With Springfield Township and much of the nation still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was somewhat of a pleasant surprise to see continued economic growth in the township.
At the February 7 meeting, planning director Jacob Barnes provided an overview of activity in 2021.
“All things considered, it was a pretty solid year,” he said, noting that 310 permits were issued, up from 301 in 2020.
The department issued 52 for new dwellings, a decrease of eight from 2020.
“Despite the pandemic, we had another busy year,” he said, adding that the number of new dwellings, while slightly lower was “still a very solid number.”
Last year also saw the department review and make staff recommendations for three zoning changes/text amendments.
In addition, they conducted reviews and recommendations on six variance requests and one conditional use request.
In his summary of zoning violations, Mr. Barnes pointed out, “The department processed 51 violations, which was down from 56 during 2020. The vast majority have been taken care of.”
Among the more common violations were overgrown vegetation; junk debris and vegetation; fence or shed construction with no permit, and commercial vehicle in a residential district.
Mr. Barnes also presented the zoning report for January. The department issued 12 permits and collected fees of $1,620.
Permits were issued for new dwellings, commercial remodel and signs, two each, and addition, new occupant, fencing and conditional use, one apiece.
Heather Glen Property
The trustees continue to discuss issues with the owner of property at 2339 Heather Glen.
Mr. Barnes said he “thought that the public services did a great job” of clearing the property of debris and securing the residence, but residents recently began expressing concern over the home.
“There is little else we can do at this point,” said Trustee Bob Bethel.
The owner, Bruce Denman of Maumee, who is the president of Maumee Machine Tool and Die, has not lived at nor cared for the structure for more than two decades, according to neighbors.
Trustee Andy Glenn said he received correspondence from a resident who asked that the property be declared a nuisance, “but it doesn’t qualify under our zoning.”
Mr. Barnes appreciates neighbors’ concerns and ideas, “we are totally open to suggestions. We feel the same way [as neighbors].”
“I’m sure it’s frustrating for them. I’d be frustrated if I lived next door, too,” Mr. Bethel said.
Mr. Barnes believes part of the frustration is related to a recent revaluation requested by Mr. Denman.
Lucas County auditor lowered the value from $221,500 to $70,500, possibly, he speculates, because the home has fallen into disrepair.
According to the Lucas County auditor’s AREIS online website, the change in valuation occurred January 18 when the land was listed at $39,300 and the home at $31,200.
Mr. Glenn expressed surprise at the drop in valuation. “That’s significant,” he said and questioned whether the township could contest it.
Township attorney Gary Sommers said he would look into it, but believes only school districts can contest a valuation.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Authorized an additional $2,773 to cover the cost for the Lucas County sheriff’s department to patrol retail centers over the holiday season. The township and JEDZ had each allotted $20,000 for the patrols.
•Opted not to request a liquor hearing for Fore Golfers Ltd., 7350 Airport Highway, and Stop and Go Stores, 1456 South Holland Sylvania Road.
•Agreed to advertise for bids for the 2022 Ohio Public Works Commission road improvement projects.
The township estimates it will cost $679,011 for road improvements to Carmella Gardens and Heather Glen subdivisions.
•Renewed the contract with the sheriff’s department for police protection services this year at a cost of $300,000 which includes providing deputies, field operations, detective work and command officers.
•Set Saturday, July 2 as the date for the annual Freedom Celebration fireworks display.
•Paid bills for January 18 to February 8 totaling $82,599, which included $22,773 to the sheriff’s office for extra patrols over the holidays and $22,000 to Stephen Siegfried for the Freedom Celebration fireworks.
The trustees also approved electronic bill payments from January 1 to February 3 of $791,161, including biweekly payrolls of $343,846 and $245,857; elected officials pay of $10,118, and township board members stipends of $275.
Due to the Presidents Day holiday, the next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, at the township hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
