December 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Geauga County

December 3, 2019

Geauga County Planning Commission 470 Center Street, Building lC, Chardon, Ohio 44024

Phone(440)279-1740 Fax(440)285-7069 www.co.geauga.oh.us/Departments/Pianning-Commission

TO: COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS SUSAN WIELAND, APA THOMPSON TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION

FROM: LINDA CROMBIE rf}.JfJ > PLANNING DIREC~' \.._..../

WHAT: GEAUGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

WHERE: 470 CENTER STREET, BUILDING #1-C GEAUGA COUNTY CONFERENCE ROOM

DATE: TUESDAY NOVEMBER 14,2019

TIME: 7:30A.M.

AGENDA: ENCLOSED

COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA DECEMBER 10, 2019 MEETING

7:30A.M.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ROLLCALL

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE NOVEMBER 14,2019 REGULAR MEETING

4. FINANCIAL REPORT AND APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT

6. PROPOSED TOWNSHIP ZONING AMENDMENT TO BE REVIEWED:

A. THOMPSON TOWNSHIP AMENDMENT N0.20 19 INITIATED NOVEMBER 14,2019 BY ZONING COMMISSION

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. COUNTY GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

B. BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Z-2019-4 INITIATED OCTOBER 29,2019: DISCUSSION ON PROVISION 177.02 (hh)

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. MODEL ZONING COMMITTEE

9. ADJOURNMENT

( Geauga County Planning Commission

470 Center Street, Building lC, Chardon, Ohio 44024 Phone(440)279-1740 Fax (440)285-7069

www.co.geauga.oh.us/Departments/Pianning-Commission

December 10, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

1. Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Charles Stevens cal led the December 10, 2019 regular meeting of the Geauga County Planning

Commission to order at 7:33 a.m. at 470 Center Street, Bui lding 1-C, City of Chardon. Following the

Pledge of Allegiance, the roll was called by Maria Palmisano, Planner I, and the following members were

present. A quorum was obtained.

2. Roll Ca ll

Members present: Charles Stevens, Walter Claypool, Dennis Bergansky, James McCaskey, James Dvorak,

Chester Miller and Gary Neola. Note: and Timothy Lennon arrived at 7:34 a.m. and Ralph Sp ida lieri

arrived at 7:37a.m.

Members absent: Tracy Engle and Caterina Cocca-Fu lton

Staff Present: Linda Crombie {Planning Director) and Maria Palmisano (Planner I)

Others Present: Tom Jones, Diane Jones, Lorrie Sass Benza, Emi l Liszniansky, and Dave Favorite (Director

of Community Development).

3. Approval Of Minutes For The November 14, 2019 Regu lar Meeting

Mr. McCaskey made a motion to approve the November 14, 2019 regu lar meeting minutes. Mr.

Claypoo l seconded the motion, and upon a ca ll fo r the vote, the motion carried. Mr. Dvorak abstained

from t he vote.

4. Financial Report And Approva l Of Expenses

Ms. Palmisano provided the financial report as of December 10, 2019 attached hereto and the expenses

marked Exhibit "A" totaling $354.94. Mr. Bergansky made a motion to approve the financial report and

the summary of expenses marked exhibit "A" totaling $354.94. Mr. Neola seconded the motion and

upon a ca ll for the vote, the motion carried unanimously.

5. Director's Report

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( M s. Crombie Presented The Following Report:

• December3,2019

Geauga County Planning Commission 470 Center Street, Building lC, Chardon, Ohio 44024

Phone (440) 279·J.liQ E~JS (440) 285·7069 www.co.ge auga.oh .us/Departments/Pian n ing·Comm ission

Prepared for the December 10,2019 Geauga Cotrty PlamingComrissionmeeting

Director's Report

1. General Plan Update Approximately thirty (30)letters were sent via email and regular mail to the various townships and other cornnulity agencies informingtbmlefforts have begun to update the General Plan, the first step being to establish a Steering Committee. The agencies were asked to provide theircan<idatenames by December6 ifpossible, but due to the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as when the township meetings were regularly scheduled, they were given till January 10,2020 to ultimately respond On December 6, I will email the Commissionmeni>ers a list of candidate names provided thus far.

The intent is for appromnately ten (1 0) of the General Plan Steering Committee members to also serve on the Econorric Development Steering Committee. It is anticipated the meetings will be held back to back on the same day and the meetings will likely be held at the county adrrinistrative offices.

2. 2020 Census The Planning Commission staffis continuing to move forward with its census awareness efforts. A training session on Complete Court Comnittees and their role in promoting the census was held on November 22, led by Census Bureau Partnership Specialist, Susan Licate. I have since submitted a requestto the BOCC to approve a proclamation to establish the Geauga Courty CoJ:q>lete Cowt Comnittee (CCC), which \'<ill likely be heard at an upconing Commissioners meeting. If established, the CCC will be comprised ofvarious sub-comnittees (govemmert, education, seniors, Amish commurity, etc.) and a work plan and time line will be created to keep the comnittee 's efforts on track. It is anticipated the CCC '"ill meet once a month to share ideas, strategies, and tactics among committee members in regard to promoting the census.

3. Geauga Health District Survey: As part oftheirCommurity HealthAssessmert, the Geauga Health District is asking residents to take their20 19 Geauga Cowty Quality of life Survey at https://,vww.surveymonkey.com'r/geachip. The survey contains thirteen (13) questions, is anonymous, and is sought to detennine resident satisfaction ,,.;th the quality oflife in Geauga CoW1ly.

