Date of Meeting: 4/9/2024
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio reported on the call statistics for February and March, noting a significant increase: 277 calls in February and 347 in March. March's calls included domestic violence, suicide interventions, assaults, premises checks, suspicious persons and circumstances, thefts, and traffic stops. He also highlighted that the total calls from the township in 2023 were 3,573, an increase from the 3,013 calls in 2022.
A resident from the Brady Lake area reported significant washout issues where a catch basin was installed along Leonard Street. Mr. Akerley will follow up on this matter.
ROAD and ZONING REPORTS
The trustees approved a resolution to accept responsibility for maintaining and repairing roads in phases I and II of the Germaine Reserve subdivision starting May 2, 2024, when Portage County Commissioners will officially transfer them.
The annual spring cleanup scheduled for the last weekend in April was discussed. The Portage County Solid Waste District will provide a dumpster for tire collection. The trustees unanimously accepted this offer.
All trustees approved a motion to demolish structures deemed unfit for human habitation on West and North Blvd.
Mr. Ciccozzi shared an email from a Lakeview Drive resident offering his expertise in solving parking issues near the lake by providing an easement for a walkway between the lake and the designated parking area. He mentioned that other neighbors might also provide easements. The next planned step is a meeting with these property owners and the trustees.
NEW BUSINESS
Glenn Russell was unanimously approved as the township representative to the Standing Rock Cemetery Board from 1/1/2024 to 12/31/2026.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Akerley discussed a request from the Twin Lakes Association to explore the possibility of constructing sidewalks in Twin Lakes. Walkways in other township areas were reviewed. Mr. Swan suggested Jenny August consult with Brett Bencze about the legality and township requirements for constructing sidewalks.
FINANCES
The trustees approved several transfers of funds:
- $150,000 from the JEDD Fund to the Fire Fund for fire and EMS contracted services.
- $6,474.26 from the JEDD Fund to the SR 59 Improvement Fund to fulfill the township’s obligations to the project.
- $46,000 from the JEDD Fund to the Phillips Park Improvement Fund for the local share of the pickleball court grant project.
- $50,000 from the JEDD Fund to the Hudson Road Fund for repayment of expenses related to design and engineering services, from which the township has now withdrawn.
- Additionally, the payment of bills totaling $261,947.24 was approved by all three trustees.
Which members of the board/council were present: Glenn Russell, Kellie Kapusta, 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