The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on November 13, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees David Armentrout, Diane Dillon and Bonnie Howe. Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Darrell Stephens, Jim Mahood, Van Black, Chief Palmer and Julie Gonzales.

Resolution No. 2007-170 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonne Howe to accept the minutes of October 23, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

John has been chosen to do the drug and alcohol training with Working Partners on November 19th.

The Board scheduled employee evaluations for November 19th beginning at 8:00 AM for the Road Crew, Zoning Department and the Fire Department.

Resolution No. 2007-171 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to purchase two (2) full sets of tires for the trucks from Ravenna Tire in an amount not to exceed $3,187.54. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2007-172 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to purchase a back pack leaf blower from Whites Farm & Tractor in an amount not to exceed $400.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

There were two (2) funerals since the last meeting.

Darrell reported Rob Such is still working on surveying the cemetery. Darrell obtained maps from the Portage County Water Resources Department on the easement.

The drives are almost completed at the park and the pine trees have been planted. Darrell said they will be installing a culvert for two (2) catch basins. The road crew will be painting the restrooms and concession stand weather permitting.

Darrell decided to waive his health benefits. JoAnn asked Darrell to put something in writing.

Bonnie asked about the catch basin on Cobblestone. Darrell said we didn’t receive anything from the County. This is actually a dry retention pond. Darrell said it is up to the homeowner if they decide to have this as a holding pond.

Dave said the Storm Water Task Force developed three recommended ordinances to the County Commissioners which they will need to adopt to create the storm water district. Whatever agency the County Commissioners chooses will have to inspect retention ponds, pipes, etc. Crystal of the Soil & Water Conservation will be conducting the training. Dave said there are pipes that need to be inspected within the Township and if there is drainage, it will need to be tested.

Dave said he heard there is a septic smell coming from the rental house. The Board asked Darrell to contact Mark Hurst to see if sewer could be installed.

Dave suggested installing additional catch basins on Sabin and Seifer Drives. Darrell said that is ditch #7 which is owned by the County. The County has no intention of replacing it. Darrell said when the roads are repaved next spring we could crown it to elevate it to keep water from flowing onto the road. Dave said a puddle of water always forms on Seifer and Tallmadge Road; we may need to re-shape the road or repair the sidewalk. Darrell said the sidewalk is low but these are usually maintained by the homeowners. Dave asked Darrell to check the ditch at 4101 Seifer Drive.

Dave reminded Darrell to plant the “Davis” tree at the cemetery.

The Board said the newly planted trees look very nice at the park.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

There were six (6) acts of business.

Jim mailed a letter to the Firehouse Grill last week.

Jim met with Don Van Meter from the Portage County Water Resources regarding the installation of a small cell tower at the corner of Sandy Lake Road and Herriff Road. Jim said the County already owns the property, and it would be placed by their pump station. Mr. Van Meter will not have to apply for permits.

Jim said Mr. Epling, Jr. contacted him regarding splitting his property on Lynn Road. Jim said he nor Van did not see a problem but contacted Chris Meduri for his opinion.

Van reported the Schaff residents have boats stored in the front yard and he asked Jim to send a letter.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief Palmer reported he is currently working on the non hydrant areas of the Township and meeting fire flow requirements to reduce our ISO ratings.

The following calls where made for the month of October:

EMS	53		Mutual Aid:
Fire	14		Given	8
Car Accidents	10		Received	2
Total	77

Chief Palmer’s employee evaluations are almost completed.

The ladder testing has been completed.

Chief Palmer said one of the water heaters needs to be replaced because of the water corrosion. The cost is $7,000.00.

Chief Palmer is still reviewing the budget and expenditures for the past year.

Chief Palmer reported there was a $6,000.00 electronic deposit from a federal grant that was not ours that he will be returning.

Chief Palmer has applied for several grants – one for EMS for $8,000.00 and another for fire training for $6,000.00.

Dave has a petition of residents in favor of having a taller flag pole. Dave mentioned it to Chief Palmer about replacing the current flag pole at the Fire Station. Chief Palmer said the current flag pole at the Fire Station is four (4) years old and costs approximately $700.00.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The Portage County Bicentennial Gala is January 19, 2008.

The Community Awareness Day was a success. The Trustees and Fiscal Officer participated.

Dave spoke to Ohio Edison to try to obtain an order number regarding the streetlight at Jennifer and New Milford Road and Kelly also New Milford Road.

The Board agreed not to place a streetlight at Curtis and Rosalind Drives at this time. If the residents wish to have one installed they will be assessed.

NEW BUSINESS

The Board agreed to write a letter to the County Commissioners asking for their support to keep NEOUCOM in Rootstown.

Dave said the Medical School purchased several houses on Marks Avenue and is considering purchasing the Davis home on State Route 44 for an additional access road. Dave will check with Jim but this may conflict with the zoning code.

Resolution No. 2007-173 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to schedule a Records Committee Meeting for November 27, 2007 at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2007-174 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to donate $100.00 to Key Bank in lieu of the Bryte Education Fund in honor of the former Clerk of Rootstown Township Lyle Harsh’s daughter who past away last month. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

FISCAL OFFICER

JoAnn gave the Board information about the Northeast Ohio Township Association meeting.

JoAnn received a letter of interest for the Zoning Boards. Dave said he also received one. Dave agreed to call them to schedule interviews.

JoAnn received a letter from the Regional Planning Commission and as of September 30th we had 11.75 hours remaining.

Resolution No. 2007-175 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to purchase a fire proof locking lateral filing cabinet from Independence Business Supply in an amount not to exceed $2,750.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

JoAnn gave the Board PARTA’s annual report.

JoAnn gave the Board the financial report through October 30th.

Resolution No. 2007-176 – 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. 2007-177 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe to adjourn at 7:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

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David Armentrout
Chairman

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer