Milford E. Smith

The public hearing focused on a proposed amendment to the Allen Township Zoning Resolution. Key topics included the identification of specific duties for the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, a clerical renumbering correction within the resolution, and the introduction of regulations and definitions regarding swimming pools in an Agricultural District. The Commission reviewed recommendations from the Hancock Regional Planning Commission and voted to modify the resolution to incorporate the proposed amendments.

The commission reviewed the process for amending the local zoning resolution, specifically focusing on the duties of the commission and board of zoning appeals, as well as regulations for private pools in the Agricultural District. A public hearing was scheduled to address these amendments. Additionally, the commission discussed a zoning amendment application regarding a change in district designation for a local cabinetry business and received a report from the Acting Zoning Inspector on the status of issued and pending permits.

The public hearing was held to consider a zoning amendment application for a property located at 12495 CR 99, Findlay, Ohio. The applicant requested a change in zoning district classification from B-3, General Business, to I-1, Light Industrial, to accommodate current manufacturing operations and future expansion. The commission reviewed the application, acknowledged the recommendation from the Hancock Regional Planning Commission, and subsequently voted to adopt the proposed zoning amendment via Resolution #24-04-90M.

The Commission received an update from the Assistant County Prosecutor regarding ongoing litigation involving One Energy and various township and county entities. Members also reviewed proposed ballot language for an upcoming zoning election, which is scheduled for submission to the township trustees and the county board of elections.

During the reorganizational meeting, the Trustees appointed officers, naming Clark as chairman and Flanagan as vice-chairman, and assigned committee chairmanships for finance & roads, safety & cemetery, and building & maintenance. The schedule for regular meetings for 2026 was established. Key actions included approving outstanding warrants and electronic payments totaling $37,880.11 from 2025. The Trustees signed the ODOT 2025 Township Highway System Mileage Certification, noting 38.984 miles of roads. Financial statements for the 4th quarter and yearend 2025 were presented. Updates were provided regarding a Cooperative Economic Development Agreement (CEDA) offer and the ongoing One Energy appeal concerning Sunshine Law violations. The township confirmed that all current employees operating township trucks possess CDLs. A resolution was adopted authorizing Hancock County to contract resurfacing for TR 215 and TR 218. The Trustees accepted a bid of $415.00 to treat trees along the cemetery and sportsplex. A resolution establishing the three trustees as the 2026 audit committee was adopted. Personnel and compensation matters addressed included setting the 2026 annual salary payment structure for trustees, the 2026 snowplow driver hourly rate at $23.60, continuing Margaret Potteiger as part-time janitor at $17.50 per hour, and setting monthly rates for three part-time maintenance workers effective 1/1/2026. Fire department matters included establishing the 2026 administrative monthly salaries for the Chief, Assistant Chief, and Captains, and setting the fire-run rate at $18.00. A subsequent Records Commission meeting discussed the status of record review and destruction due to pending litigation, and a risk control report from KLA Risk Consulting containing 13 recommendations was received for future review.