Franklin Township Trustees

Date: 6/11/2026

Format: In-person

Summary:

PUBLIC COMMENT

A Westshore Drive resident asked for an update about the Cox/SR59 intersection plot. Trustees replied that there is no news about the parcel.

A Willow Ridge Circle couple addressed the trustees with concerns about fireworks in the neighborhood, young children on mini-bikes, and landscaping equipment being parked in the street in front of a residence on Thorndale. Mr. Smith, addressing the fireworks concern, stated that both Franklin Township and the City of Kent did not approve of the State of Ohio's changes to fireworks regulations; only small personal fireworks, such as sparklers, may be used in both areas. He recommended calling the Portage County Sheriff’s Department any time a violation is noted so that a follow-up conversation with deputies can occur. Catching someone letting off fireworks in the act is difficult because they are usually finished by the time the deputies or fire prevention officer arrives, but the calls can be officially logged for frequent offenders. The information about mini-bike riders will be forwarded to Detective DeSerio for possible follow-up. Mr. Ciccozzi addressed the issue of on-street parking and referenced a conditional use permit issued to the owners. The owner told Mr. Ciccozzi that he would keep the trailer parked in his driveway; the neighbor stated that it is frequently parked in the street. Mr. Swan asked Mr. Ciccozzi to follow up with the owners. Another resident shared similar concerns about mini-bike use and said he’d been told by the sheriff’s department to call the state police. This information will be relayed to Detective DeSerio.

ROAD AND FIRE REPORTS

A new quote was received from Next Gen Electric for the electrical work needed at Brady Lake Park, far lower than Titan Electric's. A vote to accept the Next Gen Electric was approved by all three trustees. The Chase Boardwalk will be sprayed for carpenter ants as soon as possible, and small repairs to planks and rails will be made while awaiting funding information on a replacement. There was further discussion about purchasing a new truck and plow. The trustees, fiscal officer, and road superintendent agreed that it would be a better option to buy a new truck and sell the old one. The approximate cost of a new truck is $230,000, and the old one should bring in $50-60K. A vote to purchase a new truck was approved by all three trustees.

Mr. Smith gave a summary of events occurring at the Akron Water Treatment Plant on Ravenna Rd. A delivery of alum was inadvertently added to two tanks containing bleach, resulting in a green chlorine gas cloud. Fortunately, the cloud was contained within plant property. Three workers were transported to local hospitals, treated, and released. Portage and Akron Fire HazMat teams both responded, and mutual aid was provided by Streetsboro, Stow, and Ravenna Township. All operations are normal, and at no time was the water supply contaminated.

OLD BUSINESS
After further research into the effort to prohibit bigger trucks from transporting on Ohio highways, the trustees have decided against signing a letter of support.

Mrs. Kapusta submitted a draft copy of the current newsletter. After noting some corrections and getting agreement to include the budget information, trustees are happy with how it looks. Mr. Swan and Mr. Russell thanked Mrs. Kapusta for her efforts.

NEW BUSINESS

A resolution authorizing the county prosecutor’s office to pursue contempt violations at a residence on 1st Avenue was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

A resolution approving the ODOT salt contract and coop participation for the 2025/26 year was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

Due to a lack of quorum, the regular meeting scheduled for June 23, 2026 is canceled by a vote of all three trustees.

CORRESPONDENCE

A Ravenna Road resident contacted the trustees with concerns about a vacant property on Ravenna Road. Significant fire damage to the structure occurred about five years ago, and it remains in terrible condition. Mr. Ciccozzi responded that an administrative search warrant resolution has already been approved and the process begun.

FINANCES

A resolution approving the 2027 tax budget was approved by all three trustees.

A resolution authorizing a supplemental appropriation of $250,000 for the purchase of a new truck and plow to be split in the following way: $50,000 to the Gasoline Tax fund, $175,000 to the Road and Bridge fund; and $25,000 to the Permissive Tax fund was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

Payment of bills totaling $160,847.00 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