“We ask our officers to do things that are inherently dangerous. Giving them the proper protection while they carry out those tasks directly impacts on their safety and that of our community.”
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting last week, Boardman Trustees approved the purchase of a $225,000 protective armored police vehicle.
      Funds for the purchase will come from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund (monies seized as illegal assets from criminals, often those involved in illegal drug sales).
      Currently the local police department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) deploys a rebuilt, 1998 Brinks truck during its raids (upwards of 50 per year). Sgt. Mike Hughes leads the NEU.
      The new armored vehicle, the ‘BearCat,’ will be purchased from Lenco Armored Vehicles, of Pittsfield, Mass.
      Lenco Armored Vehicles is the leading designer and manufacturer of armored police vehicles for law enforcement agencies and police and sheriff’s department SWAT teams. Lenco also manufactures armored military vehicles for international police forces, the US Army, US Navy, US Air Force and US Marines. They are also a supplier to the US Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Energy, FBI and other high-profile government agencies.
      Since 1981 Lenco has produced over 6,000 vehicles in over 40 countries around the world.
      The BearCat vehicle provides complete armored protection from virtually any weapon that civilian law enforcement may face in the United States. In addition to protecting law enforcement officers, it is often used in an evacuation role to move civilians to safety. It features an open floor layout with blast-resistant seats accommodating up to 12 outfitted law enforcement personnel. The BearCat is extremely maneuverable and can safely reach highway speeds and operate on roadways in a safe manner. The vehicle has a high ground clearance, off-road performance, and superior maneuverability.
      “We ask our officers to do things that are inherently dangerous. Giving them the proper protection while they carry out those tasks directly impacts on their safety and that of our nity,” Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth said.
      In another matter, Trustees Larry Moliterno, Brad Calhoun and Tom Costello unanimously approved the creation of a Community Entertainment District (CED) for the Southern Park Mall. The measure must also gain approval of the Mahoning County Commissioners. If approved, a CED will allow an additional five liquor permits for businesses at the mall, and enhance Washington Prime Group’s efforts to redevelop the site.
      Trustees adopted a resolution for $25,000 for hire Youngstown-based CT Consultants to provide engineering and construction management services for the West Huntington Dr. drainage project. That project seeks to mitigate surface water issues. Its $250,000 cost is being funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission emergency grant.
      Trustees also endorsed two liquor permit transfers---one from Bruno’s Restaurant, 1984 Boardman-Poland Rd. to VIP 1 Group LLC, at 1984 Boardman-Poland Rd.; and a second for Rite Aid, from 3032 Mahoning Rd., Canton, Oh. to Rite Aid, 307 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
      Following an executive session, Trustees approved appointments to several zoning boards.
      Nancy Terlesky was appointed to the Zoning Commission for the term Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 20424.
      Brian Racz was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term for the term Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 2024; and Bill Harris was appointed to the Board of Appeals as an alternate for calendar year 2020.
      Appointed to the Site Plan Review Board for terms from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2022 were Edwin Beach and Kedar Bhide.
      The Board of Trustees announced they will conduct regular meetings in calendar year 2020 on the second and fourth Monday of each month, unless otherwise adjusted by public notice. All meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Boardman Township Government Center, 8299 Market St., with the first meeting of 2020 set for Jan. 13.