MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township is searching for its fifth zoning inspector in the last three years.
Trustee Tom Brandt read the resignation letter from the most recent zoning inspector at the trustee meeting Monday night.
Max Garber, appointed to the position in February, said in his resignation letter he could not work for a job that contributes to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and still receive disability benefits.
“I was thoroughly enjoying the position as I got to know it, began to streamline some of the process and certainly began to learn quite a bit,” Garber wrote. “I simply cannot give up my disability retirement benefit.”
Garber’s resignation was effective April 4. Brandt said trustees will immediately accept applications for the part-time position.
The zoning officer is responsible for reviewing all zoning permit applications in the township and enforcing existing zoning codes.
This can include writing permits and collecting fees for new construction, conducting zoning inspections and keeping records, and speaking in court on zoning violations.
“It helps to have some construction experience so you can read the plans and everything, but our inspector a few years ago had a background in real estate,” Brandt said.
The township pays the inspector $600 each month and the person in the position earns 25% of all permit fees. The township also pays $12.50 an hour for each hour in court.
The position is part-time, but hours vary based on how many permits and inspections the officer needs to complete.
Resumes can be dropped off at the township hall at 817 Expressview Drive. Contact Brandt with questions at tbrandt@madisontwp.us.
Whoever is appointed will be the fifth zoning inspector in three years.
Madison Township updates sign permit costs
Also at Monday’s meeting, trustees agreed to update sign costs for its zoning codes.
The sign permit costs are now as follows:
- Signs up to 90 square feet: $50
- 91-149 square feet: $100
- 150-200 square feet: $200
- All signs above 200 square feet will require a variance request
- Signs above 200 square feet will cost $200 plus $1 per square foot over 200
- Double-sided signs: double the cost of
No sign poles above 60 feet high are permitted without a variance. Portable signs not subject to fee waivers will cost $30 for three months, $100 per year, or a one-time fee of $500. Portable signs with electricity cost an additional $20.
Brandt said most of the signs currently in the township are around 90 square feet. He said the price increases will likely bring in more revenue for the township.
“It’s a small increase, but mostly, we just made it easier to understand and more uniform,” Brandt said.
Also on Monday:
Road superintendent Larry Weirich also announced the road department is looking for full-time help during the summer for 40 hours a week starting in June and going through September.
The position pays $18 an hour. Trustees approved Weirich’s request to begin advertising the job and interviewing people.
Tom Brandt said he will attend a roundtable discussion webinar for zoning and what Ohio House Bill 315 means for townships and potential funding opportunities to modernize regulations and zoning processes on April 22.
Fiscal officer and clerk Leana Rhodes reminded residents of NOPEC’s customer care line at 855-667-3201. For questions regarding your electric bill or service, contact Ohio Edison at 800-633-4766, or the local electric utility.
If anyone wants to sign up for NOPEC, they should provide the aggregator with the termination date of their previous contract. Trustees previously discussed NOPEC at a special meeting March 26.
Craft thanked former Ohio Edison representative Joe Jakubick for treating the township “very well” and working with trustees during his tenure at the company.
Finally, Fire Chief Ken Justus reported the department earned a $15,475 TC Energy grant for five sets of turnout gear. Trustees also accepted the resignation of firefighter Joshua Fogelman.
Trustee Tom Craft said the township was informed of a pothole on Walker Lake Road east of Lantz Road that the county will patch.
