Date of Meeting: 7/12/2022
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
Mr. Swan formally introduced the new Franklin Township road superintendent, Dave Akerley, who was sworn in at an earlier time this day. Mr. Akerley began his position here on July 5, 2022, his professional experience, broad knowledge base, and positive outlook are a welcome addition to our community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective Nick DeSerio of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office presented a compiled list of 249 calls for service answered during the month of June, including but not limited to: domestic disturbances, well checks, other agency assists, rescue squad assists, suspicious persons, and situations and vehicles, thefts, and traffic stops. The trustees expressed their continued gratitude for Det. DeSerio’s attendance at our meetings and the department’s visual presence throughout the township.
A temporary banner was requested at the new Human Bean location in the Acme Plaza; the trustees unanimously agreed to the banner.
A resident of South Blvd. informed the board that an accident occurred on his street last weekend, causing a loss of power for about 5-6 hours, due to a motorist striking a pole.
After a discussion regarding chipping in the township, a representative of the Twin Lakes Association expressed the importance of providing education and alternatives for brush disposal for residents in the event revisions are made to chipping schedules.
Keith Benjamin expressed his concern that the website should clearly reflect what the township’s intentions are regarding chipping services provided and the schedule.
ZONING REPORT
Submitted as written by Joe Ciccozzi and is attached to the official record.
FIRE REPORT
Submitted as written by Richard Smith and is attached to the official record.
ROAD REPORT
Submitted as written by Dave Akerley and is attached to the official record. During this report lengthy discussion was had regarding brush chipping, specifically the number of work hours it takes the crew to perform, leaving less time than needed to address other concerns in the township such as road repairs and maintenance, stormwater management, mowing, etc. Also, the chipper went down after only one area was completed and is still in for repair. The road department has rented a smaller one to use for now. In the coming weeks, more discussion will take place and decisions will be made about prioritizing road maintenance and managing other services provided by the road department, like chipping. It was also noted by Mr. Swan that in response to lengthy meetings and talks with the Portage County Engineer’s office, road department employees, and Mr. Russell, an extensive road repair/paving/sealing effort will need to be put forth throughout the township. More information is forthcoming.
OLD BUSINESS
Administrator Jenny August has put extensive work into a revised township Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook. The trustees are grateful for the work done and will spend the next few weeks reviewing it and be ready to vote on a finalized version at the end of August.
Two parcels within the township were transferred to the Portage County Commissioners 40 years ago. One such parcel has a provision that should the parcel not be utilized for its intended use (a water treatment plant) that it shall revert back to Franklin Township’s possession. The Portage Park District has expressed an interest in having the parcels transferred to them. The trustees are in agreement that the parcel slated to be returned to the township, if not both parcels remain in the possession of Franklin Township.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2022-28 – prohibiting the discharge of fireworks on private property in Franklin Township was approved by a motion made by Scott Swan; 2nd Kellie Kapusta. All three trustees voted yes.
Resolution 2022-29 – authorizing Franklin Township to prepare and submit an application for Hudson Road Phase V for work in 2023 was approved by a motion made by Glenn Russell; 2nd Scott Swan. All three trustees voted yes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Swan announced upcoming planning meetings to be held by the Mental Health and Recovery Board to address the community health assessment and improvement plans. The information will be available on the township’s website at www.franklintownshipohio.org.
FINANCES
Lisé Russell gave a brief overview of grant funding sought in the past for road resurfacing/paving projects, specifically focusing on the Brady Lake area upon the village being absorbed into Franklin Township. The Community Development Block Grant program is a source of grant money available to some low to moderate-income areas. As part of the grant application process, a survey was issued to every resident, whether tenant or property owner, in the Brady Lake area. A certain percentage of persons surveyed needed to respond for the application process to continue. Not enough residents responded to move forward. Other grant avenues will be explored to see what funding could be available for road work throughout the township.
Payment of bills totaling $43,510.71 was approved by a motion made by Scott Swan; 2nd Glenn Russell. All three trustees voted yes.
Before adjourning, Glenn Russell expressed a thank you to Dave Akerley for his positive outlook and valuable insight during the first week as road superintendent, as did Mr. Swan and Ms. Kapusta. Mr. Russell was also thanked for his role in helping transition the new superintendent into the road department and his work with the crew over these last months. Mr. Akerley has expressed sincere appreciation for the knowledge and dedication of our road crew, the good working condition of our equipment, and the facilities which serve our residents.
Which members of the board/council were present: Scott Swan, Kellie Kapusta present. Absent was Glenn Russell, excused
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