Published by Franklin Township, Franklin County, Ohio
January 2015
Sanitary Sewer Project Update
County Sanitary Engineer Stephen Renner had no updates to the Mon-e-bak and Brown Road East projects. Both of these projects are
in negotiations between the County and the Surety Bond holder of the project to agree to terms. We are still holding out hope that the
issues can be resolved and the projects started again in 2015. On the bright side, the Eureka Park sewer project will begin soon and is
scheduled to be finished in mid-2015. Once the project is near completion, additional mailings or handouts will be provided by the
County instructing residents on next steps for hook-ups and monetary assistance application.
In this Edition:
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Mon-e-bak Water
Sanitary Sewer Update......... Page 1
Mon-e-bak Water ................. Page 1
Police/ Fire Funding............. Page 1
Electric Gas Aggregation ..... Page 1
JEDD Agreement ................. Page 1
Safety when Shoveling ........ Page 1
Township Department Updates:
Police, Fire & Road Depts. .. Page 2
Township Trash Contract .... Page 3
Township Office Donation .. Page 3
Township Meeting Dates ..... Page 3
SWAC Meeting Dates ......... Page 3
Winter Safety Tips ............... Page 4
Call Before You Dig ............ Page 4
Township Directory ............. Page 4
The Township grant application did not score high enough to be funded for this round
which would have ran from July 1st of 2015 through June 30 th of 2016. The Trustees are
going to meet with the Sanitary Engineer in the near future to develop a plan to allow for
a new application next year for this much needed service.
Police Funding
The Township Police Department staffing is down 3 officers due to the limited funds
available. The two approved Police levies, voted in by our residents, and are not
bringing in enough money to fully staff the department. Any gaps in coverage are
currently being handled by the Sheriff’s office, when available, based on priority of the
call. The Police Chief is working with the Trustees and Fiscal Officer to determine next
steps which may result in a May of 2015 ballot request for additional funding. The
deadline for filing is early February of 2015.
Fire Funding
The Township Fire Department staffing is also down by 8 firemen due to the limited
funds available. The three approved Fire levies are not bringing in enough money to
fully staff the department. An additional levy failed in May of 2013, November of 2013,
Franklin Township had two successful tire as well as November of 2014. The Trustees are discussing options for moving forward
drives this past year and has applied for
with no decisions having been made to make up for funding shortages. Meanwhile
reimbursement for these drives through
equipment will occasionally be out of service. If so, you will still receive help it will
County Public Health. We plan to hold two just take longer for another fire department to respond.
drives again in 2015 with dates provided in
future newsletters.
Tire Drive
Electric/ Gas Aggregation
JEDD Agreement
Agreements between Franklin Township
and Columbus, as well as the property
owners and the businesses located in our
intended JEDD area, is still being worked
out. The County is assisting the Township
with this endeavor.
We are still waiting to hear from the utility aggregation to see if they will be allowing
individual Township residents to join in with their group which would allow for some
savings on utility rates. As you recall, our own Township initiative failed twice so we
cannot act as a group on this matter and must wait to be allowed to enter in individually.
Updates will be provided in future editions of the newsletter.
Columbus/Franklin Township Settlement Money –
As reported in the last edition of the newsletter, this settlement agreement is being
worked on by our Township attorney. No new updates to provide.
Safety when Shoveling Snow
Sunday March 8, 2015
Remember to change batteries
in your Smoke Detectors
Nationwide more than 11,000 adults and children are hospitalized for shoveling injuries each year.
These injuries include orthopedic injuries to heart attacks. The exertion of lifting snow, especially
in the early morning hours when the heart is more susceptible to coronary events, can be
dangerous. Prevention is the key to these injuries. First, don’t rush. Snow can be heavy, and a
shovelful is often too much. Avoid the activity if you have a history of heart problems. If you
must shovel, use caution and listen to your body. Move more slowly or stop if you start feeling
winded or fatigued. To avoid the orthopedic injuries, be aware of proper lifting techniques.
Never lift and twist or try to throw snow over your shoulder or head. Throwing snow straight
ahead of you is always best, even if it means it might take you longer to finish the job.
Winter is beautiful. Take a few moments to enjoy it, and be safe as you get the driveway cleared.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Police Department News
Road Department News
2014 brought more changes to the Police Department. Sergeant
Christopher Beach received Disability / Retirement which led to
the promotion of Officer Byron Smith to Sergeant on
November 6, 2014. Also, on November 6, 2014 the Board
approved to hire Joshua Edwards as a new police officer so this
brings the total officers back to 9. Congratulations to Byron
and Joshua! We wish them well in their new positions!
From January 2014 through December 5, 2014 the Reserves
have worked 2,732 hours of service to the Township with no
cost to the taxpayers of Franklin Township.
The following are some of the stats from the Police Department
for the time period of December 1, 2013 through November 30,
2014:
Accident Reports
385
Citations
906
Reports taken
1,371
Dispatched Runs
8,496
Domestic Violence Arrests
34
Pick Up Runs
3,051
Miles Driven
85,838
Court Cases
623
Vehicles Impound
196
Traffic Safety – House Bill 637
After hearing concerns of many residents throughout the
Columbus area the Ohio House of Representatives committee
recommended passage of a bill to allow police officers to pull
over and cite motorists for texting while driving. If approved,
House Bill 637 would make texting while driving a primary
offense instead of the current secondary offense. The bill would
also forbid the use of cellphones for any purpose while driving
in school zones during restricted hours and in highway
construction zones during work hours. Of the 44 states that ban
texting while driving, it is a primary offense in 39 of the states.
People continue to text and drive and these people pose danger
not only to themselves but to everyone else. State officials say
drivers distracted by texting or phone use were involved in
nearly 2,800 crashes last year, including 16 that were fatal but
this total may not be accurate, there may have been even more.
Studies show that a primary offense law, rather than a
secondary one, reduces fatal crashes by 3 percent.
Take an Inventory!
After the holidays, it is a good time to update-or create your
home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list
descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized,
having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and
make insurance claims easier to file.
Make sure things like TV’s, DVD players, stereo equipment,
jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power
tools are on the list.
Snow Removal
With the upcoming winter months and snow accumulation,
please pay attention to the areas where it is posted “No Parking”
when there is a Snowfall of 2” or more. This makes it easier for
us to remove the snow in a more efficient manner. Also, please
be considerate of the Snow Plow operators and try to keep your
vehicles parked off the roadway during this time so we can clean
the whole roadway.
The Road Department asks if a resident knows it is going to snow
to please not put their trash cans in the road if it is trash service
day. The Road Department does not want to hit the trash cans
with the snow plow.
Christmas Tree Pickup
As a reminder, Local Waste will pick-up live cut Christmas trees
on your regular trash day. Please remove all lights, decorations
and hooks, and set it out along the roadway.
End of the Year Statistics for the Road Dept. are as follows:
2013-2014 Winter Months
454 Tons of Salt was used
1200 Gallons of Salt Brine was applied to the roads
2014 Nuisance High Grass Properties
162 Letters sent to the property owners
72 Properties Mowed by Township Road Department
2014 Leaves Collected:
47 Loads = 65 Tons
2014 Brush Collection
354 Loads (254 Tons) of Brush taken to Ohio Mulch
Fire Department News
Winter Season:
It is time to think about the safety of our home during the winter
season when we spend so much time indoors. Below are a couple
of tips:
 Check your carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors,
and fire extinguishers to make sure they are working
properly.
 If you have a fireplace or a wood burning stove, make
sure the flues and chimneys have been properly cleaned
so there is no creosote buildup before you start using
them again. When you are cleaning the ashes from your
fireplace, don’t put them in a container, such as a paper
bag, that can catch fire. Some of the ashes may still be
warm enough to start a fire even if they seem cool. Wet
the ashes and mix them so everything has been cooled
down before you dispose of them.
Emergency Vehicles & Divided Intersections:
If you are stopped at an intersection that has a median or divider in
the middle of the road, and an emergency vehicle approaches from
behind you, here’s what you can do. If possible move to the right.
