Franklin Township Trustees
Date of Meeting: 01/13/2026
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Hatty Tracy, President and CEO of Coleman Health Services, attended the meeting as the newly nominated Kent/Franklin JEDD business representative to the JEDD Board. A resident of Kent, Ms. Tracy has been affiliated with Coleman Health Services for seven years, including the last four years as president and CEO. A resolution approving her appointment was moved and approved by all three trustees.
Several township residents from the Rhodes Road/Horning Road area spoke about concerns related to speeding and vehicles running the four-way stop sign in their neighborhood. One resident also raised concerns about vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses with red lights flashing. Residents stated they had contacted the county sheriff’s office without response. Mr. Swan thanked residents for coming together and voicing their concerns, and trustees assured attendees that the concerns would be shared with the Portage County Sheriff’s Office liaison for the township, Detective Nick DeSerio. Mr. Akerley also noted that the township’s speed warning sign could be temporarily relocated to a resident’s yard in the affected area.
Two Brady Lake area residents shared information about the planned revival of Captain Brady Day in July and asked questions regarding insurance, waivers, permits, and liability. Mr. Scott requested a written list of specific questions and offered to discuss them at a future meeting with the county prosecutor and at an upcoming Ohio Township Association meeting. Mrs. Russell asked whether the committee had considered pursuing 501(c)(3) status to expand funding opportunities, and Mr. Russell suggested consulting an attorney.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Mr. Akerley presented a quote from Titan Electric for electrical work related to pole installation, security lighting, and AED installation at Brady Lake Park in the amount of approximately $14,300. A motion to approve the expense was made and approved by all three trustees. Because a supplemental appropriation from the JEDD fund will be required, a separate motion to approve the appropriation was also approved unanimously. Mr. Akerley additionally reported that he is pricing new plow trucks.
Mr. Ciccozzi reported that a new barbecue restaurant will be opening in the former LaTerraza location.
The new warning siren at Phillips Park is operational and was heard by area residents during the most recent test.
NEW BUSINESS
Several resolutions appointing township residents to various boards were approved unanimously, including Marilyn Sessions to the Board of Zoning Appeals (02/20/2026–02/19/2030), Greg Huck to the Zoning Commission (02/20/2026–02/19/2031), and John Miller as an alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals (02/20/2026–02/19/2031).
A quote from Commercial Roofing for repairs at the town hall was received. A second requested quote from JBL Roofing had not yet been received. The Commercial Roofing quote was approved by motion and unanimous vote.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Russell reported that the matter regarding an Edmund Avenue resident’s request for snow and ice removal along her private drive is now closed.
Mr. Swan reported being contacted by a resident regarding land use at the former Larry’s Riding Stables.
FINANCE REPORT
Mrs. Russell presented the 2025 year-end financial report, noting that the township remains financially healthy and will be able to continue meeting residents’ needs in 2026.
Two resolutions related to unused funds from the Hudson Road fund and the Sixth and Ohio OPEC Round 68 fund were approved, returning the unused monies to the JEDD fund.
Payment of bills totaling $324,741.84 was approved by a unanimous vote of the trustees.
The following members of the board/council were present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell, Scott Swan
If any members were absent: None noted
Were any media representatives present? No
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