Business Meeting at 1907 State Rd. The meeting, held at 6:30 p.m., offered a detailed look at local governance from fiscal management and infrastructure updates to proposals that could shape the community’s future. However, the session was not without its challenges, particularly in its leadership.
Fiscal Oversight and Routine Approvals
Chair of the Board, Trustee Kurtz was not present. Trustee Baughman and Scott (Vice Chair) were present and where able to form a quorum. Fire Chief Traina, Financial Officer Johnson, Administrator Keith Sexton, as well as Township Publisher Barczyk were all present and in attendance.
The meeting opened in typical fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the board quickly moved through essential business items such as the approval of previous meeting minutes, acceptance of the Treasury Report, and the processing of warrants. Despite these routine matters, the meeting’s pace was affected by difficulties in procedural matters.
A Difficult Leadership Moment
Trustee Roger Scott, who was responsible for chairing parts of the meeting, appeared to struggle with maintaining proper procedural flow. Throughout the evening, he required frequent coaching from Trustee Kenn Baughman and the financial officer—especially when motions were mistakenly introduced in place of resolutions and other procedural errors were noted. While these challenges disrupted the smooth running of the meeting, community members and fellow trustees demonstrated patience and compassion. Trustee Scott’s difficulties seemed linked to his mental capacity at this time, and those present made efforts to support him rather than criticize him harshly. Trustee Baughman when asked about his inability to competently run the meeting and Scott’s mental state replied, ” He was struggling”.
Affordable Housing and Community Engagement
A central focus of the meeting was the pressing issue of affordable housing. Sue Daugherty and Amy Bowman-Moore, representing Serving Our Seniors, addressed the board with a passionate plea. They proposed that Vermilion Township explore ways to support small-scale housing developments—specifically targeting seniors and others who might be priced out of market-rate rentals. Their proposal questioned whether township-owned land could be repurposed to encourage builders to construct modest, affordable homes that could be rented for roughly $650–$700 per month.
During her segment, Sue Daugherty also announced an upcoming special forum on real estate tax calculations. Scheduled for March 7, 2025, at the Vermilion Ritter Library, this forum aims to help residents better understand the complexities of their real estate taxes. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by February 27, 2025, to secure seating.
Updates on Departmental Reports and Infrastructure Projects
Several reports detailed the township’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve public services. The Fire Department and EMS provided updates on recent training and safety efforts, a reminder of the critical importance of winter preparedness. Additionally, Northern Ohio Rural Water’s report showcased significant progress in infrastructure, including the installation of 169 new water taps, repair work on leaks and water towers, and plans for future transmission line projects estimated at around $15 million.
Notably, the board also discussed upcoming projects from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). ODOT presented plans to resurface State Route 2—including work on interchanges and ramp closures—while promising to take community input into account to minimize disruptions. Trustee Kenn Baughman recalled the importance of scheduling such projects around major local events, like the annual fish festival.
Controversial Proposals on Zoning Fees and Permits
A heated discussion unfolded over proposed changes to the township’s zoning fee schedule. Trustee Kenn Baughman expressed concern that certain fees—such as those for variance requests—might be set too high, potentially burdening residents already feeling the financial strain. In one memorable exchange, he argued that fees for variances and permits should be more reflective of the service provided, rather than penalizing property owners who already contribute significantly through property taxes. The debate underscored the challenge of balancing revenue needs with fairness to residents.
Open to the Audience
During the “Open to the Audience” segment, residents raised questions about a range of topics—from why the Township charges fees for window replacements to clarifications on zoning and property maintenance fees. One particularly spirited discussion by Zoning Commission Board member and township resident Don Rowe Sr., focused on the challenges faced by local homeowners, with Trustee Kenn Baughman emphasizing that steep fee hikes could discourage property improvements. Throughout this session, the board reiterated its commitment to follow up on unanswered questions and to refine proposals based on both community input and comparative studies with neighboring townships.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting drew to a close, the board set the stage for future discussions. In addition to confirming that the next meeting would be held on March 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the announcement of the upcoming real estate tax forum underscored the board’s commitment to open dialogue and community engagement. With pressing issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure projects, and fair fee structures on the agenda, township officials—guided by Trustee Kenn Baughman’s steady leadership—remain committed to addressing challenges that directly affect the community’s quality of life.
For those interested in hearing the complete audio of this event, you can listen to the recording here.
