Citizens steering committee members announced

by Chris Studor

Dec. 21 township trustees meeting

The township’s new 12-member citizens steering committee began working to update the township’s comprehensive plan this past month after the names committee members were finalized and made public Dec. 21.

The committee includes Paul Easterling, Maria Griffiths, Lou Bentzen, David Yatsko, Richard Pearl, Paul O’Neill, Gary Wolny, Brian Cadnum, Jacob Studor, Kara Pay and Kenton Grimes. Alternate members are Tom Schrader, Cindy Engleman and Jim Bialosky.

More than 90 applications were received in total.

Trustee Melissa Augustine will serve as the trustee liaison, while Dave Manley will act as zoning liaison. Chris Kalina will be the liaison to the Medina County Planning Commission.

The committee will work hand-in-hand with OHM architectural advisors in identifying areas of the township’s comprehensive plan in need of updating and will recommend changes. The township plans to host a series of public meetings to gather residential input before finalizing any changes.

Trustees also heard from resident Charles Gibson, who plans to donate 22 acres of his family’s State Road farm to the township as conservation land.

Hinckley resident Charles Gibson presents the details of his 22-acre land donation. The land has been in his wife’s family farm for more than 100 years. Photo by C. Studor.

Gibson said the farm has been in his family for 100 years and was originally owned by his late wife’s family. After some discussion with trustees, it was determined that a sign will be placed on the property designating it as Hinckley Ridge, donated by the Gibson-Divoky families.

Gibson said the property was last estimated at $220,000 and would likely be valued higher at this time.

“We truly appreciate your diligent work in making this donation possible,” said former Trustee Jim Burns. “We are very grateful for the donation of this land to remain in conservation which will help to keep the rural atmosphere of Hinckley.”

The Dec. 21 meeting also was the final meeting for trustees Kalina and Burns. Kalina had been appointed to the trustee board to fill the vacancy left with the passing of longtime trustee Ray Schulte who passed away Jan. 30, 2021.

In other business:

  • Trustees announced the appointment of Bill Spellman to fill the vacancy on the Zoning Commission left by Bruce Schneider who recently passed away. Spellman has been a past member of the Zoning Commission, having served 11 years. Burns said trustees interviewed eight applicants for the position “all who were outstanding.” Trustees also recommend the appointment of Tom Schrader to fill an alternate vacancy on the zoning commission.
  • Trustees approved a motion to support Medina County Commissioners on their position on Senate Bill 52 to not allow utility scale wind and solar installation in Medina County.
  • Fire Chief Jestin Grossenbaugh announced his department received an $8,000 grant from the Dennis Leary Foundation for the purchase of simulation iron door unit, which provides fire fighters with practice breaking through solid iron doors on commercial building and residential homes.

Featured Picture: Newly elected Hinckley Trustee Jack Swedyk was sworn into office Dec. 21 by his wife, Colleen, chair of the Medina County Commissioners and former Hinckley Township fiscal officer. Photo by C. Studor.