A number of Sawmill Run subdivision landowners who have been using Springfield Township acreage as their own, prompted the trustees to take action.
At the June 20 meeting, administrator Mike Hampton said he received a response from the Lucas County engineer’s office to the township’s inquiry about the acreage in a flood plain and floodway.
Property owners of 19 parcels on Sawmill Run Road have been maintaining and using the land along Cairl Creek. Mr. Hampton noted some have constructed fencing that extends over their boundaries and onto township property.
While residents are maintaining the acreage, liability is an issue, Mr. Hampton explained, adding his belief that fencing and other structures are not permitted in the flood plain of a floodway.
A letter from county engineer Mike Pniewski concurred, citing the county’s flood damage prevention regulations which state “It shall be unlawful for any person to begin construction or other development activity including but not limited to filling; grading; construction; alteration, remodeling, or expanding any structure; or alteration of any watercourse wholly within, partially within or in contact with any identified special flood hazard area.”
Mr. Hampton reiterated his stance that allowing the residents to use the land is “a risk, a liability, and they shouldn’t be there.”
After conferring with township attorney Gary Sommers, the administrator said he would like to put together a letter to the residents asking that they remove any structures.
“I think we pretty much have to,” Trustee Andy Glenn said, adding that doing so will make the township compliant.
Denise Kimerer of Red Maple Drive asked if the land could be used by the public, noting that the county auditor’s office lists the legal description as a public park. “Is it still public space?”
“Yes, it can still be used by residents as public open space,” Trustee Bob Bethel responded.
The trustees agreed to move forward with sending letters, and informing the 19 property owners that noncompliance will result in the township removing structures themselves.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved the appointment of Tom Murphy to the park advisory board. He replaces Mike Gresko who relocated out of the township.
•Heard from Lieutenant John Leach of the Lucas County sheriff’s office that the speed trailer is available for use when the township would like to use it.
•Learned from Andy Hohlbein, public services director, that his department continues to work with planning director Jacob Barnes on issues associated with nuisance properties.
•Paid bills for June 7 to 20 totaling $97,466, which includes a payment of $28,004 to Virtual Design Studios for the public services building. They also approved electronic payments of $309,209, which includes the biweekly payroll of $257,046.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, July 18, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. ~Jane Maiolo
