Trustees back township Easter egg hunt, approve picnic tables and park improvements

Morgan Township Trustees voted March 10 to back a community Easter egg hunt at the township park and approved buying four picnic tables for the pavilion, trustees said during the meeting.

The vote followed a presentation from a fire department representative who proposed the egg hunt as a spring community event and estimated the upfront cost at about $500. The township trustees agreed to contribute $250, and the fire department association offered to match that amount, with final dates and logistics to be coordinated by the fire department.

The park updates came amid multiple donor commitments. The trustees discussed a pledge from a local donor, described in the meeting as Jill and John Evans, to fund about $20,000 worth of trees and a separate donor pledge to fund a utility vehicle (side-by-side) with a plow. The trustees also noted a $500 gift from LCNB Bank and a Rumpke-family donation intended for pavilion recognition.

Trustees approved buying four picnic tables for the pavilion, not to exceed $4,500. A township staff member reported per-table pricing at about $1,000; trustees asked staff to confirm vendor details (Uline was referenced) and bring final PO information before payment. The motion to acquire the tables was passed unanimously.

Park staff described the pavilion as under construction and nearing completion, with the concrete slab and final site work forthcoming. Staff and trustees discussed other park amenities under consideration: a combined human-and-dog water fountain (equipment cost estimated in the meeting discussion at roughly $2,000–$3,000 range), switching one portable toilet to an accessible model, additional picnic seating, and planting locations for the donor-funded trees. Trustees and staff noted constraints such as right-of-way limits along the roadway and watershed/drainage concerns that will affect where trees can be planted.

The fire department representative also summarized recent grant awards that affect department services and park activities: a State of Ohio Fire Marshal grant of $14,980 to replace turnout gear (covering five sets) and a $2,400 grant from Operation Open Arms to supply tools and storage for Engine 141. The fire representative said the Operation Open Arms delivery is expected in June.

A resident speaker, Tammy Tumbleson, asked that the township set up a separate park fund for budgeting and payroll accounting for park work; trustees and the fiscal officer said payroll is already being tracked separately and discussed options for using donor funds or amending the budget if needed.

Trustees also asked staff to check insurance coverage and coordinate the egg hunt date with nearby organizations to avoid conflicts. Staff agreed to confirm logistics and vendor details and report back at a future meeting.

The trustees recorded no dissent on the park-related motions recorded that day; motions listed under the meeting's official actions include the picnic-table purchase and the resolution supporting the Easter event and contribution.