The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on May 22, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees David Armentrout and Bonnie Howe. Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Jim Mahood, Van Black, Chief Palmer, John Lallathin and Julie Carpenter.

Resolution No. 2007-083 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to accept the minutes of April 27, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, absent, Bonnie Howe, yea.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

There were fifteen (15) acts of business.

Jim gave the Board an updated version of his job description.

Jim asked if the Township owns the new sign at the park. A permit would need to be issued if it wasn’t. The Board said the Township owns it.

Jim has been in contact with both residents on Broadway in regards to the violation letters being sent to clean up their property. Both residents have agreed to work with Jim.

The Zoning Commission will be presenting the Board with two (2) definitions for zoning amendments regarding skill games as well as assisted heating units that are placed outside.

Jim informed the Board that the Board of Appeals approved the Blake issue on Biltz Road as additional information was provided. Dave said the Board of Appeals heard this issue at three (3) different meetings because the applicant provided additional information each time.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Issue 2 has been completed.

The bids have been completed for Hogle, Curtis, Cobblestone and Pebble and are ready to be advertised.

The flags are in and have been hung and placed on the graves.

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

The park sign was installed today.

The soil has been tested at the park and came back good. The pond will have to be re-located due to a gas line in the area.

Resolution No. 2007-084 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by David Armentrout to advertise for bids for Hogle, Curtis, Cobblestone and Pebble for the 2007 road improvement project. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, absent, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Dave said he appreciated Diane and the Park Committee planting several hundred trees at the park last Saturday.

The Memorial Day parade is Monday, May 28th at 10:00 AM. John will drive the Trustees for the parade.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

We currently have three (3) fire levies that generate money for operation of the fire department. They need to be renewed every five (5) years with the exception of the .9 mill levy, which is a continuous levy.

Levy	Tax Year	Expires
1.3 mil	2009	2010
2.85 mil	2010	2011

We are a year behind collection funds. The 1.3 mill levy can be placed on the ballot in fall of 2009 or anytime in 2010. The 2.85 mill levy can be placed on the ballot in the fall of 2010 or anytime in 2011.

For the month of April the following calls were made:

EMS:	40
Fire:	16
Car Accidents:	4
Total:	60

April billing $1,620.00 and collections $1,390.23 for non-resident ambulance billing. To date they have collected $10,825.95 and billed $14,994.00.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Bonnie will ask Darrell if he contacted Rob Such (surveyor) regarding the cremation plots.

PARK

The Park Committee met on May 10th and planted about 400 tree saplings in a starter bed across from the concession stand.

Dale Miller will be meeting with Portage County Soil and Bill Hahn to dig test holes for the placement of the lake.

The Englehart property transferred. JoAnn is to write a letter to the well company so the mineral rights and royalties transfer to the township.

Diane told Don Smith he could farm the upper part of the parkland this year. He is going to check with Dale to coordinate the pond and driveway location.

JoAnn will check with the Auditor’s Office to make sure the Englehart property will be tax exempt.

The soccer club is still trying to coordinate with their excavators for a time to prepare soccer fields for use next year.

NEW BUSINESS

Bonnie gave the Board a report on local government funds.

Dave received notification from Ohio Edison of a reduction in electrical rates.

The Board acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office regarding hold harmless and indemnification provisions.

Resolution No. 2007-085 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to remove restrictions reducing load limits signs on all Township roads. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, absent, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Dave spoke to Mr. Krummel owner of the several rental homes in Marsh Creek Development regarding under aged drinking. Mr. Krummel will be sending letters to association members that they are going to be evicted if these parties continue. The Sheriff’s Department is also aware of these incidents.

American Monument Granite Company will be hosting business after hours for the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 23rd from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

The Board acknowledged receipt of correspondence from the First Congregational Church approving the movement of the flagpole.

Dave attended River Day 2007, Saturday, May 19th which included the Breakneck Creek Coalition. Dave and Dan Frank volunteered to create a new trail along the river.

Dave said the Board meeting scheduled May 8th was cancelled due to the conflict with the Board of Elections using the Town Hall.

FISCAL OFFICER

The Board asked Julie to send a letter to the State Representatives opposing video franchising SB117.

JoAnn gave the Board correspondence from Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor’s Office regarding Rootstown Township vs. Rootstown Water Company.

JoAnn gave the Board a copy of an invitation from the Ohio EPA Citizens Advisory Board regarding a public meeting on May 24th of a proposed reconstruction project along Lakewood Road in Ravenna Township.

JoAnn received an e-mail from Mr. Robenstine regarding the brick wall which is placed too close to Lynn Road (Epling project). The Board agreed to forward this to Jim Mahood.

JoAnn received an e-mail from Ms. Connair regarding no “road closed” signs posted before hand on Hattrick Road due to the railroad crossing. She is also concerned about the brick wall being built too close to Lynn Road. The Board agreed to forward this to Jim Mahood.

The Board asked Julie to send a letter to the Ohio EPA requesting a copy of the report from a spill that occurred on December 2006 at Mr. Albright’s on Hattrick Road (Report No. 0612-67-4603).

Dave would like to meet with Darrell and Al Mellott in the future regarding a long-term plan for re-paving roads.

Resolution No. 2007-086 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to adopt various Road Department forms. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, absent, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Resolution No. 2007-087 - 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.

Dave will be scheduling a training session with the Road Department to view training tapes.

Resolution No. 2007-088 - Motion was made by David Armentrout to adjourn at 6:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

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David Armentrout
Chairman

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer