Perrysburg Township’s maintenance and roads department is about to see a changing of the guard.

At the March 16 meeting, Matt Hoffmann, road superintendent, announced his retirement effective April 1. “After 30 years of service, it is time for me to begin a new phase of my life,” he wrote in a letter to the trustees. “I have enjoyed my years serving the residents and trustees of Perrysburg Township.”

“You have been valuable to us, and we thank you for your service,” said Trustee Bob Mack.

To replace Mr. Hoffmann, the trustees promoted Marvin Connor, assistant superintendent, beginning April 3. He will be paid $39.10 per hour.

The trustees also elevated Jobe McMillen to the position of head mechanic at an hourly rate of $34.44. In addition, since Mr. Hoffmann had expressed interest in continuing to serve the maintenance department, the trustees rehired him at the base rate for a new employee of $31.09 per hour.

In the police department, the trustees approved hiring Clayton Ringle as a new road patrol officer. He will be paid $32.43 per hour and begins work on April 3.

Other Business

In other business, the trustees:

•Approved an update to the network infrastructure in all township buildings at a cost of $61,220. PerryproTech will update switches in the dispatch, police, administration, fire and maintenance facilities. Also updated will be the firewall and server room.

•Discussed but took no action on increasing rates for EMS and fire services. Fire Chief Tom Brice said the billing services companies have suggested an increase to keep pace with inflation.

“I hate to burden the taxpayers anymore,” Trustee Gary Britten said.

Chief Brice expressed concern that higher prices could result in people not calling for fear of the bill. “I don’t want it to cause a bad outcome.”

The trustees asked the fire chief to report back with rate adjustment costs for their consideration.

•Approved a fire department purchase of two dry suits for water rescues from Dive Rescue International at a cost of $3,101.

•Opened the meeting with a moment of silence in remembrance of a former township office employee, Sharon Kerr, who died recently.

•Reviewed the detective report for early March. Detectives are working on several new cases involving felony theft, sexual assault, a stolen and recovered car, suspicious incident and fugitive investigation.

Police Chief Mark Hetrick said they are continuing to work on retail and catalytic converter theft cases. They also continue to assist the Ohio Board of Pharmacy with background investigations for new hires.

Chief Hetrick provided an update on calls for service in February. Dispatchers fielded 1,587 calls. Of those were dwelling checks, 410, followed by EMS, 162; incidents, 148; traffic stops, 110; alarms, 28, and fire, 19. There were 12 crimes of violence: seven domestics, four menacing/ harassment, and one assault.

•Approved the expenditure of $12,349 to Protegis for repairs and upgrades to alarm systems in the police and fire departments. Some of the equipment dates back to the early 1980s, explained Fire Captain Keith Feeney.

•Set a special meeting to approve the final 2022 budget for 4 p.m., Thursday, March 31, at the township meeting hall. Fiscal officer Hannah Nelson said some adjustments still need to be made in areas such as amounts allocated for fuel.

•Heard from Bob Warnimont, recreation director, that safety surfacing material has been installed at the Perrysburg Heights play ground and “it looks very nice.” He encouraged the trustees to visit the park to see the improvements.

•Learned that the firefighters association held its annual training at Penta Career Center this year. “It was pretty awesome,” said Chief Brice.

Captain Feeney said 1,100 firefighters attended, which he believes is a pretty good turnout in light of the pandemic, which kept last year’s numbers low at 750.

•Heard from Chief Brice that he has begun looking at Findlay and Lucas County dispatching systems. “The goal is to be a countywide system,” he said, adding it will allow every agency to integrate on calls for service.

The next trustees meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, at the township meeting hall, 26609 Lime City Road, and is open to the public.