RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
The minutes of the meeting held October 2, 2025.
PRESENT WERE TRUSTEES JOSEPH RABATIN, JIM MILLER, AND DANIEL HODGE: AND FISCAL OFFICER VALORIE LEWIS
Also present were:
Jim Zimmerman Nate Garver
Dave Compston Sherriff Ballinger
Mayor Rodney Mackey
Mr. Daniel Hodge called the regular meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
The Board said the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board signed checks and po’s.
A motion to approve the September 4, 2025 regular meeting minutes was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge and seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin with Mr. Jim Miller concurring.
Mayor Mackey informed the Board that Mayor Carson will no longer be a polling place for elections. The Board of Elections has moved the polling location to the Wayne County Regional Training Center. There will only be two polling locations in the Township, the Apple Creek Historical Society and the Wayne County Regional Training Center. Mayor Mackey further informed the Board that a notice will be posted at Mayor Carson Hall on election day telling voters of the location change, and letters have also been sent out to registered voters.
Mr. Daniel Hodge informed Mayor Mackey he has had several discussions with Soil & Water and the Planning Department regarding the proposed sewer project for the JEDD I property. Mayor Mackey stated that the project is up to what Mr. Mast wants to do at this time.
Sherriff Ballinger informed the Board that Waynedale Local School approached him regarding adding a second School Resource Officer. Sherriff stated the school would pay 66.5% of the SRO’s salary and asked if the Township would be willing to pay the remaining 33.5% of their salary which would provide Sherriff Deputy coverage full time during the summer. Sherriff Ballinger further stated the approximate cost would be $46,903.00 for three months of coverage. The Board asked Chief Zimmerman if he felt that would help. Chief Zimmerman stated that when the Department needs them it is nice to have them close. After discussion Sherriff Ballinger stated he would provide the
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Board with the number of calls in the Township and the nature of the calls, and then maybe the cost could be spread between East Union, Paint, and Salt Creek Townships.
Mr. Jim Miller and Mr. Joseph Rabatin stated that the County Trustees Association was trying to make plans to tour the new jail at their December meeting.
The Fiscal Officer presented the Board with the September Grassroots Clipping.
The Board approved sick leave for Mr. Dave Compston on September 19th.
The Board approved bereavement leave for Mr. Dave Compston on September 26th.
A motion to approve Resolution 19-2025 as follows was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees approve all then and now purchase orders dated September 4, 2025 through October 2, 2025 totaling $48,935.51.
It was seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin.
A roll call vote was taken:
Daniel Hodge YES
Joseph Rabatin YES
Jim Miller YES
A motion to pass Resolution 20-2025 as follows was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge:
A Resolution of Approval to amend the temporary appropriations within a fund by modifying the following appropriations from one account to another within the fund:
From: Account Number Amount To: Account Number Amount
Fund: GENERAL FUND
1000-760-740-0000 $4,000.00 1000-110-211-0000 $4,000.00
Machinery, Equipment, & Furniture Ohio Public Retirement System
TOTAL $4,000.00
To cover the OPERS through the end of the year
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It was seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin.
A roll call vote was taken:
Daniel Hodge YES
Joseph Rabatin YES
Jim Miller YES
A motion to approve receipts totaling $91,374.69 warrants 13320 – 13369 totaling $150,971.69 plus direct payments to the State of Ohio Auditor of $79.53 for total expenditures of $151,051.22 and bank reconciliation and financial reports as submitted was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge and seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin with Mr. Jim Miller concurring.
Chief Zimmerman reported 55 calls for the Month of September.
The Fiscal Officer presented a letter of Commendation of Chief Zimmerman and Staff for an incident on September 19, 2025 from the Apple Creek Police Department Lt. Ryan Pearson and Chief Doug Miller. They commended the composure and steady leadership of Chief Zimmerman, Assistant Chief Dave Compston, and Firefighter Keith Holcombe, and the valuable contributions from Firefighters Nate Garver, Christine Mast and Nick Troyer. The Apple Creek Police stated “It is reassuring to know that our community is served by a fire department whose members embody the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and teamwork – and that such leadership is modeled from the top down by Chief Zimmerman and the entire department”. The Board Thanked the Chief and the Department for all of their hard work and dedication.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board of the need to have the portable radios and the radios that are kept on the apparatus. A motion to approve $1,600.00 to tune, align and have firmware updates done on 40 radios was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge it was seconded by Mr. Jim Miller with Mr. Joseph Rabatin concurring.
