Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
July 20, 2009The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, July 20,2009, a 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.
Present:
Karen Henry
Paul Galido
Rob Swauger
Ann Marie Mullenix
George TishmaAbsent:
Richard Petro
Helen VariAlso present:
Judy Adamson, secretary
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Assistant Zoning InspectorChairperson, Ann Marie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.
Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, handed out a flier which he is providing to the Trustees per their request. This information will be incorporated into a brochure and map of Rootstown Township which highlights the services of the Zoning Inspectors, Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Fire Department, etc.
The theme of this year's Portage County/Randolph Fair is "Family Time in 2009". The townships have displays for this occasion and group photos are included. Due to the fair schedule following so close the August meeting of the Zoning Commission, Mr. Mahood took a photo of those in attendance to be included in our township's display.
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Lewis of Sandy Lake Road were in the audience. They had spoke earlier in the day to Zoning Inspector Mahood about their interest in installing a wind turbine and asked about regulations. Mr. Mahood suggested they attend a meeting since that subject is one of the goals for the Zoning Commission to complete in the near future.
Mr. Mahood explained the time line for the procedures for approval of zoning regulations which the Zoning Commission submits to the Trustees. The county has begun to draft some wording for upcoming ordinances which the townships may adopt. This information has just been shared with the Zoning Commission and the plan was to begin the process of reviewing it to be included in the Zoning Resolution.
Mr. Lewis explained that he has contacted a company to begin the discussion which may lead to the installation of a wind turbine on his property. Much criteria needs to be met before the company will even consider negotiations. The Lewis' have 14 acres and now have geothermal heat and feel that a wind turbine would help significantly with their energy bills.
The Lewis' began their interest in wind turbines because of business ventures and the stimulus pack offered. Much research goes into deciding to take on such a project; some of which are the lay of the land, size of the property, closeness to buildings or residences, interruption of wind within 500 feet of trees, neighboring high tension wires, etc. They feel most of the criteria is already met. The bottom of the blades on wind turbines should be 20' higher than the trees.
With grants now available through 2009, the Lewis' wish to begin the process of applying for a variance, if needed, since there are no current regulations for wind turbines. With nothing on the books, Mr. Mahood feels it would fall under accessory use, which puts a 28' maximum height. Nearby Edinburg Township has recently had a similar request and a variance was denied in that case. Their zoning commission is now working on regulations as well.
Mr. Lewis provided more information on the type of wind turbine unit he wishes to install. It is a free-standing tower and it is hinged for maintenance. No guide wires are involved. It should supply about 40% of the power they would consume. It's a 10 KW unit and for efficiency it should be located no more than 300' from the home. The unit is cemented into the ground. The underground line then goes to the house. The installation is less than 10% of the value of the unit itself and a 12-year payback is typical. It was noted that Nelson Township is currently installing a unit. Studies show that the average wind speed in this area is 13 MPH. The turbine doesn't engage until it reaches 6 MPH and there are times of the year when it doesn't produce. If it produces more electricity than needed, it goes back into the grid system for public use. The typical tower height is usually between 90' - 120', making the top of the blade 130'. Of course nearby growing trees need to be considered.
Questions from the Zoning Commission members included Rob Swauger asking about the wind turbines affecting the flight path of airplanes. Mr. Lewis reported that companies do studies which measure that affect. Roof-top unit heights also need to be considered.
After a lengthy discussion, the group feels the regulations for wind turbines need to be included into the Zoning Resolution as soon as possible to be proactive. The time line for the final approval by the trustees may not happen prior to the federal grant expiration and perhaps a variance could be applied for. To apply for this grant a copy of the zoning certificate is needed. Owners also need to keep records on electricity produced and allow others to view the operation. Mr. Mahood offered to write a letter for Mr. Lewis stating that the township is currently working on regulations if that would help with his process by perhaps extending the expiration date for the grant.
If a variance is requested, they will review the issue and make a decision more quickly than the usual timeline of proposing the new regulations.
Karen Henry made a motion to add wind turbines on the agenda for the August meeting. George Tishma seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
Paul Galido made a motion to accept the June 15,2009 Zoning Commission meeting minutes as presented. George Tishma seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
The next regular agenda item was to review fencing regulations.
George Tishma made a motion to table the discussion on fencing regulations. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 17, 2009.
Karen Henry made a motion to adjourn. George Tishma seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
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Ann Marie Mullenix, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning CommissionJudy Adamson, secretary