Franklin Township Trustees
Date: 3/10/2026
Format: In-person
Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Brady Lake area resident shared concerns about traffic confusion at the corner of Lakeview and Leonard, resulting in drivers showing disregard for the stop sign and near-miss accidents remaining common.
A Westshore Drive resident has seen a number social media posts with rumors about the Park District taking over township parks; the trustees assured her that is not the case.
A Horning Road resident reiterated concerns about speeding, stop sign running and passing school busses while children are being loaded an unloaded. Detective DeSerio responded that there are plans to designate one half of the extra patrols paid for by the township to target that area for a period of time. The resident stated that neighborhood homeowners would be grateful for any help they can receive.
Detective DeSerio reported on February calls for service in the township. A total of 340 calls were responded to including, but not limited to, welfare checks, suspicious circumstances/persons, premise checks, criminal trespass, civil processing, assists to the rescue squad and other agencies, accidents and property damage.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Signal Service has been given the go ahead by the township insurance company to proceed with the $16,322 in repairs to the damaged service box at the Powdermill Roundabout.
Culvert pipes have been replaced on Walnut and Cox. Cuyahoga Fence LLC has completed the replacement/repair of the Hodgeman Lane guardrail for a total of $12,356/25.
The road crew has been working on cold patching, equipment service, vehicle repairs, sign and mailbox repairs, plowing, culvert installation and painting.
Mr. Ciccozzi remains in discussion with a resident wising to reopen a Cottage Food Sales stand on Ravenna Rd. about what she can and cannot sell. He is recommending she seeks a conditional use permit from the BZA.
Snipe signs have been picked up throughout the township.
Mr. Ciccozzi is following up with a zoning designation question at Eagles Green.
Fire inspections have continued throughout the township.
The former Northcoast Medical Training Academy site has had ongoing sprinkler breaks and caused Gabriel Brothers to be on Fire Watch for an extended period of time. Alarm issues have also been a problem. The sprinkler issue appears to be fixed, but the alarm issue is still being addressed.
OLD BUSINESS
A resolution to proceed with the placement of a 2mill renewal road and bridge levy that will generate an estimated annual revenue of $177,418.00 was approved by all three trustees.
NEW BUSINESS
There was a discussion about the issuance of right of way permits. The county engineer’s office has offered to take responsibility for writing them when applications are submitted for larger projects. The trustees asked for clarification about who would have the final say if a permit is to be issued and if a cost would be associated with the responsibility. Mrs. Russell will ask for more information.
Security cameras at township parks were discussed. Cameras installed at Brady Lake Park will soon be active; Chase and Phillips parks cameras are active. The storage and streaming services is cell tower related, not cloud. The footage will be directed to one cell phone, and the storage remains two weeks before it is recorded over. The phone will be secured at town hall and one person will be responsible for reviewing the footage should vandalism or criminal activity be discovered. Signs will be clearly posted so that anyone using the parks is aware that cameras are in use. The purchase of a phone for such use was approved by a vote of all three trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mrs. Kapusta reported that she and Mr. Ciccozzi attended a dinner hosted by prosecutor Connie Lewandowski; the topic was the Open Meeting Act and it was informative.
FINANCES
Payment of bills totaling $35,298.08 was approved by a vote of all three trustees.
The 2026 per call rate for the City of Kent Fire department for responses to calls for service in the township will be $1,580.00, a $40 increase from last year’s amount. This rate was approved by a vote of all three trustees.
Trustees Present: Glenn Russell, Kellie Kapusta, Scott Swan
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Anne Reid