Franklin Township Trustees
Date of Meeting: 02/11/2026
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Brady Lake area resident informed the trustees that he has contacted the township administrator with details about a broken streetlight, including the pole number and address, so that FirstEnergy can be notified.
Jill Grimm, representing the Twin Lake Association, announced that she is stepping down from her role and introduced her replacement, Sheri Meacham. She thanked the trustees and township officials for their commitment to residents.
Detective DeSerio reported that concerns raised by residents of the Horning/Rhodes Road area have been shared with the sheriff’s office leadership and will be addressed. He also reviewed 2025 service call statistics, totaling 3,737 calls, or an average of about ten per day. High-volume call types included welfare checks, suspicious circumstances, premise checks, larceny/theft, assists to the rescue squad, alarm intrusions, accidents, property damage, and traffic stops. Mr. Swan noted ongoing traffic concerns, particularly speeding and stop sign violations at Ferguson and Ravenna Roads.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Mr. Akerley reported another accident at the Powdermill Road roundabout that resulted in a destroyed streetlight. The township’s insurance carries a $1,000 deductible for repairs. He also noted that the statewide salt shortage continues, leading the road department to prioritize salting intersections, hills, and curves. Adjustments to the plow blades have been made to improve snow-removal efficiency. There was also discussion about constructing an additional salt storage barn. Mr. Akerley presented a draft 2026 road resurfacing proposal and requested a decision at the first March meeting.
Mr. Ciccozzi presented a proposal from the Portage County Regional Planning office to develop an interactive website that provides residents with access to information such as permits, zoning guidelines, and underground utility placement. The cost is expected to be significant, and ADA compliance must be reviewed before any decisions are made.
Mr. Smith provided updates on ongoing inspections of the Burnt Pickle, LaTerraza building, and the former Northcoast Medical Academy building. Sprinkler alarm issues continue at the Gilbert Group property, with more than 20 false alarm calls reported in recent months.
OLD BUSINESS
Roof repairs at the town hall will proceed as the weather permits.
No questions have been received from the Captain Brady Day committee to forward to the prosecutor’s office.
Litigation involving Brian Adams is ongoing, with a pretrial scheduled if no settlement is reached. The county prosecutor’s office recommended a settlement of up to $3,000. A motion to authorize this offer was approved, with yes votes from Mr. Swan and Ms. Kapusta and a no vote from Mr. Russell.
NEW BUSINESS
Liquor permit transfers for Reggie Ray’s Family Restaurant Inc. and Palijeet LLC were approved by all three trustees without the need for hearings.
Mr. Swan discussed a commercial parcel at Summit and Burnette Roads. The owner, Mark Seaholts, is seeking input from township residents regarding potential development for the property.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Swan reported on a panel discussion at the Ohio Township Association conference in Columbus regarding a petition drive to eliminate property taxes in Ohio. Approximately 65% of local government revenue comes from property taxes, which fund services such as road maintenance, cemetery care, police, fire, emergency medical services, and land use planning. If approved by voters, significant increases in sales and income taxes would likely be necessary. Trustees encouraged residents to share this information, attend meetings, and engage in discussions about the potential impacts.
Mr. Swan also discussed support for unhoused individuals in the township and surrounding areas, noting that NDS and Shepherd’s House in Ravenna are the only warming centers in the county. The sheriff’s office can provide transportation if needed.
Tom Hatch of the Ohio History Connection has contacted the township about including the Township Hall in a proposed historic landmarks tour. Doug Fuller will attend the February 24 meeting to provide additional details.
FINANCES
The finance report was submitted by Mrs. Russell and is on file at Town Hall as part of the official record. A resolution of necessity to place a 2.0-mill renewal road and bridge levy on the November ballot was approved by all three trustees.
A resolution authorizing actions needed to accept the NOPEC 2026 Energized Community Grant Award was approved unanimously.
Payment of bills totaling $98,399.41 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
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