MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township Trustee Jim Houser announced his resignation Monday to be effective by the end of the 2024 calendar year.
Houser was elected trustee in 2017 after serving as the township zoning inspector, as a firefighter, and a sheriff’s deputy.
He was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in October and will undergo chemotherapy treatments.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the township and work with some very dedicated individuals all along the way,” Houser said.
A Galion High School graduate and an Air Force veteran, Houser said township residents can help him by keeping him and his family members in their prayers.
A friend is also organizing a spaghetti dinner and raffle at Mission Point Church Nov. 16 to support Houser and his family.
Houser has helped oversee brownfield remediation testing, and township hall repair work after a severe weather event last year during his tenure. He has also previously served as the township’s Richland County Land Bank representative, and as chair and vice chair of the trustees.
“I’m proud to have served the township for seven years as a trustee and wish everyone good luck,” Houser said.
Also in Monday’s meeting:
- Trustees approved $4,175 to replace guardrails at Beal Road and Fleming Falls Road. Road superintendent Larry Weirich said Lake Erie Construction Company plans to have the project completed by the end of the year.
- Weirich said the road department began leaf pickup on Monday and hopes to complete two rounds of leaf pickup around the township if weather permits.
- Trustee chair Tom Craft said trustees will need to determine whether to enroll in a 14-month Dynegy energy aggregate contract by the end of the month for a billing period beginning next March. He said the aggregate rate offered is about 7.42 cents per kilowatt hour. Residents will also have the option to opt out of the program.
- Trustees approved a “then-and-now” certificate to pay the Shelly Company $22,700 for chip-and-seal work this year.
- Trustees approved seeking Spectrum internet services at the road department office on Brace Avenue for approximately $50 per month and a $49.99 installation fee.