Two properties in Hopewell Township were discussed at the Hopewell Township trustee meeting Monday evening. Questions were raised as to their compliance with zoning regulations and permitted use.
One property, identified as the "Malone property" on TR 119, has piles of stone located between a building and the road and may create nuisance dust in the neighborhood while also possibly being used for a landscape business. The other, identified as belonging to Jerry Kelbley on TR 18, reportedly has 23 trailers on site and is only allowed a dozen, according to the trustees. Trustee chairman Jim Clouse plans on having township zoning inspector Bob Benner speak with the property owners before investigating any further.
Clouse and the other trustees approved a motion to contact county engineer Mark Zimmerman and proceed with the transfer of an area of road formerly considered part of TR 123, accessing property now owned by Jason Bodart. Once transferred, the township no longer would maintain the road and adjacent ditches.
The trustees also are to look at the approach to a bridge on TR 119, which may be deteriorating.
Trustee Richard Gosche said he discussed the county emergency radio system with Emergency Management Agency Director Dan Stahl as well as the need for emergency radios during natural disasters when cell service may be out. Gosche told the attendees Stahl is to give a presentation at the Seneca County Township Association quarterly meeting 6 p.m. June 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Attica.
Meadowbrook Park staff member Dick Freeborn gave a report on attendance at Crystal Pool, noting the pool hosted 595 visitors on the Sunday of Hopewell-Loudon High School's graduation. According to Freeborn, 80 family passes were sold as of Monday. The trustees commended the staff of Meadowbrook and reported many favorable comments from within and outside the township.
Meadowbrook manager Troy Breidenbach reported inspections continue at the park for the emerald ash borer, with many ash trees being marked to come down. He said employees may be able to take many down, and an area tree service also is to be contacted. Credits may be issued for some taken down which may assist in paying for the removal of others. Breidenbach also gave an update on a leak at the pool, saying the majority has been taken care of with the repair of an expansion joint with underwater epoxy. He also said a letter arrived from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selecting two wells as alternate test sites for contaminants not normally checked. The testing is a national program and is not selective for this area only.
The trustees scheduled a budget hearing 7:15 p.m. July 16 prior to the regular 7:30 p.m. meeting.
