MINUTES OF THE ROOTSTOWN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
April 22, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on April 22, 2008. Those in attendance were Trustees Diane Dillon, Bonnie Howe and David Armentrout, JoAnn Townend, Fiscal Officer, Darrell Stephens, Jim Mahood, Van Black Chief Palmer and Julie Gonzales.
Resolution No. 2008-078 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the minutes of April 8, 2008. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Chris Craycroft – Portage County Park
Mrs. Craycroft was present to update the Trustees on the park trails and greenways opportunities plan. Chris gave the Trustees a map of the park trails. A community meeting was held in this area last September for future park district sites. The public comment period has been extended until May 1st. The plan is intended to be used as a reference guide to opportunities that could be pursued by a variety of partners. These partners could be private landowners simply managing their land with good conservation practices.
Outdoor Furnace Discussion
Dave spoke to our legal counsel and advised us that we can not grandfather any regulations while the State is reviewing them. Thursday, April 24th is the effective date that the outdoor furnaces have to be in compliance. The Rootstown Zoning Commission has recommended the Trustees waive the $60.00 non conforming accessory building permit fee. Bonnie said we will still need to track the permit. Jim will still enter the permit into the computer. Jim notified the Trustees that the Portage County Building Department does not inspect these furnaces.
Resolution No. 2008-079 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to consider any existing outdoor furnaces not considered a nuisance under Section 230.02 as a non conforming use upon the effective date of May 24, 2008 of the outdoor furnace regulations. A permit must be obtained from the Rootstown Zoning Office with the permit fee of sixty dollars ($60.00) waived until May 22, 2008. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Darrell reported to chip and seal Lynn Road the cost is $30,000.00; to pave the cost is $58,000.00.
Darrell received the Issue 2 packet.
The NEOUCOM memorial will be held May 19th at 1:00.
Resolution No. 2008-080 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to hire Rummel Electric, Inc. to install three (3) conduits at the New Milford Road site for the installation of the new gas pumps at a cost not to exceed $4,700.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
JoAnn asked if a tracking device will be installed to log employees who fill up with gas. Darrell thought it would be expensive but will get a quote from Landmark.
Darrell informed the Board they received $841.05 for the furniture that was auctioned.
Resolution No. 2008-081 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to remove restrictions reducing load limits on all Rootstown Township roads. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
The new truck will be in towards the middle of next month. Darrell said the quote from Concord to rebuild the new truck is $31,194.91.
Resolution No. 2008-082 - Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe upon the recommendation of the Road Superintendent agreed to scrap the 1972 road grater. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Resolution No. 2008-083 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to hire Duane Melby to install a perforated 600’ pipe for drainage purposes at the park in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00. The stone will be supplied by the Township. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
The signs for the park have been ordered.
Ray has agreed to open and close the park.
There were two (2) funerals since the last meeting.
They will be pouring the foundations at the cemetery.
Dave received a call from Cindy Horner regarding the letter that was sent to the family regarding the lattice on the Ivan Horner plot at Homeland Cemetery that needs to be removed. The Horner’s are not too happy but have agreed to remove it.
Dave said Joe Postlethwait from Hot Stove contacted him. Darrell said he usually speaks to Mike Riley.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
For the month of March the following calls were made:
| EMS | 36 |
| Fire | 24 |
| Car Accidents | 4 |
| Total | 64 |
| Mutual Aid: | |
| Given | 3 |
| Received | 2 |
To date we have collected $9,875.65 for non resident ambulance billing. This an increase of $400.00 from last year at this time. To date we have billed $9,740.00 for this year.
Chief Palmer reported we have received grant money in the amount of $6,000.00 from the State of Ohio for EMS training or equipment. This is a grant that we apply for annually.
The department will be conducting their own fire training academy for new members in the months of June, July and August. This is a savings for the department if we train our own members. The costs for a Fire Marshal’s Grant will cover training distributed at the end of the year.
The department hosted a defensive driving instructor’s course last week. New instructors came from all over Ohio to attend this two (2) day training session.
The annual confined space rescue training required by OSHA has been completed. The course was taught by Cleveland State University.
Public Hearing ZC 2008-005 and 2008-006
The public hearing opened at 6:25 PM.
Zoning Amendment 2008-005 – Definition: Outdoor Customer Dining Area
The proposed amendment has been reviewed and approved by the Portage County Regional Planning Commission and by Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office.
Resolution No. 2008-084 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe upon the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to approve Zoning Amendment 2008-005 as presented by the Rootstown Zoning Commission as follows:
RESTAURANT – OUTDOOR CUSTOMER DINING AREA. An area not enclosed in a building and which is intended as an accessory area for a table service restaurant which provides food and/or drink to customers for consumption on the premises.
Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Zoning Amendment 2008-006 – 350.09 Access. Use – Rest. Outdoor Dining
The proposed amendment has been reviewed and approved by the Portage County Regional Planning Commission and by Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office.
Resolution No. 2008-085 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe upon the recommendation of the Zoning Commission to approve Zoning Amendment 2008-006 as presented by the Rootstown Zoning Commission as follows:
Section 350.09 Accessory Use Regulations
| C. | Restaurant, Outdoor Dining Area. An outdoor customer dining area shall comply with all of the setback requirements for the principal building of the zoning district and shall be situated on a permanent foundation and enclosed as follows:
|
Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
The public hearing closed at 6:35 PM.
ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT
There was five (5) act of business.
Jim and Van received numerous calls expressing their opinion regarding the outdoor furnaces.
Jim attended the Portage County Building Department meeting last week. They reviewed several new regulations.
Jim reported the following members are interested in attending the 2008 Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop: Jim Petro, Ann Marie Mullenix, Karen Henry and Helen Vari. Dave mentioned that he would also like to attend.
Dave gave the Board a draft policy for use of the pavilions at the park. The policy is currently first come, first serve. Diane is concerned as to who will enforce these rules.
Dave said we would have to contact the Sheriff’s Department. Diane said who is going to make sure there is no damage done to the park? Dave will check with Edinburg and Randolph Townships as to their policy. Diane asked Jim to get quotes for a box to install at the park to keep the “reserved signs” so they are not weathered.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Diane definitely would like the Town Hall waterproofed this year.
Resolution No. 2008-086 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to rent two (2) port-a-jon’s from Superior – Speedie of Akron, OH in an amount of $65.00 per month for a regular port-a-jon and $95.00 per month for a handicapped port-a-jon. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Diane reported they will be preparing the site for the playground equipment. There is a 60’ X 60’ area and would have to be etched 16” and filled approximately 12”-14”.
Resolution No. 2008-087 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to hire an excavator to excavate the playground area at the park in an amount not to exceed $600.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea
Dave suggested installing shade trees in that area. Diane said they cannot be planted in the 60’X60’ area but are considering planting them around that area. Diane suggested silver maple. Diane would also like to get the pond stocked with fish.
Resolution No. 2008-088 – Motion was by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to donate $250.00 to the Maplewood Career Center – Jon Hall’s Wood Class for making the benches for the park. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea
To date Diane hasn’t received any complaints regarding the parking issue on Marks Avenue.
Resolution No. 2008-089 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to hire Mosyjowski & Associates Engineers for their engineering and surveying services for the sewer hookup project at the Town Hall and house. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Three (3) residents will be honored on May 17th Memorial Ceremony at Homeland Cemetery at 10:00 AM: John Rogers, Orton Yarian and Smith Dunn.
The Clean Up for the Lions Club went well.
Dave said one (1) more school newsletter will be published. The deadline is May 4th. Dave suggested putting a blurb regarding curb side recycling.
Dave announced he has been appointed to the Regional Planning Commission Executive Board.
FISCAL OFFICER
JoAnn will complete the Memorial Day parade registration form.
JoAnn gave the Board a notice from the Ohio EPA public comment period regarding Ski Lake in Freedom Township.
Bill Ulik, Portage County Economic Development Director contacted her asking for a copy of the master plan for the last five (5) years. Dave will ask Jim for the plan.
Resolution No. 2008-090 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.
Resolution No. 2008-091 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to purchase an additional two (2) tables for the Town Hall. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Resolution No. 2008-092 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe that the Rootstown Township Trustees to move into executive session at 7:30 PM to discuss personnel issues. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
Resolution No. 2008-093 - Upon conclusion of the above referenced discussion a motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout that the Rootstown Township Trustees move out of executive session at 7:48 PM. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.
After exiting Executive Session, the Trustees took no action.
Resolution No. 2008-094 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe to adjourn at 7:48 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Diane Dillon
Chairperson
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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer