Franklin Township Trustees
Date of Meeting: 11/11/2025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio described several upcoming holiday-related events sponsored by the sheriff’s department, including a youth deer hunt, a non-perishable food drive, a Christmas toy collection drive, and the annual Shop with a Cop event. He also reviewed October calls for service, totaling 396, including domestic situations, assists to other agencies, civil processing, criminal damage, suspicious persons, vehicles, noise complaints, and animal complaints. Mr. Swan expressed appreciation for increased patrols in areas where speeding has been a concern.
ZONING, ROAD AND FIRE REPORTS
The trustees discussed Halloween and other holiday-related decorations and whether time limits or restrictions should apply. They agreed that as long as residents comply with existing zoning codes, decorations should not be restricted.
Discussion followed regarding the need for a new plow for one of the township trucks. A quote of approximately $15,000 was received, with an estimated four-month build time. The trustees agreed to wait until spring to place the order, as it would not be available until after the snow season. It was also decided to ask Mr. Akerley to attend the annual Ohio Township Association conference.
Mr. Smith reported a conversation with a township resident regarding restrictions on open burning. Detective DeSerio stated that open burning outside of permitted parameters is a felony. Mr. Smith reminded attendees that leaf burning is not permitted.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Russell reported that one additional business plans to submit a quote for the construction of a pavilion at Philips Park. He also stated that the Chase Park boardwalk project will not proceed until grant funding has been researched and applied for.
NEW BUSINESS
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partnership sent an invoice for annual membership renewal in the amount of $1,500. Because the township joined in June at the same cost, Ms. August will contact the organization to request a prorated amount should the township decide to rejoin.
FINANCES
Mrs. Russell presented a draft of the 2026 appropriations, which will be voted on at the December meeting. The draft closely aligns with the budget passed in July, with adjustments for projected carryovers and upcoming projects.
A resolution amending 2025 appropriations related to the NOPEC Fund, in the amount of $4,800 to pay for LED light pole installation at Brady Lake Park and related expenses, was approved by a unanimous vote.
Payment of bills totaling $48,107.90 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: No
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