Minutes of the
Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee
Public Meeting
August 15, 2007

The Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee held a public meeting at the Safety Services Center on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.  In attendance were:  Brad Vigran, John Goedde, Greg Kessler, John Dowlin, Jr., Wendy Moeller, and Jerry Beckman.

Wendy introduced herself to those present and gave a brief overview of the Master Plan process.  The meeting was then opened up to the public.  Below is a list of topics that were discussed.

Traffic Issues - Wendy noted that one of the major concerns residents have is about traffic issues.  She explained that the Township must work in conjunction with County and State governments to try to alleviate these problems.

Street Resurfacing - Michael Hart had concerns that there may be favoritism when the Township assigns streets for repaving.   It was explained that the life expectancy of a street is about 12-14 years.  The Township's policy is a flexible plan, which takes into consideration the age of the road, the condition of a road's surface, the condition of the road's curbs, the location of the street being inspected and the amount of revenue allotted for road repair.  These streets are then recommended to the Board of Trustees for their approval. 

Sidewalks - There were questions as to how the Township determines which areas receive sidewalks.  It was pointed out that the Township's main priority is to connect parks, schools and the library to existing sidewalks.  The Township is also committed to fulfilling its obligations from the original sidewalk plan.  One resident spoke out against sidewalks because he doesn't see anyone using the one on Humphrey Road.

Safety Issues - Mr. Hart had concerns about the lack of sidewalks in some of the older subdivisions.  Pedestrians have no choice but to walk in the street and it is dangerous with cars speeding by.  He then asked if the Township could install additional stop signs in the Paulmeadows subdivision as a way to slow down traffic.   It was explained that the Township must conform with State traffic codes, which require a warrant study be done.

Zoning Enforcement - Dick Huddleston and Michael Hart had concerns about the lack of zoning uniformity and enforcement in the Township.  They would like to see the Township eventually administer its own zoning regulations like Deerfield, Sycamore and Colerain Township rather than contract with Hamilton County so that we would have more control.  They feel that it would be worth the extra cost to the Township.
 
Nuisance Complaints - Mr. Hart noted that the Township is lax in following up on complaints.  Some homes are not being maintained (i.e. grass not being cut, junk & debris being stored on property, building materials left around) and should be declared a nuisance.  He feels that the Township needs to take a more proactive role and should adopt a new home rule policy but it was pointed out that the Township is bound by law to follow policies set by the Ohio Revised Code. 

Annexation - Mr. Huddleston suggested that the Township consider dissolving since the Township's boundaries are so broken up. Residents could be given the authority to annex into other jurisdictions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 

Minutes of the
Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee
Public Meeting
August 22, 2007

The Ad Hoc Master Plan Steering Committee held a public meeting at the Safety Services Center on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.  In attendance were:  Brad Vigran, Wendy Moeller, Eric Minamyer and Jerry Beckman.

Wendy introduced herself to those present and gave a brief overview of the Master Plan process. 
The meeting was then opened up to the public.  Below is a list of topics that were discussed.

Traffic Issues - Wendy noted that one of the major concerns residents have is about traffic issues.  She explained that the Township must work in conjunction with County and State governments to try to alleviate these problems.

Recreation Center - Alan Hodge requested that we consider building a recreation center with a swimming pool on the Rozzi property.  Jerry Beckman told him that a pool and a recreation center would be a great asset to the Township but might be too expensive.  The Trustees are now in the process of selecting members for a Parks Committee and they will be the ones who will be responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the best ways to make use of this property.  He suggested that Mr. Hodge lobby the Trustees.

Senior Center - Don Nunneker requested that the Township look into the possibility of adding a Senior Center.  He would like to see this facility centrally located and not be part of the Rozzi development. 

Zoning - Mr. Nunneker thinks that the Township should have a policy in place similar to the one in Hyde Park regarding "Mcmansions."   This policy would reduce the amount of square footage of a house on smaller lots to prevent devaluation of existing smaller homes.  Mr. Beckman feels that our Zoning may provide for this policy already.