Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
November 21, 2011The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, November 21, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Rootstown Town Hall.
Present:
Steve Brown
Karen Henry
Robert Moses
AnneMarie Mullenix
George Tishma
Helen VariAbsent:
Van-Note BlackAlso present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretaryChair, AnneMarie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.
Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Zoning Inspector Report – Mr. Jim Mahood reported on the recent zoning seminar that he and two zoning board members attended in Cleveland. Portions of this seminar were informative although other sessions were repeats and not as interesting.
Another quarterly meeting was held at the county level and it covered topics and issues that are being discussed at the state level and could in turn affect the regulations for townships in the future. Grants were discussed. The International Maintenance Code will be used as a reference when certain issues are questioned. The Trustees will decide what will be incorporated into the zoning resolution. Mr. Mahood will pass on the information as he receives it.
Another topic of concern discussed at the county meeting was Internet cafes. There’s a bill in the senate now that will take the control from the township and may require licensing by the state. As this progresses the zoning inspector will pass along the information. The current regulations limit where these businesses can be located.
The proposed amendment regarding garage sale regulations will be heard by the Trustees at their public hearing tomorrow. Many township residents have already expressed their frustration to the zoning inspector and zoning commission members in regard to placing limits on the number of sales; therefore, presence of the public is expected.
A new business is coming to the township soon. Land is now being prepared for the new building near Repair That Glass on Prospect Street/S.R. 44. It’s a baseball academy that has outgrown its current location in Ravenna.
General discussion included whether a motel is being considered for the township. Nothing formal has been applied for; however, there has been much talk about when and if our area will need a motel. The Medical University (formerly NEOUCOM) has proposed an extensive addition in the future and perhaps that will create more interest to have accommodations for out-of-towners. The Medical University has also purchased the ODOT property for future expansion. Their 10-yr. plan also includes student housing, a charter school, and a wellness center if and when the money becomes available. With these proposed expansions will come at least two more traffic lights on S.R. 44. Sidewalks are another issue that might be considered in regard to these projects.
Trustee Brett Housley stopped by to ask if there are any concerns or questions for him. The new trustee, Joe Paulus, will begin his term in January. Mr. Housley feels they can all work together and whomever the liaison for the zoning boards might be will continue to interact with the members. Mr. Housley is the current liaison with the Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Todd Peetz has reported that the Zoning Commission is progressive and moving along well. They keep abreast of potential grants to be applied for to help townships follow through on hike and bike trails, etc.
George Tishma made a motion to accept the October 17, 2011 Zoning Commission meeting minutes as presented. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
The next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission is December 19th, 2011.
Karen Henry made a motion to adjourn. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.
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Ann Marie Mullenix, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning CommissionJudy Adamson, secretary