

Bailey said the township had received quotes to remove the roof structure of the current building which needs to be replaced for $6,700. It was ultimately decided that trustees would get quotes for a new structure and repairs to determine what would be the best for the township moving forward before taking any action.

Ieropoli also provided an update on the township’s plan for road striping through the county this year. He said that the county uses two types of paint for striping — a waterborne paint with a life span of a year, and a type of polymer-based paint which has a life span of two years for a slightly higher price of $1,340 per mile that will be used in the

township. He said that with approximately 2.4 miles set for striping this year the township’s cost should be approximately $3,130.

Other matters approved included additional repairs to fire engine 72 by O.S. Hill for $2,875.61.

During his report Zoning Inspector Dan Bowers said that he had issued 18 permits and three violations in April, and that he was expecting to issue a few more before the end of the month Thursday. Bowers said all three of the violations were for work without acquiring a permit, and Ieropoli said that he felt many residents still were not aware that the township is zoned with a dedicated zoning official and what sorts of jobs require permitting, reminding residents to contact Bowers before doing any work on their homes to check if a permit is necessary.

Bailey asked Bowers if there was a penalty for not getting permits before beginning work and Bowers said that it comes with a $500 fine, which he noted was actually more expensive than securing a permit. He also said that typically if someone is unaware of the requirement, so long as they cooperate, he’ll allow them to just get the required permit rather than issuing a fine. Bowers also told trustees he’d like to schedule a drive-through of the township with them soon to address issues with blighted and nuisance properties.

During his report Armeni said he felt that the trustees should set up a meeting with Fire Chief Brandon Smith to review the status of the department’s trucks and equipment in light of recent repair work to the trucks.

Armeni also offered his condolences to the family of former Salem Mayor Larry DeJane who served as mayor from 1996 to 2007.

“I served with Larry for several years at city hall. He was a quiet leader, never sought out publicity, but he was a good listener. Anyone that had a complaint and came into city hall or while we were out having lunch or something, Larry always listened. Their concern was his concern. He was a role model for what future mayors should be, and I enjoyed working with him, it was a privilege,” said Armeni.

The board of trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. May 12.