MADISON TOWNSHIP – The new chief of police and a full-time patrol officer had their swearings-in during a Tuesday, July 14, meeting of the Madison Township Board of Trustees.
Chief Matthew Gosnik and Officer Robert Wransky were sworn in by Board Chair Peter Wayman.
“We’ve had a long line of chiefs in Madison Township, and they’ve all done quite well I think,” he said, mentioning Gosnik is the sixth police chief he’s worked with during his tenure.
The new chief said he’s spent his entire 22-year law enforcement career in Madison Township, despite offers from other agencies.
“There’s a reason for that,” Gosnik said “It’s a great department. I’ve worked with some really great people.”
Wransky comes to Madison Township with seven years’ experience, most recently at Madison Village, where he served as school resource officer for South Elementary School. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Lakeland Community College and is a certified firearms instructor, according to Gosnik.
“It’s certainly a good night for Madison PD,” Wayman said.
In other business:
The board approved payment of bills in the amount of $166,235.15 and payroll totaling $391,497.54.
In resolutions:
• Authorizing the police chief to enter into an agreement with Madison Local Schools to provide school resource officer services.
• Certifying costs incurred for the abatement, control or removal of vegetation, garbage, refuse and other debris to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.
• Authorizing the township administrator to proceed with the abatement of high grass and excessive refuse at 6550 Tarbell Ave. and 1283 Dorchester Drive.
• Authorizing the fiscal officer to issue a refund in the amount of $3,100 to Holbrook Sewer and Excavating for a road opening at 6244 Campbell Drive.
• Authorizing the fiscal officer to issue a refund in the amount of $3,100 to Holbrook Sewer and Excavating for a road opening at 2364 Cambrian Way.
In departmental reports:
Gosnik offered a written report on department activity for June, saying the month’s increase in statistics doesn’t reflect any single area of concern, but rather the standard jump in calls for service that takes place during the summer.
New body-worn cameras from Motorola have arrived and Gosnik said he’s taken some conference calls with the vendor regarding deployment to the field.
Administrator Paul Cook asked to draft legislation to better regulate excavation in the township, citing concerns about the possible effect on underground utilities.
Township resident Erin Derzon thanked the trustees for enacting a moratorium on new data center development and asked them to consider new condition zoning regulations to give the township more control over development.
Solicitor Gary Pasqualone said the current zoning code already mandates a condition use permit application, meaning the trustees already have control over what’s developed in the township. He also said the board has a good, effective zoning inspector and assistant zoning inspector.
Resident Thomas Brass asked the trustees to look into contacting the Ohio Department of Transportation about fencing on the State Route 528 bridge over the Grand River, saying he was concerned the leaning fencing may fall onto a canoer.
Cook said he would reach out to ODOT on Brass’ concerns.
The next regular session meeting of the Madison Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building, 2065 Hubbard Road.
Mentor Police Department: Activity for June
Criminal Offenses (by Ward):
Murder/Manslaughter: 0
Rape/Felonious Sexual Assault: 0
Robbery: 2 (Ward I: 1, Ward IV: 1) 2 Arrests
Burglary/Breaking and Entering: 6 (Ward I: 3, Ward II: 3) 1 Arrest
Theft: 32 (Ward I: 12, Ward II: 12, Ward III: 3, Ward IV: 3) 17 Arrests
Assault (Fel./Agg./Misd.): 7 (Ward I: 1, Ward II: 3, Ward III: 3, Ward IV: 5) 4 Arrests
Domestic Violence: 5 (Ward I: 3, Ward IV: 2) 5 Arrests
Criminal Damage/Criminal Mischief/Vandalism: 10 (Ward 1: 4, Ward II – 2, Ward III: 1, Ward IV: 3) 1 Arrest
Drug Offenses: 30 (Ward I: 12, Ward II: 8, Ward III: 9, Ward IV: 1) 21 Arrests
Crash Data: 131 Total
Fatal Crashes: 0
Injury Crashes: 26 (21 Injured)
Property Damage Crashes: 75
Private Property Crashes: 30
Citations Issued: 362
Written Warnings: 428
Parking Citations: 20
