The regular meeting of the Rootstown Township Trustees opened at 5:30 p.m. on December 9, 2008. Those in attendance were Trustees Bonnie Howe and David Armentrout, Fiscal Officer, JoAnn Townend, Darrell Stephens, Jim Mahood, Van Black and Julie Gonzales.

Resolution No. 2008-224 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to accept the minutes of November 25, 2008. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: Diane Dillon, absent, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

ZONING DEPARTMENT

There was one (1) act of business.

Jim sent a violation letter to the Baker residents on Broadway Street regarding vehicles and other equipment on the road. Darrell said he is having difficulty plowing the road.

Resolution No. 2008-225 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe for Jim Mahood to work with Chris Meduri, Portage County Prosecutor if no response is made to the violation letter that was sent to the Baker resident on Broadway Street. Upon roll call the vote was as follows: Diane Dillon, absent, David Armentrout, yea, Bonnie Howe, yea.

Jim said Giant Eagle is expanding inside and they do not have to get a permit from the Township. Jim sent a letter to the County informing them of this project.

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Darrell will be meeting with Mark Hirst for a pre-construction meeting regarding the gas tank removal.

Darrell reported the letter informing residents who live in developments that are not dedicated that the Township will not be plowing their road as they are not yet Township road.

There were several residents from Marsh Creek Development present to express their concerns regarding the roads not being snow plowed.

George Tishma of Kelly Avenue said when he moved into his home he was not aware the street was not dedicated. He said there needs to be something in writing to make to make the homeowner aware. Robin Bishop spoke to Mr. Dale Haggarty, Developer of Marsh Creek and he said the roads have been inspected by Dan of the Portage County Engineer’s Office. The only things needing to be done are the sidewalks and some curb work.

Darrell said the Township plowed those streets last year and billed Mr. Haggarty.

Dale Haggarty, Developer of Marsh Creek was also present. He said he has done the proper paperwork for all the roads with an exception of the sidewalks. Dave asked Mr. Haggarty if he has someone for snow removal at this time. Mr. Haggarty said he has contacted several people, but doesn’t have anyone at this time. Dave said there will be legal recourse if he does not comply. Mr. Haggarty apologizes for everything and will do everything he can to fix the roads.

Darrell said he will continue to plow the roads in emergency situations only.

Resolution No. 2008-226 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe upon the recommendation of the Portage County Engineer to accept the following roads in Heron Creek Subdivision:

1. Heron Creek Drive (T.H. 1646) - .56 miles
2. Swan Creek Drive (T.H. 1647) - .09 miles

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

Darrell gave the Board and JoAnn copies of the 2008 inventory. He did not include the swing set and jungle gym at the park. The Board agreed to let Diane know.

The Fire Department inspected the Township buildings and there are several fire extinguishers that need to be mounted.

The new truck is back in the shop for repair. The tail and brake lights went out.

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

Darrell suggested tiling the floor at the park instead of painting.

The Road Crew will be attending the Randolph Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 15th.

RESIDENT COMMENTS

Sue Hensley of State Route 44 was present to inform the Trustees the house beside her is in foreclosure and they have left trash and items in the lawn. She has spoken to the Health Department and Jim Mahood. Dave said he will contact Jim.

NEW BUSINESS

The Portage County Bicentennial Time Capsule Ceremony and Reception will be held at the Portage County Historical Society on December 13th at 4:00 PM.

The Trustees received an invitation from the Regional Planning Commission for an Open House Celebrating the Retirement of Director Lynne Erickson on December 19, 2008, 1:00 -6:00 PM at the Regional Planning Commission Office.

Dave gave the Board a draft copy of the newsletter to be put in the Communicator. The deadline is Tuesday, December 16th.

FISCAL OFFICER

Resolution No. 2008-227 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to pay bills on file with the Fiscal Officer. Upon roll call all yeas and no nays.

Resolution No. 2008-228 – Motion was made by David Armentrout and seconded by Bonnie Howe to give a wage adjustment to the Fire Department employees. Upon roll call the vote as follows: David Armentrout, yea, Diane Dillon, absent, Bonnie Howe, yea.

There will be no meeting on Tuesday, December 23rd. The Board agreed to reschedule a brief meeting on Monday, December 29th at 5:00 PM at the Town Hall.

Resolution No. 2008-229 - Motion was made by Bonnie Howe to adjourn at 6:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

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Bonnie Howe
Vice Chairperson

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JoAnn Townend
Fiscal Officer