1. To participate in Portage County’s Bicentennial Birthday.

2. Depending on the rising cost of materials, the goal of the Township Trustees and Road Superintendent Darryl Stephens over the next four years is to resurface:
   1. Baronwood Development ($106,000---50 % Township Funds, 50% Issue II Money)
   2. Lakewood Estates (Bird Drive)
   3. Camp Road
   4. Sanford Road
   5. The unpaved portion of Lynn Road will be surfaced providing funds are available.

3. In an effort to gain input and support from residents, the Trustees are holding a series of hearings on the following issues:
   1. September 23 –upgrading our recycling program to require curbside collection and closing the New Milford Recycling site.
   2. October 28 – Considering the Pros and Cons of Bidding out Trash collection for the entire Township. No decision will be made until the results of these hearings are studied by the Trustees.

4. Plans are being prepared to connect the Town Hall and the rental property next door to the County Sanitary System at Cook Road and West Drive.

5. To continue to inform residents of mandated requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act through membership in the Portage County Storm Water Task Force. See our website for more information.

6. To inform residents of our membership and participation in the Breakneck Creek Coalition which seeks to protect and clean up pollution in our watershed that provides clean drinking water to over 100,000 people including the community of Rootstown.

Our new Park Land off Case Ave. (and behind Gracie Hot stove Fields) is coming along nicely. Last fall a driveway and parking area was established, a 2 acre lake that will be stocked with fish this year was dug, approximately 4 acres of grass was planted, and some pine trees were planted. The picnic tables and benches were built this winter by the Maplewood School will be set out shortly. The big project for this Spring is the installation of the playground equipment. We are hoping it is installed and ready for use by the first of June.

The Park Committee plans for further improvement this year are still under discussion, but some ideas are a walking track around the park, bringing some utilities to the new park area, and the planting of some shade trees around the playground equipment and lake areas.

The hope of the Trustees and Park Committee is that this new Park Land will be an area where the families of Rootstown can come and enjoy a day of relaxation and fun.

Of course, it goes without saying that we are always looking for donations, either monetary or time and materials, to help these projects along. So if you are interested in helping, please give us a call and we will be glad to discuss this with you. Diane Dillon is the liaison for the Park Committee this year, and she can be reached at 330-296-9393. Any resident that would like input in the development of the Park Land is more than welcome to join the Rootstown Park Committee. Many thanks to the members of the Committee on their efforts and accomplishments thus far, and we look forward to their continued contributions in this coming year.

Anyone not receiving the School Newsletter which includes Township Trustee information and other community news may call Mrs. Linda Paulus at Rootstown Schools (330-325-2014) to be placed on the mailing list.

Plant a tree at the Homeland Cemetery to:

• Celebrate the life of a family member or friend
• Represent the sponsorship of an organization or business
• To honor a special event or person

By giving this gift of greenery, you can create a living legacy while demonstrating your commitment to the Rootstown Community, the environment, and to our future.

Your donations will pay for the cost of purchasing and planting the tree(s) and for its regular maintenance. If for some unforseen reason the tree should die prematurely, a replacement will be planted. The cost per tree is $275.00.

The location of planting sites will be chosen by the Township Trustees.

Your gift of greenery will be commemorated on a special map located both at the cemetery and at the Town Hall.