Date of Meeting: 10/22/2024
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio provided statistics on calls answered for September, including but not limited to suspicious persons, thefts, traffic stops, parking violations, assistance to other agencies, disorderly conduct, assault, and premise checks.
A West Shore Drive resident shared concerns about a fence located very close to the road at the intersection of Merrill and West Shore. Mr. Akerley will take a look at it.
A Leonard Avenue resident wanted to express his gratitude for the great work done by the road department, particularly for Mr. Akerley, for his knowledge, expertise, and willingness to help township residents.
Jill Grimm, a representative of the Twin Lake Association, informed the trustees that their trick-or-treat will be 3-5 rather than 4-6 because of the darkness and lack of sidewalks on some of the streets.
ROAD AND ZONING REPORTS
Mr. Akerley and Mrs. Kapusta met with county engineers and representatives of a consulting group about the low-moderate income survey in the Brady Lake area to secure grant funding for road improvement. Some obstacles to financing include low traffic, narrow streets, and short/inconsistent rights of way. Considerations for storm drainage improvements could be helpful.
Mr. Ciccozzi informed the trustees that the Portage Bike and Hike trail behind his property had been repaved. He then asked if there has been any additional discussion about a walking path along Leonard/Lakeview or traffic calming solutions; there is no change.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Kapusta updated all present about the ST RT 59 Connecting Communities project between Kent, PARTA, ODOT, and Franklin Township. Additional funding through grant applications is still being sought, so there is no firm figure yet about the township's cost. The project is set to begin in 2027.
Mrs. Kapusta investigated the issue of fish dumping into Brady Lake. One dealer permit has been issued to a township resident through ODNR. The permit would allow raising or selling fish within its guidelines but would not allow fish to be introduced. She will contact the permit owner to discover where non-indigenous fish have been placed.
NEW BUSINESS
After discussion, it was determined that the second monthly meetings in November and December fall too close to holidays to hold meetings. All trustees voted yes to a resolution to cancel the November 26th and December 24th board meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
Fiscal Officer Lise Russell will attend the Twin Lakes Association Fall Forum in Twin Lakes on Wednesday, October 23rd, to answer residents' questions about the fire levy replacement on the ballot.
Ohio HB 47 has passed, and it mandates that townships with a population exceeding 5,000 and public parks with playing fields or sports courts make AEDs available onsite. Both Phillips Park and Brady Lake Park will qualify.
Mr. Russell said that Mike Collins had been given information about the Rootstown Road jurisdiction concern related to stormwater runoff. Also, the engineer’s office is preparing for a traffic study in the Germaine Reserve in response to concerns about no parking/speed limit signage.
Mr. Russell reported that Ravenna Rd motrimming has been done so that motorists entering and exiting their driveways now have an adequate line of sight.
FINANCES
Payment of bills totaling $51,226.39 was approved by all three trustees.
The members of the board/council were present: Glenn Russell, Kellie Kapusta, 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