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SALEM -- Perry Township Police Chief Mike Emigh said he's looking for part-time police officers and cracking down on violations along the four-lane U.S. Route 62 bypass.
Emigh made the comments during his report to Perry Township trustees, who met in person Monday night for the first time in several months, also hearing reports from Fire Chief Brandon Smith and Road Supervisor Darreck Ferrell.
Emigh said they're giving warnings right now regarding trucks using jake brakes but soon signs will go up on the U.S. Route 62 four-lane bypass and the citations will be issued. The township reapproved the sign purchase after learning the resolution had to include the specific road name. The cost is $355 for four signs.
"There's no reason for engine brakes on the four-lane," he said.
He's also advertising for part-time officers on the department's social media page, saying they're losing another one to a full-time job at another department. That leaves the township with two part-time officers, including one who's still in training. He would like to hire at least two more part-time officers.
Ferrell said the recent spring cleanup for residents went off without a hitch, resulting in the filling up of five 40-yard dumpsters. He said that's more than normal. There was no spring cleanup last year.
"I think it's a really good program for the residents," he said, adding they like doing it for them.
Out of what was dumped, the township got two loads of scrap out of it.
The township had not received the bill yet from the refuse company, but the cost was estimated to total at least $3,500.
Smith said both pumper trucks passed their pump tests and during a test of air bottles, only one failed and will have to be replaced.
In zoning, Zoning Inspector Allan Wolfgang reported issuing 11 permits in April and one so far in May, working on two nuisance complaints and receiving an anonymous letter form a resident on Jennings. Wolfgang said the letter writer should contact him, noting there may be an issue the person isn't aware of regarding the complaint.
Trustee Chair Steve Bailey said he's still waiting to hear back from the prosecutor's office regarding their questions regarding property cleanups. He said trustees should probably wait until hearing from the prosecutor's office before riding around the township to look at problem properties.
Trustee Jim Armeni asked about high grass. Wolfgang said he was told previously that they shouldn't set a height for tall grass, to just take action when it becomes a problem.
mgreier@salemnews.net