Franklin Township Trustees

Date: 7/28/2026

Format: In-person

Summary:

PUBLIC COMMENT

A Brady Lake area resident expressed his gratitude, and that of the Captain Brady Day Committee, to the township road crew for their support and assistance at the Captain Brady Day event on June 25th. The park, surrounding streets, and the entire area looked sparkling clean and ready for the day. Mr. Swan commented that the event appeared to be a great success.
All four township officials were there and heard many event-goers expressing kudos and thanks to the committee for their hard work.

A Sylvan Drive resident spoke as a representative of the Twin Lakes Association about speeding on Sylvan Drive and kids riding electric scooters in the road. Mr. Akerley responded that they would consider placing the mobile speed trailer in that area again, and Mr. Swan assured her the information would be shared with Detective DeSerio at the sheriff’s department.

A Brady Lake area resident shared concerns about speeding on Brady Lake Road, which he says increases almost daily. He is also concerned about the condition of some properties, particularly rentals owned by a few landlords. He offered to let Zoning Inspector Ciccozzi use his boat for inspections from the water.

ROAD AND FIRE REPORTS
The zoning report was submitted by Joe Ciccozzi in his absence at tonight’s meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Swan to approve the alternate bid by Perrin Asphalt to include Myrna in the 2026 paving program. All three trustees voted yes.

Fire Officer Richard Smith reported that he investigated the gas leak, which he was not aware of until the trustees reported it at the last meeting. This was a directional boring error
on a line that connects directly to someone’s house. Mr. Swan added that he is awaiting Omni to clear up the previous miscommunication.
Schneller has another small fire with no injuries, and fixes are already in place. Mr. Smith investigated two open burns with complaints of smoke permeating neighboring homes.
The board discussed possibly using the siren at the old Brady Lake fire station if discussions with the current owner are productive.

OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. August has been in contact with Michael Bourne concerning his drone flight proposal for Lake Brady, and all requested documentation has been submitted.

NEW BUSINESS

A resolution declaring 2010 Brady Lake Road a nuisance and providing for abatement due to high grass was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

A resolution accepting the bid and awarding the road work contract to Perrin Asphalt was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

The Ohio Department of Commerce sent a notification asking whether the Franklin Township Board of Trustees had objections to renewing any liquor permits within the township. The trustees collectively agreed to raise no objections.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Swan reported that a meeting took place at the county Tax Map Department regarding options available to the trustees regarding Mr. Cox’s request to access his North Blvd property with no frontage on North Blvd. In attendance were Mr. Russell, Chris Maduri, and Brett Bencze from the prosecutor’s office, Portage County Engineer Larry Jenkins, and township fiscal officer Lisé Russell. The matter has been turned over to legal. Mr. Swan clarified for the record that because this was a strictly information-gathering and sharing meeting, and because only one trustee attended, there was no violation of the Open Meetings Act or Sunshine Law requirements.

FINANCES

A resolution authorizing a Supplemental Appropriation to the General Fund in the amount of $7,000 for printing and mailing of the newsletter and other miscellaneous administrative expenses was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

The Board approved payment of bills totaling $164,449.62 by a vote of all three trustees.

The Board suspended regular session at 7:50 and entered executive session to discuss personnel issues. After regular session was resumed, the following wage/salary increases/incentives were approved by a vote of all three trustees:

• 3.5% wage increases to Dave Akerley, Jenny August, Joe Ciccozzi, and Richard Smith.
• An hourly “plow” increase to Dave Akerley to reflect $1.00 per hour above the current top-tier road crew employee hourly rate.
• A bonus week of vacation time for Dave Akerley to be taken before 6/30/27

Trustees Present: Kelly Kapusta, Glenn Russell, Scott Swan

Public Notice: Yes

Agenda: Yes

Minutes: Yes

Observer: Anne Reid