Bath partners with Richfield for animal control services

by Laura Bednar

Jan. 23 township trustees meeting

Bath Township entered into an agreement with Richfield Village for animal control services. Township Administrator and Police Chief Vito Sinopoli said it is a three-year pact, effective immediately.

Summit County Animal Control handles most animal incidents, but its hours are limited and it does not operate on holidays or weekends.

Sinopoli said when dogs and cats were found outside of those hours, Bath had no place to house them. Trustee Sean Gaffney asked if Richfield could handle additional animals from Bath. Sinopoli said it would not be a problem, because Bath usually receives one or two animals over weekends. Bath will pay impound fees, housing and feeding costs for each animal sent to Richfield.

Fire update

The Bath Township Fire Department will apply for an Ohio Fire Marshall’s Grant to purchase new thermal imaging equipment. Fire Chief Robert Campbell said handheld thermal imaging cameras are used in structure fires when visibility is low because of smoke. The cameras help determine where the fire originated, where it is traveling and locate people still inside of the building. When asked how the cameras differ from drones, Campbell said thermal imaging cameras can withstand heat, while drones cannot.

Trustees approved paying KZF Design $16,750 for consulting work on Fire Station No. 1, located at 3864 W. Bath Rd. Sinopoli said the township is under a contract with MPG Architects to review options: either expand the station or relocate to a new site. MPG suggested the township bring on another firm with public safety design experience to support its architects.

Service department position

The service and parks departments are hiring for seasonal positions. Service Director Caine Collins said applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and a driver’s license. Service department workers will water flowers, paint and perform maintenance, among other tasks. Parks employees will work on park-related projects and general tasks, such as weed whacking. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled and can be found at bathtownship.org under “employment opportunities.” ∞