Documenters: Rootstown Township Trustees meeting for Feb. 24, 2026

The Rootstown Township Council convened its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24, 2026, at the township building, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving into departmental reports and new business.

Those in attendance were Trustees Joe Paulus, Brett Housley and David McIntyre, Fiscal Officer Linda Hankins, Fire Chief Charles Palmer, Service Director Bill Hahn, Zoning Administrative Assistant Jordan Michael and Trustees Administrative Assistant Julie Gonzales.

Fire department staffing and operations

Palmer requested approval to transition two part-time firefighters to full-time status, effective April 1. While the fiscal officer noted that the midyear budget did not initially account for the additional salaries, approximately $500,000 in carryover funds made the hires feasible.

Trustees approved the motion to hire the two full-time firefighters beginning April 1.

The chief also reported that 2025 ambulance billing totaled over $250,000. He shared that he will meet this week with an ambulance manufacturer to confirm options for future equipment improvements.

Repairs to the fire station related to recent ice damming have dried out, with a contractor scheduled to complete restoration work. The damage is covered by insurance. Additionally, Spectrum installed new modems at the station at approximately half the cost of the previous service provider.

Palmer thanked the road crew for assisting when a fire truck became stuck on an icy back road. No damage occurred during the incident.

Service department updates

Hahn confirmed that 150 tons of road salt have been ordered to restock supplies for the remainder of 2026. Trustees also inquired about the township’s tire drop-off program; the service director confirmed that the program is currently running for the next week and remains free to residents.

The service department requested an executive session later in the meeting.

Public hearing on nuisance properties

Trustees voted to enter a public hearing regarding two properties deemed uninhabitable: 3914 Homestead Rd. and 4434 Sandy Lake Rd.

Regarding the Sandy Lake Road, property owner Randy Dean of Kent was present. He has invested approximately $50,000 into renovations and expressed his intent to remediate the home. Trustees directed him to coordinate with the building, fire and health departments to establish a clear remediation plan and timeline.

McIntyre indicated willingness to allow renovations to continue through August 2026, provided measurable progress is made. Housley requested that Dean return on March 24 with a formal remediation plan. Trustees also sought clarification on several vehicles on the property; Dean confirmed they would be sent to a scrap yard. June 1 was discussed as a proposed deadline for exterior cleanup and zoning compliance.

After discussion, trustees tabled the matter until March 24, setting expectations that Dean contact relevant departments for reinspection and demonstrate positive steps toward making the home habitable. The extension for exterior cleanup would remain contingent upon progress.

The property is zoned agricultural. Zoning officials confirmed that certified letters had been sent to the owner.

In a related discussion, Michael and the trustees established the need to obtain a certified agreement related to the Homestead Road property with the owner, intent in pursuing a resolution for potential removal of structures at the March 24 meeting.

Trustees voted to close the public hearing.

Health department and solid waste concerns

Paulus introduced representatives from the Portage County Health District to address complaints concerning properties on Tallmadge Road and Sandy Lake Road.

According to the health department, complaints about dumping on Tallmadge Road date back four years. Following a site visit in April 2025, officials determined that the material consisted of clean hard-fill grindings permitted under Ohio Revised Code as clean fill, and no enforcement action was recommended. Trustees expressed concern about the continued piling of materials and inquired about potential civil remedies. 

The Sandy Lake Road property will be submitted to the health department for further review to clarify compliance standards and determine whether additional action is warranted.

2026 budget and administrative matters

Hankins reviewed first-quarter appropriations, carryover balances and projections for 2026. Trustees approved a motion to adopt the 2026 budget appropriations and forward them to the county auditor.

The fiscal officer also informed trustees that the Portage County Board of Commissioners will host a meeting to discuss designating additional restricted areas for potential wind farm or solar facility development. Additionally, the county recently appointed a new prosecutor, James Armstrong, and introductory meetings with township leaders are planned.

The fiscal officer raised concerns about records storage, noting that some files exceed the five-year retention requirement. She requested guidance on submitting documentation to the historical society before disposing of non-permanent records and asked for improved shelving or storage space prior to any records purge. Departmental budget meetings are expected to be scheduled during the week of March 9 with public works and fire officials.

Citizen comments

During the public comment portion, residents were allotted three minutes each.

Rob Nevling of Tallmadge Road reported progress on making the township website compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, stating that approximately half the site has been updated.

Another resident, identified as Rodger of state Route 44, requested public records related to legal counsel fees over the past five years and clarification regarding services provided by outside counsel.

The meeting concluded following agenda review and discussion of old business.