WEATHERSFIELD — Since 2014, the township has used speed cameras to deter speeding and to generate funds for the police department for equipment.

That will change June 30 as the township no longer will use speed cameras because of recent changes in the state transportation bill that prohibit counties and townships from doing so. In addition to Weathersfield, Liberty and Vienna townships also are affected by the changes while municipalities such as Girard are not.

Weathersfield police Chief Michael Naples said he, trustees and other township officials have been evaluating the situation.

“We have been using the cameras for a long time. They have helped deter speeding on many township roads where we had traffic complaints. It has also helped with us getting police equipment,” Naples said.

He said residents previously asked for police to help address speeding vehicles on their streets so the department used the cameras in those areas, which helped slow down drivers. He said the cameras are used on heavily-traveled roads such as Salt Springs Road, Main Street and state Route 46.

Township Administrator David Rouan said trustees have been discussing making the necessary budget adjustments for police where needed.

“We see no changes to the way we operate our police department and provide services to the community. We will maintain the status quo of the department,” Rouan said.

PROPERTY CONCERNS

In other business at Tuesday’s trustees meeting, resident Tammy Ramsey of Lakeside Drive told trustees there are two properties on the street in very poor condition. One is vacant and the other is occupied.

She said the unoccupied property in the 3400 block of Lakeside Drive has moss growing on the roof, poor landscaping, broken windows and vehicles, including a limousine, sitting in the driveway and on the lawn. Ramsey brought photos of both properties to show trustees.

“This has been going on for a long time. I do not want to go through another summer having to look at this. They are horrible to look at,” Ramsey said.

Rouan said the vacant property is being addressed in the courts because of chronic zoning violations.

“We are hoping to get it declared unfit and unsafe by the fire chief and the county health department so that it can be demolished,” Rouan said.

The occupied property is at the corner of Lakeside Drive and in the 1200 block of Ohltown McDonald Road. Ramsey said there is moss on that house, junk in the yard and no gutters on the home.

Rouan said when a home is occupied, the process to get it declared unfit is more challenging.

Rouan said the township has been addressing abandoned properties to get them demolished with grants being applied for to cover costs.

He said the cost to demolish a home varies based on size and can be between $12,000 and $20,000, but it would cost more if there is asbestos.

Rouan said trustees are proceeding with demolition of a home in the 1300 block of Depot Street that was declared unfit and unsafe for human habitation by the county health department.