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Welcome to our new "Current News" page! We'll be using this page to post the most current newsletter, our Focus on Danbury Township article and timely information we need to communicate. As always, if you need to reach any of us just click on the "Contact Us" page for telephone numbers and our email address.
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
The Danbury Township Board of Trustees will hold a special public meeting on Thursday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Danbury Senior Center. Purpose of the meeting is to present information that will be provided by the Ottawa County Historical Society regarding the Society's request for Danbury Township to assume possession of the Keeper's House on Bayshore Road.
DANBURY TOWNSHIP MEETING OVERVIEW
At the regular meeting of the Danbury Township Board of Trustees held July 14, 2010 the following business was conducted:
• Charles Scott reported cleanup week was progressing quite well. He presented a quote from Brumbaugh-Herrick, Inc. for asbestos inspection services for township hall in the amount of $1,490. The quote was approved by the trustees. Mrs. Scott distributed sample copies of job descriptions for the board to review. The batting cage will be taken down and stored.
• Police Chief Michael Meisler reported 544 incidents in June and 284 to date in July.
• Dianne Rozak reported Safety Coordinator Deb Burley Biro has scheduled a defensive driving class for employees to be conducted by the Highway Patrol. Deb is working on two job safety analyses for each department, the employee safety suggestion program, accident analysis, changes to the OBWC drug free workplace program and a township emergency management planning procedure.
• Zoning Inspector Rhonda Botti Sowers reported the zoning office has issued 33 permits in June and 5 to date in July. The BZA will hold two public hearings on July 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. both of which are for area variances. A Land Use Plan committee meeting was held on July 12 and another meeting is scheduled for July 27 at township hall at 6 p.m. Mrs. Sowers presented a comprehensive zoning report for the month of June which included responding to 397 calls, emails and in person inquiries along with 16 site visits.
• Fiscal Officer Shelley Seamon completed public records training and presented a fiscal report.
• Trustees agreed to place an advertisement for a request for proposals for architectural services needed at township hall.
• The complaint at 7055 E. Harbor Road was discussed. Ms. Rozak stated the prosecutor advised that since three boats are not a violation of zoning they may remain on the property.
• Trustees approved the proposal from The Collaborative for the remodeling of the 419 S. Bridge Rd. property in the amount of $42,000.
• Trustees reminded everyone of the public meeting at the Danbury Senior Center on August 5 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the potential acquisition of the Keeper’s House on Bayshore Road.
• Trustees approved David Price Metal Services to grind the brush at the drop off site in the amount of $2,986. This amount will cover the initial grinding and a re-grinding.
• Ms. Rozak reported upon Rep. Dennis Murray’s request she sent him a summary of crash statistics and recent photographs of the N. Shore Blvd. and SR 163 intersection.
• Ms. Rozak reported the prosecutor advised that since the vacant mobile homes located on property owned by Duane Stevens at 1049 Englebeck Rd. are not a violation of zoning they may remain. Aesthetic concerns cannot be regulated by the trustees.
• Ms. Rozak advised she is in the process of following up with Larry Hebert regarding his unfinished garage on Erie Beach Road.
• Ms. Rozak reported Fred Peterson from the Emergency Management Office will provide a brief presentation at the August 11 trustee meeting.
• A notice was read requiring a quorum of trustees from each township to be present at two of three electric aggregation hearings.
• Ms. Rozak reported Donna Lueke of the United Way contacted her regarding five students from the BGSU Student Leadership Group that will plan to do a cleanup at Meadowbrook on August 10. Ms. Lueke and Ms. Rozak also discussed potential development and communication of a program for volunteers to assist seniors with household tasks.
• Trustees set a hearing for 6:30 p.m. on July 28 for a rezoning request by North Coast Development.
• Ms. Rozak will send letters regarding complaints of high weeds and overgrown grass on property owned by Willow Brook Developers on Bayshore Road and on property owned by Randal Scherf at 5595 Mistic Bay.
• Trustees adopted a resolution of necessity for renewal of the fire levy. Trustees will set a special meeting to adopt the resolution to proceed once final numbers are received from the auditor.
• Bills in the amount of $36,899.94 were approved as were the June financials and bank reconciliation.
• Trustees approved transferring $42,000 from Police – other expenses to Police – engineering and architectural services.
DANBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING MONTHLY REPORT FOR JUNE 2010
Year to Date Comparison of New Housing Permits
While the total number of permits processed has returned to 2008 levels, permits for new dwellings remain historically low. There have been 8 permits issued for new single-family dwellings during the first half of 2010 which is identical to the number issued for the same period last year. By comparison new housing starts during the first six months of the past decade were as follows: 2008 – 15; 2007 – 20; 2006 – 36; 2005 – 31; 2004 – 32; 2003 – 30; 2002 – 27; and 2001 – 43.
Case Dismissed
On June 10, 2010 the complaint filed in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court by Lakeshore Development seeking a determination that rentals for less than 30 days are not permissible under the zoning resolution as it applies to condominium developments was dismissed by Judge Abood.
Training & Professional Growth
The Zoning Inspector participated in a well attended Board of Zoning Appeals training held June 30 in Elmore. Regional Planning Director Todd Bickley and Assistant Director Walt Wehenkel conducted the training jointly with County Prosecutor Mark Mulligan and Assistant Prosecutor Dave Boldt. The training was designed to meet specific concerns of zoning appeals boards in Allen, Benton, Clay, Harris and Salem Townships with relevant topics from recent Catawba and Danbury Township trainings incorporated into the session.
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Review
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan committee met twice in June and completed the list of goals and objectives. The next meeting is scheduled for July 12 at which time the committee will begin the process of updating the land use map.
Board & Commission Activity
The Board of Zoning Appeals conducted 2 hearings in June as follows:
#047-10 variance to allow increase to a nonconforming house approved
#058-10 variance to front and side setbacks approved as modified
The Zoning Commission had no hearings in June but met to review areas of the zoning resolution which may be in need of amendment.
There were no hearings before the Board of Trustees during the month of June.
Permits
Thirty-three permit applications were processed during June and $2,325.60 collected in fees. Residential permits were issued for three new dwellings, two room additions, a garage addition, six porch/deck additions, four sheds, six fences and a swimming pool. Commercial permits were issued for a new boat sales/storage/repair building on Bridge Road, handicap entrance ramp at O'Tay Pizza, fences at Camp Runinmuck and the Lakeside Fire Department and an identification sign for St. Paul Lutheran Church. Two permits were rejected, each resulting in area variance applications being filed. An application was filed to rezone property on Hartshorn Road from the "A" agricultural district to the "M-1" light manufacturing district.
Calls and Site Visits
A primary activity of the Zoning staff is responding to inquiries from residents, developers, appraisers, contractors, etc. Inspections are performed to verify or identify violations as well as to verify that projects are completed in compliance with approved plans. In addition, the department staff greets visitors seeking information regarding other township services and directs them to the appropriate official or department.
During the month of June 2010 the Department responded to 397 calls, e-mails and in-person inquiries and went on 16 site visits. Here is the breakdown:
Calls
• Permit and application questions 106
• Zoning classification requests 5
• Inquiries regarding BZA applications 27
• Inquiries regarding Zoning Commission applications 13
• Other zoning related 147
• Other non-zoning related 99
Site Visits
• Zoning violations 7
• Zoning Commission cases 0
• BZA cases 3
• Other inspections 6
FOCUS ON DANBURY TOWNSHIP - MAY 2010 NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
This is an article provided by Trustee Dianne Rozak to inform residents of township activity and business that comes before the Board of Danbury Trustees. Please visit our website www.danburytownship.com for more information about Danbury Township.
The first quarter of the year has been very eventful in Danbury Township. For the past two years we have been researching and evaluating the potential for building a new administrative complex to house all of our departments. A shift in focus occurred after we had an opportunity to view the former Garden Path landscaping building that was up for sale on Bridge Road. We purchased this five-year old building for $375,000. It encompasses three acres and is located across the street from the fifteen acres the township currently owns. The front part of the building will be remodeled to accommodate a new police station which will provide excellent visibility for the department. The large bays in the rear of the building will be utilized for storage of seasonal maintenance equipment. We are reviewing the potential for relocating recycling and possibly township clean-up to this new site. Any relocation of services would be announced in township newsletters and press releases well in advance of changes being made. Once the police station is completed we will move forward with retrofitting our current township hall to make the facility ADA accessible. Administrative, zoning and maintenance department employees will remain at our building on Port Clinton Eastern Road as will the township meeting room. New dugouts and a batting cage have been installed at the township athletic complex. These new amenities will be greatly welcomed by the numerous teams who use these ball fields. Thanks are extended to the Natural Wave Salon and Firelands 4-H Club for coordinating recent cleanups at Meadowbrook Marsh. The Natural Wave also provided a new bench for the park. We greatly appreciate the efforts made by these entities. The park is being used regularly by residents and visitors. It is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Shortly a new ADA parking area and connecting trail will be installed. This will provide full ADA accessibility to nearly 3,000 feet of paved multi-purpose trails and the pond side observation deck. The township recently received an award from the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation for outstanding safety performance. This 100% rating was given for being injury-free during 2009. The township is a member of the Ottawa County Safety Council. We conduct regular meetings with our employee safety team and also provide safety workshops for all employees. Also new this quarter is the implementation of tasers for our police officers. This valuable tool provides our officers with a critical option in between the use of pepper spray and deadly force. All officers have been fully trained in the use of this new equipment. Zoning permits continue to be on the rise as well as the number of inquiries from residents, realtors and builders. The township was recently favorably upheld in the Ottawa County Common Pleas court on three zoning cases. Both our Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Commission have attended recent training on current topics affecting their duties. Lastly, many thanks are extended to our maintenance staff for planting flower seeds at Sackett Cemetery. This task is usually handled by several citizen volunteers but the weather did not cooperate on planting day. We look forward to seeing the beautiful blooms in a few months. Please visit our website, www.danburytownship.com, for comprehensive information about Danbury. Employees and the elected officials can now be contacted by email and their respective addresses are available on the website.
SUMMER NEWSLETTER CONTENTS (JUNE 2010)
TOWNSHIP CLEAN-UP WEEK JULY 12 - 16
The big dumpsters will again be at Township Hall for residents to dispose of household items, steel, metal and appliances. Employees will be on hand from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help you unload your vehicle. We will pay for freon removal from your appliances. Cleanup ends at 11 a.m. on Friday. DO NOT bring tires, brush, oil, paint, batteries, propane tanks, boats or vehicles. Please take advantage of this free service! Clean-up will also be held the week of July 12 and October 18.
TOWNSHIP PURCHASES LOCAL BUILDING
The township recently purchased a building at 419 S. Bridge Road. It is located almost directly across the street from our brush-drop off property. The front part of the building will be used for a new police station. The rear bays will be used for storage of seasonal maintenance equipment. Once the remodeling is done and the police move in, we’ll concentrate on retrofitting our existing township hall for ADA compliance along with additional storage and office space.
A HEARTY THANK YOU TO:
VFW Post 7572 for donating brand new flags for township properties!
The Natural Wave Salon for clean-up at Meadowbrook and the donation of a new bench!
Firelands 4-H Club for more clean-up at Meadowbrook!
Our Maintenance staff for planting cosmos seeds at Sackett Cemetery when our volunteer planting day was rained out!
The Recycling Bins at Township Hall Are ONLY for the following items:
Books, magazines, office paper, aluminum beverage cans, clear and colored glass bottles and jars, steel cans without the label, newspapers with inserts, flattened corrugated cardboard (not pizza boxes!) and plastic bottles and jugs with number 1 or number 2 stamped on the bottom. Containers must be rinsed clean. Any items other than those listed above can contaminate the entire load.
Help out the Boy Scouts and place your aluminum cans in their trailer located next to the recycle bins!
COMPUTER RECYCLING...The Goodwill Store on SR 53 will accept old computers, CPUs, monitors and fax machines at no charge. Goodwill sends them to Dell to be recycled.
WHEN THE SIRENS GO OFF…When you hear the sirens go off, what are you to do? The county-wide sirens are tested on the first Friday of each month at noon. But if you hear them any other time, you should immediately tune into local media for more information and take shelter if necessary. The sirens are used for a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service, an actual tornado spotted by trained personnel in the county, a chemical release or a train derailment. You can also check the Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency (OCEMA) website: www.co.ottawa.oh.us/ottawacoema for current information and also more details for each of these emergencies. Another excellent resource is the information in the calendar published by OCEMA and available at the Ottawa County Court House. Plan for emergencies so you and your family know what to do. Have emergency supplies on hand for several days if the unexpected happens. Thinking ahead as to where to find shelter at home or where you work can save lives.
We’ve received complaints about people dumping their trash into private dumpsters. It is illegal to do this. If you see this happening, please try to obtain a license plate or any other information and contact the Danbury Township Police Department at(419) 732-2549.
HELP!!!
Our brush drop-off site at 410 S. Bridge Road is only for LIMBS and BRANCHES. Please do not bring anything else (other than when we announce leaf collection during certain times of the year). Our maintenance staff has had many problems with this service being abused.
TOWNSHIP PHONE NUMBERS…
Police: Chief Michael Meisler. (419) 732-2549. For emergency, dial 911. You can also call the Sheriff’s office at (419) 734-4404 to have a Danbury officer dispatched.
Zoning: Rhonda Botti-Sowers (419) 734-6120. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Maintenance: Jim Dress (419) 734-4091. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fiscal Officer: Shelley Seamon. (419) 732-3039 or (419) 732-6615
Trustees: Dave Hirt: (419) 732-2703 Dianne Rozak: (419) 798-4071
Charles Scott: (419) 734-4703
Safety Coordinator: Deb Burley-Biro (419) 734-6120
TOWNSHIP MEETINGS...are held the 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month at township hall located at 5972 Port Clinton Eastern Road. Please join us!!
Current News
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