Franklin Township Trustees
Date: 3/24/2026
Format: In-person
Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
An Erie Street resident spoke to the trustees about speeding concerns on Erie Street near the old firehouse where people make the turn. He is requesting additional patrols there because some motorists end up in his yard. This information will be shared with Detective DeSerio. He also voiced complaints about Mr. Akerley and a confrontation he said he had at the site of the downed tree at Washington and Erie Streets. He is claiming that Mr. Akerley used offensive language when the resident asked about the sharing out of wood from the tree, which Mr. Akerley denied.
The trustees thanked the resident for sharing his concerns, but consider the matter closed.
A Diagonal Road resident offered a complement to the township road department for their efficient response dealing with downed trees and road debris following the recent wind storm. Some of the trees were on county roads but the road crew took care of them anyway to ensure the safety of residents.
A Brady Lake area resident informed the trustees that the streetlight on Lakeview has now been fixed.
A Brady Lake Road resident shared continued concerns about excessive speed and noise near the Portage DD buildings, which always escalates during spring and summer. The trustees will pass all speeding concerns along to Detective DeSerio.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
A quote for electrical work in the amount of $14,325 at Brady Lake Park was approved by all three trustees. Following a discussion, all three trustees approved a road/resurfacing/paving proposal in the amount of $236,065.00 for the following roads: Westview, Basswood, Merrill/West Shore intersection and Court Street. Roads remaining on the radar for the next two years include Powdermill, Rhodes, Myrna, Judson and Seasons. Chipping for the season has begun and will continue, including the first full weeks of April, June, August and October.
A public hearing will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28th preceding the regular board meeting; the subject will be a number of zoning resolution amendments to be discussed and voted on.
Fire inspections continue throughout the township. The new owner at Meadowview Plaza provided all of the unit keys to Mr. Smith; four of the unit business owners have changed the locks and are now in the process of getting keys to Mr. Smith.
OLD BUSINESS
A resolution authorizing the pursuit of contempt charges for violations of the township zoning resolution against owners of a property on Hudson Road was approved by all three trustees.
All three trustees agreed after a discussion of the township website to create a completely new website with new ADA guidelines in mind. Mr. Swan will see if there is a template on the county level that may be used.
Discussion continued regarding new cybersecurity program requirements that must be in place by July 1st. A proposal from the ITT Consulting Service at a cost of $1,312.00 was accepted by a vote of all three trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Russell reported that he has been in contact with the Sixth Avenue property owner who is now ready to talk about drainage work that needs to be done for the road which would involve access to his property. He has also been in contact with Jill Grimm of the Twin Lakes Association regarding the water level in both Twin Lakes.
Mrs. Kapusta reported that she has expressed to the Portage Regional Planning Commission that the township is not interested in the commission developing a comprehensive plan website at the cost of $40,000.
FINANCES
Payment of bills totaling $107,706.53 was approved by a vote of all three trustees.
Trustees Present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell, Scott Swan
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Anne Reid