Date of Meeting: 10/26/2021
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
Public Comment:
A representative from Sugar Bush Knoll reported that the village is interested in working collaboratively in matters related to finance, particularly concerning the fire/ems contract with Kent. The trustees agreed and meeting dates will be determined.
Road Report:
Submitted and attached to the official record. Also, a road crew employee reported that the mow truck is on its last legs.
Zoning Report:
Submitted and attached to the official record. Additionally, the Zoning Commission has denied a request from a developer to rezone the area of Powdermill Road north of the tracks to build single-family homes; the trustees have requested the reason for the denial to be sent to them in writing. Residents are needed for both regular and alternative members to serve on both the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Fire Inspector Report:
The Mod Wash car wash business on St. Rt. 59 has passed its inspection and is now operational. Also, a house fire on Leonard St. was quickly contained with no injuries sustained.
Old Business
All three trustees voted approval to pursue the legality of the contract between the township and the Portage County Solid Waste District related to the collection of leaf assessment fees from residents and the reimbursement of its portion to the township.
There was an extended discussion of Davey Tree’s intention to move forward with a request to annex their township property into the City of Kent, citing slow response times by the Sheriff’s office and water surcharges. Trustee Benjamin noted the importance of notifying the Portage County Commissioner a soon as possible that Franklin Township intends to fight the annexation.
The Phillips Park project has been completed.
A meeting will be scheduled to move forward on establishing a job description for the position of road superintendent and it will include both the three current trustees and the two who will be incoming in January.
New Business:
A resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Ohio Public Works Commission was approved by all trustees.
All three trustees approved the purchase of a new work truck with snowplow capacity at a cost of approximately $131,000.
Finances:
A resolution authorizing the purchase of a new truck in the amount of $41,000 was approved by all three trustees.
Which members of the board/council were present: Ann Hanna, Keith Benjamin, Scott Swan
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
https://www.franklintownshipohio.org/minutes
Name of Observer: Anne Reid