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( 4. Meeting Minutes You will notice meeting minutes are \\oTitten in 3rd person, flow better and are easier to read. While the previous meeting minutes have not been written verbatim, the "script" format gave the impression that they were. Additionally, each meeting agenda item is clearly nwnbered and labeled prior to the meeting discussion and 9..11.~ footer was also added as this is helpful when performing research.

Please see the following November 2019 Work Summary:

Geauga County Planning Commission Work Summary, November 2019

a. Planning/Zoning/Subdivision Administration

Lot Splits/Subdivisions Minor Subdivisions Large Lot Subdivisions Exempt Lots Transfer to Adjacent Lot consolidations Re-plat Major Subdivision

Zonine Informal text or map amendment reviews Formal text or map amendment reviews Preliminarylot split inquiries Miscellaneous planning/zoning inquiries

Miscellaneous Easements (roadway, septic, utility, etc.)

#Reviewed

4 0 0 16 18 0 0

2 1 3 19

3

The following is a summary of various points of contact with the townships, either with township officials, residents, or business owners:

Auburn • Informal text amendment review • Connected a school representative to the township trustees regarding collaboration

between the school district and township regarding the 2020 Census. Bainbridge

• Advised trustees ofNOACA's interest in holding a bike map open house in one of the townships on the west side of the County.

• Connected a school representative to the township trustees regarding collaboration between the school district and township regarding the 2020 Census.

Geauga County Planning ColllUliss iou I Director's Report, December 3, 2019 . ~ ~. ~- ~--. ~-----. -- ----... --- . .. -.... . .. ----- .. -------------------- .. -------------------------- ----·- --------------------------------

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' '

Burton Chardon Chester

• Advised trustees of NOACA' s interest in holding a bike map open house in one of the townships on the west side of the County.

• Provided updated pages from the Model Zoning Code to the Zoning Commission • Discussed text amendment with zoning commission member

Q.~.sm. Hambden ~ Middlefield

• Advised trustees NOACA is seeking to submit an application for a USEP A Revolving Loan Fund and they are searching for potential brownfield sites within the Opportunity Zone (all lands located east of SR 528 within Middlefield Township), specifically ones with underground storage tanks and potential petroleum contamination.

Montville Munson

• Assisted with question on sign area requirements. Newbury Parkman Russell

• Advised trustees ofNOACA's interest in holding a bike map open house in one of the townships on the west side of the County.

Thompson • Formal text amendment review

Troy

b. Comprehensive Planning Efforts

a. General Plan Update Please see Item #1

b. Strategic Plan for Economic Development: The Department of Development is in the planning stage of identifying local businesses for individual stakeholder interviews as well as steering committee members, the majority of which will serve as joint members of both the General Plan and Economic Development committees.

Geauga Cotlllty Plauuiug Commission I Director's Report, December 3, 2019 · · --- - ~ -~¥·------- - ------------- -- ---· - - ----- - - --------------- -- --- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -- -- ·- - - - - -- -- ---·-- -- --- - - - - - - - -- - ---- - -- ---

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( 6. Proposed Township Zoning Amendment To Be Reviewed:

A. Thompson Township Amendment No. 2019-01 Initiated November 14, 2019 By Zoning Commission

M s. Crombie presented the following review:

Geauga County Planning Commission

470 Center Street, Building 1C, Chardon, Ohio 44024

Phone(440)279-1740 Fax(440)285-7069

MEMORANDUM

DATE: December 3, 2019

TO: Planning Commission members

FROM: Linda M. Crombie, Plann ing Director

RE: Thompson Township Text Amendment, 2019-01, Agenda Item 7-A

The Thompson Township Zoning Comm ission submitted text amendments for thirteen ( 13) sections of their zoning resolution as follows:

I. Section I 02.0: 2. Section 201 .0: 3. Section 40 1.0: 4. Section 402.2: 5. Section 402.4: 6. Section 403.4: 7. Section 404.4: 8. Section 404.9: 9. Section404.19: 10. Section405.4: II . Section 405.1 6: 12. Section 601 : 13. Section 1002.4:

Purpose of Zoning Resolution Words and Terms Defined Prohibited Uses in all Zoning Districts Permitted Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses Minimum Lot Area Minimum Lot Area Minimum Lot Area Maximum Lot Coverage Exterior Storage Areas Minimum Lot Area Exterior Storage Areas Number of Parking Spaces Required Procedures of Board of Zoning Appeals

Staff comments are provided within the proposed document and any recommended modifications are highlighted in yellow. Otherwise, the staff's recommendation is for approval.

c: file

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THOMPSON TOWNSHIP

AMENDMENT NO. 201 9-0 I

INITIATED NOVEMBER 14, 201 9

BY ZONING COMMISSION

Proposed Thompson Township Zoning Amendment: 2019-01

Initiated by the Thompson Township Zoning Commission: November 14, 2019

fr.P.~.l:!ill!, Existing text to be deleted shown In strike-thru and proposed text in red.

Article I General Provisions

Section

102.0 Purpose of Zoning Resolution

H. To provide regulations that advance balanced and orderly growth and development in the

I.

township as well as preserve sensitive environmental resources in order to maintain the ~em~- __ J - --

rural cha racter ofthe township. I To promote and protect the public health, safety, ~1ora lsl_ ~~~-~~~~~~~-~_e_l~~_e_. _____ _______ ___ . J • • - -

106.0 First Day Excluded and last Day included In Computing Time; Exceptions; Legal Holiday Defined

The t ime within which an act is required bylaw to be done shall be computed by excluding the first and includingthe last day; exceptthatwhenthe last day falls on Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday then the act may be done on the next succeeding day which Is not ~aturdav.L~l!.f!~~y !l!.~ !t:i~~-~<..>!I~!IY: __ . __ __ ___ J .---

When a public office in which an act, required bylaw, is to be performe d Is closed to the public for the entire day which constitutes the last day for doing such actor before Its usual closing t ime on such day, then such act may be performed on the next succeeding day which Is notSaturday, Sunday or a legal holiday as defined In R.C. Section 1.14.

Article II Definitions

201.0 Words and Terms Defined

Comment [LMC1]: Wotditl; is fr.,m theGeau,;a C'ounty Mode l Zonin; Resolution tGCMZRI

Comment [LMC2] : Thb b ' ;uo,;• b f•om the GC:MZR. Recommend the Vl':lfd w~rorals .. be rc rrw,'t d.St:a~n 519.02references pub r~-: hu lth, nfct,., and ;enua1 v;elfart only.

Comment [LMC3): •s.turdJ( is not referenced within GCMZR.. tlowr:w r, indudin5 it mikes sense

"Lot Widthn means the shortest distance that occurs between the side lot lines measured ~ontinuous~- _ J _ ,- - Comment [LMC4) : Thb t.n:uo,;• ;, fr<>mth•

anywhere be tween the front lot line and the building front setback line. =~~:-.,:•hchan;cs •ddclority •~~•w btvndth

:l-.o.t.!i.o.e..te.i!~h.e.Jl.Q,Yn.d~J~l~t.'t'dllm!~ll.llilW.9..r..Jl'titb.Jn.~~~~fj)_gjnJL p~he.ft.QlllJ.Q!Jm...Mdl~ opposite ~he}!?_n_t_l?_t _l~f!!O·. !~ !~':: !~~~ ~! ~!:!!!. f?_r_~ _a_E"?~f!t! ~~~-n-!~ __ J.,-- Comment (LMCS]: Th1s 1":uo,;• ;, f•omthe

rear lot line shall be a line ten (10) feet in length within the lot, drawn parallel to and the maximum >.:G~c:::·M:!:Zll:::..... __________ _;

distance from the frontlot line.

"Service stationn means buildings and premises where e lectric (lehiclesJ '!!aX~~ _r!'!=.h.1J!r;~:J.; _a_f!<! f~~~-~i!, __ J., -- Comment [LMC6]: Lan;u•;• odded u r.count

grease, batte ries, tires, and motor vehicle accessories may be supplied and dispensed at retail. I \.:f::.:0 '..:•..:1<ct:.:'..:"..::'~:.::h..:X:1<::.:•::..· ___ ____ _.J

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( Article IV District Regulations

Section

401.0 Prohibited Uses in all Zoning Districts

E. The storage of junk vehicles, including unlicensed collector's vehicles as defined in O.R.C.

!1 5,Qd.(~j~501}~1_(f),_ <;>~;~!S_i9.!!.~~ ~ _f~)l_v_~~l_o_~_d_ ~!;J!Ipj~~_s~_a)l_ ~ _l~r~~ipj!eA·. _________ ______ _______ ____ .,'-{Comment [ LMC7): ORC reference corrected.

402.2 Permitted Acce.ssory Buildings, Structures, and Uses

I. Porches, decks, patios,(amp~ _a_n_c! ~!~I?~ _\yi_t~-~~ ~~i~~<?l!! ~-~~~~·- __ ____ ____ ___________________ _ , , - {Comment (LMC8): Added forctor;,y.

402.4 Minimum Lot Area

The minimum lot area shall be three (3) acres~xclusiv~?f _t ~_!!-~.t:'! !'! ~~~-r_o_~q ~i_g_h_t:~f-."Y~Y ·. ___ ____ ___ __ .,-- Comment [LMC9): Added fo rcbr;,y in the tNnnu in vA\ich b t ~ru is cakubted.

Section 403.4 Minimum Lot Area

The minimum lot area shall be five (5) acres ~clusiv~-~f-!~ ~!~~ _i !:\_~~- ~~~ _rj~!-?!:"Y!IY: ________ . ______ ,,-{Comment (LMClO): some •• c ......... , ra

Section 404.4 Minimum Lot Area

The minimum ! Fea ru lot area shall be one and one-half (15) acres~xclusive)Qf !~~-i!f_e_a_[n_ !~~ !9.a_d_ ••• _ , - ' {Comment (LMC11) : Some osCoiTV'IIent 18

r ight-of-way.

404.9 Maximum Lot Coverage

404.19 Exterior Storage Areas

Exterior storage of materials, equipment, machinery, or vehicles in connection with the principal

Comment [LMC12): This •mendmen t would increase the nu.<'""-'m btcovcr~&t for con"ltntrci; uses from40~ to 60%. ('of'rV'I",C t'Ci21 districts art ft"'ieal'lt to be ~tc pe:rtnissh't &n tcrrruofthc U\tcnsityof use ~.n d ru~cnt~ dis tricts ate meant tot>c ti"\\rt rcstric:tt.•c.

building, structure or use ofthe lot shall be a minimum of ~event'r}-!iy_!!.l7.5J_f.!!~.t_f!?!l:l . ____ ,, - Comment [LMC13): Their current resotut;,n

f f f d I I rcqu"cs princip:t1 Jtru<turu to be 3t Je3st u vc nty

any ront lot line and a minimum of twenty (20) eet rom any si e or rear lot ines, un ess otherwise r ... e (7S)fromthe ri,;htofvny, so incr .. sin;the

specified in this resolution . There shall be ~.t:X.t_!!!~~r-~~~r_a_~- i_n_ !f_o_'!~ ~f ~YJ?r_i !:\~~~'!1. ~':!!~!'!~ ?!". ~ )~! __ ~ se tbxk from 2S' to ?S' wiU ensure storo;e is not

or in any front yard. ', , , >P=•='"""=·=e=d=•=lit=h"'= 'h=e='='0="'=r>=rd=.=====

405.4 Minimum Lot Area

The minimum aFea efa lot area shall be f ive (S[g) acres~xclusive)~_f_t~_e_ ~~~~ j~ ~~.!!.r.~~~ !!ll.~t:?f-."Y~Y~ _. _,

405.16 Exterior Storage Areas

Exterior storage of materials, equipment, machinery, or vehicles in connection with the principal

building, structure or use o fthe lot shall be a minimum of one hundred (100)feetfrom any front lot line

and a minimum offifty (50) feet from any side or rear lot lines, unless otherwise specified in this

' ' I ' ' '

Comment [LMC14) : This is suppterr .. ntol lan~~;e to ~couM for buildinp belted J1 V2riou se tbxks. (EX: H • ~uilc!U.; is p roposed >I> 100' sctb>:.k from the "'ht of vny. this lan, uaoc woukf stil rcquite stor:a:e not ukt pb:e vlithin the front yard, C\'tn if the 15 fut is met. forbuiSdU,p louted 'css th~n 15 lett from the fi&htofv"Y~ a st tb>:kvatiancc v.ould t>t required, ifstora;e Y/C t

to be proposed. CPJu se note; this does not preclude a business from h71in; front ~rd

dispb'f{Ules of 1'1"-Ct(handisc as thJt i.s permitted , ond " '"!>ted under404.18.) ·>=====~====~=============

Comment [LMC15) : Addsclorif'oe >t;.n., tohc m.initnvm lot ~rea is nlcul~cd .

7

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resolution. There shall be ~-tOX_t~:~~r-~t_?_r_a_,g_e_ i_n_ fr!J_f!t_ <?f !I!'Y.~~~~!~'!I_~l;l ~l~ ~f!~ ~-n-~ !C:! ~!_i~.'!~Y .ft<?~! _. ___ ,. -{Comment [LMC16]: S>mt "Comment 14

yard .

Art icle VI Parking and Loading/unloading Spaces

Section

601.0 Number of Parking Spaces Required

Residential Districts

Article X Administration

Section

1002.4 Procedures of Board of Zoning Appeals

1002.4

B. subparagraph 18(c)

1. Standards for an "arean variance: The practical difficulties standard shall apply to an area

Comment [LMC17]: l••,•••• removed u U.ls Teference is no Sonscrustd in ORC.

variance and the factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following. l'>!o~ !.l[l ___ l - - • Comment [LMC18]: Av••" it odds

of the factors must be met by the appellant and no single factor controls in a determination of -..:<:=.1"="oc=•too=· ="·---------

practical difficulties.

2. Standards for a " use" variance: The unnecessary hardship standard shall apply to a use variance

and the factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following. ~~~ ~! ~~~- ________ l ,- - {Comment (LMC19]: s,..,. "eo ....... t 18

fol lowing factors must be met by the appellant.

Mr. Claypool questioned whether electric charging spaces are really necessary in Thompson and added

that he didn't feel this amendment was practical or well thought out. Ms. Crombie indicated it would

allow for car charging at service stations similar to how they provide other services.

Mr. Bergansky questioned whether Provision 404.19 pertains to commercial zones only. Ms. Crombie

indicated that section is for commercial uses. And that 404.18 allows signs and uses specific to the

business.

Mr. Stevens brought up the example of a tractor shop and how they would go about marketing tractors

to sell. Mr. Bergansky relayed concerns that the provision is too vague.

Mr. Claypool asked if a business on a corner lot would be able to park tractors in a side yard up to the

road. Ms. Crombie confirmed that thi s would be the case depending on how a corner lot is defined and

8

( setbacks must be met. Mr. McCaskey asked if Sidley was allowed to advertise trucks for sale in the front

yard.

Mr. Lennon replied that Newbury Township is very strict about what can be put up for sale and

advertised in a front yard, and that it is unlikely Thompson allows vehicles to be advertised for sale in a

front yard.

Mr. McCaskey suggested the Thompson Township Zoning Commission review these proposed changes

for appropriateness and practicality.

Mr. Claypool asked if this amendment was written proactively, and if there is no current issue, then

what problem is this amendment fixing?

Mr. Stevens said that Provision 404.18 allows businesses to have displays of merchandise for sale as

mentioned in the review.

Mr. McCaskey sa id that the changes to Provision 404.19 would prohibit and employee from parking a

vehicle in front of the building with how it is written and Mr. Stevens added that there are different

sections that cover parking.

Mr. Claypool said that this provision would create contradictions within the zoning resolution.

Mr. Bergansky added that storage is usually located behind the building and Mr. McCaskey added that

parking is not storage.

M s. Crombie indicated the variance procedure is ava ilable for anyone requesting relief from the

regulations.

Mr. Claypool asked how storage is defined and Mr. Neola reiterated that a definition for storage is

important.

Mr. Stevens explained that zoning is complicated and that changes have to be looked at with a full

context . One cannot just read a paragraph and always immediately determine how it is to be

interpreted. The board could take more time to review the amendment prior to discussion. It would be

helpful if all the township zoning resolutions were posted on the website. Ms. Crombie indicated that

the resolutions are online.

Mr. Bergansky made a motion to recommend approval of proposed Thompson Township Zoning

Amendment No. 2019-01 as initiated on November 14, 2019 by the Zoning Commission with the

following modifications:

Chapter 102.01: Recommend the word "morals" be removed.

