Date of Meeting: 2/25/2025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A township resident addressed the trustees, asking all present to contact their state representatives about concerns over cuts in funding related to higher education and research in light of our proximity to Kent State University. The trustees thanked him for his comments.
Christine Craycroft, Portage Parks executive director, addressed the board regarding upcoming projects within the township, including separating the trail entering Towner’s Woods from the parking lot traffic and improving the switching tower to enable space for an education center related to park and railroad history. She also requested a letter of support from the trustees for a planned project to link existing trails to provide continuity from the Portage Hike and Bike trail to other trails.
ZONING AND FIRE UPDATES
Mr. Ciccozzi reported that the newly appointed alternate Portage Regional Planning Committee member attended the most recent meeting with Mr. Ciccozzi and will also attend the March 12th meeting.
Mr. Smith reported that the new warning system siren on Ravenna Road has been installed and will be operational as soon as the batteries are installed. Residents will be informed of the new system's testing through the township website. Also, Coleman Health Services is working to repair its alarm panel.
OLD BUSINESS
Land parcels on Ravenna Road previously owned by the township and transferred to the county will be reverting to the township per a 1979 agreement. The county commissioner’s office staff will research this process.
Discussion of possible financial support for the City of Kent’s purchase of a $2 million + ladder truck was tabled since the township is unsure what the financial commitment will be to complete the Hudson Road project and address further road resurfacing needs in the next two years.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Swan provided a status update on the Franklin Township/Sugar Bush Knolls JEDD committee. Because the infrastructure for new business in the area does not exist and would be very expensive, the location makes it challenging to offer incentives for business development. The committee will meet again in March to decide on whether to proceed or revisit the idea at a later date.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Smith invited the trustees to attend the annual Northeast Ohio Fire Prevention area meeting & luncheon on March 3 to hear the fire marshal and his staff speak.
Mrs. Kapusta was asked for an update on the survey she conducted in the Brady Lake area in hopes of qualifying for an infrastructure grant focused on road repair. She will have an update at the next meeting.
FINANCE REPORT
All three trustees approved payment of bills totaling $51,916.49 in a vote.
The members of the board/council were present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell, 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