Township uses department funds to cover $524K payment while awaiting federal loan
Brimfield Township trustees approved an internal loan plan Tuesday to pay an outstanding $523,972 construction bill to Rycon that has been pending since March. The payment will use Joint Economic Development funds from the fire department ($25,000), road department ($150,000), and police department ($324,000), plus $25,000 from the general fund.
Fiscal Officer Jasmine Golden explained the township is awaiting approval of a federal loan but cannot wait longer due to potential penalties and interest charges. The internal loan will be repaid when the federal funding comes through, or over two years using savings from eliminated positions if the loan fails.
“We’ve been sitting on this since March. That’s a long time to build a bill,” Golden said. The payment will allow Rycon to pay over 20 subcontractors who have been waiting for compensation.
Dollar General Opens as Drug Mart Nears Completion
Dollar General has completed construction and began moving products into their new Brimfield location this week. The store is expected to open within days.
Meanwhile, Drug Mart is progressing toward a pre-holiday opening with extensive amenities including a meat counter, deli, and bakery section. The store donated school supplies for the first day of classes and will function as both a pharmacy and grocery store.
Zoning Administrator Mike Lad said Drug Mart provides weekly construction updates and photos. The project includes traffic light installation and Falcon Drive modifications coordinated between ODOT, the county engineer’s office, and school officials.
Housing Development Becomes Farmland
The proposed Oakwood Estates housing development off Ranfield Road has been converted to agricultural use after the developer couldn’t obtain necessary approvals. The neighboring property owner purchased the approximately 15-acre site to extend his existing farm operation.
The change represents a victory for township policies restricting housing developments in certain zoning districts. Zoning Administrator Mike Lad said three different developers had pursued the site with legal representation, but township regulations prevented residential construction.
“We’re happy to see that the farmer behind it bought it and it’s going to extend his farm,” Lad said.
Fire Department Secures New Vehicle, Awaits Grant Decision
Brimfield Fire Department received a white Ford Explorer from Sarchione Ford, paid for through Municipal Income funds rather than taxpayer dollars. The vehicle still needs lights, sirens, and lettering installed.
The department continues waiting for federal grant approval for a new $1 million firetruck to replace their 28-year-old engine. Fire Chief Roy Mosley said the federal government suspended those grants this year, but the department will resubmit in November. If approved, the township would pay only $50,000 of the total cost.
“Our engine’s 28 years old. We should have replaced it by now,” Mosley said.
Kent Dispatch Contract Renewed with No Rate Increase
Trustees approved a three-year renewal of the Kent City dispatch contract at $44,044 annually with no rate increase. Fire Chief Roy Mosley said the unchanged pricing for six consecutive years is “pretty much unheard of” in the industry.
Road Projects Progress Across Township
Road Superintendent Dave Ruffner reported the 2025 chip and seal project has reached the halfway point, with road sweeping and striping remaining. Dura patching resumed this week after a three-day material shortage from Russell Standard.
The Sherman Wood Drive paving project received approval for an additional $46,040 in concrete repairs, bringing the total cost to $323,892 – still under the $350,000 budget.
Barricades on Hickory Creek will remain in place to protect the newly paved Sugar Maple road from construction vehicle damage during ongoing development.
Fall and Holiday Events Planned
Parks and Recreation Director Cass has organized several upcoming community programs. 717 Credit Union will present a teen finance series Mondays from September 8-October 6 at 7 p.m. at Brimfield Library, plus an identity theft seminar for seniors on September 9 at 10 a.m. at the town hall.
The annual Boo Cruise Halloween home decorating contest registration opens September 12, partnering with Portage County Regional Planning Commission. The Hometown Christmas event on November 30 seeks volunteers and sponsors.
Township Addresses Zoning Enforcement Questions
Zoning Administrator Mike Lad addressed public concerns about property maintenance and vehicle storage regulations. He explained the township cannot control the number of vehicles parked on private driveways and that vacant property cases require proving two years of abandonment in court.
“We don’t have anything in the zoning code that would require the amount of parking on their driveway,” Lad said.
Other Business
Trustees moved their September 16 evening meeting to Monday, September 15, at 6 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict.
The board approved $96 in materials for Eagle Scout project repairs to a flag burning pit in Restland Cemetery. The project involves power washing and brick repair work.
Trustees also approved $1,770 for rekeying 13 doors in the administration building to separate key systems between fire and admin sides.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