Chapter 201.01: Review necessity and intent of adding the language "electric vehicles may be

recharged".

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( Chapter 404.19: Review intent vs. application of the newly proposed seventy (75) feet set back as it

relates to prohibit ing exterior storage in front of any principal building on a lot or in the front yard.

Chapter 405.16: Review intent vs. application of language proh ibit ing exterior storage in front of any

principal build ing on a lot or in any front ya rd .

Mr. Neola seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.

7. Old Business

A. County General Plan Update

Steering Committee Candidates for the General Plan, 12-6-19 I I

GEOGRAPHIC TYPOlOGIES Public Official Cendldate Citizen Cendldatt Chagrin Vollty

Balnbridct Township Lortie 5.lss Benza Jeff Markley Russell Township Newbury Township Munson Township Chester Towns hlp South Russell Villace William G. Koons, Mayor Matt Brett

Notthtrn High lands Chardon T ownshlp Hambden Township Montville Township ThomPSon Township City of Chardon Steve Yaney Steve Yal\ty

Cuyohogo HtodiVOitrs Auburn Township Troy Township Burton Township Claridon Township Burton Villace

J Aquilla Villaae l ibby S,vel Gretchen Wolfe

Amish Country

Hunt1bur2 Township Paul Tucker Middlefield Township Parkman Township Henry Duchscherer Jr Alan weaver Middlefield Viii ace

-OTHER AGENCIES Cendldatt N/A -Geauca Park District John Oros N/A Geauca Soil and Water Carmella Shale N/A Geauaa County farm Bureau 8ob5.lae N/A

JOINT AGENCIES TO SERVE ON BOTH GP/EO STEERING COMMITTEE$ Candidate N/A -County County Commls~oner N/A Geauca County Plannlnc Commission N/A Geauca County Administrator Gerry l . Morcan N/A Geauaa County Plan nine Director linda M. Crombie N/A

Geaura County Dept of Development David J. Favorite N/A Geauaa County Enclneer Joe Cattell N/A

(Alternate Frank Antenucci) Destination Guuaa Christine Blythe N/A Chamber of Commerce Chacrln Valley N/A Chamber of Commerce, Burton N/A Chamber of Commerce, Middlefield N/A Chamber of Commerce, Chardon N/A

10

( Candidate Background Information for the Potential General Plan Steering Committee Members as of December 6, 2019

(Background informat ion is as provided by t he townships/agency)

11a• G;[f'l1Ba County • '0:..//U# EMIISION

DRAFTv1 · 11/S/19

Geauga County General Plan, Background Information, Steering Committee Candidates, Page 1 of 8

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( "AMISH COUNTRY" GEOGRAPHIC TYPOLOGY

Huntsburg Township Public Official Cancliclate: Paul Tucker Zoning Inspector

Parkman Township Public Official Cancliclate: Henry Duchscherer Jr., 28195 Madison Rei., Mlcldlefielcl I was a Zoning Inspector in Parkman, a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, and was appointed Tmstee in May was re-elected in November. As a Tmstee rm responsible for the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Zoning Commission, and also the Community House and Overlook Park. I was also the President of the Cardinal Booster Club and a long time yo\lth coach. fm retired from a Fortune tOO company.

Citizen Cancliclate: Alan Weaver, 26654 Hosmer Rei., Miclcllefielcl Alanis the owner ofM.id-Pruk Metals and highly respected in the Amish collUllnnity. We feel it is important to include the Am.i.~h in this process.

Middlefield Township Yet to be provided

Middlefield Village Yet to be provided

Geauga county General Plan, Background Information, Steering Committee Candidates, Page 2 of 8

12

( "CHAGRIN VALLEY" GEOGRAPHIC liYPOLOGY

Bainbridge Township Public Official Candidate: Lorrie Sass Benza, l7850 Geauga Lake Rd. Chagrin Falls Lorrie Sa.~s Benza is a Bainbridge Township Tmstee, and has served Geauga Cotmty local govenunent for nearly thirty years. She was the Chief Assistant Prosecutor and Director of the Civil Division for the Geauga Comtty Prosecutor's Office where she worked from 1992-2000 for Prosecutor David Joyce. Mrs. Bet\Za represented all ofGeauga's townships as well as muuerous county departutents dtuing that time. She then worked in private practice before seeking elected office. Bet\Za has served on the:

0 Bainbridge Township Zoning Colllllission 0 Bainbridge Township Board of Zoning Appeals 0 Geauga County Planning Commission 0 Coalition of Large Ohio Urban Townships (CLOUT) executive committee 0 Gcauga County Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team

Mrs. Bet\Za hM also volunteered as a coach working with local students through activities of Kett~ton Conuuututy Education. She is a graduate of Leadership Geauga, and continues to volunteer for any govenuuent related instmction or seminars for that program. She is the President of the Geauga Cotutty Towmhip Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for United Way Services of Geauga Cotutty. Mrs. Benza is a graduate of Case Westem Reserve University and Pepperdine University School of Law.

Citizen Candidate: Jeff Markley, 8535 Lucerne Drive, Chagrin Falls Jeff Markley is a registered Jand~cape arclutect with the State of Ohio and principal of Markley Design Group, a Bainbridge Township-based L"11td Platuling and Landscape Arclutecture fum He cturetltly serves as city plrulller for the City of Independence. Mr. Markley is also involved with Oluo Stream Preservation, a locally-bMed, state-wide conservation orgMization, serving as its Executive Director.

Me. Markley served on the Bainbridge Townslup Zoning Collllllission from 1997- 2002 rutd participated on the Citizens Advisory Committee to help develop the township's vision plrut. He was a member of the To\\11-~lup's Park Board, begi.Jut.ing inl994<Uld serving as chainu."1.11 from 2000-2004. Mr. Markley WM active in the development of River Road Parkru1d the S.R. 306/I-422 lnterchrutge Beautification project, <Uld developed the lru1d~cape maintet1ance progrrun for all of the tow11.~hip's park~. cemeteries ru1d facilities.

Me. Markley was a member of the Lake Lucerne Architectural Review Board, <Uld led the conumuuty's successful effort to dialog with the Oluo Department of Transportation (ODOT) in the re-location of Chillicothe Road (S.R. 306). He served as coach and \'Oiunteer for the fonuer Kenston Athletic A~sociation (now Kett~ton Collllllunity Education, "KCE'), served as a member of the KAA Advisory ConUluttee for the tfl\ltsition to KCE, was a co-founder of Kettston Futbol Club (a youth travel soccer progrruu) <Uld a paretlt volunteer for C.\tb Scout rutd Boy Scout Troop 102 in Bainbridge. Mr. Markley frequently donlltes professional designru1d consulting services for a variety of conumuuty orgrut.izatio1t~.


13

(

South Russell Villace Public Official Candidate: Mayor William G. Koons, Ph. D., 5205 Clli/licotlle Rd., Sout/1 Russell

Citizen Candidate: Matt Brett, 158 Lakeview Drive, Soutl1 Russell Matt served the village for eighteen years as a member of council and mayor. He has four children gro\'ving up in SRV. Matt was born and raised in SRV. He lives in the home where he grew up. Highly regarded by residents, he will be a great choice for the Planning Conun.ission.

Chester Township Yet to be provided

Munson Township Yet to be provided

Newbury Township Yet to be provided

Russell Township Yet to be provided


14

( "CUYAHOGA HEADWATERS" GEOGRAPHIC TYPOLOGY

Aquilla Village Public Official Candidate: Libby Savel Libby is a new Council member who has lived in Aquilla for over 12 years. She is ctUTently working with the Chardon School District.

Citizen Candidate: Gretchen Wolfe, 128 Cornelia Drive Gretchen has lived in Aquilla for over 25 years and is tlte wife of Mayor Wolfe. She also works with the Chardon School District in the transportation department.

Auburn Township Yet to be provided

Claridon Township Yet to be provided

Burton Village Yet to be provided

Burton Township Yet to be provided

Troy Township Yet to be provided

Geauga County General Plan, Background Information, Steering Committee Candidates, PageS of 8

15

( "NORTHERN HIGHLANDS" GEOGRAPHIC TYPOLOGY

City of Chardon Public Official and Citizen Candidate: Steve Yaney 1l1e City is recommending Steve Yaney, the City's Conuuunity Development Administrator. He is both a City employee and a citizeu.

Chardon Township Yet to be provided

Hambden Township Yet to be provided

Montville Township Yet to be provided

Thompson Township Yet to be provided

Geauga county General Plan, Background Information, Steering Committee Candidates, Page 6 of 8

16

( OTHER AGENCIES

Geauga Park District Candidate: John Oros, 9160 Robinson Rd., Chardon

• 1986 Graduate of James A Garfield High School Garretts,.ille, Ohio. o Attended Maplewood Area Joint Vocational School Ravetulll, Ohio. Completed

Natural Resource Management Career Co\lfse. • 1986 to 1990. United States Air Force, Griftiss Air Force Base.

o Security Policenlll.ll with 416th Security Police Squadron. • 1990 Grad1lllte of Hocking College

o Associate of Applied Science, Recreation & Wildlife Teclu\ology, Major in Fish & Wildlife Mrulllgement.

• Geauga Park District Career: o 1991 to 1993, Seasonal Land Steward. o 1994 to 1999, Park Technician. o 1999 to 2004, Land Steward. o 2004 to 2007, Natural Resource Manager. o 2007 to 2013, Operations Director. o 2013 to Pre.sent, Executive Director.

• Family: o Married to April Oros 21 years. o Adopted Samuel Oros in2007, now age 12. o Adopted Jesse Oros in 2008, now age 11 .

• Conuuunity: o Member ofHorizotl~ Cluistian Assembly Middlefield, Ohio since 1997.

Currently serving on the Clmrch Board. o Current men1ber of the Nonheast Ohio Areawide Coordi.tlllting Agency

(NOACA) Rural Advisory Co\Ulcil. o Member of the Middlefield Ohio Colllllnmity including Middlefield Chamber of

Commerce & Cardinal Local School District. o Member of Geauga Co\Ulty Cl1apters of Duck's Unlinlited and National Wild

Turkey Federation. o Royal Rangers Boys Mi.tlistry, Nonheast Ohio Leadership Staff, Cenified

In~tructor to other Leaders, 1997 to Present. o C\trr~lt Member of American Legion Atwood-Mauck Post 459 in Bunon, Ollio. o Curr~ttly Elected to Geauga County Republican Central Comnlittee for

Middlefield Townsllip. o Current M~nber Ollio Farm Bureau.

• Hobbies: Hlutting, Camping, Hiking, and Fanlily Time.

Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District Candidate: Carmel/a Shale Carmella Shale holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engi.t1eering and a Masters of Science Degree in Civil Engi.t1eering with an emphasis i.t1 Hydrology. Ms. Shale has been the Director and Engi.t1eer for Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (S\VCD) for the past 20 years. Prior to working at the Geauga SWCD. Carmella worked for a construction finn as a


17

( project llt.1nager, an engineering consulting finn as a design engineer and with tlte Geauga County Engineer as a design engineer for county and township projects. Over the years witlt the two county offices she bas worked closely with many federal, state, county and township officials advising on land use issues as they pertain to stormwater, soils, groundwater, land conservation, zoning codes, natural resources management and protection.

Geauga County Farm Bureau Candidate: Robert "Bob" Sage Background infonuationnot provided.

POTENTIAL DUAL MEMBERS OF GENERAL PLAN AND EGON. DEV. PllAN

STEERING COMMITTEES

Destination Geauga Candidate: Christine Blythe Christine is the Sales Manager at Ptutderson Manor- She started in Januray of2017 and has been enjoying her position at the state park and working to have an impact in tlte conununity. She is also a board member for Destination Geauga, fairly new to her role she joined the board in August of2019. Prior to Punderson Manor Christine owned a small retail store with her mother and did consulting for large scale events including an intemational conference for RAPRA (The Rubber and Plastics Research Association) headquartered from the U.K. Blythe spent tlte majority of her career in the IT Industry working in various sales and marketing positions at Microsoft Corp. In her personal time Christine loves to spend time with her family, her dogs and you will often fmd her at tlte bam enjoying tlte family's horses too.

Geauga County Commissioner To be detem1ined Geauga County Planning Commission representative To be detennined Geauga County Administrator Gerry Morgan Geauga County Planning Director Lind.1 M. Crombie Geauga County Dept of Development, Executive Director David 1. Favorite Geauga County Engineer Joe Cattell, Geauga County Engineer (Alternate: Frank Antenucci, Administrator) Burton Chamber of Commerce Yet to be provided Chardon Chamber of Commerce Yet to be provided Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce Yet to be provided Middlefield Chamber of Commerce Yet to be provided


Mr. Lennon inquired who the Bainbridge Township citizen candidate for the steering committee is and

Ms. Crombie replied that the trustee, Jeff Markley, was Bainbridge's choice to serve in this capacity as a

resident, not a public official.

Mr. Claypool expressed the need for a diverse committee and wants the townships to offer a wider

group of candidates.

18

( Mr. Lennon added that two trustees from the same t ownship in an external meeting is still a quorum

and requires public notice for every meeting.

Mr. Spidalieri asked where the business representation is within these candidates, and would like to see

more people from the industry involved in the process.

Mr. Favorite expressed that his committee will be stacked with business contacts that will be vital to the

county update, as well, and that he can provide additional contacts if necessary. He added that big

meetings are unproductive and small meeting are limited, so it's important to find a good quantity and

quality of representatives.

Mr. Claypool stated he wou ld like less people involved in the county's political realm, and more Amish

and industry representation to get a wide vision for the project. Mr. Spidalieri stressed that there is a

strong political presence in the candidates submitted so far, but at the end of the day, this plan update is

for the residents being served.

Ms. Jones relayed that Auburn was interested in having Craig Sirna represent the township.

Mr. McCaskey added that Howard Bates and John Edwards are people that could be reached out to.

Alan Weaver is a good candidate to represent t he Amish community. Ann Blair is well known realtor in

the area, and it wouldn't hurt to find another representative connected to Huntington or Middlefi eld

Bank.

Mr. Stevens asked the group to get contact information to Director Crombie for the next meeting. Mr.

Favorite indicated that M s. Crombie is a few steps ahead in the steering committee process, but there

would be more input to be ga ined at the CIC lunch in January.

Mr. M cCaskey added that the Geauga Growth Partnership could be a valuable contact .

Mr. Stevens asked Ms. Crombi e to send out an update on candidate submissions every Friday.

19

B. Bainbridge Township Z-2019-4: Initiated October 29, 2019: Discussion On Provision

177.02 (ii)

CHAPTER 177.01 PROHIBITED USES

(H) Indoor or outdoor shooti11g ranges as defined in O.R.C. 1533.83(B).

Per the Ohio Revised Code Section 1533.83 (B) "Shooting range" means a facility operated for the

purpose of shooting with firearms or archery equipment, whether publicly or privately owned and whether or not

operated for profit, including, but not limited to, commercial bird shooting preserves and wild animal

hunting preserves established pursuant to this chapter. "Shooting range" does not include a facility owned or

operated by a municipal corporation, county, township police district, or joint police district.

Ms. Crombie stated that Planning Commission must request a formal legal opinion from the County

Prosecutor's Office on the issue of Ba inbridge Township Z-2019-4- Provision 177.02 (ii) .

Mr. Claypool stat ed that he reached out to Ohio Department of Natural Resources and they confirmed

that the definition of shooting range applies uniformly to all ranges, whether they are commercial,

private, or for persona l home use. The term "facility" is a very generic term and other attorneys have

agreed that this provision could be applied differently depending on the way it is interpreted from

person to person, and there is concern that the intent may become lost years down the line. He

suggested the board request an official opinion from the Prosecutor's Office.

Mr. Stevens agreed that the board should make a motion to inquire if the provision is meant to apply to

commercial zones or al l properties, and if yes, is the intention to ban all ranges in the township.

Ms. Sass Benza relayed that the zoning commission members were asked if the intent of the regulation was to pertain to commercial shooting ranges.

Mr. Spidalieri brought up public outcry over these types of issues in the past, and that the language in the provision leaves too much open to inte rpretation. He mentioned that part of Planning Commission's review is taking the va lidity of the provision into consideration, and questioned whether this regulation change is the will of the people or the wi ll of the zoning commission.

