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LACROFT -- During his report to Liverpool Township Trustees Monday night, township police Chief Jayson Jackson expressed his disappointment in not receiving any grant funding to help defray the cost of the administration building renovation, which includes new police department accommodations.
Jackson reported that, despite letters of support from Gov. Mike DeWine and state Rep. Tim Ginter, the township failed to receive a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) that would have been used for installation of surveillance cameras and security systems in the renovated building, even though the township was willing to match the grant with $20,000.
Jackson said the surveillance cameras would have benefited not only the administration building but LaCroft Elementary School located across the street.
"Not one agency in this county was awarded a JAG grant, and (the township) has been denied all grants at the county and state level for this building project. I'm very disappointed in the JAG grant system. Once again, the burden will be put on the taxpayer," Jackson said.
"Thanks for trying, chief," Trustees Mike Bahen told Jackson.
In relation to the building project, Trustee Keith Burke said it is "coming along well," noting that a $98,092.66 bill approved for Santini Builders during the meeting was the second payment to the contractor.
Chairman Dennis Giambroni said trustees have monthly meetings with the contractor and architect to stay on top of the project, with the next such meeting set for 2 p.m. Monday.
Initially, the project called for just the police department to be relocated to the former LaCroft Kindergarten building, but trustees recently voted to have an addition built onto the structure to house the administrative offices.
In other police matters, Jackson asked and received permission to purchase a new iPad to replace one bought in 2013 which is no longer working. He said the device is essential for his officer to perform his duties, and trustees approved the $747.48 cost, which includes an Otterbox (cover).
In the road department, foreman Chris Bosworth reported one truck down with no reverse in its transmission, and trustees authorized a replacement and installation at Steinbinder's Service for $4,976, the lower of two quotes obtained. In addition, trustees said Steinbinder's has also provided good service, often traveling to the road department garage when needed.
Also approved was the purchase of winter snow control materials.
Bosworth offered his thanks to towing companies Calcutta Towing, First Class Towing and Complete Auto Care for their assistance during recent heavy snows, saying his department appreciated the help.
In turn, Bahen commended the road department for the "excellent job" it did during the snowfall, also commending police officers for getting vehicles off the road to facilitate plowing. Burke also commended the fire department for responding to some serious fires during the recent cold weather.
Although trustees had encouraged public input into a proposal to lower the speed limit on several streets in an area of the township from 55 to 35 mph, no one attended the meeting to comment. Broadview Circle resident Gary Bonnell, who had requested the lower speed limit, was present, but did not comment.
Bahen assured him that, since no one seems opposed, he anticipates trustees will take action on lowering the speed limit at their next meeting, which was set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11.