Date of Meeting: 5/23/2023
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Johnson Road resident is requesting the detachment of a portion of his property, formerly part of the township but annexed to Kent years ago, to have the parcel back in the township for farming and recreation. Although Kent City Counsel denied his request, he will continue to seek the detachment. Mr. Ciccozzi and a member of the BZA toured the property today to better understand his request.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE UPDATES
Mr. Ackerley reported that two residents of Bobolink Circle damaged a township road by cutting up a 10 x 10-foot section of the road to look for a suspected water leak. The contractor who dug up the road then backfilled the hole incorrectly. The road crew will take charge of the repair, and the residents will be billed for the cost. In addition, a report of the damage will be filed with the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Ciccozzi will follow up on a home located at First Avenue and Kent Street, currently being used as a residence for cognitively disabled individuals, to ensure that the number of residents complies with its current zoning status.
Mr. Smith reported that inspections are coming along well and that titles for donated equipment, including grass and pumper trucks, have been turned over to the city.
OLD BUSINESS
Work on the fire and security alarm systems should be done this week.
Based on the recommendation from the county engineer’s office, the Hudson Road project phases III and IV will be rebid since opening bids were not within the 10% window of the estimated costs projected by the county engineer. After a lengthy discussion, the following resolution was approved by all three trustees: the project will be rebid with modifications as follows—remove the bike lane from phase III, extend road closure time to a 45-day maximum, and extend the completion date to October 1, 2023.
The township administrator will begin drafting a release from liability agreement which must be agreed to by the HOA of the Pines. The agreement must be in place before brush chipping can be done.
NEW BUSINESS
A resolution authorizing the chair of the trustees to prepare and submit an application for participation in the OPWC state capital improvement program and to execute contracts was approved by all three trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Swan reported that a relative who lives in Kent Park returned from a short absence to discover a bullet hole shot through her back door and lodged in her bedroom door. A report was filed with the PC Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Russell reported that vandalism had occurred at Brady Lake Park, and there was also suspected drug activity there. Security lighting will be investigated.
Mr. Russell attended the recent Zoning Commission hearing, where topics being discussed were not under the direction or request of the board. A brief discussion followed, and an agreement was reached that trustees would provide guidance on the commission's focus.
FINANCES
A proposed budget for the 2024 tax year was presented by Fiscal Officer Lise Russell. Trustees and the road superintendent were asked to carefully examine the budget and be prepared to ask questions or suggest changes at the next meeting. The budget hearing will be held at 6:45 on Tuesday, June 27.
All trustees approved the payment of bills totaling $86,575.55.
Which members of the board/council were present: Glenn Russell, Kellie Kapusta, 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