Bloom Township · Board of Trustees

BLOOM TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 08-12-26

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Jason Smith, Chair. Members present were Trustees Carol Moore, Brian Randles, and Jason Smith. Also present were Fiscal Officer Nicole Jurgensmier, Administrator Anne Cyphert, Fire Chief Thomas Williams, and Road Department Supervisor Kyle Uhl and two interested citizens. The pledge of allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence in honor of our military serving around the world.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PRESENTATIONS

• Sarah Kelley: Planning-Next: Presentation on draft of Land Use Plan: Ms. Kelley reviewed the draft of the plan. She complimented the Township Administrator and Firefighters for their assistance in the plan. She welcomed comments from the Board. Each Trustee shared their comments and suggestions with her. She will make a few amendments according to their suggestions. She will have the final draft ready for the Steering Committee soon. The Trustees will vote on final acceptance at a meeting in the near future.
• Angela Brunney, not a Bloom Township resident: Attended the meeting on behalf of her father, concerned about a letter her father received from a utility company. We explained we do not have jurisdiction over this company, but have invited them to speak to our residents who are concerned. So far, they have declined the offer to meet with our residents.

FISCAL OFFICE REPORT: Nicole Jurgensmier

• Motion by Randles, second by Moore to receive and file the minutes of the 7/8/26 meeting. Motion carried 3-0.
• Motion by Moore, second by Randles to approve payments in the amount of $73,614.67 and electronic payments in the amount of $301,803.34. Motion carried 3-0.
• Motion by Randles, second by Moore to Transfer $8,000 from 1000-240-323-0911 Repairs & Maintenance (Tornado Sirens), $3,000 from 1000-110-344-0000 Printing, $4,000 from 100-110-342-0000 Postage, $1,000 from 1000-120-420-0000 Operating Supplies, and $161 from 1000-110-410-0000 Office Supplies totaling $16,161 to 1000- 760-730-0000 Improvement of Sites for the parking lot paving that took place in July 2026. Motion carried 3-0.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

• Carol Moore: Motion by Moore, second by Randles Resolution #14-26: To approve the updated solid waste plan from the Coshocton, Fairfield, Licking, and Perry Counties Solid Waste District. The Fiscal Officer will forward the signed resolution to CFLP. Motion carried 3-0.
• Jason Smith: RPC Report: He was unable to attend the meeting, but logged on virtually. He said they discussed issues from Walnut Township.
• Brian Randles: Pleased with the paving of the Administrative parking lot.
• Carol Moore: Pleased with paving in Collegeview.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: Anne Cyphert

• Grid Growth: They will not be at either of our August meetings to explain their project to concerned residents. The Township has no jurisdiction over the project, but we would like to help provide some communications between the company and our residents. Prescott Cary is the contact person we have. He said there will be a public release mid to late August. Project developers are not ready to do an open meeting yet, but likely at the September 10th meeting. Cary will send a letter of explanation to the Township in the near future. The project overview emailed to us includes contact information and resources where our constituents can direct any questions or concerns - East@GridGrowthVentures.com/ 513-830-9051
• She will be meeting with Acrisure tomorrow regarding our health insurance renewal for 2027.
• SERB’s Annual Health Insurance Report is now available on its website.
• OTARMA may require us to take out a rider for the bounce house the Fire Department has planned for its staff parties every December.
• She met with our legal counsel for a work-lunch meeting last month and she advised us to approve the following motion:
• Motion by Randles, second by Moore to accept the retirement resignation of Thomas Williams, Fire Chief effective August 24, 2026, followed by his rehiring effective August 25, 2026 per the resolution approved at the last meeting. Motion carried 3-0.
• Motion by Moore, second by Randles to change the September 9th meeting to September 11th at 12pm at 8490 Lithopolis Road NW. Lunch will be provided. Motion carried 3-0.
• Cyber Security: She appreciates the major assistance from Fire Chief Thomas Williams regarding implementation of requirements of HB 96. They met with a consultant last week and the Chief will explain. As part of HB 96, all personnel, both part-time and full- time must undergo Cyber Security Training. All elected officials must also complete the training. It can be done at https://learn.ohiocyberrange.org or it may be set up with a consultant. This is through Ohio Cyber Range Institute out of University of Cincinnati. All staff now have their own @bloomtwp.org emails.
• Phone Issues at the Administration Office: We are obtaining three quotes for new phone service. She will provide a written update from Teresa, Office Manager, on the status of the project. There have been audio issues with calls after it rains. Repair person from AT&T told the Office Manager that our copper system is outdated and will need to be replaced, which affects our internet service and phone system.
• Concern over proposed amendment to RPC Subdivision Regulations: There will be a public hearing on 9/1/26 to amend the regulations to take out: Townships may request by resolution that parcels containing 5.01 acres or more proposed on township roads be submitted to the township for access review / approval. She requests our RPC representative, Jason Smith, attend the hearing and object to the amendment.
• Anne may be late to the September 23rd meeting due to speaking engagement about our Land Use Plan in New Albany. Her meeting in New Albany ends at 5pm. With rush hour, it will likely be 6:30pm before she can get to the meeting.

FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT: Thomas Williams

• Motion by Randles, second by Moore to accept the resignation of Part-time FF/EMT-B Will Jones effective July 28, 2026. Motion carried 3-0.
• Motion by Moore, second by Randles to hire the following individuals:

1. Nicholas Shreffler as a part-time Firefighter/EMT-B upon completion of successful pre-employment requirements,
2. Mariah Rockas a part-time Firefighter/EMT-B upon completion of successful pre- employment requirements,
3. Chloe Best as a part-time Firefighter/EMT-B upon completion of successful pre-employment requirements,
4. Gavin Ash as a part-time Firefighter/EMT-B upon completion of successful pre-employment requirements. Motion carried 3-0.

• Motion by Randles, second by Moore to pay NAPA in the amount of $2,045.56 for M551 turbo ($1,957.96) and coolant. Per policy, Chief contacted the Board Chair and Fiscal Officer for approval. Motion carried 3-0.

ROAD DEPT REPORT: Kyle Uhl

• Storm Update: The Trustees thanked the Road Department for their hard work during the storm on Tuesday. Uhl said they were able to accomplish the clean-up fine.
• Ashbrook Rd: All pavement repairs are complete.
• Speed Study Result: Signs posted today on the Bloom Township side of the road to 35 MPH.
• Sale Equipment: All Township sale equipment is ready for purple wave. They will be taking pictures and posting within the next 2 weeks.
• Paving schedule was discussed for milling and cleaning roads as well as paving. The chair adjourned the meeting.