Franklin Township Trustees
Date: 9/22/2026
Format: In-person
Summary:
A Brady Lake area resident shared concerns about speeding and motorists ignoring stop signs, particularly at the Lakeview-Merrill intersection. His wife and other residents have been almost struck by cars on early morning walks. Discussion about the issue focused on a blinking caution light or signage indicating a two-way stop. Mr. Russell stated that the county engineer’s office would need to be involved in any decision.
Detective DeSerio reported on August call for service statistics for a total of 335 calls. These included, but were not limited to, welfare checks, suicide threats, suspicious persons and vehicles, disorderly conduct, domestic situations, criminal damage, premise checks, larceny and theft. He also stated that partner agencies helped monitor the Burnt Pickle event because of the pressure of coverage of the County Fair on the department. He said all went well with the township event. Mr. Russell asked for clarification about how debris in the road is handled; the detective stated that if it is small in size the deputy usually handles removal. If it is larger, the deputy will reach out to the county or the township for assistance.
ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORTS
Mr. Akerley’s report has been accepted into the record.
Mr. Ciccozzi noted that Redwood Developers remain interested in developing the vacant land owned by the Beck family at the Birdie Shack location on ST RT 59; the process is still in the discussion stages.
Mr. Smith reported that there is a stalemate with Sheetz regarding inspection documentation. It does not currently keep hard copies of inspection findings at any of their locations. While they do have email records, they do not keep documentation onsite. Both the township and the City of Kent require that documentation at every location be available. Sheetz don’t make that accommodation elsewhere and should not have to in the township. When asked if we are able to issue citations and fine them for non-compliance, Mr. Smith answered yes. Notices of violation will be forthcoming. Also, in a status update regarding the Brady Lake siren, he stated that Siefert electric, who disassembled the old siren, is no longer in business. It was suggested that quotes from other electricians be sought to see if it will work before having it moved.
OLD BUSINESS
Employee handbook update: The trustees will check their calendars and submit possible dates for a working meeting on the handbook in the next couple of weeks so that it can be finished by the year’s end.
Edmund Drive update: Mr. Russell spoke to the county engineer on this issue last week, who sees no benefit to the township relinquishing the property. It was suggested that the township erect a sign at the boundary between the privately owned land and township land which states
“End of Franklin Township maintenance.” Mr. Russell will let the resident know that this is the decision has been made to reflect this.
NEW BUSINESS
A resolution authorizing the township administrator to apply for financial assistance through the 2026 Community Trails and Grants program was approved by a vote of all three trustees.
The record retention committee members including Mr. Swan, Mrs. Russell and administrator Mrs. August will set an acceptable date for the annual meeting, to consider any changes that need to be made.
As regional representative, Mr. Swan attended a meeting of the One Recovery Ohio group. The purpose of the meeting was to designate where this region’s portion of the $2.1 million dollars collected in the national opioid settlement would be best utilized. The region covers Portage, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The ten recipients selected to receive funds included Portage County organizations Coleman Health Services with $250,000 and University Hospitals at $350,000.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mrs. Russell reported that the township has received communication from County Prosecutor Connie Lewandowski asking that when the township has a legal inquiry correspondence should be directed to Senior Prosecuting Attorney with copies to Prosecutors Lewandowsky and Chris Meduri.
Mr. Swan has been contacted by a representative of the Portage County Regional Planning commission about becoming part of the commission’s Comprehensive Plan which includes an online interactive tool which would assist residents in accessing an array of township-related information. The cost would be approximately $50,000. Should the trustees decide that there is interest in this, where the funding would come from will be discussed.
FINANCE REPORT
Payment of bills totaling $98,300.33 was approved by all three trustees.
Trustees Present: Kellie Kapusta, Glenn Russell, Scott Swan
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Anne Reid