Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
June 20, 2011

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, June 20, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Rootstown Town Hall.

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

Absent:

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 to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee, Brett Housley, was in attendance and he began by thanking Amanda Lewis for her time as a member of the Zoning Commission. She has submitted her resignation, effective July 1, 2011.

Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, provided a handout that contained information on vendors who set up in a temporary location for a limited amount of time. The trustees would like to have some regulations on this type of business, as currently there are none in the zoning resolution. The zoning commission will research this and begin the process of coming up with some stipulations to put on requirements for this type of business. The Ohio Revised Code does have some regulations. A sampling of a township in a neighboring county's regulations was given and it requires a permit and renewals along with placing a time limit on these temporary vendors. Health Department approval and vendor's license are required.

Concerns include whether the temporary vendors might take business from the local permanent businesses. Other concerns might be the safety of the public when approaching these units as pedestrians when vehicle traffic is also present. This type of business is not the same as roadside stands.

The July meeting of the zoning commission will include brainstorming of what type of application, regulations, stipulations, licenses, time limits, etc. need to be added to the zoning resolution for transient vendors.

George Tishma made a motion to accept the minutes of the May 16, 2011 zoning commission minutes as presented. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Mrs. Mullenix reported that her attendance at the recent regional meeting was very informative. She expects to be able to attend the fall meeting as well. Mr. Mahood asked for the zoning commission members to let him know if they will be attending the July regional zoning seminar.

A new deli/meat shoppe has been opened behind the corner pizza shop at S.R. 44 and Tallmadge Road. The Ohio Truck & Trailer building on Tallmadge Road has been sold. A Bakery is also a newer business in the township located on Tallmadge Road at the front of the location of Moser's storage units.

Discussion followed on nuisances. High grass is a big priority at this time. Many foreclosed/abandoned houses have the problem and locating the owner is sometimes difficult. If Jim Mahood has a valid address for the person, bank or financial institution, or real estate company, a letter is sent to remind them of the health issues of wild animals, etc. and the effect it has on neighboring residences.

George Tishma feels that something needs to be added to our zoning resolution that will be more specific to grass length, etc. The group has received some sample ordinances in the past and it will be put on the agenda for July. Mr. Housley will also get the trustees' position on what might be considered for inclusion on grass length nuisances. A reasonable standard needs to be researched. It might be something that can be stipulated as to lot size or to subdivisions rather than including agriculture districts. Another possibility would be to add it to the current nuisances under Section 230 - nuisances prohibited.

The next regularly scheduled zoning commission is July 18th, 2011.

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

__________________________________
Ann Marie Mullenix, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary