AMHERST TOWNSHIP NEWSLETTER

Spring 2007
Vol. XII No. 1
Recycling Report

For the fourth quarter of 2006, Amherst Township recycled the following quantities through the “Blue Bag” program (bold represents yearly total):

(3.8) 0.9
tons of aluminum cans
(19.0) 4.4
tons of bi-metal cans
(36.0) 8.4
tons of glass
(10.3) 2.4
tons of HDPE plastics
(8.7) 1.9
tons of PETE plastics
(80.9) 19.0
tons of newspapers
(19.0) 6.0
tons of scrap metal through the dumpster program
(100.0)

tons of Yard Waste/Compost

For questions concerning the “Blue Bag” program, contact Allied Waste Services at 458-5191 or David Urig at 988-8256.

Dumpster Days

Amherst Township has set the following dates for “Dumpster Days” in 2007:

April 12, 13, 14
July 5, 6, 7
October 4, 5, 6

Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please note:  NO TIRES WITH RIMS!
                        NO PROPANE TANKS!

Drop-Off Hours for Yard Waste!!

Brush, limbs, grass clippings, and leaves may be brought to the rear of the Amherst Township Garage at the following times:

  • 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mon – Fri
  • 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday
  • Amherst Township Residents only
  • I.D. will be checked
  • No Commercial

The garage is located at 7530 Oberlin Road.

Newspapers, cans, glass, and 1's & 2's plastics can be placed at your curb in blue bags for Allied pick-up. Newspapers should be “blue bagged” separately.

Compost & Wood Chips Available

Free compost and wood chips are available from the Township. If you are interested, contact John Szefcyk, Road Superintendent, at 988-5833.

Have a problem?  Complaint forms are available at the Township Hall, inside the white bulletin board, or may be downloaded from the Township’s website.

TRUSTEE MEETINGS:
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall & Garage
Fax...................................988-5877
Fiscal Officer (clerk)..............988-5894
Email: amhersttwpfo@oh.rr.com
Road Superintendent (garage)..988-5833
Email: amhersttwproads@oh.rr.com
Office (Zoning Inspector).......988-5866
Office Hours for Zoning Insp:
Mon., Wed. & Sat. – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Voice Mail is checked daily
Email: amhersttwpzoning@comcast.net
Don Gargas, Zoning Inspector

Trustees
Dennis Abraham...................986-4555
(Ambulance, Cemetery, Park, Water, Roads,
Ditches, Enterprise Zones, County Health Rep.)
Neil Lynch............................988-7681
(Sewer, Fire Land, Equipment, Personnel,
LORCO, Senior Services, Zoning)
David C. Urig.........................988-8256
(Lighting, Buildings, Solid Waste,
Phase II Storm Water/Environmental Strategy, Alternate County Health Rep.)

Fiscal Officer
Howard Akin.............................233-7624

Road Superintendent
John Szefcyk..........................988-7045

Amherst Twp Senior Services Office
Carol Schmitkons....................988-5822
Email: amhersttwpseniors@oh.rr.com
Office Hours – Mon thru Fri – 8am to 12 Noon

Fire Prevention Officer
Wayne Eppley.........................324-3921

LifeCare Ambulance, Inc.
Maude or Herb DeLa Porte........323-6111

Sheriff's Department................329-3710

Township Website...www.amhersttownship.us

Amherst Township Trustee Meetings may be viewed on Amherst Cable Channel 12. They will air for 7 days, running Mon thru Mon, following the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Air times are at 9 am, 4 pm, & 11 pm. Zoning Commission meetings will be shown 8 am, 3 pm & at the conclusion of the 11pm Trustee meetings. All airings are subject to change.

NEW FISCAL OFFICER

As of January 9, 2007, John Koval resigned as Fiscal Officer of Amherst Township.  We would like to thank John for his many years of service to the township, and wish him well in his retirement.

On January 17, 2007, Amherst Township trustees appointed Howard Akin to fill the Fiscal Officer vacancy for the unexpired term.  Howard’s experience in Teaching, Manufacturing, Investment Securities, and Small Business Management comprise a solid background for overseeing departments of accounting, economics, finance, and management.

Howard received a B.A. in Economics from Ashland College as well as a Teaching Certification.  He received an M.B.A. in Management Systems from Baldwin Wallace College.  He has held Securities Licenses Series:  4, 7, 24, 27, 63, and 65.  Howard is an adjunct faculty

member of Economics and/or Finance at LCCC, Myers, and Ashland University.  He also owned and managed is own independent investment firm from 1995 to 2003.  For 8 years he was a manager of Physical Distribution for Luxaire, Inc., a division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.  He was a 6th grade teacher for Clearview for 7 years.  Howard also served in the United States Army Dental Corps, as a Dental Specialist.

Howard’s interests and involvement include the Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, the YMCA, the Amherst Historical Society, and the Heritage Presbyterian Church.  His hobbies include golfing, family trips, and home repairs.

In serving the citizens of Amherst Township, Howard hopes to maintain the township’s sound financial position, while improving the investment performance of township funds.

                    

Lorain County Solid Waste Events

Lorain County Solid Waste’s Annual Recycling Collection Events for 2007 have not yet been scheduled as of the printing of this newsletter.  These events include:

  • Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days (2 collection dates will be held, one at the end of April and one at the end of Sept.)
  • Annual Computer & Cell Phone Collection Days (there will be 3 or 4 collection dates)
  • Phone Book Collection and Recycling

Pride Day

Amherst Township will be participating in Lorain County’s “Pride Day”, a one-day litter clean up event that will be held on Saturday, May 19th.  However, “Pride Day” projects have not yet been established.  Please call the township if you would like to participate or make a donation for this event.  The Lorain County “Scrap Tire Collection Day” will also be held on May 19th.  Visit the “Solid Waste” website for more details.

Solid Waste also has year-round recycling collection programs that include:

  • Collection of Mercury & Mercury-Containing Implements
  • Scrap Tire Drop-Off (5 sites open daily)
  • Fluorescent Bulb & Ballast Recycling
  • Large Appliance Pick-Up & Recycling
  • Household Battery Collection & Recycling
  • Paper Collection & Recycling
  • Printer Cartridge Collection & Recycling

To see the complete schedule of all collection events along with more detailed information, visit their website at www.lorcnty.org.  At the “Home Page” click on “Departments”, and then select “Solid Waste”.  For more information, please contact the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District at 1-800-449-5463.

FEATURED EMPLOYEE

Rose Betchker is our featured employee.  Rose has worked for the Township for 3 years as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and held the position of Secretary for the past year.  If someone wants to do something that does not necessarily agree with the current zoning, they bring it before the ZBA.  Examples may be lot splits, building, or running a business that is not a permitted use in the area.  The ZBA also annually reviews all of the “Conditional Uses” in the township to make sure everyone is still in compliance.  Rose enjoys the challenge of researching for each hearing, most of which are unique in some way.  She also likes having a small part in a growing community, of which she is able to help shape for a better future by making fair and sound decisions that will benefit the community as a whole.  The position as secretary has been a challenge over the past year.  Preparing and typing the minutes for the meetings was a job that seemed to be on the back burner, but always managed to be completed on time.

Rose has worked in her father’s business and also for a local real estate company as a Realtor for a number of years.  She is currently working for the Amherst School System in the library at Harris Elementary, where she has been employed for 19 years.

Rose has lived in the township for the past 8 years and in the city of Amherst for 27 years.  She was born and raised in Germany until the age of 10.  She then lived in Lorain and attended private Catholic Schools.  She graduated from Admiral King High School and lived in Lorain until moving to Amherst in 1973.  She has also taken classes at Lorain County Community College.  Rose became a naturalized citizen in 1976, our Bi-Centennial year.

Rose has been married to her husband Ronald for 36 years.  Ron retired from Republic Technologies/U.S. Steel in 2001 with 32 years of service.  He worked in the Technology Center.  They have two children.  Erik is 31 years old and is a Union Carpenter, residing in Strongsville and planning a wedding this June.  He graduated from Marion L. Steele H.S. in 1993 and

attended Findley University, LCCC, and Tri-C.  Lori is 26 years old and is a Pharmaceutical Rep for “Sciele Pharmaceuticals” in San Francisco East Bay.  She is a 1999 graduate from Marion L. Steele H.S., a graduate of Cleveland State University, and received her masters from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

Rose is an active member of “Fit For Life” Health Club in Amherst and enjoys all of their classes.  She also likes spending time with her dogs, walking, training, and grooming them.  Rose is a Certified Trainer in “Obedience and Behavior” from National K-9 in Columbus, where she completed her training in 1997.

We would like to thank Rose for being a valuable part of our township and for taking the time in her busy schedule to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals!

REMEMBER
TO VOTE

Tuesday, May 8th is Primary Election Day.  If you can’t get out to vote, remember to request your absentee ballot one month before the election!  You can contact the Board of Elections at 326-5900 or visit their website at http://lorainboe.erienet.net.

A message
from
the Sheriff's
Dept.

Petty crime continues to be a serious issue in Amherst Township, especially in the Hidden Valley Area.  Deputy Joe Greiner, our “Community Policing Officer”, advises residents to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.  If you see anything out of place, suspicious cars, etc., please call the Sheriff’s Department at 329-3710.  Do not put yourself in any danger, but try to get a license number, make and model of the vehicle, how many people are in the vehicle, or any other information that is pertinent.  Deputy Greiner also advises that you keep your cars locked and lights on around the house, inside and outside.  It is also advisable to keep your garage doors closed.  Be conscious of the garbage that you leave on your curb.  Hide your trash.  Compact boxes and put them in a bag.  This is especially true during the holidays, but is also valid year-round.  Thieves are interested in the new items that you have purchased.  Also, it is a good idea to change your routine.  Put on different lights in the house, park your vehicle in a different spot, leave and return at varying times.

The Sheriff’s Department also offers a “House Check” if you will be gone for a couple of days.  Call them with your information if you are interested.

Please do not hesitate to call the Sheriff’s Department if you see anything out of place.  They have established a “Burglar Task Force” and are very interested in apprehending these individuals.

329-3710

Curfew

Please be aware that a curfew exists in Amherst Township for minors age 16 and under between the hours of Midnight and 5 a.m.  The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department will enforce this curfew.


Building Permits

In the Winter 2006 newsletter, there was an article about building inspections now being required in Amherst Township as of February 1, 2007.  These building “inspections” are in addition to the building “permits” that are required from the Township.  Amherst Township Zoning Inspector, Don Gargas, can assist you for both of these requirements.  A building “permit” from the township is required before applying for the building “inspection” from the county.

Permits Required

As Springtime arrives, residents are reminded that permits are needed for the items listed below. When a permit is obtained before the start of construction, the fee will be reduced by 50%. Be sure you or your contractor has obtained a permit. Payments must be made by check only. Cash is not accepted.

Please contact Don Gargas, Amherst Township Zoning Inspector for these permits. Building inspections through the Lorain County Building Department may also be required. Office hours for the Zoning Inspector are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.  He can be reached at 988-5866. Voice Mail is checked daily.

    
Pools                Decks   
Porches             Patios   
Gazebos            Fences  
Garages              Ponds
Driveways             Signs
New Construction
Building Additions
Accessory Buildings

AMHERST TWNSHIP
PARK REMINDERS

Residents are reminded that as of March 1, 2003 animals are not permitted in the Amherst Township Park.  Whoever violates this resolution is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be prosecuted (ORC Section 511.32).

Also as a reminder, vandalism at the Amherst Township Park is prosecutable.  Violators will be charged with Criminal Vandalism according to ORC 2909.05.  This is a felony offense and carries a fine of $2500.  This will be strictly enforced.  The township park is being patrolled by the Sheriff’s Department.

Park Pavilion

Due to the increased usage of the park pavilion, and to avoid scheduling conflict, please contact Amherst Township Road Superintendent, John Szefcyk, to make reservations if you wish to use the pavilion.  He can be reached during the week at 988-5833.

Broadway/Taylor
Sewer Project

This is a reminder that Lorain County Community Development Department has received grant funds that are being used for the installation of the new sewer lines on Broadway Avenue and Taylor Street in Amherst Township.  A portion of those funds has been set aside to assist those families that are income qualified.  These funds can be used for the installation of lateral sewer lines to the home, tap-in fees, and the incapacitation of existing septic tanks.  If you are a township resident and live on Broadway Avenue or Taylor Street, applications are now being accepted to verify qualifications for assistance.  If you would like to receive an application, please call David Kell, Economic Development Specialist, at (440) 328-2335 or Carol Schmitkons at 988-5822.  Carol is also available to assist you in filling out the application.  Applications need to be received by the Lorain County Community Development Department no later than May 30, 2007.

Recycling Incentive Contest

Back again in 2007, there will be an incentive program to encourage recycling.  This incentive program is an eligibility requirement of the “Solid Waste Grant” award received by Amherst Township.

This program will consist of a raffle to be held in conjunction with the township’s “dumpster events”.  To enter the raffle, simply fill out the entry form below.  Bring the completed form along with a blue bag of recyclables or recyclable yard waste to the dumpster event.  Winners will be drawn during one of the regularly scheduled Trustee meetings.

Items that may be recycled in the blue bags are:

  • “1” and “2” plastics (HDPE and PETE)
  • Bi-metal cans (canned food cans)
  • Aluminum cans
  • Glass beverage bottles
  • Newspapers

Newspapers are to be placed in a separate blue bag from the rest of the recyclables.  Also, please rinse all food and beverage containers before placing them in a blue bag.

RAFFLE ENTRY FORM

For “Recycling Incentive Contest”
Dumpster Days: April 12th, 13th, and 14th
(Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – Time: 7:00am to 3:30pm)

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:______________________________________________________________

New email Addresses

As many of you know, Time Warner Cable bought out Comcast.  Recently all email accounts through Comcast were discontinued.  This affected all Amherst Township email addresses.  Below is a list of all the new email addresses for the township.

amhersttwproads@oh.rr.com (John Szefcyk)

amhersttwpzoning@oh.rr.com (Don Gargas)

amhersttwpfo@oh.rr.com (Howard Akin)

amhersttwpseniors@oh.rr.com (Carol Schmitkons)

amhersttwpface@oh.rr.com (F.A.C.E.)

Lots Available

Cemetery lots are available at Kendeigh Cemetery, located at the intersection of Quarry Road and Middle Ridge Road.  Lots may be purchased by contacting the Township Office at 988-5833.

$370 – Resident

$636 – Non-Resident

LIFECARE

Amherst Township, as a member of the Sandstone Joint Ambulance District, has chosen “LifeCare” to be their ambulance provider.  President Maude DeLa Porte and Vice-President Herb DeLa Porte own and operate LifeCare.  They can be reached at 323-6111.  To learn more about their services, visit their website at www.lifecareambulance.com.  For more information about LifeCare as well as links to other related websites visit www.geocities.com/lifecaredispatch.

Contact Sheriff’s Dept.

If residents know of, or see, any suspicious activity in the township or at the Amherst Township Park, please contact the Sheriff’s Dept. at 329-3710.

Twp. Bulletin Board

Scheduled meetings and Trustee Work Sessions are regularly posted in the bulletin board at the Township Hall.  These are public meetings and residents are welcome to attend.

NOTE: Meeting Times:

Trustee Meetings at 7:00 p.m. – Zoning Commission Meetings now at 6:30 p.m.