The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on August 28, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees David Armentrout, Diane Dillon and Bonnie Howe. Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Darrell Stephens, Jim Mahood, Van Black, and Julie Carpenter.

Resolution No. 2007-124 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to accept the minutes with changes of August 14, 2007. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Dave reported that the Board of Trustees attended a non-binding arbitration this morning as requested by the Rootstown Water Company and their legal counsel in regards to who should maintain the fire hydrants. After several hours of discussion there was no agreement made unless there is some other form of contact with the Rootstown Water Company at a later date. We will be notified as to when Judge Pittman will be hearing this information. The mediator asked all parties involved not to comment on the discussion held during this non-binding arbitration meeting.

Jim Greener, a resident of Rootstown Township was present to hear the outcome of the court decision. He asks if the issues were carefully refined and if everyone understood their position. Dave said a court appointed mediator guided the discussion and asked questions.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Darrell met with the County Engineer regarding Issue 2. We were one of three Townships that were on the bottom of the list that were awarded money for 2008 paving. This project will include replacing the curbs and paving of Sabin Drive, Seifer Drive, Ruth Drive and Moser Drive. This will be a 50/50 match.

Barbicas Construction Company will begin paving Hogle, Curtis, Cobblestone and Pebble Drive after Labor Day. Darrell asked them for the left over road grindings to be used for the gravel portion of Lynn Road and the rest will be used for the trails at the park.

Darrell has been in contact with the resident who had the accident on Herriff Road. A road closed sign was placed due to the flooding.

The County will request a letter regarding the retention pond in Clover Development.

Darrell is still in the process of truck bidding.

The tires on the trucks need to be replaced before winter. Darrell will get quotes. Darrell presented the Board a map of the cemetery. Dave said we need procedures for cremation lots. Dave suggested scheduling a work session.

The trees for the cemetery will be planted in the fall.

Jim Greener congratulated the Township for getting their share of Issue 2 funds. He said the pond at Clover Development isn’t actually a retention pond. The Portage County Water Resources eliminated a pump station on that site. When that site is cleared you will find a retention pond without the wall. It is actually a low spot that retains water.

ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT

There were two (2) acts of business.

Jim sent a letter to the Bakers residents stating their 30 days for cleaning up their property has expired. Jim noted the camper is still in the front and the tires and fender need to be removed. The letter also granted them an extension to September 14th to clean up their property or the Board will be forced to seek legal counsel.

Jim said the Road Crew inspected the park pavilion after it was reserved. The resident picked up the check. JoAnn spoke to the State Auditor’s Office and we need to deposit the money and re-issue another check. Diane prefers not to reserve the pavilion; we don’t have any way to monitor or guarantee the person who rented it will actually get it. Who will police that area? Dave prefers to have a policy where residents could reserve it through the Zoning Department. Bonnie agrees with reserving it, but what happens if something is damaged, how do we prove who did it? The Board agreed to table this discussion at this time and agreed that we will not receive deposits and it will be based on first come, first serve.

Jim spoke to the secretary of the Methodist Church on State Route 44 regarding the lot next to the church needing to be mowed. Jim reported this afternoon the lot has been partially cut.

Jim said there is a 2-family dwelling on Campbellsport Road whose lot needs mowed, but there is nothing in the computer stating it is an unconditional permit. The Board suggested the Auditor’s web site. Dave said he would contact the owner.

Dave requested that any information regarding the Methodist Church contact Bonnie or Diane because he feels it would be a conflict of interest.

Dave received a complaint from a resident who lives close to the Mexican Restaurant. On Tuesday nights they have music playing on the loud speaker outside and a car show. Dave asked Jim to investigate their permit to see if music outside is allowable.

Mrs. Witted, a resident on State Route 44 who lives across the street from the Firehouse Bar & Grill was present to express her concerns of the loud music and people drinking outside. Jim believes that according to their permit there is no patio/deck allowed at this facility. The Board agreed for Jim to send a letter stating we are still having complaints. Dave said if Mrs. Witted has any more complaints to contact him.

Resolution No. 2007-125 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to set a public hearing for zoning amendment 2007-007 – Family, Dwelling/Attached Single Family on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 6:00 PM at the Rootstown Town Hall. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Vera Hamrick asked the Trustees if they knew why the trees were being cut down on Seifer and Ruth Drives. Jim said there hasn’t been a permit purchased, but it is a buildable lot. Some of the trees were tagged so they may be just clearing it out.

RESIDENT’S COMMENTS

Paul Galido was present to update the Trustees on the Portage County Bicentennial. The Board informed him that Shirley Riemenschneider was present at the last meeting. The Board agreed to take some forms to be placed at the Community Awareness Day on the Legacy Project. Mr. Galido said the cookbooks would be available soon at a cost of $8.00. The actual Bicentennial is June 9, 2008. There will be a gala at NEOUCOM January 19, 2008. Tickets will be $100.00 per person.

NEW BUSINESS

Dave will contact Ohio Edison regarding the letter that was sent several months ago requesting them to install a streetlight at Kenneth Drive and Tallmadge Road.

Resolution No. 2007-126 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe request Ohio Edison to install a streetlight at the corner of Jennifer Drive and New Milford Road and Kelly Drive and New Milford Road. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Dave reported that Al Mellott is stepping down from his contracting duties with the Township. He was inspecting the roads in new developments. The Board asked Julie to send him a letter of thanks him for his services.

FISCAL OFFICER

JoAnn spoke to Burnham and Flowers and they informed her that the price would not change for health benefits; you have to have less than ten (10) employees for a reduction.

Resolution No. 2007-127 – Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to renew the lighting district agreement. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea. JoAnn received a check from Betty and Dorothy Davis for $275.00 for the purchase of a tree for the cemetery in honor of their parents who would have been turning 100 years old. The Board asked Julie to send a letter acknowledging receipt. Dave said he would also contact her.

Resolution No. 2007-128 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Jim Greener asked the Board why there is a 3-way stop sign posted at Sandy Lake Road and Meloy? Diane said she had asked Mickey Marozzi and he said there is not enough clearance to place a stop sign at that intersection due to safety reasons.

Resolution No. 2007-129 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe to adjourn at 6:50 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

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David Armentrout
Chairman

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer