MADISON TOWNSHIP — One of the latest resolutions from the Madison Township trustees might only affect a handful of households each year.
But it will make a major difference for the township road department’s budget.
Road superintendent Larry Weirich brought up an outdated driveway and roadside pipe policy that was still operating under 2004 legislation at the March 3 meeting.
Weirich said the road department replaced around three pipes last year but wanted to be proactive to not lose money on future projects.
“For 40 feet of pipe, we only charged $200,” he said. “When you take into account concrete, gravel, labor — a typical driveway costs us $890.”
A resolution passed Monday night changes the township’s policy to charge up front for labor and materials on a per-job basis. Materials would include asphalt, concrete, tile and gravel.
The township road department occasionally installs culvert pipes around gas lines for new homes or driveway replacements.
Weirich said it’s not required to hire the township road department to replace lines, and that homeowners can hire contractors instead if they wish.
“The costs have gone up drastically in 20 years and it’s impractical to charge that little,” Weirich said.
The legislation passed Monday also changed the minimum length for a corrugated culvert pipe to 40 feet from 30 feet. Weirich said most equipment is too heavy to support a 30-foot pipe.
In other road department news, trustees adopted a resolution that requires companies or contractors to request a permit and inform the road department of any work in the township’s right-of-way.
This allows the township to enforce the use of proper signage and flag men when necessary. It also shows contractors how the township wants roads to be put back if they are excavated.
Weirich also said he obtained a permit from the Richland County Engineer’s Office allowing the road department to work on private property under certain circumstances and when the property owner signs the agreement.
He said the road department will clean out catch basins on Martha Avenue and will need to trace drainage pipes through a homeowner’s property to divert water away from their garage.
Also on Monday:
Trustee Tom Craft said any resident who is interested in organizing a neighborhood cleanup event can contact the trustees with what area they want to tackle. He is in touch with Richland County Solid Waste Management to provide trash bags, gloves and safety equipment.
Township resident Austin Moore is organizing his third annual cleanup for April 19 with Kirsch Properties and fellow musician Adam Anderson.
Trustee Tom Brandt said the township’s new zoning door and new door hardware have been installed.
Trustees approved new sign fees to post on the township website to streamline sign permits and applications. Trustee Tom Craft said he will ask Richland County Regional Planning Commission staff to ensure the new rules meet county requirements too.
Trustees approved continuing an enterprise zone agreement for Michael Byrne Manufacturing on Earth Boring Road.
Trustees discussed labor management in the fire department in a 90-minute executive session and discussed compensation for a public employee for 25 minutes after the regular meeting. No action was taken after the executive sessions.