Mr. Stevens added that t he question of public support is separate. It is Planning Commission's responsibility to review the amendment and if there are questions to call the zoning commission and ask

20

( why they are doing this. If Bainbridge decides that ranges are not appropriate, they have a right to follow through with the amendment. If there's a question of legality, it's appropriate to ask if this provision is to be interpreted as applying to all zones, and if so, if that is legal. These things should be asked prior to the meeting. There is a certain time fram e to consider- the zoning commission has a public hearing to review public comments and Planning Commission's comments, and then the trustee have a public hearing to consider adoption.

Ms. Sass Benza stated that Bainbridge did adopt the resolution.

Mr. Stevens stated that Planning Commission can recommend to the Bainbridge Zoning Commission to revisit the provision as it may be illegal and pose the following questions- Does the provision apply to all zones, and if so, is thi s legal? Can you bar a resident from having a range in their backyard?

Ms. Sass Benza stated that many townsh ips have adopted these types of regulations besides Bainbridge. Munson Township banned firing projectiles from a gun, and all villages have banned shooting completely unless it's done in self-defense. If it is determined that these types of regulations are illegal, than this advice needs to go to all townships. First Strike in Newbury came about from a judgment entry after a zoning appeal.

Mr. Claypool stated that villages can have ordinances. Townships cannot, but they can zone. In addition, he would challenge Munson's provision that bans the firing of projectiles.

Mr. Stevens stated this is why it is so important to have questions for legal counsel, and other townships should receive this type of information. Mr. Claypool relayed that whatever legal opinion comes back needs to be vetted through case law.

Mr. Neola made a motion to initiate drafting and sending a letter to legal counsel for a formal opinion pertaining to the lega lity of shooting range regulations with the following questions: Does the provision apply to all zones, and if so, is this lega l? Can you bar a resident from having a range in their backyard? Mr. Claypool seconded the motion. It ca rried unanimously.

M s. Crombie added that most townships do informally submit their amendments to the staff prior to it being submitted as a formal amendment.

Mr. McCaskey reiterated that he would like to ensure the townships are aware of the full gravity of some of the amendments that have been recently proposed.

Ms. Crombie stated that Planning Commission members can talk to the zoning commissions prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Stevens suggested that if anyone has questions, they should reach out to trustees and zoning commission staff members.

8. New Business

A. Model Zoning Committee

Mr. Stevens stated that the county model zoning code needs to be updated, and asked if the board would like to set up a committee to update the code.

21

( Ms. Crombie stated that the Planning Commission must have the county Prosecutor's Office review the changes, and that the Prosecutor's Office publishes the document to the county website . Mr. Claypool said he wou ld challenge that policy.

Mr. Stevens added that the document is shared, but has to be reviewed by legal counsel. The code has been updated over the years without any input from this board. In four years, no adjustments have ever been brought to the board, and Planning Commission should have the opportunity to ask questions about the changes. There should be a subcommittee of three or four individuals to do systematic review of the document and make recommendations about updates and reviews. Legal counsel will review the updates, and then they will be approved by the full board. Communications shou ld go out to the townships about any updates.

M s. Crombie stated that the document has not been brought before the Planning Commission for formal approva l, and that the on ly previous mention found from a few years ago was in a director's report and did not go into detail.

Mr. Lennon expressed interest in determin ing if the Prosecutor's Office has the final say over the document in ORC? Mr. Claypool added that they are not the owners; they are just the county's attorneys. Mr. Stevens stated that the board has talked about reviewing changes to the model code for years and that there needs to be some process in place to get it done. The board agrees the document needs to be reviewed with vetting from the planning director and the Prosecutor's Office.

Mr. McCaskey made a motion to form a subcommittee of three to four members for the purpose of reviewing and recommending any needed changes to the model township zoning code, and that updates wi ll be reviewed by the planning director, legal counsel, and the Planning Commission. Mr. Bergansky seconded the motion. It carried unanimously.

M s. Sass Benza relayed that if this subcommittee is subject to the open meetings act, she'd like to be informed of meet ing dates and times. Mr. Stevens stated that he will advise the committee of al l proper channels to follow and that the public is welcome to join the meetings, but not everyone gets the opportunity to comment.

9. Additional Comments Mr. Dvorak recalled the board discussing the idea of hiring another employee and that he'd like to di scuss it again at the next meeting.

Mr. Spidalieri relayed that the Board of County Commissioners approved Jim McCaskey and Caterina Caeca-Fulton as Planning Commission members for fu ll term three year t erms, beginning December 31, 2019 and ending December 31s1, 2022.

the meeting at approximately 9:17 a.m.

harles sty I Chairman

-U,~~-22

l SUMMARY RESOLUTION FOR EXPENSES

GEAUGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

EXHIBIT UA"

M_c_ \\fp>:p,,) \l.w MOVED THE ADOPJION OF Tlffi FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, WlllCH MOTION AS SECONDED BY M.,c . t.o \ Q-. .

WHEREAS, THE EXPENSES LISTED HEREIN HAVE BEEN INCURRED BY THE GEAUGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION IN ORDER FOR THE COMMISSION TO PERFORM ITS DUTIES; AND

WHEREAS, THESE EXPENSES HAVE BEEN REVIEWED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AT ITS DECEMBER 10,2019 MEETING;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE GEAUGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY AUTHORIZES PAYMENT OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS OR CLAIMS:

P.O. ACCOUNT DATE VENDOR AMOUNT 3382 OTHER 11/26 GEAUGA COUNTY FARM BUREAU 20.00 1170 CONTRACTS 11126 WELLS FARGO (COPIER LEASE) 115.00 5367 OTHER 12110 LINDA CROMBIE- MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 19.02 3382 OTHER 12/10 LINDA CROMBIE- MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 200.92

TOTAL $354.94

December 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Geauga County

Documents