The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on May 26, 2009. Those in attendance were Trustees Bonnie Howe, David Armentrout and Diane Dillon, Chief Palmer, Jim Mahood, Van Black and Julie Gonzales.

Resolution No. 2009-105 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to accept the minutes of May 12, 2009. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Bonnie reported the following:

The signs at the park have been installed.

The paving in Bird Development is completed, except the berming in front of the mailboxes.

The Board asked Darrell to order more mulch for the playground at the park. They ask that he get a couple of quotes first.

The security camera will be installed at the end of the week.

The garage at the rental house is ready for the Historical Society. Dave agreed to contact Beverly Conrad.

The new phones have arrived for the road crew.

Dale Miller is getting a quote for the inspection of the soil where the underground storage tanks were removed.

There were no funerals since the last meeting.

The trees have been removed at Homeland Cemetery. The Board said the Cemetery looked really nice for Memorial Day.

Construction of the new storage building at the Homeland Cemetery will begin soon.

The crew will be installing pet stations, grills and tables prior to Saturday.

Diane will contact Mr. Burrell, who is opening the restrooms at the park.

Clean Up Day is Saturday, June 6th from 8:00 AM – Noon at the New Milford Road Recycling Site.

Shirley Riemenschneider presented the Board the “Rootstown Township” sign from the Portage County Bicentennial Road Show.

Mrs. Riemenschneider said the Legacy Project is still going on, she encourages residents to participate. They can send their story to Charlene Badger, Portage County Commissioners’ Office.

Mrs. Riemenschneider reminded the Board that the Rootstown Town Hall will be 200 years old in 2010. She is willing to help with any celebration.

Resolution No. 2009-106 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to gratefully accept the donation of the pavilion, situation placed at the Township Park from Rob and Diane Dillon. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

Diane suggested planting more trees at the park in the fall as well as staining the tables and benches by the dock.

The tables were installed in the pavilion. They have decided to insert the rings at a later date.

Portage County Solid Waste Management District is hosting a 2009 Great Garden Pot Roundup on Saturday, June 20th. Residents can bring old plastic pots and nursery containers to various locations. See the Record Courier for locations.

ZONING INSPECTOR REPORT

Jim reported there were six (6) acts of business.

Resolution No. 2009-107 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to hire an exterminator to spray the Town Hall in an amount not to exceed $300.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

Diane suggested Jim get quotes from A-Best and City Pest.

Resolution No. 2009-108 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Diane Dillon to enter into a real estate lease agreement for the property located at 3972 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH to Richard Kitchen for a period as approved in the agreement. The Board granted Mr. Kitchen to the following at his expense:

1. Extend the driveway 8-10 feet to allow a turn around upon the inspection of Jim Mahood and/or Darrell Stephens.
2. To allow Mr. Kitchen to have his satellite dish professionally mounted.

Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

Diane asked Jim if he would like to provide any information regarding the Zoning Department for the map that Municipal Publications is creating. Dave agreed to assist Jim.

FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT

Chief Palmer reported that they collected $2,925.92 for non resident ambulance bill in April. Year to date they have collected $12,970.55 and have billed $20,210.00.

Resolution No. 2009-109 – Motion was made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to apply for a FEMA Grant to purchase a new aerial ladder. The total grant request is $650,000.00. The federal government will pay 95% of this request or $617,500.00. The Townships portion would be $32,500.00. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

Chief Palmer reported letters have been delivered to the affected businesses regarding the proper phone numbers for the notification system. Once they receive this information they will edit the phone call list.

Bonnie received a letter from Karen Huhn who lives a few doors from the Fire Station. She says her back yard is wet due to the Townships pipe that was installed by the Fire Station. She suggested the Township put fill dirt in her back yard. Bonnie asked for an opinion from Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor and he said unless there is bona fide evidence establishing the Township’s actions have caused the water issue to develop, the Township has no statutory authority to expend public money to remedy a private water problem. Darrell will contact Portage County Soil & Water Conservation District to advise us.

The Township received a check from Donald and Bertha Farley donating $25,000.00 for the Homeland Cemetery Veterans Memorial Fund. The Board suggested JoAnn contact Chris Meduri as to how this donation can be spent.

RESIDENT’S COMMENTS

Todd Escola an Eagle Scout presented the Trustees a draft sign for the park. The total cost of the sign is $1,030.00. Todd was able to raise $290.00 and still needs $740.00. Bonnie gave Todd a list of several more agencies to contact. The Board agreed to give Todd another two (2) weeks to complete his task.

Carl Schrickel a resident of Lynn Road was present to express his concerns of two abandoned houses near his home on Lynn Road. Mr. Schrickel spoke to the zoning inspector on May 14th but has not received a call back. Mr. Schrickel has not contacted the Health Department. Dave will talk to Jim Mahood.

Resolution No. 2009-110 - Motion by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call the vote as follows: Bonnie Howe, yea, David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Dave spoke to Eddie from the sign shop in Ravenna and asked him for a proposal to spruce up the existing sign at the park. Eddie suggested putting a border and outlining the letters.

Dave spoke to Todd Peetz, Director of the Regional Planning Commission regarding the survey of the community. Mr. Peetz suggested sending the survey on a post card to household residents. The cost would be $1,300.00 including the mailing. Dave will get more information.

NEW BUSINESS

The Board is in receipt of the May 19, 2009 correspondence from Mickey Marozzi, Portage County Engineer’s Office regarding Storm Water.

Dave suggested the next project with school children could be to create a Township logo.

Diane reminded Bonnie to check with Darrell to see if the crew is taking inventory of the tables, etc. at the park.

Resolution No. 2009–111 - Motion by Diane Dillon to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.

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Bonnie Howe, Chairperson

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JoAnn Townend, Fiscal Officer