By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
Rob Hayes, a Westland High School basketball coach and a local community member, wants to raise funds for a basketball court at Lakota Park.
He reached out to the Prairie Township Trustees at a recent meeting to pitch his idea.
“I would like to work with local law enforcement to make sure it is safe and would follow existing policies within the park,” Hayes said. “I also would like to get some programs going within the community.”
Trustee Rod Pritchard said there are plans for two basketball courts at the Galloway Road Sports Complex.
“There are currently no programs out there for kids, Pritchard said. “I encourage you to set those up as it would be beneficial.”
Township officials also suggested that Hayes set up a public involvement meeting to help gather more information.
In related news, the trustees approved the 2022 Wellness Competition for full-time employees of the township.
“This year’s competition is a 5K walk at the Galloway Road Sports Complex,” said Prairie Township Administrator James Jewell. “Employees that participate in the 5K will have a $0 insurance premium deduction on their Dec. 9, 2022 paycheck.”
Jewell added that spouses and family members are not required to participate but are welcome to attend. The date for the 5K walk is at 5 p.m. on Sept. 29.
In other news, Jewell asked the board to approve a quote for the upgraded audio system for the meeting room. This quote includes six new wireless microphones and the audio mixing equipment to make it work. The existing table microphones and wireless podium microphone would stay the same. The total cost is $11,283.
Residents also asked for an update on water issues in the township.
“Franklin County water is out of control,” said John Griffith, a landlord in Prairie Township. “I had a bill for $600. What is being done about the water?”
Some residents have reported steady increases in their water bills and have asked the township to do something about it. At one time, the county was looking at having
Columbus take over its water system, but little headway has been made.
According to Jewell, the city of Columbus hired a new public service utilities director and the city will not take over the system unless it gets updated.
“There are houses in this township where this has been going on for years,” Griffith said.
