Springfield Township voters will be asked to support a fire department levy this fall.
At the July 6 meeting, the trustees took the first step, approving a resolution of necessity for it to appear on the November 2 ballot.
The five-year, 1.8-mill levy will provide and maintain firefighting equipment and services.
Because it is a replacement, the amount collected will be based on newer property valuations, explained administrator Mike Hampton.
The resolution will now go to the county auditor’s office to certify the current tax valuation and determine the amount the replacement will generate.
Zoning Report
During the planning director’s report, the trustees discussed the status of Mike’s Pizza.
More than a year ago, the trustees received complaints from township citizens residing behind the shopping plaza at 847 South McCord Road.
The residents sought the trustees’ help with trash that blew into their yards from an unenclosed dumpster and papers flying off pizza boxes.
Pizzeria owner Michael Mockensturm constructed a dumpster enclosure on three sides to reduce flying debris.
The trustees questioned the status of the facility, noting that they have not heard complaints recently.
“It looked really good when we were out there,” said Jacob Barnes, planning director, adding he reminded them to keep the dumpster closed when not in use.
Following the discussion, Mr. Barnes presented the zoning report for June. The department issued 34 permits and collected fees of $2,150.
“It wasn’t a record month, but we were busy,” he pointed out.
He noted seven permits were issued for new dwellings. “It was a solid number to see,” he said.
Permits were issued for fencing, seven; pools and signs, four apiece; co-location tower, new commercial/commercial remodel and remodel/addition, two each, and shed, deck, garage and accessory structure, one each.
In other zoning news, the trustees set a hearing for a proposed text amendment for hotels and extended stay hotels. The hearing will be at 5 p.m., Monday, July 19.
Mr. Barnes said the Toledo Lucas County Plan Commission recommended approval of the change at the June 23 meeting and the township zoning commission will hear the request on July 12.
The planning director also updated the trustees on a June 28 board of zoning appeals meeting.
“They approved a variance request on a side-yard setback for a proposed addition at 8830 Royal Oak Drive,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees;
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that the I-475/Dorr Street interchange is expected to open following a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., Monday, August 2.
•Announced that townships will receive American Rescue Plan funding. Townships had been inadvertently left off in the language originally approved by the federal government.
•Expressed gratitude to township staff and the fireworks company for a successful Freedom Celebration and agreed to keep the fireworks display the same size next year.
This year the trustees had alloted an additional $10,000 for fireworks. “The show itself was really good,” Trustee Bob Bethel said.
Trustee Tom Anderson agreed, “It was very nice.”
•Approved an additional expenditure of up to $20,000 to Bowers Asphalt to correct an issue with a portion of asphalt and drainage at Sudbury Drive and Sherborn Street.
•Paid bills from June 24 to July 7 of $544,946, which includes payments of $264,935 to Bowers Asphalt and Paving for the 2020 Ohio Public Works Commission project and $149,830 to Gerken Paving for the 2021 OPWC project.
They also approved electronic payments from June 18 to July 1 of $289,917, including bi-weekly payroll of $247,266.
•Met in executive session to discuss compensation or appointment of a public employee, but took no action afterward.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, July 19, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
