Date of Meeting: 4/8/0025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio provided statistics on calls responded to in the township in March, including shoplifting, assistance to other agencies, the rescue squads, welfare checks, domestic situations, premise and welfare checks, and suicide threats, among others. Mr. Swan asked if noise complaints could be tracked to determine where they are occurring. An electronic copy of this report will be sent to the township administrator, who is keeping a spreadsheet to monitor calls.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Mr. Russell commented about an email he received from a Westshore Drive resident regarding a catch basin in need of repair. Mr. Akerley is aware of this and is working toward a solution.
There was a discussion regarding zoning issues related to food trucks in the township. Although they are not a permitted use under the township zoning code, Mr. Ciccozzi has determined that anyone issued a health department permit can set up anywhere in Ohio for one year, provided they have received a positive inspection by a representative of a fire department. The trustees agreed that the township Zoning Commission should address the use of food trucks in our code and set recommended parameters for their use.
Mr. Smith reported receiving a call about a large open burn on Judson Road; he informed the owner that the state currently bans open burns through April, and the owner put the fires out.
OLD BUSINESS
There was a lengthy discussion about the placement of AEDs in township parks, as required by state legislation. Mr. Smith presented quotes for units with and without heated cabinets, and there was a discussion about whether the devices should be available during the winter when sports teams and other recreational activities are not in session. Trustees agreed it’s essential to have them available year-round and pointed out that heated cabinets would require electricity to keep units warm in winter and cool in summer. Mr. Swan suggested considering shelter-type buildings where a phone line to call 911 could be installed. Mr. Akerley will look into pricing and options for structures. Trustees approved heated cabinets to be purchased at $2.159 each and AEDs’ s for $1540 each for Phillips and Brady Lake parks.
NEW BUSINESS
Portage Park District is piloting a 2025 Community Parks and Trails grants program. $100,000 will be made available for Portage County entities through an application process to benefit community parks. The township will apply for funds to help with park projects, such as shelters and pavilions.
A resolution authorizing the participation of the township in ODOT’s Cooperative Purchasing Program for the 2025-26 season was approved by all three trustees.
A resolution authorizing the reappointment of R.T. Mansfield to the PARTA board until a vote of all three trustees approved 6/30/28.
A resolution authorizing the reappointment of Justin Moneypenny to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending February 19, 2030, was approved by all three trustees.
A resolution authorizing the reappointment of Travis Copen as a member of the Zoning Commission to a term ending 2/19/30 was approved by all three trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mrs. Russell reported that she received a legislative alert from the Ohio Township Association about legislation currently being considered to increase the share of the 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana that is directed to the Host Community Cannabis Fund. Trustees agreed that it would be appropriate for the Zoning Commission to reassess the current code for the township and to research changes in regulations and guidelines set by the state before considering any changes.
FINANCE REPORT
Mrs. Russell attended a Local Government Officials conference in Columbus for training on March 27th and 28th. She reported that she returned with new information to help with internal controls, procedure implementation, and the most current standards for compliance and government fund accounting, to better assist with managing taxpayer dollars.
All three trustees approved payment of bills totaling $117,841.22.
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