A zoning public hearing was conducted before the trustees started their regular November meeting.
The board approved the definition of “lot and lot area.” It will not include land that someone may own but is part of the roadway as usable zoning acreage.
The penalty of a zoning violation increased from $100 to $500 per day as ruled on by a judge and court ordered.
Trustees approved a measure that restricts skilled game parlors/amusement arcades to commercial industrial districts (C-I from B-3) only. Business owners said about these “low end” establishments locating next to theirs.
Due to the slow economy, trustees conditionally approved locating retail businesses in industrial districts, due to the number of buildings without tenants. The criteria requires the business to open in an existing building with adequate parking, is adjacent to business use and adheres to sign regulations.
The board affirmed the zoning commission’s action regarding electronic signs and door to door soliciting. Coventry allows one change per minute on electronic signs. They considered more changes to be unreadable. The township wanted to ban the use of images but the zoning commission said it was unconstitutional to dictate content. Coventry requires door to door solicitors to have a permit. The zoning commission said it should be a resolution by the trustees and not added to the code.
Zoning Inspector George Beckham announced in lieu of the zoning commission meeting, an informational meeting for residents will be held Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Topics such as how to get a permit for a residential addition, an overview of zoning and a discussion of useful county Internet sites will be discussed.
The trustees approved a contract with the Summit County Health District for storm water testing 2010-2013 in preparation for Phase II reports ($2275 annually).
New reflective traffic signs were approved for $4,899, allowing better visabilty at night. The change from engineer grade to reflective is required by the federal government and should be completed by 2013-2014. Road Superintendent Lael Stouffer noted the township received $358 in grant assistance.
Sheriff's office representative Sgt. Ed Ahwajee reported 28 officers respnded in the safe resolution of one of the bigger crimes in Coventry. A Cottage Grove woman was abducted by her ex-boyfriend who had just stolen guns from a home in Springfield. The sheriff's department pursued them to North Canton where the Ohio Highway Patrol picked up the chase. The pursuit was ended in Caroll County and the two were returned to Summit County.
Road Superintendent Stouffer reported the first leaf drop off was successful with everyone following the rules. He thanked residents who transported leaves for whole neighborhoods.
Trustee Dave Bulgrin noted residents' complaints that the lake level was lowered too soon and raised too soon.
Trustee Brenda Patterson noted the passing of Dave Troutman and congratulated Phyllis Fitzgerald on her induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame.
Summit County Engineer representative Geordie Kissos reported the engineer’s office believes the flooding on Killian could be caused by the drainage structures on Buttercup and Cosmos and the deforestation of the country club area.
Calderone commented that the motion [the township] asked for was that signs be put on Killian warning motorists of flooding because fixing the problem would take a long time due to lack of funds. Kissos suggested a sign that could be flipped over when the danger is present.
In the public comment portion of the meeting, Patty Pavlich of “Win, Pin, or Die” non-profit Coventry Wrestling fund raising group thanked everyone for all the help with the 5K run on Halloween. She reported 202 paid participants and that they reached their $4,000 goal.
Coventry Board of Education member Bill Breitenbach reported the school levy failure will cause $600,000 to be cut from the budget before the end of June. No decisions have yet been made on what will be done. There was a community meeting in November to get resident input.
A resident complained about the poor shaped of the Tuscarawas between the lock by Biggins and N. Turkeyfoot. He said it is full of silt and debris and he would like information on how to help with the rehabilation. Board Chair Bob Wilson said this is a Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) issue. Wilson said ODNR is making drastic cutbacks. He suggested the resident contact our state representative to help put pressure on Ron Gray to act.
The resident also voiced concerns about a residence which houses child molesters and rapists in his neighbor. Calderone said he should find out who runs the residence but they are legally there.
Ed Diebold announced there will be a Polar Bear Jump on Dec. 5 to raise money for low income families. Last year there were 70 jumpers and $18,000 was raised.
Fire Chief/Township Services Director Dave Calderone thanked residents for passing the levy.
The next meeting of the Coventry Township Board of Trustees will be the annual holiday meeting, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Coventry Township Senior Center, 335 Willowview Rd.
