The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on May 13, 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. 2008-095 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the minutes of April 22, 2008. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Diane would like discuss the progress of the department’s goals for 2008.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Darrell is waiting for an estimate from the County Engineer regarding the 2009 Issue 2 money. Next years project will be Lakewood Estates which includes Bird Drive, Oriole Avenue, Robin Street, Jay Street, Cardinal Avenue and Pheasant Avenue.

Darrell received a quote from Landmark and to purchase computerized logging system for gas would cost approximately $12,000.

Darrell is waiting for an estimate to remove the old fuel tanks.

Diane asked Darrell if there was a project five (5) women could do for community service on May 20th from 1:00 – 5:00. Darrell said they could replace the Veteran flags at the cemetery.

Darrell received a couple quotes for scrapping the grater. Two salvage yards quoted $1,000.00 and B & B quoted $2,400.00. The owner will confirm the price by the end of the week.

The new truck should be in soon.

Duane Melby finished the pipe and catch basin at the park.

The foundations have been poured at the cemetery.

There were no funerals since the last meeting.

The foundations for the port-o-jons are ready.

Diane asked Darrell if he could pick up the benches at Maplewood for the park. Darrell suggested using the dump truck to pick them up.

Dave asked if the ditches needed cleaned or pipes repaired on Lynn Road before it is chipped and sealed. Darrell is checking.

Dave asked if we were able to use the front of Homeland Cemetery as a burial. Darrell thought he remembered the Historical Society was not letting it be a burial site.

The Board agreed to send a letter to Joe Postlethwait from the Hot Stove League advising him that the agreement with the Board of Trustees will expire May 2009. The Board wonders if they are interested in negotiating their contract.

Dave received a complaint from several residents on Hogle Avenue regarding an increase in traffic due to the detour on Tallmadge Road. Darrell believes the road will open again in July.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

There was seventeen (17) act of business.

Jim spoke to Mr. Denning who owns the building on the corner of Rosalind Drive and Tallmadge Road and was inquiring about a permit for a rental hall/auction house. Jim found he is leasing the building on Sundays for church services. Jim said Chris Meduri suggested he bring it before the Zoning Commission. Jim said he has no permit for the sign that is there. He sent a violation letter on Friday. Jim spoke to Chris Meduri regarding a conflict of interest because Jim plays softball for that team. Per Chris Meduri there would be no conflict of interest.

Jim informed the Board of the resignation of Bob Baumgardner of the Zoning Commission.

The Board discussed the shelter rental policy for the park.

Resolution No. 2008-096 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the Shelter Rental Policy as presented Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Van received a call from a resident who currently has a relative cremated in a plot but asked if two (2) additional cremations could be in one plot. The Board believed that it is up to three (3). Dave will check to be sure.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief Palmer presented the Board with his proposed operating budget for FY 2008. This proposal includes carry over breakdowns, line item appropriation and expenditure of FY 2007.

Resolution No. 2008-097 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to purchase six (6) portable radios at a cost not to exceed $395.00 each from Mitchell’s Communications in Coventry Township. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

RESIDENTS COMMENTS

Danny Dillabough reminded the Board if they are interested in a grants coordinator to let him know.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Diane updated the Board on the park activities. Bill has been pricing mulch. Diane missed the deadline to purchase fish for the pond from Soil & Water Conversation District. They suggested she contact their distributor.

Joe is still working on the plans for the sewer hookup for the Town Hall and house.

Dave gave the Board a copy of the Township newsletter that was submitted to the schools for their distribution.

NEW BUSINESS

Dave said Ralph Iarussi was in before the meeting this afternoon regarding the houses that are foreclosing in the Township. One in particular (4696 Campbellsport Road) has weeds growing on the lot. Dave gave him a Health Department form. There will be no action taken from the Board.

Dave will be attending the Regional Planning Commission meeting tomorrow. He attended his first Executive Meeting and the discussion was their budget for the next couple years. The Commission will be asking for .15 cents increase per capita for the next calendar year. The Board of Commissioners has agreed to cover the deficit for this year.

Dave and four members of the Zoning Commission attended the Ohio Planning Workshop.

Resolution No. 2008-098 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the resignation with regret from Bob Baumgardner of the Zoning Commission. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Diane Dillon, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Bonnie received a complaint from a resident regarding the ruts in his yard. Bonnie told him we did not repair private property but suggested he contact Darrell for advice.

Dave gave the Board a brochure from Clear Zoning which is a company that puts your zoning book on the web site and has illustrations to make it easier to read.

FISCAL OFFICER

Resolution No. 2008-099 – 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. 2008-100 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe that the Rootstown Township Trustees to move into executive session at 6:42 PM to discuss personnel issues. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2008-101 - 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 7:00 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. 2008-102 - Motion was made by Diane Dillon to adjourn at 7:03 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

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Diane Dillon
Chairperson

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer