Vandalism at the Jackson Township office could lead to more surveillance at a nearby skatepark following discussions by township trustees.
Administrator Mike Lilly said since the Grove City recreational site opened last year, a window at the township office was smashed and replaced at a cost of $400 and damage to a chemical tank resulted in EPA intervention and a $1,800 clean-up bill.
The township is considering joining with the city in purchasing and installing three security cameras – two for the township and one for Grove City – mounted on a new pole at the eastern edge of the skatepark. The total price tag for the project is approximately $14,500 with Jackson Township covering $6,950 of the cost.
"This proposal is from a company already under contract with Grove City," Lilly reported during the trustees’ Sept. 18 meeting. "This would get us two cameras and the pole would be provided by the city. One camera would be directly angled into the skatepark and the other two on our property.
"The cameras have night capability and can record and store images up to 30 days. The city keeps experiencing vandalism at the skatepark and we’ve had incidents here. We would have coverage for everything."
Trustees also discussed a proposal by the Buckeye Ranch to purchase surplus land near the fire station on London-Groveport Road. Lily said the organization submitted a real estate offer this month for $340,000 for the 2.6-acre property.
However, Trustee Steve Bowshier was initially opposed to the deal because the market value of the land was appraised at $400,000. He said could not support the resolution to sell the parcel because the offer was so far under market value.
"Their offer is $60,000 less than our appraisal said it was worth and I haven’t heard any reason why," commented Bowshier. "We have a responsibility to our taxpayers to get the best value."
Fellow Trustee William Lotz said he wanted to talk with Buckeye Ranch representatives before the board took final action, which requires unanimous approval. Bowshier added he was open to changing his mind on the sale, but would only do so after discussing the situation with the Ranch.
In additional news:
•Attendance at monthly Safety Council meetings was a profitable endeavor for the township, which, Lilly announced, will receive a 4 percent premium check for approximately $6,000.
•The administrator said the township’s fall newsletter is scheduled for distribution on Oct. 21 and will feature updates on Metrovia, the arson bureau, and fire department statistics. He also reported a pair of township properties received Recognition Awards from Keep Grove City Beautiful – 2431 White Road, owned by Keith Hignite and 5012 Southern Grove Dr., owned by Steve and Barbara Collins.
