MINUTES OF THE ROOTSTOWN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
September 11, 2007
The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on September 11, 2007. Those in attendance were Trustees Bonnie Howe, Diane Dillon and David Armentrout, JoAnn Townend, Fiscal Officer, Darrell Stephens, Jim Mahood, Van Black and Chief Palmer.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Resolution No. 2007-130 – Motion made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to approve the minutes of August 28, 2007. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
ZONING INSPECTOR’S REPORT
Jim Mahood reported that there were twelve (12) acts of business the past two weeks.
Jim has been checking the Portage County Auditor’s website regarding ownership of the duplexes on Campbellsport Rd. as well as reviewing old zoning records. He is still reviewing records to determine ownership.
Jim also reported that there has been no additional cleanup on Broadway but is still monitoring progress.
Jim reported that he spoke to Prosecutor Meduri regarding the Firehouse Restaurant on State Route 44 after reviewing the zoning permits of the past owners with regard to permitted uses. He stated that original permits did not include service on the patio (front porch) and it was not zoned commercial. Prosecutor Meduri advised that the parties (Firehouse Restaurant) should go back before the Zoning Board of Appeals for clarification since the area is now zoned commercial and that the permitted uses in the area include outside service at Billock’s/Alcapulco Restaurant.
Firehouse owners Tony Begetta and Joe Yacobucci were in attendance and stated that they do not offer service outside on the patio (front porch). Patrons do carry beverages outside which is permitted with their license from the State Liquor Board. They also stated that since the State of Ohio’s smoking ban went into effect that they have taken the laws seriously and do not allow smoking in their establishment. They asked the Trustees if this is a zoning issue or noise issue. Since receipt of a letter from Rootstown Zoning they have told their patrons that they are not permitted to talk on the patio (front porch) and have lost business and will continue to do so. They also stated that they personally talked to the complainant about the issues.
Jim Mahood stated that he believed that going before the Zoning Board of Appeals is just a formality and that Billock’s Ice Creamery/Alcapulco Restaurant sets a precedent of permitted use.
Diane Dillon asked if they were keeping the door closed and noise down. Tony and Joe admitted that there have been instances that patron’s have propped the door open – but they and/or their staff closes it as soon as they see it – keeping up with their promise to comply.
The Trustees agreed that the Firehouse Restaurant can immediately return to regular business (permitting talking on the patio/front porch again) pending the outcome of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in October.
Jim advised the Trustees of the 2007 upcoming planning and zoning workshop.
Dave advised the Trustees of a replat of property at New Milford and Tallmadge Road going before the Regional Planning Commission.
ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Darrell reported that he met with the County Engineer’s office regarding the retention pond on Cobblestone. It can be converted to a dry pond if desired.
The paving company will begin grinding Cobblestone tomorrow (Wednesday, September 12th) and hope to begin paving next week. He will meet with Dan from the County Engineer’s office about the bad spot on Cobblestone and ask for recommendations to remedy the situation.
Both Diane and Darrell are checking with potential consultants to work with Darrell on road specifications.
Resolution No. 2007-131 – Motion made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to hire a consultant for Cobblestone Trail not to exceed Thirty and 00/100 dollars ($30.00) per hour. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
Darrell reported that he is in need of additional road signs and posts and would like to place an order for them.
Resolution No. 2007-132 – Motion made by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to order signs and posts at a cost not to exceed Two thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($2,500.00) Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
Darrell reported that he had a telephone message from a resident of Herriff Road concerning the accident. The resident stated that the road signs were up a month before the accident. Darrell has the police report. He stated that the signs were brand new and had been on the sign inventory required by our insurance company.
Darrell also reported that he got a price on an International Truck from State Purchasing in the amount of $56,979.00. He is going to confer with Randolph Township when their bids come in for the same type of truck as to pricing.
He has had two funerals in the past week.
Darrell asked the Trustees how many cremation remains were to be on a 4’ x 4’ lot. The Trustees agreed that one cremation remain would be on a 4’ x 4’ lot and that the maximum flat marker size for that lot would be 1’ x 2’. The Trustees also agreed that the cost for one cremation lot would be $125.00.
Darrell said he is waiting to look at maps of the cemetery for easements before he makes his recommendation as to where the maintenance building at the cemetery should be built.
For salt pricing purposes, Darrell recommended that we estimate 1400 tons will be used for the 2007/2008 winter season.
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Chief Palmer reviewed recommendations from our ambulance billing company to increase transportation rates to non-residents to meet the average standard of the pre-hospital billing.
Resolution No. 2007-133 – Motion made by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to increase transportation rates to non-residents as recommended by our ambulance billing company. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
Chief Palmer asked the Trustees if he should proceed with scheduled fire hydrant maintenance and painting. The Trustees agreed that fire hydrant maintenance and painting should continue as scheduled in order to insure the safety of Rootstown residents.
Chief Palmer reported that in the month of August the fire department ran the following calls:
| EMS | 42 calls |
| Fire Calls | 21 calls |
| Car Accidents: | 8 calls for a total of 71 calls |
| Mutual Aid was received on 5 calls and given on 10 calls. | |
He advised the Trustees that Rootstown Fire will be touring the new Brimfield Lowes this evening with the Brimfield Fire Department.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Park Land Development
Resolution No. 2007-134 – Motion made by Diane Dillon and seconded by David Armentrout to take proposals on construction a 1.6 acre pond and to cut in and rough grade approximately 1600 ft. of roadway at the Park on September 20, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
The proposals will be opened, read aloud and tabulated at a special meeting September 20, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the Townhall.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dave received a letter from Rootstown Schools regarding a meeting on September 18, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. to explore the possibility of an annual Rootstown Community and Alumni Festival.
Dave received a letter from the Portage County Combined General Health District regarding the prevention of the spread of rabies.
FISCAL OFFICER:
JoAnn Townend reviewed mail that was received:
JoAnn reported that she received a call from Ohio Police and Fire regarding reports that were to be filed by the prior clerk in 1998 that they do not have and that she will begin looking in the archives in hopes of finding them.
Resolution No. 2007–135 - Motion by Diane Dillon and seconded by Bonnie Howe to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: David Armentrout, yea; Diane Dillon, yea; Bonnie Howe, yea.
Resolution No. 2007–136 - Motion by Bonnie Howe and seconded by Diane Dillon to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
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David Armentrout
Chairman
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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer