LIBERTY — The township will see what else it may be able to accomplish with remaining state grants from the Churchill Park stream restoration project and possibly available Appalachian funding.

Trustee Arnie Clebone said at Monday’s trustees meeting that the budget for the second phase of the park creek restoration project will have up to $50,000 remaining. Plans are to plant trees and other vegetation along the sides of the park roadways, by the parking lot driveway and along the stream.

The second phase of the project was done over the summer and addressed erosion issues along Little Girard Creek (formerly Little Squaw Creek) in Churchill Park. Work began in 2021 on the first phase. Little Girard Creek passes through Liberty, coming from under state Route 193 near Giant Eagle into Churchill Park and then to Girard.

Over the years, the park road began to erode the stream and was undermining it and creating a safety issue. Officials were concerned erosion of the side of the stream would cause the road to cave in. Rocks were placed in parts of the stream to improve flow and prevent erosion, Clebone said.

Officials said phase one cost $250,000 and phase two cost nearly $300,000. Ohio Public Works Commission Clean Ohio grant-matching funds covered most of the project costs for both phases. Liberty had to contribute 25 percent of the cost.

Erosion of the stream was a concern because of a nearby powerline base and ballfields.

Excess dirt from the project was placed in a separate area of the park, creating a slope on a hill that will allow for sledding. Leftover stones were placed on the sides of the stream, creating a natural buffer. Benches were placed on the sides of the stream as were explainer signs about plant life.

Clebone said the township also will see if it is able to get any of the $500 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant funds for 32 counties including Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana.

Clebone said he also will see if the township working with Eastgate Development can get any funds for the enhancement of the Belmont Avenue corridor.

WELLNESS CENTER

He also proposed the idea of a training and wellness center for the township’s safety forces and first responders.

“We will see if this is a viable project,” Clebone said.

In other business, trustees entered into an agreement to be a member of the Coalition of Large Ohio Urban Townships, which is a subgroup of the Ohio Township Association, and pay membership dues of $200.

In other business, trustees:

• Approved an agreement with CR Electric for supplies, installation and materials at $7,965 for additional lighting at the administration / police center park and parking lot;

• Heard from fire Chief Doug Theobald the township received $1,500 from Walmart for carbon monoxide monitors for senior citizens. He also is applying for an $18,000 state grant for MARCS radios to replace six older radios;

• Recognized residents Kim Quinlan, Tarrie Hyman and Phyllis Freeman for their volunteer efforts in cleaning up litter along roads in the township;

• Announced the holiday celebration and tree lighting will be 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 by the township administration building;

• Announced the Liberty Township History Club is looking for volunteers with the club meeting the third Thursday of each month at the administration building;

• Met in executive session on contract negotiations on the fire department union’s next contract.