Continuation of Public Hearing, May 14^th, 2008.

Chairman Mills called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Bill Sturm from the audience asked if his list of questions had been brought up in the previous meeting and they had and are entered into the minutes.

A member of the audience pointed out that the recently announced Sports Complex will be a plus for the area but that the backdrop would be the Waste Management mound.

A letter was presented by Jan Molder in respect to violation of the zoning procedure which she wanted entered into the minutes which was done.

Chief Starkey addressed fire at landfills and indicated that any fire at a landfill would be considered hazardous material fires. He indicated that they are typically uncommon and normally will become a media hype. Stark County fire had been burning for about a year, is a concern but being controlled. At our landfill there have been several minor fire issues over the years none of them have been serious.

The question of Methane gas came up, it is obviously a concern, however many landfills use gas to generate power. Waste Management is working at plans to look into those areas.

There was a question in respect to the agreement with Waste Management in connection to the contribution from Waste Management to the Township. It was indicated the agreement has an open end, it can be reopened for negotiations at any time.

The question came up as to whether or not the old Doherty Landfill is being monitored, it was indicated it had been closed prior to Waste Management and as a result it is not necessary to be monitored but it is being monitored by Waste Management.

A question came up as to whether or not EPA will have to rule in regard to the use of the old landfill area if it is moved. It was indicated that if EPA says the old area is not suitable for landfill it may or may not be used. The other question that came up whether or not EPA would not allow relocation of the old landfill. It was indicated that uncovering an old landfill in Mahoning County that most of the debris was almost compost. EPA does not require samples to be taken in the old area.

The question also came up if the rezoning were to be modified, would that eliminate movement of the old landfill. Movement of the old landfill would be of value to the health and welfare of the people in the area.

Mr. Pruden indicated he felt that all of the parcels should be changed to the Waste Management.

Herb Kerhwan, a citizen indicated that the citizens would take a look at a referendum if the Zoning Commissions recommendation was approved.

There was some question in respect to the difference in acreage based upon the Auditor’s website and what was submitted by Waste Management.

On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Russell the question to accept the Zoning Commission’s recommendation to rezone the parcels requested. Role call,  Mr. Pruden – yes, Mr. Russell – no, Mr. Mills – no. Mr. Russell indicated he voted no because of the Ashtabula County Planning Commission’s recommendation that the expansion area should be smaller than requested.

Mr. Pruden indicated it should fit into the County’s comprehensive plan, he also indicated that the township should have a comprehensive plan but probably should come after the Route 534 Corridor study. He voted to change all the parcels in respect to the fact that we would be having these requests on an on going basis if not. He indicated he lives approximately 1 mile from the landfill and has not had any of the ill effects that have been pointed out in some cases. He indicated that there is a contribution to economic development with the financial assistance being provided by the additional funding being made available to the Township. It has kept the levies down within the Township. Mr. Pruden indicated having considered everything involved, this is the best way to go.

The rezoning will become official in 30 days if no referendum is submitted by that time.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

Last modified: 05/21/08