The passage of Issue 2 legalizing marijuana for recreational use prompted Springfield Township to begin looking at limiting locations where the facilities could be established.
At the November 13 meeting, Jacob Barnes, planning director, proposed a text amendment to the zoning resolution, which would limit any marijuana type facilities to conditional use in areas zoned M-1, limited industrial.
That would include any marijuana dispensary, cultivator, processor or testing laboratory.
In addition, the proposed amendment calls for marijuana dispensaries to be a minimum of 1,000 feet from any school (K12), church, public park, public playground, public library, preschool, child day care center, publically owned property, or other use established specifically for the activities of minors.
Cultivator, processor and testing laboratory shall be a minimum of 500 feet from the above facilities.
The current zoning resolution only pertains to medical marijuana facilities and with the new legislation to take place in December, Mr. Barnes believes the text amendment process needs to take place now to protect the township.
Trustee Andy Glenn agreed. “We want the zoning resolution set so it can’t be challenged.”
Andrea Smith of the Springfield Area Prevention Coalition, urged the township to do what it can to keep the facilities from coming to the township.
She cited figures from other states that have approved similar legislation and are now dealing with increases in traffic crashes and workplace absenteeism and accidents.
“It’s going to be a nightmare. It’s going to be a hot mess. I urge you to protect the community and put a moratorium for five years.”
Mr. Glenn explained that with the new law, the township is “prohibited from zoning them out so we need to find a spot that is a lesser of evils.” He added, “M-1 is typically the furthest from residential.”
The trustees believe the zoning is the best since it limits any marijuana facility to a stretch of Airport Highway.
Trustee Bob Bethel expressed appreciation to Mr. Barnes, “I commend you for starting the process.”
Administrator Mike Hampton agreed, noting the planning director and his staff worked quickly on a zoning plan to address the issue.
“We are the third largest political subdivision with the smallest staff and when challenged, Jacob responded, putting something together,” Mr. Hampton said.
The administrator doesn’t have confidence that the state will have any guidance in place to address the law before it takes place on December 7.
“The fact is that the legislature is behind on this. I think they were convinced it would fail,” he added.
Zoning Report
In his report, Mr. Barnes informed the trustees that Matt McFadden has resigned from the zoning commission.
“He was a valuable member of the board and worked for the county engineer,” said the planning director.
The trustees appointed zoning commission alternate Robert Klumm to fill Mr. Mc-Fadden’s term which expires May 13, 2026.
The trustees appointed Ms. Smith to serve as the alternate to the commission.
Mr. Barnes presented the October zoning permit report, noting “for October, it was a very busy month, much more so than September.”
“It was a very encouraging month with four new businesses” he added.
The department issued 34 permits and collected fees of $2,900. In addition to new businesses, the majority of permits were issued for accessory structure, seven, followed by fencing, five; signs, four; pole barns, three; sheds, commercial remodel and new occupancy, two; and one apiece, commercial, new commercial, new dwelling, remodel, addition, site plan review and change in use.
Mr. Barnes also updated the trustees on a continued case involving an illegally constructed pond at 2051 North Centennial Road.
“Since the applicant did not submit anything to the township, the case was denied and the board further ordered that the property be returned to its previous condition by December 31,” the planning director said.
He will meet with Lucas County officials to review a plan for the pond’s removal.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Announced that Springfield Township will be taking over the annual Wicked Wheels from Springfield Schools and will hold the event next summer at Community Homecoming Park.
•Rescinded a request for a hearing on a liquor license for Home Buys and opted not to request the hearing.
•Received an update from the county engineer’s office regarding the Geiser ditch sediment removal project.
“The first activity that will occur is the removal of trees and shrubs to provide access to the ditch as needed from both sides,” said Mike Pniewski, county engineer.
He added that removal of sediment along with reshaping of the ditch sides and bottom is slated for completion by spring 2024.
•Learned that a pretrial was scheduled for one of the youths involved in the break-in and vandalism at Community Homecoming Park.
Mr. Hampton said the township is seeking restitution for the damages and asking that those involved be placed in a community service mentoring program.
•Heard from the administrator that the township and village are working with TARTA on design for the bus stop shelters. One will be at Orchard Centre and the other at Spring Meadows, he said.
•Received word from Mr. Bethel that the joint economic development zoning committee held its meeting and approved a portion of funds to provide additional police protection during the holiday season.
•Discussed the establishment of a nature trail or path that the Springfield Schools cross country team and residents could use. The acreage is behind Albon Road and behind the pond at Homecoming Park.
•Heard from Georgia Roberts of Derbyshire Road who is having issues with a neighbor.
“We will do what we can within our authority,” Mr. Hampton said, but noted the civil dispute has been going on for several years. “The majority of what has happened is outside the authority of the township.”
The trustees recommended Ms. Roberts reach out to the community service officer to assist with settling the dispute.
•Paid bills from October 24 to November 13 totaling $460,361, which includes the annual payment of $401,416 to the Lucas County 911 Regional Council of Governments for annual EMS/fire dispatch services.
They also approved electronic bills from October 20 to November 9 of $636,768, including two biweekly payrolls of $271,719 and $249,430.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, November 27, in the township meeting hall at the administrative building, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. The meeting also may be viewed livestream at spring fieldtownship.net.
