Trending
BROOKFIELD -- As several residents complained of blight in various neighborhoods and the need for more property maintenance code enforcement, township trustees Monday stressed that having zoning in place will help regulate and control these issues.
Shannon Hanley, a committee member promoting the zoning issue, said residents have complained of junk vehicles, boats, debris and other blights on properties and the need for better enforcement.
"With zoning in place we would be better able to enforce and crack down on the violations. It will give enforcement more teeth," she said.
A public meeting on the zoning issue is set for 7 p.m. June 19 at the township hall. Trustees have until Aug. 8 to place the issue on the November ballot.
There have been several attempts to get zoning passed, including in November 2017, but the issue has failed each time.
Trustee Chairman Ron Haun said the hearing on the issue is required for placement of the issue on the ballot.
"We are concerned with the junk vehicles and other problems that we face daily all over the township," Haun said.
Trustee Dan Suttles said Code Enforcement Officer Jimmy Ewing does what he can based on what is on the books for property maintenance.
"He is doing what he can despite some residents saying he is not doing enough. All he can enforce is land regulations. Having zoning will help him," Haun said.
In other business, Suttles reported the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, which is helping the township get a new fire chief, received 18 applicants by the May 24 deadline. He said trustees will receive the list and information on the candidates by June 11 for review and recommendations.
The chief position became open with the retirement of Chief Keith Barrett last year.
Also at the meeting, several residents complained to trustees about five planned injection wells for a site on state Route 7.
Jane Spies, co-founder of FrackFree America, and resident Traci Downie said they have concerns those digging the wells may hit high pressure natural gas pockets.
Fire Captain Matt Gordon said the fire department would work in conjunction with the company drilling the wells to help contain whatever gas pockets needed contained.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com