Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 21 began at 6 p.m. with a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Z-2023-1...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 21 began at 6 p.m. with a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Z-2023-1. The amendment changes were recommended by the Geauga County Planning Commission, reviewed and recommended by the Chester Zoning Commission.
The revision to the zoning resolution is to clarify the authority given to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) when applying conditions in granting a zoning variance. More specifically, the amendment discussed what conditions, allowed by law, the BZA is allowed to place on a variance. After comments against the amendment from Bart Ziganti, chairman of the BZA, Trustee Craig Richter stated that the amendment is a clarification and has no impact on the BZA since the language is just reaffirming what is in the Ohio Revised Code. There were several other residents that spoke in favor of the change. After closing the public hearing, the board discussed the amendment and made a couple wording changes before passing a motion to adopt the amendment with modifications.
Moving to public comments, a resident asked the status of the Metzenbaum property. Richter stated that with unanimous board approval a complaint was filed with the Geauga County Auditor that the property being rented should be applicable to real estate tax. Trustees are waiting to hear back from the auditor’s office. No other action has been taken on the property.
There was an inquiry about the property located next to Bloom Brothers. Currently, trustees have no information other than the property is being cleaned up. It was confirmed with Chester Zoning Inspector Mark Purchase that no required permits have been filed.
A new Chester resident asked if it’s true that Hawken School pays no property taxes. Richter stated that per the Ohio Revised Code, schools – even for-profit private schools – are tax exempt.
A resident then asked the board for assistance with a neighborhood excessive noise issue. The resident’s neighbor leaves the dogs out and they are barking. In addition, there is load music playing and litter being left in the yard. Being that Chester is a township, there are no noise ordinances, however, there may be alternatives and Richter said he would follow up with the resident.
The board then moved on to department business, approving the salt agreement with the West Geauga Schools, accepting a resignation of a part-time firefighter and using the remaining American Rescue Plan funds to install new police radios. After approving the use of the park for various groups, Township Administrator Mark Purchase provided an update.
The pickleball project is underway with pavement already scheduled. Thanks to the Chester Park Board, new bleachers received through a grant are in and waiting to be assembled. With the new flagpole at the Chester cemetery, work will be done to replace the asphalt with brick pavers received through donations arranged by the township administrator.
After approving the financial Items, Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett provided an update on the township finances. After hearing about upcoming events and no new township business, the meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by Craig S. Richter, Chester Township Trustee
