Service director takes on interim parks assignment

by Sheldon Ocker

May 8 township trustees meeting

Bath Township trustees approved the appointment of Caine Collins as interim parks director in the wake of the March 31 death of Alan Garner, who held the position of parks director since July 2014, after 5 1/2 months as interim director.

Collins, the township’s service director, will take on the extra assignment for a lump sum payment of $500 for each bi-weekly pay period, retroactive to April 2.

“I think we all want to thank Mr. Collins for his excellent leadership,’’ said trustee board President Sharon Troike. “It’s been tough, it’s been emotional, but he’s done a great job, and we really appreciate that.’’

Added township Administrator/Police Chief Vito Sinopoli, “I personally want to thank Caine for stepping up in a very difficult time for all of us. March 31 was a very difficult day. It continues to be, but Caine has shown that we will continue to keep our parks running and operational.’’

Police department requests

Trustees approved Sinopoli’s request to buy 20 cases of 9mm ammunition for $4,139 from Kiesler Supply. The police department recently began using 9mm handguns rather than 40 caliber pistols.

Sinopoli said that Kiesler would buy back any remaining unopened boxes of 40-caliber ammunition. He added that one case of 9mm ammunition contains 20 boxes of 50 rounds, which adds up to 20,000 rounds for 20 cases, or about a one-year supply inasmuch as Bath officers are required to qualify at the firing range twice a year.

At a cost of $1,799, trustees agreed to renew Bizco’s ID Guard redaction software license for one year.

The software is used to redact certain private information from body cameras and dashboard cameras when there is a public request to see the footage.

“There are specific rules under Ohio law on what can be released on juveniles or anything with social security information or something that takes place in a medical facility,’’ Sinopoli said.

Emergency information

Trustees ratified Fire Chief Rob Campbell’s request to renew the annual contract (May30, 2023 -May 29, 2024) with Priority Dispatch for a system that dispatchers use to inform callers what to do during an emergency before an ambulance or fire truck arrives.

Campbell also asked to seek bids for a breathing air compressor and fill station.

“Our current breathing compressor is 34 years old, I believe, and it no longer meets any of the current standards of the NFPA [National Fire Protection Association], so it’s definitely time for a change,’’ the chief said.

Campbell said it would be purchased with a community member’s donation to the department from last year and likely would cost between $60,000 and $70,000.

Other matters

Planning Director/Zoning Inspector William Funk said he is seeking residents willing to serve on a steering committee with the objective of updating the township’s comprehensive plan, a two- to three-year process. Funk has an opening for a resident to serve on the appearance and review board.

Sinopoli informed trustees that he and trustee Sean Gaffney were invited by Richfield Village Mayor Michael Wheeler to the “120,000 Meal Event’’ that packs and distributes food to the needy worldwide. “We had rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a vitamin pack, and in a span of a little more than two hours, 500 volunteers assembled 120,000 meals,’’ he said. “It really was an amazing event.’’ ∞