Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township Trustees approved a resolution to place a 6/10-mill renewal issue on the Nov. 5 general election ballot for Boardman Park.
      In brief remarks to the Board of Trustees, Liam Jones, a member of the park’s Board of Commissioners, said the levy raises $570,000 for the park, about 38 per cent of its annual budget.
      Jones noted the issue will cost taxpayers “no new money” and is needed to “make sure the Green Oasis remains as beautiful as ever.”
      Township Trustees also approved second readings of resolutions to place a 3/10-mill road and bridge renewal issue before the electorate, as well as a 4.5-mill additional levy to fund the fire department and its EMS services.
      Fire Chief Mark Pitzer noted through the first six months of the year, his department has made 160 transports with its ambulance service.
      “The need is definitely there,” Pitzer said, adding “It is definitely an essential service.”
      Trustee Brad Calhoun said township officials are available to speak with community groups about the Fire/EMS levy and groups and individuals can contact Township Administrator Jason Loree to schedule levy forums.
      In approving the levy requests, Trustee Tom Costello noted EMS services are hard to obtain through the private sector and currently only two private ambulance companies are operating in Mahoning County.
      “Our community has been very supportive of services provided by Boardman Park and Boardman Township,” Costello said.
      Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, a hearing was held on zoning amendments designed to limit the number of storage units and car washes in Boardman Township advanced to a second reading during a hearing before the Board of Trustees.
      The amendments have been recommended for approval by the Boardman Township Zoning Commission.
      Trustee Larry Moliterno indicated issues with noise associated with car washes is a concern.
      According to recommendations provided by T.J. Keiran, director of planning/zoning, the amendments will require conditional use permits for self storage and vehicle washing facilities.
      Keiran said storage units and car washes “are vehicle-oriented in such a way as to diminish from the character of a commercial corridor, and...have a deleterious effect on both the existing businesses around them and surrounding residential areas adjacent to them, potentially downgrading property values.
      “Boardman Township has enough of these uses to serve its population and very little vacant lands for uses that do not generate employment, nor retail tax revenue.”
      Another hearing on the amendments will be held on Aug. 12.