SIDNEY — The Washington Township Trustees held its opening session of the year on Jan. 4, 2017. Chairman Douglas K. Stangel, along with trustees William H. Huffman, Randy Schwable and Clerk Glenda J. Stangel were present for the meeting. Gary Vondenhuevel, zoning enforcement officer, was also in attendance.

The trustees learned there was $137,110.57 in all funds during the financial report.

A motion was approved to keep officers for 2017 the same as they were in 2016. Doug Stangel will continue to be chairman; Huffman, vice chairman; and Schwable, overseer of Beechwood Cemetery.

The trustees reviewed the zoning board members’ terms of expiration. Doug Stangel reported he contacted John Heiland to fill the position on the Zoning Board of Appeals which was vacant on Dec. 31, 2016. Heiland accepted to position. David Szippl agreed to serve another term on the Zoning Board of Commissions.

Members of the Zoning Board of Commission and when their terms end are Shawn Stangel, Dec. 31, 2017; Scott Meiring, Dec. 31, 2018; Kim Vondenhuevel, Dec. 1, 2019; Bill Clark, Dec. 31, 2020; ad Szippl, Dec. 31, 2021.

Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and when their terms end are Tony Ritter, Dec. 31, 2017; John Huntzinger, Dec. 31, 2018; Doug Cook, Dec. 31, 2018; Vonda Douglas, Dec. 31, 2020; and Heiland, Dec. 31, 2021.

The Zoning Board of Commission will hold its reorganization meeting on Jan. 26, 2017, at 7 p.m. The Zoning Board of Appeals reorganization meeting will be Jan. 26, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Schwable recommended all rates and fees for Beechwood Cemetery remain the same for the foundation cost because concrete has gone up in price. The new fee will be 50 cents per cubic foot.

Glenda Stangel presented the inventory list to be submitted to the Shelby County Engineer’s Office. the list and values on the inventory stayed the same as 2016. A copy of the total inventory list is on file in the computer office at the Washington township House and will be sent to the Engineer’s Office.

Trustees discussed the program with dead ash trees throughout the township. They learned there are 40 trees just on Patterson-Halpin Road. The trustees decided to contact John Hammer, Hammer Tree Service, to top the trees off and chip them before cutting them down. Most trees are 30 feet tall.

A special session will be held Jan. 11, 2017, at 7 p.m. for the annual appropriations meeting.

The next regular meeting will be Jan. 23, 2017, at 7 p.m.