VERMILION TOWNSHIP — Vermilion Township Trustees Kenn Baughman, Don Rowe Sr., and Kurt Johnson met Wednesday, May 21 for a public hearing on the proposed Kneisel Planned Unit Development (PUD), followed by their second regular monthly business meeting.
Township Administrator Joe Baxter, Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson, and Fire Chief Frank Triana were also present.
Public Hearing: Kneisel PUD
During the hearing, trustees asked direct questions about traffic patterns, construction vehicle routes, stormwater management, erosion control, and ADA compliance. One resident expressed concerns about construction vehicles using existing roads like Chardonnay Circle and dumping mud. Trustees and representatives discussed adding signage to redirect construction traffic and avoid residential disruption.
Trustees and Administration also emphasized the importance of erosion control, maintenance of storm drains, and compliance with EPA regulations. A conversation about stormwater basins, catch basin covers during construction, and soil runoff was followed by clarification that homeowners and the HOA would be responsible for long-term maintenance.
The Erie County Regional Planning Commission was noted to be reviewing the project the following evening. Trustees said they anticipate making a decision at their June 4 meeting, pending receipt of documentation from the developer, including HOA details and possible commitments from Ryan Homes, the builder. Trustee comments indicated general support for the project, which includes single-family homes.
Regular Business Meeting
Following a brief recess, the regular meeting began with routine approvals and departmental updates.
- Fire Department: Chief Triana reported no new issues but engaged in a detailed discussion about the deteriorating overhead doors at Station 1. Trustees reviewed four repair and replacement estimates ranging from ~$14,000 to ~$50,000. While Triana favored repairs due to budget and structural integrity, trustees decided to delay action until the June 4 meeting to further evaluate the proposals.
- Zoning and Code Enforcement: Administrator Baxter said several permits had been issued recently and thanked volunteers who helped with Township Clean-Up Day. He lightly recommended clarifying the tire policy and joked, “If you can’t carry it, why should I?”
Two overgrown property complaints were brought forward—one on West Lake Road and one on Risden. Trustees agreed to inspect both. Residents were reminded to keep grass trimmed and contact the Township if help is needed.
- Tree Maintenance: Trustees approved spending up to $5,000 on tree removal and trimming for the month of June. Discussion included prioritizing hazardous trees on right-of-ways, using contractors like Hardy’s Tree Service, and clearing dense growth near Maple Grove Cemetery. Stephanie Johnson confirmed that funds could be reallocated as needed but preferred per-job approvals over a blanket budget.
- Records Organization: Trustees agreed to prioritize organizing Township records, citing examples of long-standing zoning issues that lacked easily retrievable documentation. They plan to add a records retention schedule to the June 4 agenda and may assign the BZA secretary or hire temporary help for the task.
- Technology Needs: Trustees voted to authorize the administrator to get an estimate for replacing the aging office computer, last updated in 2011. Chief Triana said the fire department would be replacing an iPad through University Hospitals, which handles EMS software needs.
Public Comments
Three residents spoke during the public comment period. One voiced concerns about Ryan Homes being the builder for the PUD, calling their workmanship substandard. Another asked whether the Township could coordinate with the City of Vermilion to obtain a used fire truck the city may soon replace, but Chief Triana explained the cost of maintaining and updating such a large vehicle of age would not be practical.
Vermilion resident Joe Jones informed trustees that the Lorain County Collection Center in Elyria accepts a wide range of hard-to-dispose-of items—including hazardous household waste, electronics, and other materials—from anyone with a 44089 ZIP code, regardless of city or township limits. He also suggested the board consider forming a subcommittee to oversee tree management.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Need to Dispose of Hazardous Waste or Electronics?
During the meeting, trustees were reminded that the Lorain County Collection Center in Elyria accepts many items that regular curbside pickup won’t take—at no cost to residents.
Accepted items include:
- Paint, oil, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides
- Electronics like laptops, TVs, cell phones, and printers
- Rechargeable batteries, smoke detectors, and holiday lights
- Personal papers for shredding (with clips, staples, and bindings removed)
Not accepted: mattresses, furniture, yard waste, or general trash.
Location: 540 South Abbe Road, Elyria
Hours: Mon & Sat: 9 AM–3 PM, Wed: 12 PM–6 PM
Note: Valid photo ID required; open to Lorain County zipcodes only.
More info: loraincountyohio.gov/solidwaste or 440-329-5440.
