Franklin Township Trustees
Date: 8/11/2026
Format: In-person
Summary:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Detective DeSerio of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office reported on 405 calls for service in the township during July, including but not limited to: emergency welfare checks, assists to other agencies, domestic situations, fireworks complaints, traffic complaints, and checks. He also noted that a large concert event is scheduled at the Burnt Pickle on Friday, August 28th. Because a large crowd is anticipated, Mr. Russell suggested that a special detail of deputies might be warranted. Detective DeSerio stated that he would verify with the department what the cost to the township would be of such a detail. Mr. Ciccozzi will follow up with the prosecutor’s office to clarify that an event permit has been issued.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Mr. Russell noted that Basswood was omitted from the road paving report. Also, a proposal was submitted for consideration for additional paving, including: the intersection of Merrill and West Shore, Merrill from Westshore south to Lakeview, Rhodes Road repairs and patchwork, Elm Road, Aprons at 665 Judson and 7375 Sylvan Dr. These were submitted as a proposal at a cost of $67,324.00 and was approved by a vote of both trustees present.
A correction was noted on the written zoning report stating that Ms. August issues the ROW permits for the township; the county now issues them. Mr. Ciccozzi also reported that he received a letter from Redwood Development notifying him that they have an agreement with the owners of a property in the township and would like to meet to discuss plans for the property.
Detective DeSerio’s report referred to noise complaints, and Mr. Ciccozzi asked about their outcomes. The detective stated that he is unaware of the details of the incidents, but that the sheriff’s office can only respond to the call and ask those causing the noise to quiet down or turn the music down, etc. Because Franklin is a statutory rather than home rule township, there are limits on how such public concerns can be addressed.
Mr. Smith’s fire report contained information about several open burning complaints, which were addressed by educating residents about the guidelines for open burning. He has also been in touch with the owner of the old Brady Lake fire station about the old warning siren. The owner stated that, as long as there is no cost to him and the siren does not need to be moved, he is not opposed to the township restoring the siren to working order so the Brady Lake area can be notified of pending emergency warnings. Mr. Smith will follow up.
OLD BUSINESS
Upon meeting with representatives of the prosecutor’s office and the Portage County Engineer, it has been determined that the non-dedicated road separating Mr. Cox’s property is not under the authority of the Franklin Township Trustees. Consequently, Mr. Cox’s request for the trustees to grant him access to his property through Florence Street and install a culvert is outside of township authority. Responding to a communication from Mr. Cox’s attorney, Mrs. Kapusta read an excerpt from Prosecutor Meduri’s response: “There does not appear to be any viable action the township can proceed with.” When a question arose as to whether Mr. Cox has access, Mr. Russell stated that, as attorneys are involved, they will handle the matter from here.
A resolution authorizing a special assessment of $375.00 for moving high grass in violation of the Franklin Township Zoning Resolution at 2010 Brady Lake Road was approved by a vote of both trustees present.
NEW BUSINESS
Cameras recently installed at Franklin Township parks have not functioned consistently. The footage has not been streaming correctly to the intended destination, and the township has not been able to access footage when needed. Detect Alarm Systems, Inc. provided a quote to install new cameras that store footage on a SIM card rather than stream it.
If a vandalism event occurs at any of the parks, staff could remove the card and read it on a township computer. Mrs. Kapusta and Mr. Russell would like to research the issue more before voting for the additional expense, and Mr. Akerley stated that the township would be refunded the amount spent on the cameras currently installed.
Cancellation of the August 25th meeting due to a lack of quorum was approved by both trustees present.
FINANCES
Both trustees present approved payment of bills totaling $49,261.87.
Mrs. Russell reported that county fiscal officers were notified on August 7th that second-half tax bills were finally complete and would be mailed to residents that day. The due date to the treasurer’s office is September 9, 2026.
Trustees Present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell
Absent: Scott Swan
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Anne Reid