Continued next page – See Fire News
Township-wide Trash Contract –
Fire News Continued
As a reminder, Local Waste is the exclusive hauler for all
residential trash in Franklin Township. No other hauler may
Do not go to the left. If you are blocked in, stay put and let the
collect residential waste. Some of the particulars of the contract
emergency vehicle find a way around you. It may have to move
include the following;
into oncoming traffic lanes, so it is equally important that vehicles
traveling in the opposite direction move to the right and stop as
 Collection day is always Friday unless a Holiday falls on
well. If an emergency vehicle stops behind you with its lights and
Monday through Friday of the collection week. If that is the
siren on, and you have no other options, carefully move forward
case, the collection for that particular week is Saturday.
toward the intersection and to the right, but only if it is safe to do
 You may place unlimited trash out for collection but no
so. If it is not safe, wait for the light to change so you can move.
container can weigh more than 50 lbs.
 Bulk pick-up is free and does not have to be called in or
scheduled prior to collection day.
 Hazardous items cannot be picked up. Examples
would include batteries, tires, lead based paints,
TV’s appliances, etc. When in question, contact
Local Waste at 409-9375 for verification.
 Each household provides their own trash receptacle
but if you choose, you may rent a rolling container
from Local Waste. Call 409-9375 to arrange a
rental container.
 Each household is provided an open-top, 18 gallon
container for recycling. Additional containers may
be provided for recycling use by contacting, 2799411, select option 0.
On October 26, 2014 Franklin Township moved the Fiscal Office and Fire
 Yard waste is collected and must be in a
Prevention / Building Inspection Departments from 2193 Frank Road to
designated container marked “yard waste”. Yard
offices at 1963 Harrisburg Pike. These offices had been donated to Franklin
waste bags are OK as well. Bundled limbs must be
Township by Mr. Robert O’Hanlon who had operated a tax service for many
no more than 4’ long and 2’ in diameter and less
years from this location.
than 50 lbs. Please place yard waste a few feet
away from the normal trash.
About five years ago there was a fire on the second floor of this building. Mr.
 They will pick up Christmas trees.
O’Hanlon had the building completely gutted and rehabbed. All the rooms
 Senior citizen discount can be provided for head of
were wired for internet connection / surge protection outlets for computers
households that are 62 years of age, or older. You
and printers. New furnace and air conditioner for 1st floor and new furnace
must provide verification to receive this discount.
and air conditioner for 2nd floor were installed, also handicap restrooms
Contact 279-9411 and select option 0 for details.
upstairs and down and new hardwood floor downstairs. There are three
 Garage side pick-up is available for those with
offices, one restroom, storage room, and large open center area upstairs.
documented medical concerns. Contact Local
There are two large offices, one restroom, a snack room with small sink,
Waste at 409-9375 for additional information on
cabinets and refrigerator downstairs. It also has a full basement and two-car
this service.
garage.
 Garage side pick-up is also available to those that
This office was donated to Franklin Township by Robert O’Hanlon
wish to pay for the additional privilege. Again,
completely furnished. Everything was like new as Mr. O’Hanlon operated the
contact Local Waste at 409-9375 for additional
business for about a year after the fire before he retired. This includes threeinformation on this service.
piece L Shaped desks in each room, computers, two or three monitors at each
 If an issue should arise regarding your weekly
desk, calculators, office chairs, file cabinets and much more. The offices
collection, you must contact Local Waste by 5:00
were walk-in ready.
pm on your collection day at 409-9375 to report
We want to thank Mr. O’Hanlon for his generous donation as the extra office
your problem. A follow-up call to alert one of
space has been needed for many years. The Franklin County Prosecutor’s
your Trustees would be appreciated as well.
Office did the paperwork at no cost. Our total cost to acquire the house was
less than $1,000 for Warranty Deed and filing fees.
The General Office, Police Department, and Road Department are still
SWAC is the abbreviation for the newest Columbus
located at 2193 Frank Road and all phone numbers remain the same.
City Area Commission. The letters stand for South
West Area Commission. Their boundaries are the
railroad tracks just west of 3C highway on the west, Mound Street on the
north, Interstate 71 South on the east, and I-270 on the south. This area
encompasses land that lays 50% in Columbus, 40% in Franklin Township,
and 10% in Jackson Township.
