The Concord Township Trustees formally approved the changes to the new website. Trustee Don Pence agreed to notify eLIANT Technology Services to replace the old website. In addition, the trustees approved an expenditure of $1300 to transfer the website to a new engine that will make the website resizable based on a user’s device.

Trustee Bill Whidden said, “I would like to see the township take the next step.”

Trustee Tom Mercer added, “I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is less expensive that I thought.”

Pence agreed to notify eLIANT Technology Services that the trustees approved the launch of the improved website and approved expenditure for the new software.

The Township’s website is www.concord-township.com.

In other old business, the trustees discussed the resolution regarding junk vehicles in the township. Mercer reported that Miami County Zoning and Planning doesn’t get involved in junk vehicle enforcement unless there are multiple vehicles involved. He also said, “I have worked with Chief Deputy David Duchak to rewrite the resolution. The Sheriff’s department will provide enforcement.” He also thanked Duchak for his assistance in developing the junk vehicle regulations. Mercer further explained, “The resolution defines a junk vehicle and specifies that the vehicle must be in an enclosed facility. In addition, the resolution defines the steps to resolve the issue.” He also added, “Junk vehicles are not a major problem in the township. We have only had one complaint in the six years I have been on the board.”

Pence remarked, “People don’t want to pay to license junk vehicles.

Candidate for Miami County Prosecutor Mel Kemmer asked, “Have you gotten feedback from the prosecutor’s office?” Mercer agreed to follow up with them.

For Fiscal Management, Fiscal Officer Pat Quillen reported, “The township audit for 2014 and 2015 began February 1, 2016. It should only take about a week and will focus on accounting issues.” She added, “This year we qualify for a shorter audit, which will cost the township approximately $2200. In the past, it has taken a month or more and cost between $6000 and $8000. We have never qualified for the shorter audit before.”

For the Road Department, Road Superintendent Neil Rhoades reported that the Christmas tree pickup is complete. According to Rhoades, the department picked up more trees than last year.

In addition, he added, “It has been quiet because of lack of snow; however, we have been busy maintaining equipment and removing corn and bean stubble from roadways and ditches caused by flooding. In addition, we have been looking for a replacement for the truck.”

For the Sheriff’s Department, Duchak reported that the Sheriff’s department had 221 service calls for township in January including 63 traffic stops and 28 criminal reports. He also reported that there are no pattern crimes in the township at this time.

Fire Chief Matthew Simmons attended the meeting. He informed the trustees that he would like to expand services that the department provides to the township. He also indicated that January was busy with emergency medical service calls (EMS). In addition, he said, “We have experienced a big turnover with several guys out of commission. We are actively looking for qualified candidates.”

Several candidates for county offices introduced themselves to the trustees. Kemmer, who is running for Miami County Prosecutor, said, “I have the confidence I can do a better job than what is being down now. If you need me, I will be here.”

County Commissioner Candidate Greg Simmons said, “I believe I am a good candidate because I believe in personal integrity, transparency and accountability. I was raised in Miami County, and have a B.A. and M.A in Education. I have a passion for Miami County Residents and believe that commissioners should look at both sides of annexation issues.

The next meeting of the Concord Township Trustees is scheduled for February 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the Township Building.