August Monthly Message From Mayor Michael Choi

Note: This message was delivered by the Mayor at the public Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025.

Good evening. Thank you for joining us or tuning in remotely to work through our agenda together. This evening’s meeting will be last of our combined workshop/regular meetings, which is a solemn reminder that summer’s end is fast approaching. I hope that you have found ways to enjoy the long summer days. Now, I’d like to add some context to select agenda items for members of our community.

Shared services
I am a believer of shared services, at the local level, county level and beyond. We understand the potential when it’s done correctly (better services, overall lower costs and better utilization of assets); and I think we also understand the concerns (possible loss of control and service inequity to name two). The Township has enjoyed a shared municipal court for some time now, and tonight we are considering the renewal of this agreement: A four year deal. I’d say the joint court agreement has quietly gone about notching wins year after year. I say this because it appears that assets are well-leveraged, staffing levels are optimized and service levels, which I understand are admirable, have been maintained throughout the duration of the current agreement. The Township’s participation in the joint court is a shared service success story.

Public safety and Public Works
This evening we are voting to recognize the planned purchase of multiple vehicles for our Police and Public Safety in order to support their year-round services. Funds have already been allocated in this 2025 budget and costs are within our expectations. I commend our administrator and CFO as well as Police Chief Tom Miller and Public Works Superintendent Richard Young for collaborating and planning well and maximizing the use of Township assets. This Committee thanks you. Our taxpayers thank you.

Around Town (roads, parks & facilities)
As a result of prudent planning (thank you, Mr. Shehady and Mr. Ruschke), our annual budget allocates for the continual improvement of our roads. I’m told the road resurfacing should be concluding in the coming days. To the residents whose streets are part of this summer plan, I thank you for your patience during this short burst of work. I know you will be pleased with the smooth, black alabaster-like roads in a couple of days.

We pursue grant monies whenever possible to improve our Township. For Nash Field, we already secured a $60,000 grant for a new playground, and we are currently in process of identifying a vendor to complete the work. If it isn’t already, proposed renderings will be made available on the website for your review. I am pleased to report that our 7-mile fiber network project is substantially complete and under budget. I extend much gratitude to Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill who served as the congressional sponsor for making this happen. This was approximately $800K in grant funding for the Township. This took several years, and it’s a big infrastructure win for the Township. The small bonus is that we are considering an expansion of work scope with the remaining grant monies that we have. We’re also moving Hillside Trail Phase 2 plan revisions through County Parks, and developing an ADA improvement concept for Esternay. For both projects, we are intentional about getting information available to the public for consideration. Check our website for concept plans and renderings so you may see how Township assets are being improved.

Summer days may end, but civic spirit is always in season.

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and neighbors for your partnership and for keeping Chatham Township moving forward.