Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
July 21, 2008The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, July 21, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.
Present:
Paul Galido
Karen Henry
Ann Marie MullenixAbsent:
Rob Swauger
Helen Vari
Richard PetroAlso present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Asst. Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretaryChair, Paul Galido, called the meeting to order. Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustee Dave Armentrout was in attendance and he was given the floor first. He spent a few minutes updating the group on exciting things happening in Portage County and Rootstown Township. He is on the executive committee that meets with the county commissioners who have been working on budget hearings with each township prior to their own budget commission approval. The Portage County Regional Planning Commission is working to become self-sustaining and not need subsidizing from the county general fund. With development down at the present time, and basically only an educated guess what the economy may be, it’s hard to estimate the revenue coming in. The commissioners’ five-year plan is indicating a shift towards the red in the upcoming years.
The executive committee has recommended that Regional Planning raise their membership fees 15-cents per capita. This will cost Rootstown Township about $3,000 next year. Hopefully this will help the revenue level off; but if not, they may recommend another 5-cent raise the following year. The commissioners may still be uncertain as to whether they continue to subsidize Regional Planning. With costs and indirect costs of Regional Planning being considered they will continue to negotiate. With the current minimum staffing to handle the mandated work and deadlines it’s a complicated decision and they will continue the process. If the economic situation continues and the county decides to dissolve the Regional Planning Commission, the townships would need to hire consultants to do the job and that might cost even more than the potential raise they are requesting.
Trustee Armentrout made a few suggestions as to things the Zoning Commission could review and update as needed when situations arise from zoning concerns regarding safety, etc. Another consideration could be putting a deadline on finishing the landscaping of yards after new construction. Signs are another area where tweaking the resolution wording might be clearer. With new digital signs being used, distraction for motorists, etc. could be a factor.
Notifying neighbors when parcels are being considered for re-zoning is another area to be reviewed. Our resolution requires the notification per the minimum standards; however, a sign on the actual parcel(s) for those who may not get the newspaper or have access to the Internet might be another option. The Zoning Board of Appeals has brought the subject up to the trustees.
Trustee Armentrout also explained to the group the status of a Reverse 911 system that the county has been discussing for quite some time. The notification for tornados or natural calamities, for example, was the original purpose; however, their philosophy has somewhat changed to include Amber Alerts. Brimfield Township has recently installed a Reverse 911 service from an independent provider. The cost is about 10-cents a minute for the message to be recorded and called to all residents. Since the county has been stalled on their decision that may take several years, the trustees may consider doing their own until such time occurs. There are several capabilities which can be used, including calling to check on senior citizens and adding cell phones numbers to the list. Our old system of having only a siren in the community was not effective. Costs of buying and maintaining sirens are very high; therefore, when the new fire station was built it was not replaced. To many it was confusing – a tornado coming, or the all-clear sound, or many couldn’t hear it. The Reverse 911 system is extremely viable and mobile units are readily available if needed.
Chair, Paul Galido, asked for a motion to approve the May 2008 Zoning Commission minutes. Due to three members being absent and one of the attending members was not present at the May meeting, Mr. Galido made a motion to table the approval until the next meeting when a quorum is met.
The Zoning Inspector explained more details on the potential review of the chapter on signs. Currently the list of prohibited signs have been enough; but it is felt that with newer types of technology and displays with lights, the whole chapter should benefit with some minor updating and text changes. The amount of signs per parcel is also of concern and will be looked at since it was brought up.
Another area for a potential change in the resolution is where non-conforming use of properties that are in a re-zoned area cannot be re-built to the full value. Also, lending institutions have not been re-financing those homeowners because of the non-conforming use. This has affected more than one property owner recently.
The issue of un-cut lawns on vacant properties was brought up again. The township does not mow lawns. The zoning inspector issues a nuisance letter and refers complainers to the Health Department due to concerns of varmints, etc.
Leppo, Inc. is leaving the township. Bradco-Wickes is also closing. A new business is coming to S.R. 44 just south of Sandy Lake Road that installs stucco-type exteriors to buildings.
Summarizing the topics which will may be included on the list for discussion next month are:
- Putting a deadline on landscaping after new construction
- Signs – how many, kinds, heights, styles, lighting – review whole chapter
- Re-zoning properties – notification
Ann Marie Mullenix made a motion to adjourn. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
The next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission is scheduled for August 18, 2008.
_____________________________
Paul Galido, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning CommissionJudy Adamson, secretary