Springfield Township is home to some of the new routes and transportation models being instituted by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority.
At the April 3 trustees meeting, Laura Koprowski, CEO of TARTA, discussed the new routes and modes of transportation taking place in the township.
“We are excited to be in the township,” she said, and expressed appreciation to Trustee Bob Bethel and Administrator Mike Hampton. “Your support has been invaluable.”
TARTA has served most of Lucas County for more than 50 years, but with changes to its tax structure, the organization is now able to serve the entire county, she explained, noting that Rossford in Wood County also is a partner.
Springfield Township has played an integral part in how TARTA transports citizens today, she said.
The authority provides traditional standard fixed bus routes, paratransit for those with disabilities and TARTA Flex.
“You have all three which makes you rich in transportation,” Ms. Koprowski added.
The current fixed route is 32, which takes riders through the Spring Meadows and Orchard Centre plazas.
With input from Mr. Bethel and Mr. Hampton, TARTA has focused on providing core services that best benefit the township.
In addition to the fixed route, they offer TARPS for those with disabilities, which goes hand in hand with fixed routes providing a smooth transition, she said.
The authority’s newest offering is TARTA Flex.
Flex is an on-demand service designed to connect suburban and rural areas with TARTA’s fixed-line service in Toledo. Customers will be able to book a ride 30 to 60 minutes in advance, or schedule a trip the day before.
Flex rides will cost $3 oneway, as long as both points are within a single microtransit zone. Fares can be paid using the EZFare app, or with cash on-board your TARTA Flex vehicle.
Transfers between zones are $3 each, but TARTA Flex riders can transfer to TARTA’s fixed-route service free of charge.
Residents needing to use the service can use the TARTA Flex app or call 419382-9901 to summon an affordable ride in a smaller, accessible vehicle, she said.
TARTA Flex replaces the Call-A-Ride service.
She believes this system– which uses smaller more cost effective vehicles–is ideally suited for the township and other parts of the county that are rural or suburban.
Zoning Report
Jacob Barnes, planning director, presented the zoning report for March. “There was quite an uptick in permit activity,” he said, adding, “The spring rush is here.”
The department issued 29 permits and collected fees of $5,040.
Issued last month were four permits for new commercial and additions; followed by new dwellings, sheds, signs, fencing and co-location tower, two apiece; and one each for decks, conditional use, commercial, pool, commercial variance and commercial remodel.
He noted the BZA met March 27 and approved four variance requests for:
•826 Lost Lakes Drive, a rear yard setback for an existing rear addition constructed without a permit;
•11 Tremore Way, a request for multiple accessory buildings between the home and street, fence height in front of the home and pool between the home and street;
•8923 Orchard Lake Road, a proposed roof patio addition, and
•7820 Nebraska Avenue, a front yard setback for an existing deck constructed without permit.
The BZA continued a conditional use and variance request for a proposed truck
terminal with outdoor storage at 9590 Airport Highway.
Mr. Barnes also requested and received approval to initiate a text amendment to zoning regulations as they pertain to solar power.
He noted potential with greenhouse farms and the bright lighting at night. “I believe we need to be proactive and get something in the books,” the planning director said.
Mr. Bethel agreed, pointing out they already have regulations for parking lot lights.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved the payment of $10,900 to Klumm Brothers Excavating and Demolition for disposal of the house at 410 Banquot Way and backfill, grading and seeding of the lot.
•Received a reminder from Mr. Hampton that Senate Bill 288, the new cell phone law, takes effect April 4.
He noted that the township already has a policy in place for employees but will tweak it as needed to reflect the law.
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that the first quarterly police agreement meeting was held in which he received positive feedback from deputies on the operations.
“We also discussed coordination of the speed trailers,” he said.
•Authorized the township to participate in the ODOT road salt contracts for next winter.
•Opted not to request a hearing for a liquor license request from Ohio Springs Inc. doing business as Sheetz, Dorr Street at Springfield Crossing.
•Discussed the upcoming full eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Mr. Glenn noted that the township is in the bullseye for viewing it and believes visitors will flock to places like Community Homecoming Park to watch the event.
“This is the last one for more than 20 years,” he said, and suggested they begin planning for the influx of visitors.
•Reviewed a proposed plat for the Dorr Street station at the northeast side of the Dorr interchange
•Approved the payment of bills from March 21 to April 3, totaling $65,007. They also approved electronic payments of $283,343 from March 17 to 30, which includes the biweekly payroll of $266,611.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, April 17, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. The meeting also can be viewed via the livestream at springfieldtownship.net.
