On the agenda: Yellow Springs July 6, 2026 — Data Center (Jul 6)

Miami Township Trustees
Greene County, OH
Minutes of July 6, 2026
*see acronym glossary following minutes
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5 p.m. by Chairperson Moir, with Trustee Mucher and
Trustee Askeland present.
Fire Chief James Cannell and Zoning Administrator Bryan Lucas were in attendance.
Yellow Springs News Editor Lauren Shows and residents Peter Buswinka, Pan Reich, and
KellyAnn Tracy were also present.
Trustees Agenda Approval
Trustee Mucher moved to accept the agenda as presented. Trustee Askeland seconded,
and the motion carried unanimously.
Adoption of Minutes
Minutes of the June 15, 2026, meeting are pending due to Ms. Pauwels’ vacation and
subsequent illness.
Correspondence
The Trustees received no correspondence that needed further discussion.
Citizen Concerns
Ms. Tracy shared her thoughts re: the upcoming MTFR levy. She stressed that while she
always supports the fire department, she has concerns re: the Township’s “stewardship”
of tax monies. She believes that in order to convince voters to approve the levy, Trustees
must “demonstrate that they can responsibly manage” the requested funds. Ms. Tracy
pointed to past funding issues and ended with, “Residents will be watching your budget.”
Mr. Reich said he shared Ms. Tracy’s concerns, and added two other issues. In reference
to past discussions re: reimbursement for healthcare expenses, he asked if that was
legal, adding he felt it was unethical. In response, Trustee Moir noted that issue would be
discussed later in the meeting under Old Business.
Mr. Reich then addressed Chief Cannell and while thanking MTFR for their
appearance in the Fourth of July parade, asked why the department did not
participate in the Pride parade and if they would do so next year. Chief
Cannell said he had not received an invitation to be in the parade, but that the
department would be happy to participate as they do in any community
function. Trustee Moir noted someone had stopped to make that request afterhours as she was leaving the building when no one was available at the fire
department. She had asked them to return during regular business hours when
someone would be there.
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Fire Department Report
Chief Cannell addressed Ms. Tracy’s budget question by noting that as of the six (6)month mark of 2026, the fire department has spent just forty-nine percent (49%) of
its budgeted outlay. He tracks spending regularly.
He opened his staff report (attached below) by requesting approval to hire Annessa
Stamper as a part-time EMT (single certification), at the established $17.57/hour.
Her sister, Ashlynn Stamper, was hired recently and is doing well. They are Township
residents.
In response to Trustees’ questions, Chief Cannell said this hire would replace a
recent PT resignation (Madison Terry) and is needed to help keep three (3)
staffers 24/7. Currently the department is maintaining that staffing level eightyeight percent (88%) of the time (see notes in his report re: employees on leave).
While Ms. Stamper is currently certified only as an EMT, she is making plans to
attend fire school.
Trustee Mucher moved to approve the hiring of Annessa Stamper as requested,
and Trustee Moir seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Chief Cannell continued his report, with the following highlights:
 Antioch intern Nico Rivera’s co-op status ended June 19, and he has moved to
volunteer status. He plans to begin fire school next month
 The department has responded to six hundred seventy-seven (677) runs so far in
2026, averaging 3.6/day.
 The new Chief’s vehicle was completed and delivered; however, while
responding to a run last week, the engine started knocking and may need to be
replaced. The dealership has provided a loaner vehicle during the warranty
repairs.
After explaining current issues with equipment storage in Engine 82, Chief Cannell asked
for authorization to enter into a contract with Fire Manufacturing Innovations, LLC
(FMI) for the design, construction, and installation of custom shelving and tool
mounts at a total cost of $21,230.28 to be paid out of the Miscellaneous Capital Projects
Fund 4904. The custom storage system will optimize equipment organization, improve
tool accessibility, and enhance operational efficiency during emergency responses.
After Trustee Moir moved to authorize the contract and Trustee Askeland
seconded, extended discussion was held re: the Township purchasing policy
and the possible need for bids. Chief Cannell explained the “single-source”
exemption, noting he would be hard-pressed to find three local companies able to
do the work. Trustee Askeland moved to amend the motion noting that
exemption, and Trustee Moir seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
In response to Trustee Mucher’s question if the work would be done on site,
Chief Cannell explained they would take the truck in one day for laser fitting,
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then it could take up to two (2) weeks for the installation in the shop. Back-up
Engine 81 has undergone extensive repair and is in shape to cover runs during
that time.
Trustee Moir asked Chief Cannell to meet with Mr. Reich at a later time to discuss his
further questions re: staffing; he will do so.
Cemetery and Road Report
Cemetery:
In Mr. Gochenouer’s absence, Trustee Moir described citizen requests re: the
new Pine Forest section. She then moved to assign Mr. Lucas, in his
administrative role, to prepare a proposal of what needs to be done in order to
open that section and to look at pricing. Trustee Askeland seconded. The motion
carried 2-1 with Trustee Mucher voting “No.”
Trustee Mucher said when he had asked to finalize and open the Pine
Forest earlier he was told no because the funds weren’t available, and he
doesn’t see what has changed. Trustee Moir disagreed, saying the Board
voted not to plant the proposed grasses or install a fence at that time, not to
delay opening. Trustee Mucher responded that that was all that had been
necessary.
Mr. Lucas said he would have the proposal ready for the next meeting.
Roads:
In Mr. Gochenouer’s absence, Trustee Moir reported the Harbison Road project
bid opening will be held Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m. The completion date has
been moved to 2027.
Fiscal Officer’s Report
In Ms. Pauwels’ absence, Trustee Moir shared her action items:
 A citizen added $50 to their cemetery payment in thanks for Brandon Morris’
extra assistance and requested it be shared with him. How should that be handled?
Is it allowed? – No answer was given.
 An unmailed cemetery deed was discovered in the Deeds files, which are
terribly out of order (not alphabetical).
 Presentation of current payment listing: 6/14-7/3/2026 - $157,849.65
 Resolution 2026-23 Accepting Amounts and Rates from the Budget
Commission for FY 2027 – Trustee Askeland moved to adopt the Resolution,
and Trustee Mucher seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
 Resolution 2026-24 to Redeem Dollars from Star Ohio Investment Account as
Needed – Trustee Askeland moved to adopt the Resolution, and Trustee Mucher
seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
 Resolution 2026-25 to Amend Permanent Appropriations (Fines & Penalties,
Garbage & Trash Removal). After asking for the dollar amounts, which Trustee
Moir provided ($10,000 and $3,500 respectively), the Resolution was adopted
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unanimously (note an oversight in which no motion was specifically
made/seconded, only a vote taken).
The audit went well, with only a few outstanding documents to be located and
shared with Perry & Associates. Their cost is capped by the State at $6,000 unless
they request and we approve anything more. It could be up to six (6) months
before we receive a final report.

Zoning Administrator’s Report
Mr. Lucas presented his monthly report (attached below) and requested the Trustees
schedule a public hearing for their next meeting, July 20, 2026, to hear the proposed
text amendment for Article 2 (Definitions) of the Zoning Resolution. The public
hearing was added to the meeting agenda. He will handle publication.
Mr. Lucas explained a new request from RPCC that any text amendments must go
through legal review before they are referred to RPCC. He is concerned with
duplication of efforts and of the ORC-prescribed time table for the referral process.
Following Trustee Mucher’s input on the RPCC Executive Committee’s discussion of the
matter, it was agreed the Zoning Commission could vote to send the matter to the Greene
County Prosecutor first, and after it is returned from there, vote to send it to the RPCC for
review which will then trigger the ORC clock.
Old Business (all related to Medicare reimbursement)
Trustee Moir answered more fully Mr. Reich’s earlier question re: Medicare
reimbursement. She reviewed the situation the Township has been dealing with, noting
it had not been unusual for an Ohio township to offer Medicare reimbursement in the
past.
She stated that in the case of Miami Township, the reimbursements over the past
ten (10) years or so have been “somewhat less expensive” than paying for the
group health plan. This was legal under Ohio law if done properly via
Resolution (annually?) with the reimbursement option for all, not just Medicare
recipients.
When Trustee Askeland was elected in November 2025, Trustee Moir began
researching to see if Ms. Askeland’s husband, who is on Medicare, would also be
eligible for that reimbursement. That was when she learned the process had not
been established properly, and after consultation with the Greene County
Prosecutor’s Office, the process was stopped (see Resolution 2026-11, passed
unanimously on April 6, 2026).
Trustee Mucher then addressed the perceived “disparaging comments” from the public.
He reviewed his understanding of how reimbursements came into practice for
previous trustees including Misters Spracklin, Crockett, Hollister, and for himself. He
stated the early Board had worked with insurance agent Steve Ackley (sp) to prepare a
process that was “equal to” the plan offered to Township employees.

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Trustee Mucher added he is “personally offended” at the suggestion he took
advantage of the Township, noting he “applauded the Board’s decision to save
the taxpayers of Miami Township” $800 per month in his case alone.
Ms. Tracy asked to respond and was told no.
Trustee Askeland stated that while she believes the previous Trustees “acted in good
faith” and may have “save thousands,” the Affordable Care Act changed things. It’s
also illegal to “incentivize” Medicare, which such reimbursements could be seen as.
“The legal landscape has changed.” She noted the earlier Resolution on the matter (201812) and a motion passed in January 2025 were “insufficient” in any case by not
offering such reimbursements to all employees.
Referencing Robert’s Rules of Order, Trustee Moir then offered a motion to reconsider
the motion from last meeting “to accept the advice to consult a tax attorney for those
items referencing medical reimbursement that Mr. Hayes feels merit further review,”
amended to add “expand the tax attorney consultation to not just reimbursement, but also
how the Township handles all insurance matters and pre-tax premiums” which had
passed unanimously. She reiterated the problem that previous efforts did not offer the
reimbursement to all employees and noted that Resolution 2018-12 specifically referred
to “Part B Medicare” only while reimbursements have been made for B, D, and
supplemental coverage. Trustee Askeland seconded.
Further extended discussion was held.
Trustee Mucher stated no one told him a Resolution was required: “not the Fiscal
Officer, the Prosecuting Attorney, the County Auditor, the State Auditor, the State
Attorney General.” When Trustee Moir pointed out it’s in the ORC, he added,
“Regardless, I was never told.” He said that the Fiscal Officer came to the Board “five (5)
years ago” to change the process so Trustees paid for coverage and were then reimbursed
rather than the Township paying Medicare directly.
Trustee Askeland quoted the advisory letter from Prosecutor Hayes and also questioned
the wording of the 2025 motion again. She then apologized for her vote last meeting,
noting she needs to ask for a vote to be deferred when so much information comes in
at once that things get confused.
Trustee Moir clarified that a vote on the motion to reconsider would be a vote on the
original motion as amended: “to accept the advice to consult a tax attorney for those
items referencing medical reimbursement that Mr. Hayes feels merit further review,”
amended to add “expand the tax attorney consultation to not just reimbursement, but also
how the Township handles all insurance matters and pre-tax premiums.” The vote was
one (1) “Yes” (Trustee Mucher) and two (2) “No” (Trustees Askeland and Moir), and
the motion was defeated.

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Trustee Moir restated Trustee Askeland’s comments, agreeing how important it
is not to make decisions under pressure.
Trustee Mucher then offered the history of a retirement payout to an early
Township employee some ten (10) years ago as an example of being “fair.”
When the Trustees learned the annual 200-hour vacation time rollback had been
missed and the employee would collect ~900 hours of pay, they approved the
~$20,000 payout even though “it certainly was not legal to pay him that.”
Trustee Moir objected, noting that documents on file show an attorney’s letter
noting the Board had been “neglectful in not following the policy” and
approving those hours by signing regular paychecks, and therefore directing
the payout. The Board was also instructed to make sure it never happened again.
She added, “When I got here in 2022, ten (10) years later, they had let it
happen again.”
Trustee Mucher said, “That’s a fiscal officer’s responsibility to keep those
records, not the Township Trustees.”
While noting the more recent recurrence “because the Board let it happen,”
Trustee Moir added, “It’s never going to happen again as long as I’m here.”
After further disagreement, Trustee Moir stated, “This is irrelevant and off track. The
motion stands.”
New Business
Trustee Moir presented Resolution 2026-26 to Proceed on Levy and read the text aloud.
Trustee Mucher moved to adopt the Resolution as presented, and Trustee Askeland
seconded. After a brief discussion of the expenses to be covered, the motion carried
unanimously.
Trustee Askeland presented Resolution 2026-27 to Place a Moratorium on Any New
Data Center Attempting to Operate/Locate in Miami Township, Greene County, and
Waiving the Second Reading. She explained her rationale behind the motion and read the
text aloud. Mr. Lucas noted the moratorium would give the Zoning Commission time to
review the matter in detail, similar to the solar issue. Trustee Moir moved to adopt the
Resolution and Trustee Mucher seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Trustee Mucher deferred his requested Board of Trustees policy review.
Trustee Moir presented the Chamber of Commerce request for the Township’s annual
donation to the Fourth of July fireworks and moved to renew the $1,000 contribution.
Trustee Mucher seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

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Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled for Monday,
July 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Chairperson _____________________________ Attest _____________________________
*Acronyms:
 MTFR: Miami Township Fire & Rescue
 MVRPC: Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
 OTA: Ohio Township Association
 RPCC: Greene County Regional Planning & Coordinating Commission
 YSDC: Yellow Springs Development Corporation
/clp

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Miami Twp. Trustee Meeting- Fire Chief Report
Personnel/StaffingOne part time resignation (Terry), one new part time hire recommendation (Stamper), one application
out
Capt. Ayers off on extended leave due to daughter’s surgery
Casey Flora is back from extended leave due birth of 2nd child
Nico Rivera placed on volunteer status after his Antioch Co-op ended on June 19
Shift personnel started a 48/96-hour rotation which still equates to a 56-hour work week
Changed over to ESO for staffing, expecting improvements, EPR Staff works discontinued
Operations677 runs year-to-date (see run/staffing report)- 3.6 runs/day
BuildingLt. Turner is new house officer who will oversee all things pertaining to in/around/and attached to the
building
Act Lt. Brewer is new uniform/fire gear officer
Fire alarm panel and detectors were inspected/tested
Apparatus/Vehicles/EquipmentThe Chief’s vehicle had upfit and graphics completed. The vehicle experienced engine trouble last week
after a run, is now at Ford dealership in Beavercreek being evaluated. F-150 loaner vehicle is being
utilized by chief
The FEMA grants have been submitted. Should receive grant outcomes by Sept 30.
Authorize the Fire Chief to execute a contract with Fire Manufacturing Innovations (FMI) for the
fabrication and installation of custom compartment shelving and fire equipment mounting systems
within Engine 82 at a cost not to exceed $21,230.28 from Capital Fund #4904
Pick-up truck is still waiting on upfit. The back-ordered cap is causing the delay. The graphics package
was finalized
Misc.
July 4th celebration including the parade was a success. No significant incidents occurred

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Miami Township Trustees
Zoning Administrator Staff Report
June 2026

 Zoning Permits Issued: 0
 Zoning Commission:
o Met twice since last Trustees meeting.
o Held public hearing for Article 2 (Definitions) and forwarded to Trustees. Recommend July 20th for Trustees public hearing on this text
amendment.
o Completed text amendment adding a new section – 509 (Farm
Stands, Farm Markets and Farmer’s Markets) and forwarded onto
RPCC for approval.
o Completed text amendment as a follow up of 3 sections of the Ohio
zoning reform grant and forwarded onto RPCC for approval. The 3
sections include:
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Section 602 (Off-Street Parking Design Standards)
Section 513.5 (Public Events)
Section 1004 (Variances)

 Board of Zoning Appeals:
o Did not meet this month
 Zoning Violations:
o No violations to report
 Additional Information to Report:
o All members of the Zoning Commission have received a printed updated version of the zoning resolution following the June 4th effective
date. BZA members copies are in my office, ready to be issued at the
next meeting.

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