The Sylvania Township Board of Trustees approved roadway improvements, hired three police officers, awarded a fire tower construction contract and discussed concerns about short-term rentals during its Aug. 4 meeting.
Roads Superintendent Rob Nash introduced newly promoted foreman Jared Birt to the trustees and Fiscal Officer. Birt joined the township as a utility worker in May 2019.
“He has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication and commitment to serving our community,” Nash said. “Throughout his time with the township, he has been a dependable team member who has contributed to the success of numerous projects and daily operations. We appreciate his hard work and look forward to his continued success in his new role as foreman.”
Trustees authorized Administrator Oliver Turner to submit applications for funding through the Ohio Public Works Commission’s State Capital Improvement Program and Local Transportation Improvement Program and to execute related contracts. Planned capital improvements include work on Sylvania Avenue, Jamesford Woods, Spring Forest and other subdivision roads.
Fire training tower contract
At the recommendation of Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Bennett, trustees awarded A.A. Boos & Sons the contract for construction of the Fire Station No. 4 training tower and site improvements.
New police hires
Trustees also approved Police Chief Sarah Toth’s recommendation to hire three police officers: Jacob Harrigan, Joshua Mohr and Logan Yarman-Moody.
New signage
In a 2-1 vote, trustees Jill Johnson and Neal Mahoney approved the purchase of electronic message signs for Township Hall and Fire Station No. 2 on McCord Road through a cooperative purchasing program at a cost of $147,325.
Turner said the signs will improve communication with residents by providing timely public information. The two locations were selected because they have the highest average daily traffic counts.
Township mobile app available
Turner also introduced the township’s new mobile app, MySylvaniaTwp, which is available for download. He explained that the app will serve as another communication tool for the township. Notifications, scheduled pickups, zoning permits, news, and meeting information are some of the features on the app, which is available in the IOS App Store or the Android Play Store.
Zoning
On zoning matters, trustees approved Planning and Zoning Manager Daryl Graus’ request for a conditional use permit for recreational use in an M-1 industrial district at 8228 Silica Road. The property’s new owner plans to construct a 12,000-square-foot building featuring three of five bays for recreational use, including basketball and pickleball courts and a workout room. The remaining two bays will be leased as flex space. The owner also plans to construct a second 12,000-square-foot building with five 2,400-square-foot bays for lease and the trustees approved rezoning the property from R-A to M-1 to match surrounding parcels.
In a separate zoning matter, trustees approved Graus’ recommendation to rezone the Crossleigh Court property from R-5 Planned Unit Development to R-5 Multifamily Residential. The change clears the way for construction of a 120-unit assisted living facility.
Trustees concluded the meeting with a discussion of short-term rentals. Several residents expressed concerns about Airbnb properties operating in their neighborhoods, while a short-term rental owner shared his perspective. Board members encouraged additional public input before considering future action.
The next meeting of the Sylvania Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for 5 pm Tuesday, Aug. 18.