At the August 2 meeting, Springfield Township administrator Mike Hampton updated the trustees on issues with a township apartment complex that has been in the news recently.
Lake of the Woods Apartments have been the subject of several media reports after tenants complained about rain water pouring into some apartments at one building.
Mr. Hampton said the problem stemmed from a roof leak, adding that the township was contacted to help.
“We forwarded it to [Lucas County] building regulations,” he added, and the county served the owner with a letter.
In the letter dated July 27, David Golls, chief building official, informed McCord-Bancroft Investors LLC that they were being issued a notice of violation for “failure to maintain your buildings in a safe and sanitary condition.”
He ordered the company to repair the damages and have “mechanical and electrical systems evaluated by a State of Ohio design professional and repaired or replaced as needed.”
Mr. Hampton said the contractor has sent someone out to fix the roof and upon completion of that repair will begin work on interior damages.
“The township is on top of this, and we will continue to monitor the situation,” the administrator added.
Spring Valley Drive
The trustees passed a resolution encouraging cooperation and dialogue with ODOT on the proposed Spring Valley Drive project.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is currently planning to eliminate the left turn lane from North McCord Road onto Spring Valley Drive, citing safety issues due to vehicular crashes.
The township, along with Springfield Local Schools, is opposed to the plan because they believe eliminating the turn will place too much traffic into the “already overstressed roundabout” at the high school campus.
The trustees pointed out that in addition to their objections, 40 businesses along Spring Valley object to the proposal, noting that it will negatively impact their businesses.
In the resolution, the trustees state that “an independent traffic study commissioned by the business owners has identified alternatives to the current plan that can benefit ODOT as well as the business community.”
They encourage ODOT to continue to “engage in meaningful dialogue” with all entities involved and seek a “solution that is favorable for all parties impacted by the plan.”
ODOT currently plans to bid the project in late December with a start in April 2022.
Zoning Report
Planning director Jacob Barnes presented the zoning report for July. The department issued 30 permits and collected fees of $2,380.
“It was a very solid month,” he said.
Permits were issued for fencing, pools and signs, six apiece; accessory structures, four, and remodel, new commercial, variance request, new occupant, site plan review and zoning letter, one each.
Mr. Barnes noted that the township continues to have issues with illegal parking. “This is the summer of parking issues,” he said noting he heard one earlier in the day involving a contractor blocking one lane of a road.
The planning director said the department also has been busy addressing the removal of “snipe” signs from rights-of-way and public utility poles.
Snipe signs are signage that is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted or glued to trees, poles, fences or other objects.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees;
•Commended Mr. Hampton for his work bringing the Dorr Street/I-475 interchange project to fruition.
“I can’t overstate your importance in making this happen,” Trustee Andy Glenn said, noting that the administrator ultimately helped secure a funding solution that allowed the project to proceed.
“This is not just me. It was a team effort,” Mr. Hampton responded, adding, “Thank you on behalf of our team.”
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that ODOT will have stimulus funds available for townships.
“They have $8 million with up to $250,000 unmatched for roads, sidewalks and culverts,” he added.
•Discussed how federal stimulus funds could be best utilized in the township, including helping neighborhoods with the costs of infrastructure improvements.
“The goal is to determine what we can do for the recovery of the community,” Mr. Hampton said.
•Paid bills from July 22 to August 3 of $337,065, including $296,413 for the Ohio Public Works Commission project, and electronic payments from July 9 to 29 of $330,598, which includes the bi-weekly payroll of $262,908.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, August 16, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
