Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
January 18, 2010

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, January 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Karen Henry
AnneMarie Mullenix
Rob Swauger
George Tishma
Helen Vari

Absent:

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Assistant Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary

The meeting was called to order by the secretary and everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no audience members present. The group was anticipating a visit from Brett Housley, the newly elected Trustee; however he did not attend.

The secretary asked for nominations for Chairperson for the year 2010. Karen Henry made a motion to nominate AnneMarie Mullenix to remain as Chairperson. Helen Vari seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. Mrs. Mullenix accepted the nomination. VOTE AS FOLLOWS: Vari, YES; Henry, YES; Swauger, YES; Mullenix, ABSTAIN; Tishma, ABSENT (arrived at 7:20 pm).

Helen Vari made a motion to nominate Rob Swauger to remain as Vice Chairman for 2010. Karen Henry seconded the motion. Mr. Swauger accepted the nomination. VOTE AS FOLLOWS: Henry, YES; Vari, YES; Mullenix, YES; Swauger, ABSTAIN; Tishma, ABSENT (arrived at 7:20 pm)

At this time Chairperson, AnneMarie Mullenix, took charge of the meeting. The group agreed to keep the same meeting date and time for the current year. It will remain the Third Monday of the Month at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, even though it falls on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day.

Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, gave a short report on the status of the township. There have been a few zoning permits. A new pizza shop has opened on the corner of Tallmadge Road and SR 44. Larry’s Car Care Center, located on SR 44 near the I-76 east entrance ramp has closed.

Karen Henry made a motion to approve the December 2009 Zoning Commission minutes as presented. Rob Swauger seconded the minutes and all ayes were heard.

The group discussed things that will be considered as tentative goals for the year. The previous year’s goals were reviewed and the topic of bikeways to connect to the county plan was a leftover item so that will be included for this year. Possible updates on the fencing regulations will again be put on the table as well.

Rob Swauger brought up the subject of JEDD participation for Rootstown Township. In the past, the Trustees passed on joining this Joint Economic Development District. With budgets being so limited and the possibility of helping with the economy, maybe they could visit this again since there was a change in trustees.

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan addendum was reviewed along the lines of potential changes that may still need to be implemented. The PRD section had been amended with changes to setbacks and density; however, no new developments have been applied for with the economy at its current state.

Another potential area to review might be C-1 & C-3 districts that could be opened up to include more businesses. There may be new things pertaining to keeping the township green which will be potentially on the zoning commission’s agenda for action.

Chairperson, AnneMarie Mullenix, again reminded the group to bring any other goals which they feel needs to be worked on this year. Fencing will be first and foremost, beginning in February.

The next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission will be February 15, 2010.

Karen Henry made a motion to adjourn. Rob Swauger seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

__________________________________
Ann Marie Mullenix, Chairperson
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary