Brimfield Township trustees approved contract extensions for two key department heads during their October 29 meeting, with one vote splitting the board just days before the election.
Following executive sessions, the board unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for Fire Chief Craig Mullaly, extending his agreement through September 2028. His contract was originally set to expire December 31, 2025. The extension resolves a pending disciplinary matter that includes a suspension period. The agreement maintains his current salary with annual 3% increases and aligns sick leave policies with other township contracts.
In a more contentious 2-1 vote, trustees approved a five-year contract extension for Economic Development Director Michael Hlad through 2030. His contract was not set to expire until December 2026. Trustee Nicholas Coia cast the dissenting vote, expressing concern about extending contracts 14 months early during an election transition.
“I would hate to lose someone of his nature, someone of his professionalism,” Trustee Sue Fields said, citing Hlad’s expertise in tax increment financing and managed development.
Coia objected to the timing, noting the township is days away from an election that could bring new leadership. He raised concerns about light personal vehicle use language in contracts and questioned opening agreements with substantial time remaining. He also noted concerns about opening contracts when the general fund is tight and before 2026 budget projections are finalized.
Fields countered that with potential state legislation to eliminate property taxes, the township needs experienced economic development leadership to maintain revenue streams. “The economic development program that we have here, we have developed less than 5% of our total area of Brimfield,” she said.
Trustee Mike Kostensky supported the extension, noting Hlad is not requesting a salary increase. The contract includes an additional week of vacation based on years of service, bringing his total to six weeks, and clarifies five personal days that had been administratively provided but not specified in the contract.
Since 2018, zoning fees have generated $989,288 for the general fund. This year’s Joint Economic Development District revenues reached $1.74 million, with 30% each allocated to police, fire and roads departments, and 10% to the general fund.
Hlad identified revenue streams that brought the fire department an additional $14,420 this year.
Read more: Brimfield Trustee Defends Zoning, Economic Development Record
Development Updates
Brimfield Township will receive the 2025 Locate Award from Portage County Development Board for the Village of St. Edward senior living facility, which created 83 jobs and represents $21.2 million in investment with $4.8 million in payroll. The project will generate approximately $1 million in additional tax revenue for the JEDD.
Hlad announced three new tax increment financing agreements moving forward: Woodland Reserve condos by Petro Development, which will bring water and sewer down State Route 43; Dunkin Donuts; and Woolen Engineering. The Drug Mart location is scheduled to open November 12.
Resident Concerns
A resident from Roland Hills raised concerns about extensive crack sealing on Heron Drive, calling the road’s appearance “embarrassing” with approximately 20-25% covered in black sealer.
Road Superintendent Dave Rufener explained the crack sealing preserves the road base and prevents water infiltration that causes potholes. He attributed the extensive cracking to poor subbase construction common in older developments, noting complete reconstruction would cost millions.
“Every development in Brimfield Township back that far was never put in the right way,” he said. Township trustees updated subdivision regulations in 2023 to ensure proper construction standards including proof rolling, geotechnical engineering and full-time inspection.
Another resident requested updates on drainage issues. Rufener confirmed ditching projects will begin after crack sealing concludes, with work scheduled in Marsh Landing Estates and Beachcrest Allotment.
Another resident addressed the board about community awareness regarding the accuracy of information posted on Facebook.
Police and Fire Updates
Police Chief Roy Mosley announced that Officers Nolan Rumbler and Justin Cassinic recently completed the Portage County Crisis Intervention Training Program. With their completion, all township officers are now trained and certified in CIT through the county’s Mental Health and Recovery Board.
The board approved accepting a $5,276 donation from Apollo Heating, Cooling and Plumbing from their summer golf outing proceeds.
Assistant Fire Chief Ron Goodspeed reported that new entry-level firefighters are at the fire academy in Columbus and will graduate November 8. The department is still awaiting word on a federal grant application for a new fire truck, valued between $900,000 and $1.1 million.
Upcoming Events
Police will hold their Thanksgiving Fill-A-Cruiser event at Walmart on November 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations.
The parks department will host a community forum November 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at town hall. The annual Hometown Christmas event is scheduled for November 30 from 5-7 p.m.
The Kelso House will hold its election day dinner November 5 from 4-7 p.m., with meals at $12 per person.
The food bank is accepting donations Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-11:30 a.m. The adopt-a-child program is starting, with tags available soon at Hometown Bank.
The next trustees meeting has been moved to Monday, November 10 at 8 a.m.
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