BATH — Barkley is an owner-surrendered, 8-year-old golden retriever. He does not do well with small dogs. He may do well with dogs his own size as long as they respect his space, but if he has his choice, he’d probably rather be the center of attention. Barkley is very affectionate and loving with people. He is good around cats and children. His foster parents said he loves to swim. Those interested in adopting Barkley can fill out an adoption application at www.GTR.dog.

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According to a City of Akron press release, no residents were injured, but two deceased victims were recovered from the aircraft and taken to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office where positive identifications will be made and examinations will be performed.

The medical examiner said once identifications have been made and the examinations are completed, her office will provide an update.

Multiple jurisdictions responded to the crash including the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The City of Akron released the following statement May 15: “Our thoughts are with the victims of yesterday’s tragic plane crash and with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful there was not an even greater loss of life in our community as a result of this tragedy. Thank you to the members of the Akron Fire Department, Akron Police Department, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and all first responders who responded quickly and professionally under extremely challenging circumstances. Their actions helped protect nearby residents and bring the situation under control safely.”

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
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Councilwoman Carol Campbell said the Human Services Commission (HSC) had proposed renaming the senior center to the Jan Weber Social Center in honor of the center’s founder. Campbell also said the term “senior center” brought negative connotations.

The name change was also supported by a large number of senior center attendees and approved by the HSC last month.

Councilwoman Bobbie Beshara said she does not believe the senior center has negative connotations involved with it, but that Weber should be honored for her years of service.

Mayor Michael Wheeler told Council it would be the preference of the village to suspend the resolution’s third reading and approve that evening, noting Weber will turn 99 this summer.

A compromise was offered to rename the center the Jan Weber Senior Activities Center. Campbell said she would not vote for the compromise.

Beshara and Councilmen Jeff Stoppenhagen and Marty Kruszynski voted for the senior activities name change, with Campbell, Council President Rick Hudak, Councilwoman Sue Ann Philippbar and Councilman Jim Smith voting against the change.

The 4-3 split in favor of the social center was also the same for suspension of third reading. Kruszynski abstained from the final vote on the resolution, with the change to the Jan Weber Social Center passing on a 4-2-1 vote.

In other business, Wheeler presented the village’s America250 flag in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial. The flag will fly on one of the flagpoles at Town Hall.

Fire Chief George Seifert announced the department’s new ambulance is in final production, with a completion date set for the middle of the month. He also reported the department has selected candidates for the two full-time firemedic positions.

Finance Director Sandy Turk reported the village has collected $1.2 million more than it has spent through April 30.

Council also approved:

• upgrading control systems in Town Hall and the police station. The contracts, both with Control Concepts Ohio, include $123,308 for Town Hall and $80,918 for the police station;

• issuing blanket certificates for purchases not to exceed the unencumbered balance in the expenditure account;

• transferring the service weapon of Assistant Police Chief Paul Fister to him upon his retirement;

• the sale of 3771 Grant St. to Sarah Mitschke for $330,000;

• authorizing the solicitation of bids for the Eastwood Barn construction project;

• authorizing proceeds from the sale of village-owned property on or adjacent to the south side of Wheatley Road to the Income Tax Fund; and

• setting a work session for June 25 at 6 p.m.

Richfield Village Council will next meet May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road. The meeting will also be available on the Zoom videoconference application, with links to view and call into the meeting available at www.richfieldvillageohio.org closer to the meeting date.
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Trustee Don Laubacher said the Ohioans to Protect Public Services coalition is made up of more than 70 groups, including the Ohio Township Association, aiming to educate the public about the harm of a total property tax elimination and the serious threat it would pose.

Signatures are being collected for a potential ballot initiative on property tax abolishment. According to Laubacher, the question may not be on the ballot in November, but could be on the ballot next May.

In other news, trustees unanimously approved supporting the Richfield Hometown Heroes program.

Trustee Janet Jankura said the program will allow residents to buy or sponsor banners honoring area veterans. A nine member committee will approve applicants.

In other business, police Chief Mike Swanson announced the township had 274 calls for service in April, with 682 calls in Richfield Village. Swanson also said 36 pints of blood were collected at the last American Red Cross blood drive, with the next one scheduled for May 28 at Richfield Town Hall, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road.

Fire Chief George Seifert reported the township had 35 EMS calls and seven fire calls in April, with Richfield Village reporting 82 calls.

Officials said the township will soon post an opening for a zoning assistant to handle office work and upkeep of township zoning records.

Additionally, Laubacher reported the Oviatt House will receive $100,000 from the State of Ohio Capital Budget for restoration of the house and expenses to operate it as a museum.

Trustees announced the Richfield and Bath historical societies will host a parade to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Woodsmill and Revere roads, travel north on Revere Road, then turn east onto Everett Road and end at the Western Reserve Playhouse barn.

Trustees also approved:

• hiring outside counsel to enforce a policy on the use of concrete equipment for the Joint Economic Development District;

• a $7,497 payment to the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office for the township’s audit;

• a $2,200 payment for emptying the oil water separator; and

• a $5,084 payment to Imperial Truck as a then and now certificate.

The Richfield Township Board of Trustees will next meet June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Richfield Township Administration and Service Building, 3038 Boston Mills Road. The meeting will also be available on the Microsoft Teams meeting application, with links to view and call into the meeting available at www.richfield-twp.org.
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