Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
February 15, 2010

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Dan Dillabough, Alternate
Karen Henry
Amanda Lewis, Alternate
AnneMarie Mullenix
George Tishma
Helen Vari

Absent:
Rob Swauger

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

Chair, AnneMarie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Newly-elected Trustee, Brett Housley, introduced himself. He is the liaison to the zoning commission. He also introduced the two new zoning commission alternates, Amanda Lewis and Dan Dillabough, who are both qualified and eager to serve.

Mr. Housley also informed the group that the trustees approved the proposed chapter to the zoning resolution on Wind and Solar Energy with slight modifications to the wording in a few places.

Mr. Housley also reminded the group that a joint meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Trustees will be held in April so that some goals can be set for this year and hopefully all groups can work together towards reaching them.

Mrs. Mullenix welcomed the alternates. The zoning commission members, zoning inspectors, and secretary introduced themselves and stated how long they have been serving in their capacities.

Karen Henry made a motion to approve the January 18, 2010 zoning commission meeting minutes as presented. George Tishma seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, gave a short report on the status of business in the township. Winter is a slow time. George Tishma reported that 10 lots were auctioned off in the Marsh Creek development near his home. The auctioneer reported that the properties were to be sold using the covenance of Phase I. They are required to follow those rules and some deed restrictions, which are sometimes more strict than township regulations.

Mr. Mahood also informed the group of the modifications the trustees made to the proposed Wind and Solar Chapter for the Zoning Resolution. He attended the public hearing and read from the notes he took as the changes were voted upon; however, the exact wording of the text changes will need to be forwarded to the zoning commission secretary for them to be officially incorporated into the regulations as they become effective.

Next on the agenda was the subject of fencing in agriculture areas of the township. This had been tabled for several months while the wind and solar energy chapter was being given priority.

Section 230.05 regarding Agricultural Uses and fencing of corrals is where any additions or changes would be inserted. A summary of the new line fence law for Ohio was used as a guide to decide if anything needs to be added in our resolution.

There are now three accepted types of fencing to contain livestock. There was considerable discussion on pasture fencing setbacks and whether the fences could or should be on the property lines, rather than the current 5-foot setback on side or rear lot lines. Maintenance of fencing was also discussed; however pasture fencing would be different from residential fencing. Liability issues were also mentioned.

General consensus about fencing being directly on the property line was that unless the exact boundaries have been surveyed and marked, it might be better to have a 1-foot clearance.

Karen Henry made a motion to add the three accepted types of fences as approved by the state of Ohio this past summer to Section 230.05 C d. They are:

  1. woven wire of standard or high tensile with one or two strands of barbed wire at least 48 inches from the ground;
  2. non-electric high tensile with at least seven strands constructed in accordance with NRCS standards; or
  3. barbed wire, electric or live fence agreeable to both landowners.

George Tishma seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Vari, YES; Henry, YES; Tishma, YES; Mullenix, YES.

Karen Henry made a motion to change the large animal corral side & back setback from the current 5 feet to 1 foot and also the small animal fencing setback from 5 feet to 1 foot. George Tishma seconded the motion and the vote was as follows; Henry, YES; Tishma, YES; Vari, YES; and Mullenix, YES.

The above proposed changes will be forwarded to Portage County Regional Planning Commission for review and recommendations and also to the township’s legal counsel for approval at a public hearing before being submitted for final approval by the trustees.

The next regularly scheduled zoning commission is scheduled for March 15, 2010.

Karen Henry made a motion to adjourn. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

__________________________________
Ann Marie Mullenix, Chairperson
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary