(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - December 30, 2009)
Messenger photo by Linda Dillman
Addressing a standing-room-only audience during his last meeting as a Jackson Township trustee on Dec. 22, Bill Lotz chokes back a flood of emotion after learning Fire Station 203 was named in his honor.
It is never easy to say goodbye, and for Jackson Township Trustee Bill Lotz, a Dec. 22 standing-room-only crowd lining a municipal office meeting room was not going to let him step down quietly or without fanfare.
Fire Station 203 was renamed in Lotz's honor, and from the state to the local level, the multi-term trustee was lauded for his public service to the township, Grove City (where he spent 22 years as a building official), and the county.
"We don't do this very often," said Grove City Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage as he read a mayoral and council proclamation detailing Lotz's career - as an assistant and chief building official, his dedication during a YMCA fund raising campaign, and service on the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio board since 2000 - before declaring Dec. 31 as William Lotz Day in the city.
Former mayor and current State Representative Cheryl Grossman presented Lotz with a state commendation before township officials and employees took over the microphone thanking the life-long township resident for his service as a trustee since 1998.
"It's been an honor serving with him for the 12 years Bill and I have been together. Bill has deep, deep roots in this community," said Chairman David Burris, who was sworn in for another term as a trustee by Lotz. "There never was a time you'd call Bill about something personal and he didn't drop everything to help.
"We want to honor you with something that will go on and on. We didn't take this lightly. When they built these (fire) stations, Bill was the one who inspected them. He took major oversight of the renovation of Station 203, which provides vital service in an area that was once part of the Lotz family farm.
"It's the least we could have done for you."
Tears welled up in Lotz's eyes following the announcement.
"Bill does have emotions," Fire Chief Lloyd Sheets pointed out, "and he does care about Jackson Township and the firefighters. It never bothered me when he asked 'what's this for or what's the best price?"
Assistant Chief Rick Dawson added, "Mr. Lotz is truly a steward of the taxpayer's money."
Lotz will continue to serve on the SWACO board and Administrator Mike Lilly kidded the former trustee by saying the township will still rely on his expertise in municipal matters, only no longer pay him for his advice. Trustee Stephen Bowshier said he depended on Lotz during his 10 years on the board and told residents the township saved a lot of money by following suggestions made by Lotz.
"It's been an outstanding 12 years," concluded Lotz. "What we accomplished here, no one has any idea. We came here with little in the bank and we built up a nice little nest egg so the township can operate properly.
"Our roads are in excellent shape; we work with Grove City. We want to make our township the best place to live and we try to take in consideration everyone in the township."
