The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on July 24, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees David Armentrout, Diane Dillon and Bonnie Howe. Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Darrell Stephens, Van Black, and Julie Carpenter.

Resolution No. 2007-110 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the minutes of July 10, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The bids for the 2007 road improvement projects were reviewed and approved by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Resolution No. 2007-111 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to award bid to Barbicas Construction Company, Inc. for the 2007 road improvement project (Hogle, Cobblestone, Curtis & Pebble) in an amount not to exceed $88,919.50. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

The Board agreed for Julie to send a letter to the Barbicas Construction Company, Inc. informing them that Darrell Stephens and Al Mellott will be monitoring the project.

JoAnn received a call from a citizen asking if Rootstown Road was going to be striped. Darrell is in the process of getting quotes to strip Rootstown, Lynn and Camp Roads.

Darrell reported several complaints regarding trees that need to be cut down. The one on Hattrick Road would require a crane and another on Rootstown Road. Darrell recommended hiring Dominics Tree Service.

Resolution No. 2007-112 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to hire Dominics Tree Service to take down several trees on Hattrick and Rootstown Roads for safety concerns in an amount not to exceed $600.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

The brakes on the 1997 dump truck have been repaired.

Diane has been keeping in contact with Dale Miller regarding the pond at the park. Diane said the engineer is in the process of preparing the design work.

Darrell said the plan is to have the trails at the park installed this year. There was one (1) funeral since the last meeting. Darrell spoke to Rob Such regarding the plot map of the cemetery. He is working on preparing one big map instead of sections. Dave suggested hiring someone to prepare a map to locate the tree memorials.

Dave received a call from Betty Davis whose parents would have been turning 100. She is interested in donating a couple of trees in their honor.

Darrell said the quote for a 24’X32’ storage building for the cemetery would cost approximately $15,000 which would include a 6” concrete floor. Darrell suggested relocating the building if the Trustees didn’t intend on having a chapel.

The Board signed three (3) deeds for pre-sale for cemetery plots for the following: Robert Eugene Latimer, Kathleen Lois Latimer and Robert Michael Latimer.

Dave asked JoAnn to get Portage County’s version of the compensation plan.

Dave will be scheduling a meeting with Crystal Roberts of Soil & Water Conservation to inspect the stormwater records.

Dave received a couple of opinions in favor of replacing the flagpole. Bonnie heard there is a petition going around to have it replaced. Dave spoke to Chuck Luckas who sells flags and poles; he is willing to discuss this issue with the Board. His approximate cost is $3,000.00. Dave said if we decided to replace it, he would like it installed by Memorial Day of next year.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

Van received several phone calls and signed a mylar. He is available all week.

Resolution No. 2007-113 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to accept the resignation of Dorothy Filing, Chairperson of the Zoning Commission effective July 6, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2007-114 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to appoint Richard Petro as Chairman of the Zoning Commission to Dorothy Filing unexpired term of December 31, 2009. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

RESIDENT’S COMMENTS

Tom Ralston of Tallmadge Road was present to express his concerns of the Rootstown Water Company hydrant issue. Mr. Ralston is unclear of what the real problem is and if it can be resolved without taking it to court. Dave said the Board of Trustees has been attempting to meet with the water board for approximately three (3) years with no response from the water board. Our legal advisor contacted the Rootstown Water Board with a concern because there was no contract or agreement, nothing in writing since 1952 as to who maintains the hydrants. Bonnie said on August 28th both Boards would go before a Judge for him/her to declare whose obligation it is. This is not a lawsuit.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Diane said the pond design should be completed this week. If the Board wishes to install a dock around the pond is should be done this fall.

The Park Committee has chosen playground equipment costing $50,000. Diane is going to investigate different options to obtain money, such as applying for grants or donations from local companies. The Committee has chosen the equipment from a company who will match a certain percentage of what the Park Committee collects. JoAnn said funds are available for playground equipment.

Diane will be meeting with Larry Bailey of the Rootstown High School regarding possibly installing a walking trail around the park for cross-country.

Dave said the next Breakneck Creek Coalition Meeting is tomorrow at 4:30.

Dave is still working on the fair display.

FISCAL OFFICER

JoAnn received a voice mail from Representative Kathleen Chandler’s aide informing the Trustees of a meeting to be held Thursday, July 26th at 9:30 AM at the Portage County Commissioners’ Office Conference Room to discuss septic system regulations. Chip Porter will be present. Bonnie will attend.

JoAnn gave the Board a copy of Representative Kathleen Chandler’s letter regarding cable and video.

JoAnn gave the Board health insurance renewal information from Burnham and Flowers for their review. Our current policy will expire September 1, 2007.

JoAnn presented a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control of a request for transfer of liquor license from BP Products North America Inc. to Giant Ohio LLC dba Giant 431, 4472 SR 44 & Gas Pumps, Rootstown Township, Ravenna, OH 44266, the Trustees agreed not to request a hearing as there have not been any complaints at this location.

Resolution No. 2007-115 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to approve and accept the Portage County Budget Commission’s alternative method of apportioning and distributing the Local Government Fund and the Local Government Revenue Assistance Fund. Rootstown Township’s amount is .79%. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2007-116 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Dave asked JoAnn to provide salary revenue for the Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals as well as the Regional Planning Commission’s fee.

Resolution No. 2007-117 - Motion was made by David Armentrout to adjourn at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

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David Armentrout
Chairman

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer