SALEM — Perry Township administrators voted to enter executive session toward the end of their staff meeting, with Columbiana County Assistant Attorney Bret Hartup praising them for proper procedure.

Hartup, the Civil Division attorney, has gone around the directors’ meetings, talking to them about how he plans to handle their questions and requests, sending responses to the three directors so they all have the same information. If the subject is something that can benefit all county administrators, he will send information to the administrators of the 18 townships.

Along these lines, Hartup talked about the sun law and how to go to the executive session properly, noting that there is someone who has sued the townships for violating the sun law related to inappropriate executive sessions.

The person filed a complaint in Portage County, noting five incidents where a township was found to be in violation. The person wanted $500 per incident for $2,500 in damages, but the court said no, limiting the payment to $500. The appeals court said the same thing and now the case is before the Supreme Court of Ohio. He heard there was a case in Trumbull County as well.

His point was that the prosecutor’s office wants to do a training session with all the townships. The administrators thanked him for the information on what happened. Their agenda noted the reason for the executive session and he said it was a good habit.

No action was to be taken after the executive session.

In new business, administrators declared a property at 1710 U.S. Route 62 owned by Robert Borden a nuisance for having three boats in the yard. Two letters had been sent by the township zoning officer regarding the violation, with no response.

Directors also approved the purchase of materials to replace culverts and crossing pipes for Shamrock Arbor and Van Buron for $5,300.

In other cases, Trustee Chairman Steve Bailey asked his fellow Trustees to review road department account balances for the purchase of a new snowplow truck. Administrator Tony Ieropoli said the truck to be replaced was at least 20 years old. He asked about the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, but Bailey said that would eat up the stipend. The cost of a new truck was estimated at $160,000.

Administrator Jim Armeni asked if they could work out a payment plan for the truck, with Bailey saying there was enough money in the accounts to pay up front, but they also talked about allocating l money over two years. They could decide on the truck at the next meeting on May 23.

Fire Chief Doug Messimer reported that two fire department volunteers, Julian Dillard and Kody Vint, recently graduated as Firefighter 1, qualifying them as firefighters to enter structures.

Armeni reported on the township’s recent cleanup. He said the highways department picked up 36 dump truck loads that filled three 40-yard dumpsters.