Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
May 17, 2010

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Karen Henry
Amanda Lewis
AnneMarie Mullenix
George Tishma
Helen Vari

Absent:
Dan Dillabough, Alternate
Van-Note Black

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary
Todd Peetz, Director – Portage County Regional Planning Commission

Chair, AnneMarie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.

Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Mullenix informed the group of the Trustees appointment of Amanda Lewis to fill the unexpired term of Rob Swauger who moved from the area. This term ends December 31, 2013.

Mr. Todd Peetz, Director of Portage County Regional Planning Commission, introduced himself and shared his extensive education and background prior to coming to Portage County recently. He is originally from this area. Bob Harris had been the planner working with the townships on zoning issues; however Mr. Peetz will now be the one who guides the zoning commission through future issues.

Mr. Peetz’ visit was in conjunction to the recent fencing changes which the zoning commission had requested. Regional Planning had tried to get a clarification from Ohio Extension Office regarding fencing types which are approved for livestock. The line fence regulations for pasturing livestock was revised and the township wished to incorporate some changes in our regulations as well. However, the proposed amendment as submitted also included subdivisions and the group felt that was not the intent. The reply from the OSU Extension office to Regional Planning explained that they are not a regulatory organization, but an educational organization and not considered a source to review such an issue. Mr. Peetz also shared line fence rules recently enacted which explains equal sharing of responsible for fences and recording the agreement between adjacent property owners at the county recorders office.

To exclude animal corrals in subdivisions would not be the answer because some lots are large enough to be considered for livestock. The Ohio Revised Code provides regulations on fencing for agriculture uses and prohibits animals running at large.

Mr. Peetz will check with the township’s legal counsel to see if an agreement between neighbors on shared line fences for livestock can be incorporated into our regulations. The Regional Planning Commission will revisit the issue for June and decide what language can be incorporated to best suit the proposed changes.

Mr. Peetz explained Regional Planning’s billing procedure for doing routine projects for the townships and when the researching time is counted towards allotted costs.

Zoning Inspector Jim Mahood reported that communication between the townships is becoming more proactive as they are meeting monthly at the county level with Regional Planning. They will work together to network and combine entities and check for untapped resources which can be shared.

Chair, Mrs. Mullenix, asked for nominations for the Vice Chair position. Helen Vari nominated Karen Henry. Mrs. Henry accepted the nomination. George Tishma seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Karen Henry made a motion to accept the April 21, 2010 minutes as presented. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion. All ayes were heard.

Next, the discussion on potential goals for the near future was on the table. It was decided to choose a few of the most important from the list of recommendations in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Addendum. A closer look may be taken on the grandfathering of duplexes in areas where they already exist. They are now conditionally permitted. Hiking trails in our area connected to others in the northern part of the county might be a good idea; however, grant money may be needed to get it started.

Allowing parkland in all areas of the township might be another possibility, instead of limiting it to particular areas. Mr. Mahood will check with the Trustees to see if the Zoning Commission has the authority to do this. Also, adding more commercial zoning parcels to the area north of Wendy’s on S.R. 44 may be a possibility to bring in more businesses.

The next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission is June 21, 2010.

Helen Vari made a motion to adjourn. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

__________________________________
Ann Marie Mullenix, Chairperson
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary