Date of Meeting: 6/10/2025

Format: In-person

Meeting Summary:

PUBLIC COMMENT

Tom Byich of the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities addressed the trustees about the organization’s desire to have the community utilize the public park in Brady Lake.

While there is an agreement in place for Portage DD to have first priority for use of the baseball field and other areas of the park, the organization is eager to have the public use it at other times. Township administrator Jenny August has the summer schedule from Portage DD, and there was a discussion about posting it on the website and giving other groups a way of scheduling a team practice or other event in the park.

Darren Bade, a Professor of Biology at the university, spoke to the trustees about placing water testing equipment in Lake Brady to monitor algae content. He would like both to place a small buoy in the lake containing the equipment and to dock a small boat somewhere on the lake. The trustees were supportive of his request, and Mrs. Kapusta stated that she might be able to provide him with a place for him to dock a boat.

Detective DeSerio provided statistics for May calls for service, including but not limited to thefts, suspicious persons and situations, assists to the rescue squad and other agencies, accidents, property damage, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, domestic situations, parking violations and welfare checks for a total of 355 calls.

ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS

In a discussion of upcoming paving projects, Mr. Akerley explained that it would be best to do core depth testing along Thorndale and Basswood to get an understanding of the level of resurfacing needed. There was also discussion about keeping some of the larger pieces equipment on site overnight while working to avoid unnecessary wear and tear and to cut down on transport time. While the trustees agreed, they would like the prosecutor’s office to be contacted before doing so. Also, Mr. Russell will reach out to Jim DeLeon about repairs/replacement of the boardwalk at Chase Park.

Mr. Ciccozzi reported that there are two lots on Iraquois owned by the same person but separated by a paper road. The owner would like to put up a garage on the second lot, but cannot because it would require a primary residence on the lot. If the paper road was vacated, and the two lots combined into one, she would be able to put up a garage.

Mr. Smith reported that the new Strickland’s location is open and Popcakes now has a warehouse open at the old Protech building. Also, Kent inadvertently painted the town that houses the system for the warning sirens which caused a malfunction during testing. It has now been repaired. Mr. Russell mentioned that he has seen cars parked in the cul-de-sacs along Thorndale and in Germaine Reserve. The trustees agreed that it is time to start calling the sheriff and having these vehicles ticketed and/or towed.

OLD BUSINESS

There is no update on the North Blvd property where access must be made from township property.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Swan was contacted by the principal at Stanton Middle School about accepting a donation of a gaga ball pit that the school no longer uses. Placement was discussed and if accepted Phillips Park would probably provide a good area for it to be placed.

There was a consideration of an extension of vacation leave usage deadline for Mr. Akerley. Because of an extended medical leave of one of the road crew members and other issues, he has been unable to use his accrued leave. The trustees extended the deadline for one year and also suggested a partial payout if that is something he would prefer.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mrs. Kapusta received correspondence from a resident of Cox Road with a complaint about shrubbery encroaching onto her property. The matter needs to be settled between the residents since it is not an issue the township can address.

Mr. Russell received a response from Chris Meduri at the prosecutor’s office regarding the issue of the township using taxpayer dollars to perform work on private property. Under very special circumstances the work could be justified when the problem is causing a township road to deteriorate. Permission and a work authorization would still be required. Mr. Swan suggested that we contact Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partnership to see if they have any input as well.

FINANCES

Lisé Russell presented the tentative 2026 Tax Budget for review. Highlights include $475,000 for road resurfacing and maintenance; $60,000 for road salt; $128,000 for road operations, maintenance and vehicle/equipment repairs; $25,000 for pickleball court updates; and $975,000 for fire and emergency services contracted calls. After discussion about the pickleball courts it was suggested that the $25,000 be increased to $75,000 for the construction of a pavilion and completing fencing. There was also discussion about the possibility of adding in money to repair/replace the Chase Park boardwalk.

Payment of bills totaling $91,152.45 since the last meeting was approved by all three trustees.

The 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