The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on January 23, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees David Armentrout and Diane Dillon, Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Darrell Stephens, Chief Palmer, Jim Mahood, Van Black and Julie Carpenter.

Resolution No. 2007-025 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to accept the minutes of January 9, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

After reviewing the information from Master Mind to inventory the signs Darrell suggested we conduct the inventory. The County will assist with the curve study.

There are three (3) roads that need to be paved in 2007 they are as follows: Hogle Avenue, Cobblestone and Curtis. If awarded Issue II money we will pave Sabin, Seifer, Ruth and Nina Drives in 2008.

Darrell reported they replaced the fire hydrant on Tallmadge Road beside the old Hilltop Tavern. We will need to purchase another one to keep on hand.

Resolution No. 2007-026 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to purchase a fire hydrant to keep on hand for the safety and health of the citizens until the Court decides who is responsible for maintaining the hydrants. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

Darrell said there is “No parking if snow exceeds 2 inches” signs posted on Clover Drive. Darrell will install a couple more.

Resolution No. 2007-027 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to purchase a mail slot to be placed outside the Zoning Office of the Town Hall in an amount not to exceed $200.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

The cost to replace the bed in Ray’s dump truck would be $1,200.00.

There was one (1) cremation since the last meeting.

Darrell spoke to Skibiski Asphalt (Ron) and agreed to hold the quote of $8,600.00 from the fall until spring to asphalt trails at the Park.

Dave said there is a small pool of water in the park that he would like to preserve. There are plants and animals living in there.

The Road Crew will view a training tape on either Thursday or Friday – weather permitting. Dave will notify Justin.

Darrell reviewed the ten (10) year road plan and they are on schedule with the exception of paving Sabin Development in 2007.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The following calls were made in December:

EMS:	52	Mutual Aid:
Fire:	17	Given:	7
Car Accidents:	8	Received:	9
Total:	77

For the month of December they billed for non-residents transports $3,038.00 and collected $1,580.13. For 2006 we billed $54,484.00, in 2005 we billed $41,430.00. In 2006 we collected a total of $29,784.96 and 2005 collected $30,866.74. The collection rate is 55%.

Resolution No. 2007-028 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to sign the Fire Company Contract for 2007 in an amount of $4,800.00. This will be distributed quarterly in an amount of $1,200.00 per quarter. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

Chief Palmer gave the Board a copy of the fuel log for 2006.

On January 17th the squad was involved in an accident in front of Homeland Cemetery. A Rivers Tow Truck sideswiped the squad. The State Patrol did not cite anyone due to road conditions. Sabetti’s Body Shop repaired the squad at a cost of $925.28 and it is back in service.

JoAnn presented Chief Palmer the County contract for GovDeals, an Internet based option service. JoAnn will give a representative his telephone number.

Ronn Franczkowski, Realty One was present to offer the Board the Engelhart property located off of Case Road to be used for parkland. The cost is $186,000.00. The Board would be able to begin construction at any time. Diane asked for Mr. Franczkowski to provide a copy of their gas well lease. He said there is someone currently leasing the property for agriculture use. Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the purchase agreement.

Resolution No. 2007-029 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to enter into a purchase agreement with Walter and Gilberta Engelhart for 16.97 acres located off of Case Avenue (parcel nos. 320150000031.001 and 320150000031.002) in an amount of $186,000 to be paid in three (3) installments. The first installment of $62,000.00 will be due April 2007, the second payment of $62,000.00 due January 10, 2008 and the final payment due January 10, 2009. This land will be used for the Rootstown Park System. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

There were two (2) acts of business.

Jim met with Mr. Snyder to review the Water Department’s plan for their two (2) buildings that will be located on Prospect Street. Jim had some concerns over parking for both buildings. Mr. Snyder is to contact the architect to address those issues.

Jim spoke to Mr. Mehl to invite him to the Board meeting tonight in regards to his buildings on Tallmadge Road. Mr. Mehl wasn’t feeling well and didn’t think he would be able to attend tonight. Dave also spoke to him and explained that he needs more direction from the Building Department’s report.

Resolution No. 2007-030 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to extend Mr. Charles Mehl’s plan of action for his buildings located on Tallmadge Road to March 27, 2007. Mr. Mehl is instructed to contact the Portage County Building Department to ask for specific direction to their report. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

Dave suggested Mr. Mehl should contact Regional Planning Commission to see if there is grant money available to help him tear down or repair these buildings. Dave and Jim will inform Mr. Mehl.

Jim sent the letter last week to Mr. Krummel. He has not received a response. The Board agreed to wait a month and then seek advice from Chris Meduri.

Jim received a letter from the Health Department regarding the changes that were made regarding septic and lot sizes. Jim will make a copy for the Board and Judy Adamson for their review.

FISCAL OFFICER

JoAnn received a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control of a request for a new liquor license from John W. Denning DBA Rootstown Rental Hall, 4454 Tallmadge Road, Rootstown. Dave recalls a petition being signed years ago by the neighbors in that area and thought that area was a “dry area”. This location used to be a bar years ago. JoAnn thought a resolution would need to be adopted by the Trustees. The Board agreed to request a hearing. JoAnn said she would contact Chris Meduri for his advice and the Sheriff’s Office to provide any history of complaints at that site for as many years back as possible.

Resolution No. 2007-031 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to request a public hearing in regards to the notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a new liquor license from John W. Denning DBA Rootstown Rental Hall, 4454 Tallmadge Road, Rootstown. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

JoAnn received a letter of interest for the Zoning Board from Mr. Dan Dillabough.

JoAnn gave the Board copies of the civil complaint filed in regards to the Water Company from Chris Meduri.

Resolution No. 2007-032 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to enter into executive session at 7:00 PM to discuss personnel matters. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Resolution No. 2007-033 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to exit executive session at 7:08 PM. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Resolution No. 2007-034 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to appoint Michael Finan as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals term ending December 31, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, absent.

Resolution No. 2007-035 - Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Resolution No. 2007-036 - Motion was made by David Armentrout to adjourn at 7:20 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

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David Armentrout
Chairman

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer