Date of Meeting: 5/13/2025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Brady Lake area resident expressed gratitude to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance on two occasions when vandalism occurred at the Brady Lake Methodist Church.
A Norton Road resident expressed concerns about a catch basin that needs to be cleaned. Although he is a Stow resident, the catch basin is in Franklin Township. The resident will provide photos to the fiscal officer, and the road superintendent will be in contact to set up a meeting at the site.
Jill Grimm, a representative from the Twin Lakes Association, shared two concerns from residents. The first is related to an invasive plant growing at Greenwood and Birkner. The second concerns a recently purchased fishing lot on North Blvd. Because the lot is landlocked and must be accessed through a township-owned paper road, the owner cannot attempt to grade or reshape the land in any way. While he cannot reside in a camper on the land, he may store it there and camp out for a few days at a time on the property.
A Brady Lake Road resident shared concerns about the speeding that occurs near her home, which is just before the 35 mph sign. She feels unsafe when mowing close to the road due to the speeding and would like the township to place a speed limit sign closer to her property to help slow people down.
Detective DeSerio reported statistics for April’s calls for service in the township, including but not limited to theft, domestic disputes, welfare checks, premises checks, rescue squad assists, and traffic stops.
ZONING AND ROAD REPORTS
Mr. Ciccozzi reported contact from David Beck regarding commercial uses for the large parcel of property on Cox Road and State Route 59. The owner also owns adjoining properties on Overlook, including the golf course and the former country club site, both of which are approved for non-conforming use. Both the trustees and Mr. Cicozzi agree that the non-conforming use status should be allowed to stand at this time.
Mr. Akerley provided two quotes for a new piece of equipment for the road department, which can be utilized for maintaining and repairing road surfaces and assist in motrimming as well as other uses. All three trustees voted to approve the purchase for $123,950.84, including a trade discount of $17,500 for a different vehicle. A lengthy discussion was then held related to
road resurfacing projects for this year. Mr. Akerley submitted a proposal prioritizing the roads most in need of attention, including the resurfacing costs for each, totaling $180,000.
Under consideration were Woodway and Westview Roads and Lakeview Drive. Mr. Russell and Mrs. Kapusta added Garfield and Cox extension. Added to the motion were Thorndale and Basswood. All three trustees voted in favor of this plan.
OLD BUSINESS
The next addition of the Franklin Township newsletter will be released in the fall; Mrs. Kapusta will accept ideas and photos from those interested in helping.
The discussion was held regarding the organized sports team's use of the Brady Lake Park ball field. Mr. Byich of the Portage Board of Developmental Disabilities stated that the board would like to see the field used, provided the teams do so respectfully. The township office has received several calls from coaches regarding the use of the field. Representatives from Portage DD will be invited to a board meeting to discuss details about its use with the understanding that Portage DD will always retain priority.
NEW BUSINESS
A resolution approving the collective bargaining agreement between the Township and the Teamsters, which represents the union members in the road department, was approved by all three trustees.
All three trustees attended a joint meeting of Kent City Council and the township trustees held in the new City Hall building. Kent Mayor Fiala expressed appreciation for trustee attendance and looks forward to more collaborative opportunities.
On May 17th, all three trustees and the fiscal officer will attend the Portage County Township Association meeting hosted by the Portage County Engineer.
FINANCES
A resolution increasing the appropriations in the SR59 improvement fund by $6,474.26 in order to create a PO to meet agreed-upon obligations. The resolution was approved by all three trustees.
A vote of all three trustees approved payment of bills totaling $323,589.56.
The members of the board/council were present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell, 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