Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
November 16, 2009

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, November 16, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Paul Galido
Karen Henry
Ann Marie Mullenix
Rob Swauger
George Tishma
Helen Vari

Absent:

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Assistant Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary

Chair, Ann Marie Mullenix, called the meeting to order everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Dave Armentrout was present and thanked the zoning commission members for their service and especially for attending the recent zoning seminar in Cleveland. The trustees encourage the members to attend these training seminars to learn some of the many facets of the newest zoning concerns. He mentioned the newly elected trustee will be working closely with everyone beginning in January and jointly they will be appointing persons to fill new or unexpired terms.

Since an unexpired term has not officially been filled by the trustees and two alternates are available, Chairperson, Ann Marie Mullenix, chose Karen Henry to be the voting alternate for this meeting.

After the recent work session to propose wind turbine and solar energy regulations, the secretary presented a rough draft chapter to be incorporated into the zoning resolution. The draft included the agreed-upon text for each section that was chosen from the most important things to be considered.

After reviewing the draft chapter, the group examined it again to see if further tweaking would be in order. Zoning Inspector, Jim Mahood, noticed a few places where more detail and cross-referencing in other chapters would keep it consistent. It was decided that only one wind turbine should be conditionally permitted on a lot with a principle building and it would be noted in the Purpose section as well as the Location and Setbacks section.

Paul Galido made a motion to include in the proposed Chapter 480 – Wind/Solar Energy Regulations – only one wind turbine unit per lot. This will be part of the text in PURPOSE as well as LOCATION AND SETBACKS sections. Helen Vari seconded the motion and voting was as follows: Vari, YES; Swauger, YES; Galido, YES; Henry, YES; and Mullenix, YES. – PASSED 5/0

In regard to the wind/solar energy being conditionally permitted in all zoning districts, the current Schedule of Permitted Uses (Section 310.03) will need to include a line showing it. Therefore, Rob Swauger made a motion to add the line to this chart. Karen Henry seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Galido, YES; Swauger, YES; Vari, YES; Henry, YES; and Mullenix, YES – Passed 5/0

To keep the consistency in the resolution by cross-referencing the wind/solar energy regulations in the commercial and industrial districts (Section 350.03 and 370.03) as well, and listing it as a conditional use in all districts (Section 390.04 and Section 390.05), Helen Vari made a motion to add the line items in those Schedules as well (stating “see Chapter 480”). Karen Henry seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Henry, YES; Galido, YES; Swauger, YES; Vari, YES; and Mullenix, YES – Passed 5/0

Definitions specific to wind energy will need to be approved for Chapter 150. Therefore, Karen Henry made a motion to add “SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM” AND “WIND ENERGY TURBINE” to Chapter 150 of the Zoning Resolution. Paul Galido seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Vari, YES; Swauger, YES; Galido, YES; Henry, YES; and Mullenix, YES. – PASSED 5/0

Paul Galido made a motion to add the following definitions for solar energy to Chapter 150 of the Zoning Resolution: “SMALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM”, SOLAR ENERGY”, and “SOLAR ENERGY DUAL PURPOSE”. Helen Vari seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Galido, YES; Swauger, YES; Vari, YES; Henry, YES; and Mullenix, YES – Passed 5/0

Karen Henry made a motion to accept a proposed new Chapter 480 – Wind/Solar Energy Regulations – as submitted, with the above changes. This will be forwarded to Portage County Regional Planning Commission and also to the township’s legal counsel for input and recommendations prior to forwarding to the trustees for final approval. Paul Galido seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Henry, YES; Galido, YES; Swauger, YES; Vari, YES; and Mullenix, YES – Passed 5/0

The rationale for adding the above-proposed amendment to the Zoning Resolution is to enhance the green effect and decrease fossil fuel consumption with renewable energy for the good of our township.

Helen Vari made a motion to approve the October Zoning Commission meeting minutes by including Paul Galido’s wish to correct the minutes to include the reason for his leaving the October meeting. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

The zoning inspector had no formal report this month.

There will be no work session in December.

Chairperson, Ann Marie Mullenix, asked members to bring goals for 2010 to the next meeting. The fencing issue will be back on the table again.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 21, 2009.

Karen Henry made a motion to adjourn. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

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Ann Marie Mullenix, Chairperson
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary