MADISON TOWNSHIP – Former Trustee Max Anderson Jr. was honored during a Tuesday, Feb. 10, meeting of the Madison Township Board of Trustees on his retirement at the end of 2025 after 16 years of public service.
Board Chair Peter Wayman said during Anderson’s tenure, beginning in 2010, he had been a “dedicated and exemplary” trustee, a valued member of the board, provided exemplary leadership and showed steadfast commitment to the values of Madison Township, leaving a legacy of dedicated public service.
Trustee Joseph White said to say Anderson had served with distinction would be “an understatement.”
White related that at 10 years old, he met Anderson, who had been a Madison Township police officer, when Anderson saved his sister’s life, creating a lifelong family bond.
“I only hope to fill just a portion of his shoes,” White said.
Wayman said that while he felt he and Anderson hadn’t initially seen eye-to-eye, over their tenure together, they had found common ground in helping the community and he is now proud to call him a friend.
Former Trustee Kenneth Gaunter first met Anderson in 1982, when he was Madison Township administrator and Anderson was a patrolman. They served for 10 and a half years together on the board.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor tonight than you, Max,” Gauntner said. “Job well done, my friend.”
Fiscal Officer Sarah Hamercheck said she’s known Anderson as long as she can remember and said during her first term in office that Anderson had served as an “encouraging, steady presence” and wished him well in his retirement.
Anderson thanked his fellow elected officials and all the township’s employees.
“Everybody has done an outstanding job,” he said. “I appreciate what you’re doing for the community.”
In other business:
The board approved payment of bills in the amount of $158,588.49 and payroll totaling $254,145.76.
In legislation:
• Releasing and returning an insurance fire loss claim in the amount of $38,647.48 to Tamara Kerr for a fire loss at 3680 Wood Road.
The fire took place Friday, Oct. 24, at around 9 a.m. in a detached garage on a property in the 3600 block of Wood Road. Emergency medical personnel transported a victim to a local hospital.
• Issuing a refund in the amount of $3,100 to Petersen Earthworx for a road opening at 1511 Parkview Ave.
• Entering into an agreement with SBJ Consulting LLC of Painesville, at a cost of $8,300 to provide design, bidding and construction management for the township’s 2026 road program.
The 2026 resurfacing project is planned to include Dorchester Drive, Oxford Drive, Argyle Drive north of Lake Road, Whitesands Boulevard and the north end of Bennett Road, with an alternate of Ormond Avenue if bids come in low enough, according to Paul Cook, township administrator.
• Entering into an agreement with the Grand River Kennel Club for use of Bill Stanton Community Park to conduct an American Kennel Club all-breed dog show.
The Regatta Classic Dog Show is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, July 9-12, according to Cook.
In administrative reports:
Police Chief Troy Hager commented on the past several months having total calls for service below the 1,000 mark.
“It’s been pretty steady,” he said.
Service Director Matt Price said snow removal has been proceeding smoothly during the “deep freeze and that the Service Department had received its order of 600 additional tons of road salt.
The next regular session meeting of the Madison Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, at 12 p.m. at the Administration Building, 2065 Hubbard Road.
