Date of Meeting: 4/22/2025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Westshore Drive resident inquired about how to report a streetlight that needed repair. She also questioned who to call about picking up roadkill. Mr. Akerley responded that the road crew does that pick-up, but only on township roads due to liability issues. She also asked about a locked gate at the Point, an area of Brady Lake that people previously used as a boat launch.
Mr. Akerley responded that because it is county-owned property, he does not have a key.
Jill Grimm, representing the Twin Lakes Association, shared information about an Ohio Lake Communities Association conference she recently attended. She suggested that Brady Lake area residents consider establishing a public safety organization with 501 (c) (3) status to help qualify the area for grant money. Also, the issue of short-term rentals was discussed, as there is pending litigation between HOAs and the state to amend the Ohio Revised Code to allow them. If this should succeed, the township would have to revise its code to allow such rentals.
ROAD, ZONING, AND FIRE REPORTS
The proposed construction of pickleball courts in Phillips Park was discussed, and the trustees voted to proceed with a third court instead of a covered shelter. There was further discussion of the OPWC paving project on 6th and Ohio, which has proved to be inadequate. Mr. Swan asked Mr. Akerley to contact the county engineer’s office to ask for a resolution to be presented to the township by May 12th. The Seasons/Judson/Spell Roads' chip-and-seal project also needs to be addressed.
Mr. Ciccozzi asked the trustees for clarification for the Zoning Commission when considering recreational and medicinal cannabis growth, research, processing, or distribution-related facilities. Mr. Swan and Mr. Russell are both interested in having the commission explore changes in state requirements and how permitted uses could be applied in the township.
Mr. Smith reported that the new siren in Phillips Park is complete. The next scheduled test will be on the first Wednesday in May at 11:00 a.m. Also, the owners of La Terrazza have expressed interest in bringing the now-vacant building into compliance with the fire code.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion about the township newsletters resulted in a decision to release them twice a year.
Mrs. Kapusta agreed to continue putting it together with editing help from a township resident.
Employee handbook meetings were scheduled for May 6th and 20th at 6 pm.
The ongoing SR 59 improvement project, a joint partnership with Kent, Franklin Township, ODOT, and PARTA, was discussed. OPWC is being approached to apply for $ 1 million in funding, and the city of Kent is asking Franklin to take the lead on the project and apply for the funding. The trustees unanimously agreed that this is outside the scope of what the township is willing to take on since it would negatively impact our ability to apply for other township projects. Mr. Swan moved to consider the city’s request to assume the role of project manager by applying for OPEC funding. All trustees voted no.
NEW BUSINESS
Draft letters to Senators Husted and Moreno in support of the City of Kent’s fund-seeking for a new ladder truck were considered. After a minor language change to the letter, all three trustees voted affirmatively to send the letters to the senators.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Russell received communication from a Roc Marie resident about street parking on her street. Buses are having problems getting through the area because of this, and this may also affect emergency vehicles. Although there is currently no parking ban in the area, the trustees do have the authority to make decisions about no-parking areas. Because this is not a quick process, however, Mr. Russell suggested the resident speak to the neighbor or call the sheriff.
FINANCES
Mrs. Russell submitted the finance report, which is now on file at Town Hall. Also, payment of bills totaling $97,798.59 was approved by all three trustees.
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