PERRY TOWNSHIP – The Perry Township trustees announced the completion of a community access project during a Tuesday, May 26, regular meeting, highlighting the recent completion of an ADA-compliant ramp at the Perry Historical Society.
The trustees heard positive updates on the Historical Society project, which replaced crumbling stairs and an old accessibility ramp with a modern, user-friendly ADA-compliant entrance.
Officials described the finished structure as “beautiful,” complete with holiday decorations for a recent community ceremony.
The upgrade improves accessibility to the facility, which preserves local history dating back to the township’s founding in 1815 and its naming after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.
The work, bid out earlier this year, is part of broader efforts to make township facilities more inclusive.
The township also approved the purchase for an additional columbarium for the township cemetery.
With current units nearing capacity — down to roughly 16 available spots across three existing 32-niche columbaria.
The $9,800 unit will provide the space needed for cremains inurnment.
Administrator updates emphasized growing demand for burial options in the township.
The new columbarium, with a six-month lead time once ordered, will help sustain services for residents well into the future.
“It’s becoming a popular avenue for burials,” Township Administrator Karen Sundy said, underscoring the need to maintain this option for Perry families.
The meeting, held at 10 a.m. at township offices, covered several other items.
The trustees approved hiring summer help for the service department to handle routine mowing, weed trimming and property upkeep.
They also discussed sponsorships for the upcoming 2026 summer concert series at Perry Township Park, with a full schedule including bands expected to be released soon.
Most notably, a portable speed sign was approved to address ongoing speeding complaints, particularly in developing areas. The sign will be an electronic post that displays the driver’s speed against posted limits.
As the township does not have dedicated police protection, the movable sign will rotate to problem spots to remind drivers of posted limits.
The trustees also authorized repairs to a John Deere 510C backhoe and discussed the 2026 comprehensive plan update.
In resolutions, the board authorized a lease with Kenny Siegel for the agricultural use of vacant township land. Siegel grows hay and soybeans on the property, benefiting all parties without direct township use of the harvest.
Additional resolutions addressed property maintenance abatements and an opt out from state fireworks regulations.
The Perry Township Board of Trustees meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Meetings are held in the township administrative building, 3740 Center Road.
