Under a proposed “We Care” program, Copley Township senior citizens who live alone would have someone to look out for them even if family and friends are far away.

Police Chief Michael Mier and Fire Chief Michael Benson explained to Copley Township trustees at the Sept. 29 meeting that senior citizens and others who sign up for the program would be asked to call the township dispatch center daily before 10 a.m. Dispatchers will be alerted by noon about those who haven’t made their daily call. Dispatchers then attempt to reach the resident by phone. If they are unsuccessful, an officer would be sent to the home. As part of the program, lock boxes may be installed at the homes of participants so officers can enter the home if necessary. This program is separate from the LifeLine program that currently exists and will allow the township to serve more of its residents, trustees said. Trustees directed Mier and Benson to continue working on the program.

In a related matter, trustees approved $60,000 for radio equipment to complete a third dispatch position. Trustees earlier approved computer equipment and a console to add the third position.

Michael Stith, engineer/general counsel for the Summit County Engineer’s Office, appeared before the board to request help with completing Copley Commerce Drive. The private road was not completed by the developer, Stith said, making it necessary to call the surety bond of $23,353. Completion of the road and cul de sac is estimated to cost $58,636, leaving a gap of about $35,300. Stith said legislation before Summit County Council would place assessments on property along the road assuring that construction costs eventually would be recouped. He asked trustees to put up the $35,300 and adopt the road.

Board of Trustees President Helen Humphrys said the township could not legally fund construction of the road from township funds. She said there is precedent for selling bonds to fund such a project when petitioned by property owners, but she didn’t know if bonds could be sold in the current economic climate.

She asked Stith to work with the township attorney to research the alternatives.

Eagle Scout candidate Alan Smith got approval from trustees to construct directional signs and trail markers for Copley Community Park. Trustees accepted his proposal to name the three trails Greenfield Trail, Gardiner Trail and Turner Trail and approved drawings of the proposed signs, which will be constructed from plastic wood. Smith said he has raised $1,300 of the estimated $5,500 it will cost to complete the project. Trustees agreed to pay up to $4,200 toward the project with the understanding that Smith will continue to raise funds and reimburse the township.

In other business, the board:

• refunded a $300 zoning application fee to Paul Thomarios after the zoning commission determined the intended use of the property was allowed in the current zoning and no application was needed;
• approved $1,600 to Wasp Barcode Technologies for equipment to track township equipment and other assets;
• passed a resolution requesting the Summit County Engineer’s Office to inspect Wheaton Place Subdivision roads to determine if they meet standards to become dedicated township roads;
• approved a request by the fiscal officer to mandate direct deposit for all employees beginning in January;
• accepted tax rate certifications from the budget commission;
• approved payment for township employees to get flu shots from the Summit County Health District or for reimbursement of up to $25 for flu shots from their personal physicians;
• authorized the township administrator to attend the Ohio Township Administrators Fall Forum at a cost of $40;
• approved a request to allow the fire department to apply for a grant to buy a hydraulic cot and stair chair for Station No. 2;
• approved fire department training;
• approved a purchase order for $15,000 to Copley Car Care for police cruiser maintenance and repair through the end of 2008;
• approved a purchase order for $5,000 to Fallsway Equipment Co. for installation and repair of equipment for police cruisers through the end of 2008;
• approved $3,000 for Barberton Tree Service to remove trees behind the police department storage garage;
• approved $3,868 for J.D. Striping to restripe township roads;
• agreed to pay J&J Refuse $3,000 to supply three large trash receptacles for the township’s Oct. 4 tire collection; and
• agreed to delay the township’s 405/409 paving project from September 2008 to June 2009.

The board’s next regular meeting will be Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Copley Township offices, 1540 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road.