Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
June 21, 2010

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission held a public hearing on Monday, June 21, 2010, 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
Trustee, Brett Housley

Chair, AnneMarie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.

Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Zoning Commission submitted to the trustees a list of potential goals that they will work towards in the upcoming months. One of the goals involved adding hike and bike trails in our area to connect to the existing trails. Karen Henry is very interested in this endeavor and volunteered to work with whomever to learn if grants are needed, how to get started, and procedures to follow, etc. Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, said the park committee is working on extending and upgrading the current trails. He suggested that Karen contact Trustee Diane Dillon and get caught up on what has already been done in that area so as not to duplicate efforts.

Discussion followed on what the zoning commission may want in the way of adding commercial business in the township. Tax abatements are usually given, therefore this is less beneficial. The area on S.R. 44 north of Wendy’s had been considered in recent years, but it was not followed through. Mr. Mahood will help prioritize as progress is made, as he is the one who gets calls on all aspects of zoning.

Nuisance laws were discussed at length. Mr. Mahood has received many calls about tall grass and currently the township has no regulation on grass length.

Helen Vari feels that when businesses leave the township, the sign for that business should have to be removed within a specific amount of time. Mr. Mahood said there are no regulations in our zoning book regarding this.

There are businesses leaving the township and the tax base is affected. Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine is expanding soon and will be changing their name. They have added pharmaceutical and soon dental and will be considered a university. Mr. Housley mentioned that some private medical research companies might want to work with NEOUCOM. Behind Giant Eagle may be a good place to expand. Funding issues may be a big concern.

Karen Henry made a motion to accept the May 17, 2010 zoning commission meeting minutes as presented. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

The proposed amendment for fencing that was initiated in February was next on the agenda. This had been tabled by Portage County Regional Planning Commission and therefore on hold until such time as they continued their discussion and finalized their recommendation. Chris Meduri, the township’s legal counsel also provided additional comments and his approval as to the legal form submitted.

Much discussion followed on the size of lots that allow small farm animals. If the lots are in subdivisions, the builders may need to put deed restrictions. The R-1 districts also include farms; therefore, this is defined in the section on agriculture uses. George Tishma is concerned as his subdivision owners went out of business and with no homeowners association, many problems have no solutions.

The minimum rear yard setback for a fenced-in area for small animals currently is 5 feet and the proposed 1-foot from the side or rear lot line was up for more discussion. Regional Planning had indicated that either one would be acceptable; therefore, the group decided to re-visit the distance.

Helen Vari made a motion to modify the small animal fenced area to 3 feet (from 1-foot) in Section 230.05 C. 1. d. iii - and accept the proposed amendment for fencing as recommended by Portage County Regional Planning Commission. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Henry, YES; Vari, YES; Tishma, YES; Lewis, YES; and Mullenix, YES. Motion passed 5/0

This proposed amendment will now be forwarded to the Trustees for action by them at a public hearing.

Next month’s regular meeting will be July 19, 2010.

Karen Henry 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