Date of Meeting: 6/14/2022
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting consisted of two parts: a budget hearing to approve the 2023 Tax Budget for submission to the Portage County Auditor and the regular monthly meeting.
Because no public comment concerning the budget was offered from people in attendance, the resolution to adopt the tax budget as presented was moved and approved; all three trustees vote yes. After the budget was approved, Fiscal Officer Lise Russell gave a brief synopsis of the budgeting process and summary of the budget’s contents. Copies were provided to attendees who requested one.
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Brady Lake area resident addressed the trustees with concerns about the condition of roads in her area, particularly Margaret, Edmund and Elks Drive. The trustees thanked Ms. Batsch for sharing her concerns and assured her each trustee has spent the last two weeks driving roads in the entire township prioritizing what roads are in need of repair based on condition of the road and how heavily traveled it is. The board is aware of the condition of the roads she is referencing and assured her that what repairs can be made will be made as soon as is deemed possible
A Westview Drive resident shared concerns that she and the neighbors have about increased speeding on Westview and on Overlook, as more and more motorists use the area as a cut through to get to Diagonal Road and ST RT 43. They have purchased “Please Slow Down” signs and erected these themselves. They now have the opportunity to have a portable speed radar board from the sheriff’s department at no cost. The neighborhood would like to place it on Overlook and seek permission to do so from the board. The trustees saw no reason to deny the request and gave approval.
A representative of the Twin Lakes Association shared information with all in attendance about a traffic calming measure being utilized in other northeast Ohio communities where roads are painted with designs. The practice has been shown to slow drivers down and cause them to pay better attention. Ms. Grimm will share the link to this information with the township and with Ms. Sessions as well.
ZONING REPORT
Submitted as written by Joe Ciccozzi and is attached to the official record. Additionally, it was noted that Spell Road is in need of trimming as the right of way weeds are very high. Mr. Russell responded that the mower was down for several days and that the crew would get there as soon as they are able.
FIRE REPORT
Submitted as written by Richard Smith and is attached to the official record. In his report, a reference was made to a sprinkler leak at 2500 SR 59 suite 26 (a new Universe Luxury Waxing Center) and Mr. Ciccozzi noted that no permit had been issued for said business and that he will follow up with ownership. Also mentioned was an incident on June 6, 2022 of 911 calls made about a trampling incident with fighting and possible firearms seen at the Jones’ Hookah Palace. Officers from Kent and the sheriff’s departments responded and the incident is under investigation. Mr. Red Nichols also spoke to the audience to say that the dry hydrant marker at Elma Street needs to be looked at, as it appears to be sinking.
OLD BUSINESS
A resolution finalizing the agreement reached between the Portage County Commissioners and Franklin Township regarding curbside recycling and leaf recycling fees and assessments through the Portage County Solid Waste Management District was approved by a motion made by Glenn Russell; 2nd Scott Swan. All three trustees voted yes.
The new truck ordered months ago is still not here as we are awaiting a stainless-steel bed as ordered. Mr. Russell agreed to follow up with the vendor to see what the holdup is about.
A discussion was had about roads that need paved or resurfaced throughout the township. A list of roads in need of attention was put together by the trustees and input from the road crew was taken into consideration. Based on the condition of each road and how frequently it is traveled by the most motorists, a list of the following roads will be submitted to the county engineer’s office to be bid for repairs: Crystal, Elks, Lincoln, Carlton, Sixth, Ohio, and Sylvan. There are other roads in need of paving and other repairs but the township will start here.
NEW BUSINESS
A resolution authorizing the expenditure of public funds not to exceed $500 on refreshments benefitting employees and visiting guests attending township-related meetings was approved by all three trustees.
A new D1 liquor permit request for the new Wild Papaya Thai Cuisine restaurant was deemed acceptable and no hearing was requested by the trustees.
A motion to extend an offer to Dave Akerly to fill the position of road superintendent was approved by all three trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Kellie Kapusta received an email commending the road crew for the excellent job they do chipping and all of the many other jobs they perform. Glenn Russell received an email from a resident of Basswood Drive regarding a tree in Chase Park (which is adjacent to her backyard) in need of attention. Mr. Russell will follow up with her about it. Also, Mr. Swan stated for the record that our road crew did an outstanding job during the most recent storm when called in to help with downed trees and other debris needing to be removed.
FINANCES
A resolution amending 2022 appropriations due to the creation of the new Leaf Recycling Fund was approved by all three trustees.
A summary of the results for Franklin Township’s 2020-2021 audit was given by Mrs. Russell. Authorization was given to make the three fund balance adjustments deemed necessary by the auditor by a motion made by Scott Swan; 2nd Kellie Kapusta. All three trustees voted yes.
Payment of bills, totaling $126,386.85 was approved by all three trustees.
Which members of the board/council were present: Scott Swan, Glenn Russell, Kellie Kapusta
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