ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

May 28, 2008 - 7:00  p.m.

7l34 East Sparta Ave. S.E., East Sparta, OH

 

Members present were Glen Johnstone, David Ross, Ramon Halter and Linda Zaleski, presiding.  Ms. Zaleski opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., thanking everyone for attending and introducing the members of the Board, as well as Trustee Doug Baum, Zoning Inspector, Sharon Perrine and Zoning Secretary, Carol Barto.

 

 

FREE STANDING WIND TURBINES

 

Ms. Zaleski expressed the Board’s need to implement control of free standing wind turbines, in anticipation that the turbines could become popular in the future.  She explained the need to implement controls to protect neighborhoods from possible hazards.

 

Attorney Hall explained the methods to amend the resolution to implement such controls, either as a permitted use or a conditionally permitted use.  

 

Several suggestions were made to the Board, which the Board will take under consideration when drafting the amendment.  Attorney Hall also said he would get the drafts from Regional Planning that they were recommending.

 

OUTDOOR WOOD BURNING FURNACES

 

Ms. Zaleski stated the Commission was also exploring the need for regulations on outdoor wood burning furnaces/boilers.   Ms. Zaleski read a proposed amendment from another Township that Attorney Hall had proposed for their resolution, as an example of what was needed in Pike Township.  She and Mr. Ross also stated that the Commission could not control things that were already being monitored by the Health Department and/or the E.P.A.  Ms. Zaleski and Attorney explained that Township zoning controlled the use of the land, not air quality, such as burning garbage, tires, coal, etc.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

Ms. Zaleski asked if anyone had any other business, to which Paul Mosberger said he would like to propose that the Commission change the setbacks from property lines to 600 feet, from the present 150 feet. 

 

Attorney Hall advised the Commission that, if they decide to make the change, they need to do research, get advice from experts who have experience and/or knowledge why a 600 foot setback is needed, especially since the O.D.N.R. setbacks are only 50 feet.  If someone contests the setback, a judge will ask for a good reason why it was changed and will, likely, throw out the township zoning and give the setbacks established by O.D.N.R.

 

Mr. Mosberger, again stated the residents of Ferndale Allotment wanted the 600 foot setback around established allotments or villages.  Again, Attorney Hall reiterated that if the Commission adopts such a large setback, it must do research and be ready to defend it in Court.

 

After a lengthy discussion, Ms. Zaleski decided to set another date for further discussion and or action.  July 2, 2008 at 7:00  p.m. was set for the next meeting. 

 

Ramon Halter made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.  Seconded by David Ross.

 

Minutes read and approved:

 

                                                                                                                                               

            Glen Johnstone                                                                        (date)

 

                                                                                                                                               

            David Ross                                                                             (date)

 

                                                                                                                                               

            Ramon Halter                                                                          (date)

 

                                                                                                                                               

            Linda Zaleski                                                                          (date)