Franklin Township Trustees
Date: 5/12/2026
Format: In-person
Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio reported statistics for April totaling 341 calls for service, including, but not limited to, rescue squad assists, domestic disturbances, thefts, animal complaints, premise and welfare checks, traffic stops, and vacation home checks. He also reported that Mrs. Kapusta recently rode along on a patrol shift with Detective DeSerio. And as a follow-up to complaints about parking violations along Lakeshore Drive, Mr. Swan reported that he has been in contact with Kent City Schools business director about a request that school bus drivers contact the sheriff’s department if cars parked along the lake impede or endanger their progress. In addition, administrator Jenny August will log monthly statistics in a spreadsheet so that both the trustees and the sheriff’s department can see trends in activity.
A Walnut Rd. The resident shared a slide presentation of his proposal to place disc golf courses in township parks. He reported that, through this proposal, he would like to attract more residents to the parks and increase recreational options within them. The trustees will consider the proposal and provide a response at the next meeting.
An Edmund Drive resident addressed the trustees regarding her intention to vacate part of Margaret Street to obtain ownership of her driveway, which is currently a paper road.
Mr. Russell stated that he has had discussions with members of the road department about this matter, and there is some concern about trucks and other equipment in the winter. The issue is being looked into.
A Brady Lake area resident had questions related to this summer’s Captain Brady Day, and also asked about the timeline for striping Lakeview Drive. Mr. Russell replied that striping is usually done at the end of the summer when all roads can be done at the same time.
A West Shore Drive resident had questions about the ditch across from her property and whether it was on the road department’s list of issues to address. Mr. Russell assured her that they are discussing options for a solution, but that, for a number of reasons, it will not be an easy fix.
ZONING REPORT
Mr. Ciccozzi received notification from the Ohio EPA that a resident of Cherry Lane, who has been the source of numerous zoning violations, was recently cited for the burning of plastic.
The residence has been deemed unfit for human habitation. Mr. Swan will discuss the matter and explore options at the next Portage County Township Association meeting.
A resolution authorizing an administrative search warrant for a Ravenna Rd. property was approved by a vote of both trustees present.
OLD BUSINESS
The next edition of the Franklin Township newsletter will be ready for mailing soon.
NEW BUSINESS
The recently held joint meeting between Kent City Council and Franklin Township had no quorum and has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at 6:45 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Russell reported on a concern shared about whether a guardrail is needed at the curve of First Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Kent Park. A traffic study was done at the location by the county engineer’s office, which determined that a guardrail is not needed. Mr. Russell will relay the information to the resident who raised the concern.
Mr. Russell was also contacted by a resident of Myrna Blvd about the condition of the road; Mr. Russell assured him that the road is under discussion and is on the radar for resurfacing for this year or next.
FINANCES
Mrs. Russell provided a status update on an ongoing audit being conducted by a CPA firm. All requested financial records from 2024 and 2025 have been picked up by the firm.
A resolution authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the General Fund in the amount of $4,000 for the purpose of paying a settlement agreement on advice of the prosecutor’s office to Brian Ames to close litigation was approved by a vote of both trustees present.
Payment of bills totaling $68,589.88 was approved by a vote of both trustees present.
Trustees Present: Glenn Russell, Scott Swan
Absent: Kellie Kapusta, traveling
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Anne Reid