Franklin Township Trustees

Date: 9/8/2026

Format: In-person

Summary:

PUBLIC COMMENT

A Brady Lake area resident inquired about an update on the vacation of a portion of Edmund Drive. Mr. Russell stated that he has submitted the request and other information to the county engineer’s office and has not yet heard back, and that he will follow up. Some concerns remain about this request because although the resident has offered to allow the road crew access to the first fifty feet of the road for plowing and salt purposes, the township would still require access.

ROAD, ZONING AND FIRE REPORT

The township is on Perrin Asphalt’s schedule for paving work on Woodway, Westview, Myrna, Basswood and Thorndale. Mr. Akerley is working to restore township rights of way in areas where mailboxes and aprons have encroached; he is determining the best way to notify residents of this. Some additional patchwork and repair are needed on Leonard, Washington and Garfield and Mr. Akerley is seeking approval to move forward with these projects, using funds saved from earlier improvements. His request was approved by a vote of all three trustees. Additionally, we are coming closer to a decision about a new logo for townships trucks and for use in administration. All three trustees preferred #2 as being the cleanest, clearest and having the best visibility. Samples will be placed in the next newsletter. The new truck is ready for delivery, but the plow for it has not come in yet. The crew is getting the old truck ready to sell. Mr. Russell favors using the old plow on the new truck, then replacing it will the new plow when it is delivered.

Mr. Ciccozzi reported that the scheduled zoning commission meeting to be held last week was cancelled due to lack of quorum. Mr. Russell has asked for an attendance record for the committee in the last year.

Mr. Smith reported that the large music event recently held at the Burnt Pickle was busy but not overcrowded. Mr. Russell asked if the owner submitted a special event permit request, and Mr. Ciccozzi responded that he did not. Mr. Swan noted how appreciative the trustees are of Mr. Smith’s dedication is to the township, especially regarding his attendance at such events. The BBQ restaurant planned for the former LaTerrazza building is not at this time moving forward since the owner has not been cooperative with building updates.

OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Kapusta read from an email received from Portage County Engineer Larry Jenkins in regards to a ROW permit request from Mr. Cox. The email read “The submitted plan does not conform to the Portage County subdivision regulations”. Therefore, based on the review of the county engineer Franklin Township does not feel a permit is warranted based on the non-conformance.
Siren update: The current owner of the former Brady Lake fire department buildings where the old siren is located has given the township permission to have Sifert Electric come out and reassemble the siren. Staley Technologies will come to see if it works. If so, it will be moved to a township-owned location, such as the maintenance garage. The trustees has asked Mr. Smith to ask for cost estimates from both businesses for testing and reinstallation.

NEW BUSINESS

A resolution authorizing contempt by the prosecutor’s office for violations for a property on Third Avenue was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mrs. Kapusta addressed an email asking the trustees to seek a solution to the algae in Lake Brady. She has been in touch with a representative from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to set up a meeting to discuss the issue. Mr. Swan would also like to attend. He also suggested asking for information from the drone study being conducted by a graduate student from Kent State.

FINANCES

A resolution accepting the amounts and rates and certifying levies as provided by the county budget commission was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

A resolution authorizing a transfer of $200,000 from the JEDD Fund to the Fire fund for the purpose of funding fire and EMS services was approved by a vote of all three trustees.

Payment of bills totaling $294,704.98 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