Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
January 15, 2007

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission held a public hearing on January 15, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Bob Baumgardner
Dorothy Filing
Paul Galido
David Ries, alternate
Richard Petro , alternate
Robert Swauger
Helen Vari

Absent:

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Assistant Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary
Brent Artman, Engineer/Wintergreen Point development

Chair, Dorothy Filing, called the meeting to order. Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bob Baumgardner made a motion to approve the December 2006 minutes as presented. Rob Swauger seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Trustee Dave Armentrout was given the floor to introduce the newly appointed zoning commission members. He also thanked the current panel for their dedication to serving the township. Mrs. Helen Vari will be serving a 5-year term as a regular member, Richard Petro and David Ries will be alternate members. He also briefly explained the zoning procedures and the timeframe by which they work. The alternate members are urged to attend all meetings to get familiar with the things being discussed and ready to form opinions needed for voting on agenda items.

Mr. Armentrout also gave a brief update on a few things happening in the township. A township park is being created with soccer fields and ball fields on 18 acres of land purchased by the trustees from the Swinehart family. The park committee is working on plans and excavation may begin as soon as this summer.

A joint meeting of all township groups is held annually and should be upcoming in March. The Zoning Board of Appeals is still one member short, but appointments may still be made. He emphasized the importance of good conduct on the part of the township board members.

Every three years there are studies done with a risk management group. They find things for the township to tweak to make them less responsible in case of liabilities. This year it involves signage in the community - stop signs, where they are located, etc. Also, Regional Planning Commission has a good working relationship with the township in reviewing potential changes for the regulations, etc. Their input is always taken into account, as well as the prosecuting attorney’s legal opinion, before changes are finalized. Mr. Armentrout is Rootstown’s representative on the Regional Planning Commission and basically all townships and some municipalities are members. Kent City tried to withdraw but a court process has followed to decide if that option is legal.

Trustee Dave Armentrout is the liaison to the zoning commission this year as well. Trustee Diane Dillon is liaison to the fire department, and Trustee Bonnie Howe is the road department liaison. He mentioned a few upcoming workshops regarding land use and zoning laws and regulations and said the registration for zoning commission members is paid (or reimbursed) by the clerk for those who wish to attend. There will also be other workshops later in the year which may be more beneficial for new members. Before leaving for another meeting, Mr. Armentrout also talked about a county bi-centennial event being planned for soon.

Chair, Dorothy Filing, had everyone present give an overview of their background so all members could get acquainted with the new people and so they would have an idea of others’ reasons for serving the community, how long each has lived in the area, etc. The new members are very interested in being involved in the community.

The application for the Final Development Plan for Phase 2 & 3 of Wintergreen Point subdivision at Meloy Road near Sandy Lake Road was first on the agenda. Brent Artman, Engineer of the project was given the floor for his presentation. This initial project was begun in early 2004. The whole project includes 99 lots, but Phase 2 & 3 involves 71 remaining lots. All utilities for the development are installed and grading has been done; however the remaining roads have not been completed. The market is down at this time; however 6-8 homes are already built. Approvals from Water Resources, Ohio EPA, Portage Soil & Water, and the Portage County Engineer have been obtained. The maps provided showed general lot layout, utility layout, storm water management and general grading. There are two builders working in the development – Dutch Heritage and Blonder; however, lot buyers can also use another contractors if they wish. Wintergreen Lane has been dedicated as a township road.

Questions to Mr. Artman were next. Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector, asked about the frontage of lot 91, which is listed as 55 feet frontage on the map provided. This would not meet the township regulations of 60 feet, so Mr. Artman will check to see if that was a clerical error and have it corrected to meet the specifications. Also, Mr. Mahood asked if the second access road, Ivy Trail, on Rootstown Road was going to have a sign. Mr. Artman feels it will be a secondary access for emergency mostly and probably not signed to bring attention to it.

Rob Swauger asked about sidewalks, and they are being installed by the lot owners as the homes are constructed. The subdivision installs handicapped curb ramps, though. $42,500 is the average price of lots in this subdivision and there’s a minimum of 1,800 SF for dwellings. The fire department has approved all culdesacs. Downspouts go into retention basins adjacent to the wetlands before heading towards final drainage.

Bob Baumgardner made a motion to approve the Final Development Plan for Phase 2 & 3 of Wintergreen Point with the stipulation of the 55 feet frontage on Lot 91 be corrected to 60 feet. Paul Galido seconded the motion and vote as follows: Rob Swauger, YES; Paul Galido, YES; Bob Baumgardner, YES; Helen Vari, YES; and Dorothy Filing, YES – passed 5/0

Jim Mahood informed the group that he received information which indicates new septic regulations may be coming into effect soon. The requirement of one & one-half acre may be changed. There’s a lot of confusion and the health department personnel are being trained on new procedures at this time. New laws may be based on whether the landowners have city water instead of wells, though. Much more discussion on this subject will be forthcoming.

Mrs. Filing updated the group on the progress of the Planned Residential Development chapter review and the background of what has been suggested as potential changes so far. The zoning commission will get back on track next month by involving the new members in the discussion. The secretary will provide the latest draft for everyone again.

Election of officers was next. Rob Swauger made a motion to keep the same officers as last year. Dorothy Filing said that she would accept the chair position and Bob Baumgardner said he would accept the vice-chair position. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, February 19, 2007.

Bob Baumgardner made a motion to adjourn. Paul Galido seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

____________________________
Dorothy Filing, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, Secretary