Discussion was held regarding the sealing of the Station parking lot. After discussion a motion to approve up to $1,000.00 to stripe the parking lot after the sealing is complete was made by Mr. Jim Miller and seconded by Mr. Daniel Hodge with Mr. Joseph Rabatin concurring.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that 101 is back from repair, however, it is still having issues with sagging in the rear and he has been instructed to test a few things and let Heritage know the results.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that pump testing is scheduled for October 20th and 21st.
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Chief Zimmerman informed the Board he spoke with Dan at DMS about scheduling the annual truck service and he was to let Chief know when he could come do the service.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that Ms. Thresa Venables had resigned from the Department.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that Assistant Chief Dave Compston is planning another Amish Safety Day to be held October 20th at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that October 13th the Department along with Paint, South Central Fire, and Holmesville Fire Departments will be at Waynedale for Fire Prevention Training. The Board allowed Mr. Dave Compston, Mr. Nate Garver, and Chief Zimmerman to move their Columbus Day Holiday to a different day if they so choose to do so.
Chief Zimmerman reminded the Board of the Hay Stack Dinner and Auction on November 14th.
Chief Zimmerman informed the Board that the Apple Creek Police Department reached out for the Department to help patrol during trick or treat scheduled for November 1st.
Discussion was held regarding the Ohio Billing profile. After discussion a motion to approve moving the Auto/SUV Fire charge to $400.00 was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge and seconded by Mr. Jim Miller with Mr. Joseph Rabatin concurring.
A motion to approve the South Central Fire District contract for five years beginning January 2026 through December 2030 was made by Mr. Joseph Rabatin and seconded by Mr. Jim Miller with Mr. Daniel Hodge concurring.
Assistant Chief Dave Compston presented the Board with two options for a storage shed for the Department. A 20 x 21 x 8 Ft Carport for $5,696.50, or a wooden shed 12 x 20 for $7,505.00. A motion to approve the carport for $5,696.50 was made by Mr. Joseph Rabatin and seconded by Mr. Jim Miller with Mr. Daniel Hodge concurring.
Mr. Dave Compston presented the Road and Bridge and Buildings and Grounds report.
The Board approved a road bore at 5515 Buss Road.
Mr. Compston presented two quotes for new tires for the pickup truck, Tazman $1,441.00, and A & J $1,285.99 which would also include an alignment. A motion to purchase the tires from A & J for $1,285.99 was made by Mr. Jim Miller and seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin with Mr. Daniel Hodge concurring.
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Mr. Compston informed the Board that there were having issues with the Athey, it has a bad hub and they cannot find parts for it. A new hub would cost $9,000.00. He further informed the Board there is one going up for auction in Indiana and the other Boards agreed to go up to $5,000.00 to purchase it and use the one we have for parts. Mr. Compston stated several people were going to go out and look at it before the Auction. A motion to approve up to $5,000.00 to purchase another Athey at auction was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge and seconded by Mr. Joseph Rabatin with Mr. Jim Miller concurring.
Park Planning – Mr. Joseph Rabatin informed the Board that the LED lights for the ball field are working really well.
JEDD II – Mr. Jim Miller informed the Board they have a meeting scheduled October 8, 2025.
JEDD I – Mr. Daniel Hodge informed the Board they are waiting on Mr. Mast to decide how to proceed with the sewer.
A motion to approve a Resolution Declaring Vehicles located in the Township to be Junk Motor Vehicles at 78 N. Millborne Rd. and 8923 Emerson Road was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge. It was seconded by Mr. Jim Miller.
A roll call vote was taken:
Daniel Hodge YES
Jim Miller YES
Joseph Rabatin YES
A motion to approve a Resolution for a Notice to remove Junk Motor Vehicles according to ORC 505.871 at 78 N. Millborne Rd. and 8923 Emerson Road was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge. It was seconded by Mr. Jim Miller.
A roll call vote was taken:
Daniel Hodge YES
Jim Miller YES
Joseph Rabatin YES
Mr. Jim Miller informed the Board he would get with the Sherriff’s Office and would serve these two Resolution to both property owners.
Discussion was held regarding the new cybersecurity regulations that just came out by the State of Ohio.
A motion to pass Resolution 2025-21 as follows and then have them reviewed by the Wayne County Prosecutors Office was made by Mr. Daniel Hodge.
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CYBERSECURITY POLICY
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio has implemented Ohio Revised Code 9.64, enacted in HB 96 (136th G.A.). requiring all local governments and jurisdictions to establish a cybersecurity policy by September 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this requirement is to strengthen protections of public data, information systems, and technology resources from cybersecurity threats and risks; and
WHEREAS, the Board of East Union Township recognizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive and confidential information entrusted to East Union Township/ and
WHEREAS, a draft Cybersecurity Policy has been prepared and reviewed by staff and is recommended for adoption as a framework for compliance with Ohio Revised Code 9.64 and HB 96; and
WHEREAS, the policy provides guidance on access control, system security, data protection, incident response, training, and vendor management, while requiring consultation with IT professionals and legal counsel for implementation and customization;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of East Union Township, Wayne County, Ohio that:
- The attached Cybersecurity Policy is hereby adopted as the official policy of East Union Township.
- This policy shall take effect immediately, with adoption required by September 30, 2025 and implementation of technical and training requirements no later than June 30, 2026 as provided by the Ohio Auditor of State.
- The Board of Trustees shall distribute the adopted policy to all township departments, employees, and relevant contractors, and to ensure compliance in partnership with IT providers and legal counsel.
- This resolution shall be in full force and effective upon its passage and adoption by the East Union Township Board of Trustees.
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East Union Township Wayne County
Cybersecurity Policy
- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the East Union Township’s information systems, data, and technology resources in compliance with R.C. 9.64 cybersecurity requirements.
- Scope
This policy applies to all elected officials, employees, contractors, vendors, and third parties who access or manage East Union Township’s technology resources, including but not limited to:
Computers, servers and mobile devices
Cloud services and hosted applications
Networks and telecommunications systems
Sensitive or confidential data (e.g. PII, financial, law enforcement, health-related, or other protected records)
- Policy Statement
East Union Township is committed to safeguarding its information systems against cybersecurity threats and ensuring compliance with R.C. 9.64 by:
Establishing baseline cybersecurity practices
Providing ongoing cybersecurity awareness training
Preparing for detection, response, and recovery from incidents
Reviewing and updating cybersecurity policies annually
- Roles and Responsibilities
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Board of Trustees: Approves cybersecurity policy and ensures resources are allocated.
Administrator/Manager: Oversees policy implementation, coordinates with IT providers and legal counsel.
IT Provider (Internal or Vendor): Implements technical safeguards, monitors for threats, and reports incidents.
Employees/Users: Follow cybersecurity protocols, complete training and report suspicious activity.
- Cybersecurity Controls
- Access Control
Require unique user ID’s and strong passwords.
Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote or administrative access
Limit access to sensitive data on a “least privilege” basis
- Network and Systems Security
Maintain up-to-date firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection/prevention
Apply software patches and updates within 30 days of release
Segregate critical systems from public networks when possible/
- Data Protection
Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit
Regularly back up critical data and test restoration procedures
Retain records according to Ohio record retention schedules
5.4 Incident Response
Designate an Incident Response Lead
Establish procedures for detecting, reporting, and escalating incidents
In the event of a cybersecurity incident, notify the following parties in the manner listed:
- The executive director of the division of homeland security within the department of public safety, in a manner prescribed by the executive
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director, as soon as possible but not later than seven days after the political subdivision discovers the incident:
- The auditor of state, in the manner prescribed by the auditor of state, as soon as possible nut not later than thirty days after the political subdivision discovers the incident.
- Any other parties as required by law.
Conduct a post-incident review and update policies as needed
Establish procedures for the repair and subsequent maintenance of infrastructure after a cybersecurity incident.
- Training and Awareness
Require all employees to complete cybersecurity awareness training annually
Provide role-specific training for IT administrators and staff handling sensitive data.
- Vendor and Third-Party Management
Require vendors to comply with East Union Township’s cybersecurity standards.
Maintain contract with cybersecurity clauses and breach notification requirements
- Compliance and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in technology, law, and organizational needs.
Departments and third-party IT providers must submit evidence of compliance to the Administrator/Manager annually.
- Enforcement
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or contract, as well as potential civil and criminal penalties in accordance with applicable law.
- Effective Date
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This policy takes effect on September 30, 2025 to meet R.C. 9.64 requirements. Implementation of technical and training requirements must be completed no later than June 30, 2026.
It was seconded by Mr. Jim Miller.
A roll call vote was taken:
Daniel Hodge YES
Jim Miller YES
Joseph Rabatin YES
The annual Records Retention meeting will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the fire station.
The year end meeting will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 4:45 pm at the fire station.
The organizational and regular meeting till be held Thursday January 8, 2026 at 6:45 pm at the fire station.
The next regular meeting is Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:45 at the fire station.
A motion to adjourn at 9:06 was made by Mr. Joseph Rabatin and seconded by Mr. Jim Miller with Mr. Daniel Hodge concurring.