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Trustees await word on nuisance property

CALCUTTA — St. Clair Township trustees continue to wait on word as to whether the they can proceed to the next step regarding a nuisance property in the township.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Trustee Chairman James Sabatini provided an update on the property located at 16590 Cornell St., which was declared a nuisance earlier this year and was condemned by the fire department due to the condition of the structure.

Sabatini said the board has yet to hear back from legal counsel Andy Beech and the county courts whether it can take the next step, which is to accept bids from local contractors to handle demolition duties. The property, which was reported to be owned by Bruce Easterday, was condemned earlier this year after it failed an inspection conducted by Glenmoor Fire Chief Matt Smith.

Sabatini added that notices were recently sent to all parties involved, which indicated the parties had 28 days to respond to the letter, but also added that the 28-day timeframe had not elapsed at the time of the meeting.

“They need some more time, since the notices were sent out Oct. 21,” Sabatini said.

A longstanding matter, trustees picked up the case earlier this year from the Columbiana County Health Department, which had previously attempted to investigate the property but had been unable to do so. The health department later gave the trustees approval to take over the case.

So far, contractors have been able to clear garbage and other debris from the property as allowed, but have yet to receive clearance to handle the demolition. Once this happens, the township can accept bids for demolition.

In other business:

— Trustees tabled a matter to vote on the OTARMA (Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority) Board of Directors election, in which two spots need filled. Sabatini requested more time, and also wanted to wait until Trustee James Hall–who was absent from Tuesday’s session–was able to review the selections and cast a vote.

— Fiscal Officer Deborah Dawson announced the Tri-County Solid Waste District will hold its annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program, beginning Dec. 26, and the St. Clair Township garage will serve as one of the drop-off sites. Trustee Robert Swickard said township crews have already placed signs indicating where to drop off the trees at the garage. Residents who wish to have trees recycled may drop them off Dec. 26 through Jan. 31.

The next meeting will be at noon Dec. 13 at the township administration building on Pugh Road.

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