We have received a number of calls from residents, who are concerned that federal funding allocations will be hindered because the Census 2020 notifications are being mailed, for the 44067 zip code, to the general "Northfield" designation (and not, specifically, to Northfield Center).   Township staff spoke with the area Census 2020 representative and were assured that, "The Census uses a master zip code list to send out the invitations; so the zip code may have a title, but your residents should not worry because the actual addresses are geo-coded in the correct district.  So, residents are counted where they live and the district they live in."  In other words, the data for Northfield Center residents WILL be coded to Northfield Center, and not to the general "Northfield" designation.

The Department of Labor has created a readily understandable fact sheet regarding the temporary FMLA changes instituted via the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  The link can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave#_ftn7.  The changes apply through December 31, 2020.  

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, coupled with the order issued by the Ohio Department of Health, the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery is changing its operations slightly.  Said changes are described here: https://www.northfieldcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Northfield-Macedonia-COVID-19-Driven-Operational-Changes.pdf.  

A message from Kimble Companies regarding continued trash and recycling sevices:

March 20, 2020

Dear Valued Customer,

Recent news reports have detailed the spread of a flu-like respiratory disease known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our company wanted to update you on the steps we are taking to protect our workers and customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our commitment to the safety of our employees and customers is our number one priority. Our company has assembled a task force to monitor all developments issued by the Ohio Department of Health and CDC to ensure that our company is providing the most accurate information and response possible.

We have increased our cleaning programs in all facilities to ensure all common area locations and commonly touched items are regularly disinfected. We have increased our supply of critical PPE and cleaning products, including gloves, antibacterial wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, and disinfectant cleaner. We are aggressively working with our vendors to ensure continued supply of these products.

We have educated our entire workforce on the appropriate steps to take to avoid the spread of COVID-19 as well as the flu and other common illnesses. We have also taken additional steps recommended by OSHA, the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC, including social distancing to protect our employees and customers. Our company has also reached out to the government for additional regulatory guidance on steps to assist in ensuring that all customers are served timely. We are also leveraging technology to provide online physician care for our employees in the event they become ill. We have limited all large group meetings until further notice and are taking special precautions with all visitors on site. We are a local family business and do not conduct business travel outside the United States.

At this time, we have not experienced any significant disruption to our business. It is our hope that the aggressive actions we have taken to date will allow us to continue to serve our customers without issue. While we believe we will be able to continue timely service, we do wish to advise you of the possibility that your patience may be needed at times due to COVID-19. Our company appreciates the significant role that we play in removing waste throughout Ohio and looks forward to the opportunity to take care of our employees and customers. 

At this time, we would ask you to make sure all trash is securely contained in your trash bags and that they are tied shut. Please have trash placed at the curb the night before your pickup contained within your container if you have container service. To insure the practicality and viability of our recycling programs and to insure the safety of our employees, please only place approved recycling materials in your recycling bins (no plastic bags or contaminated items, see website for more detailed information). Finally, to protect our employees and manage our call volume please visit our website to sign up for easy and convenient online bill pay. We will not be accepting payments in person at our locations. Checks can also be mailed to Kimble at PO Box 448, Dover, OH 44622.

Thank you for being a valued customer. Please continue to check our website for service updates.    

Sincerely,

Keith B. Kimble, President

The full text of the Ohio Department of Health's "Stay at Home" Order is available here:  https://www.northfieldcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Department-of-Health-Stay-at-Home-Order-03232020.pdf.  

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a "shelter in place" order, which will take effect Monday, March 23rd, at 11:59 p.m., and extend through Monday, April 6th.  Please take all necessary precautions.  A number of activities are, of course, exempt from the order, including: travel for medical appointments; visits to convenience or grocery stores for food and essential household items; and, outdoor activities, such as walking a dog or visiting hiking trails. 

Township facilities will remain closed for the duration of the order.  Nonetheless, Township staff, in the interest of sustaining essential operations and communications, will continue to work rotating shifts in the Service Building and Town Hall.  Residents with questions may call the Town Hall at (330) 467-7646 or send an email to Township Administrator Steve Wright, at [email protected].