Jerome Township Trustees made their stance clear during Tuesday’s meeting – they do not want the township to lose any of its current land.
The board unanimously passed a resolution in opposition of the annexation of township land to neighboring municipalities.
Trustee Chairman Joe Craft emphasized, “we are very much against this area being annexed.”
The resolution declares a commitment to cooperate with the governments of Union County and the City of Marysville to keep land that is currently in the unincorporated area of Jerome Township.
It indicates trustees are “concerned about the ongoing threat of annexation,” specifically in the area northwest of the intersection of U.S. 33 and Route 161.
While neither the trustees or the resolution referenced any potential development that sparked their action, Craft said he felt “déjà vu” regarding the township’s dealings with what are commonly called the Jacquemin and Wesner properties.
In 2015, the area located on the west side of Hyland Croy Road between it and U.S. 33, north of Weldon Road, was rezoned to accommodate a mixed-use development in Jerome Township. At the time, developers repeatedly said they had no desire to annex the land.
However, in January 2017, an attorney for the property owners filed a petition to annex just over 116 acres into the City of Dublin.
The potential annexation led to multiple attempts by Dublin officials to be named the water and sewer service provider for the area. However, Marysville’s rights to provide utilities in the area was upheld.
Ultimately, the annexation hearing for the properties was canceled that year.
If the application was completed, Dublin would have gained the ability to control land use in that area.
Aside from the ability to dictate future development, Craft said losing tax revenue in that area was also a major concern for the township.
While the properties currently remain a part of the unincorporated area of Jerome Township, the resolution states trustees are concerned about losing territory that is “fundamental to the existence of a robust Township.”
Wednesday morning, Trustee Megan Sloat wrote in an email “it is premature to talk about specific projects,” because the township is not certain how that area will be developed.
But, she said the board hopes to work with Marysville and Union County to ensure any development occurs within Jerome Township.
Specifically, trustees believe the threat of annexation is lessened because the City of Marysville has historically expressed an intent to provide public utility services in the area.
For that reason, the resolution “seeks a long-term understanding with respect to the commitments and options for the provision of public utilities to the area.”
In cooperation with Marysville and Union County, the resolution indicates a dedication to “contesting and objecting to action that threatens the existence of the Township.”
“We want to keep our township whole and we don’t want to be annexed,” Trustee C.J. Lovejoy said.
In other business:
– Fire Chief Douglas Stewart discussed the fire levy that will be on the November ballot.
Stewart said the levy seeks a renewal of the 2011, 2.9 mill levy which will continue to collect at its current rate of 2.09 mills if approved. He said this is not a new tax.
The department will also seek a new, 2.9 mill levy. Stewart said it will result in an increase of approximately $100 per $100,000 of property valuation, annually.
He noted that, if approved, the levy will be used to cover personnel costs and will not be put toward the construction of a new fire station.
Stewart also added that the levy will not begin collecting until 2022.
He encouraged any residents with questions to contact him or a trustee to discuss specifics of the levy.
– Trustees unanimously agreed to extend the employment of the Township’s Zoning Intern, Kamran Khorshidi.
Khorshidi was initially recommended to intern with the township by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) summer intern program. His work with the township was set to end Aug. 14.
Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden said Khorshidi’s work “made a huge impact” and proposed an extension of his employment through the end of the 2020 calendar year.
With the trustees’ approval, Khorshidi will continue interning for the township for no more than 24 hours a week at a pay rate of $13.50 an hour.
– Stewart said the fire department is collecting aluminum beverage cans to benefit Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
He said those who are interested in donating may drop cans in the 55-gallon drums located behind the fence on the south side of the fire station on U.S. 42.
– Trustees set two public hearings for 7 p.m. Sept. 15, prior to the regularly scheduled Trustees Meeting. The hearings will address a rezoning application for the property located at 8026 Industrial Parkway and the property at 7320-7350 Route 161.
– The Board tentatively scheduled a hearing to approve the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) for 7 p.m. Oct. 20.