The Franklin Township Business Meetings are held on a
bi-weekly basis. The dates and times for the 2015
The meetings are held at 1665 Harrisburg Pike every third Wednesday of
meetings will be determined at the first Township
the month starting at 7:00 P.M., but are subject to change. For the latest
Business meeting that will be held on January 15, 2015
information on dates and times for the meetings view their web site at:
starting at 6:30 P.M.
http://www.columbusswac.org/home.html
Donation of Township Office
SWAC Meeting Dates for 2015
2015 Franklin Township
Business Meeting Schedule
WINTER SAFETY TIPS
There’s a whole wonderland of winter activities for the entire family such as sledding,
snowmobiling, and snowboarding, to mention a few. Here are some tips for keeping
safe and protecting your children from the cold:
 Dress them in several layers of warm, breathable clothing; avoid cotton
clothing.
 Waterproof and windproof outer layers will keep them dry.
 Cover their head and neck to retain body heat.
 Put Vaseline on exposed areas (nose, cheeks, ears, etc.) to protect from wind
chill. And protect your kids’ faces with sunscreen. Even though the idea of
sunburn in winter can seem odd, snow can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s
ultraviolet rays.
 Give kids a snack before going out. The calories will give their bodies energy
in the cold weather.
Tire Disposal:
Liberty Tire
3041 Jackson Pike
Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-871-3088
Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
weekdays, closed Saturday & Sunday
National Severe Weather
Preparedness Week
March 1 to March 7, 2015
A State-Wide Tornado Drill is
scheduled for March 4, 2015
Call Before You Dig
Ohio Utility Protection Services (OUPS), or “Call Before You Dig”, urges you to please for the safety of all, prior to digging in your
yard or road right-of-way, call 811. This will connect you to the appropriate office to schedule utility markings. The turnaround time is
48 business hours. This call could save a life or at least prevent interruption of service to you and your neighbors. Ever wonder what
the colors painted on the ground meant? Red is for electric lines, yellow is for gas, orange is for communication and alarm signals, blue
is for water, purple is reclaimed water and irrigation lines, green is sewer and drain lines, pink is temporary survey lines, and white is
proposed excavation lines.
Follow us on the Web, Facebook, and Twitter
Your Trustees want to get the latest news, events, and emergency information to you as soon as we can about Franklin Township
and the surrounding area. Find us on the web at www.franklin-township.com, on Twitter at @Franklin_Twp, or on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/FranklinTownshipOhio.
Franklin Township Directory
Fire Department Emergency ................... .911
Chief Richard Howard .................... 279-1537
4100 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, 43228
Houses; Engine 192, Medic 192
Foam Truck 199, Total of 39 Full-time
Firefighting Personnel in both houses.
Station 193........................................ 279-1441
2193 Frank Rd, Columbus, 43223
Houses: Engine 193, Medic 193
Fire/EMS Inspector/Investigator
Contact Number……………………. 279-9411
Fire Prevention Bureau
Lt. Larry Geiger ................................ 279-9411
Road Department
Supervisor, Jim Stevens
Five Person crew ............................... 279-9411
2193 Frank Road, Columbus 43223
Road garage houses 3 dump trucks, jet-vacuum,
brush chipper, leaf vacuum, asphalt roller, and 3
snowplows.
Police Department Emergency ........... 911
Non-emergency Dispatch............. 525-3333
Chief Al Wheeler.......................... 279-9411
Headquarters
2193 Frank Road, Columbus, 43223
Total of 9 full-time Police Officers and 6
Auxiliary Officers in the Police Department.
Security check on your home while you’re
away............................................... 279-9411
Local Waste .................................. 409-9375
Franklin County Offices
Public Health ................................. 525-3160
Trash .............................................. 525-4539
Tall grass/weeds............................. 279-9411
Environmental Control Task Force (Nail a
Dumper) ......................................... 871-5322
Zoning ........................................... 525-5627
150 South Front Street, Suite 10
Engineers ...................................... 525-3072
970 E. Broad Street
Board of Trustees:
Don Cook, Trustee:
Serving term 01/01/14 – 12/31/17
272-2094
John Fleshman, Trustee
Serving Term 01/01/14 – 12/31/17
272-8595
Timothy Guyton, Trustee:
Serving term 01/01/12 – 12/31/15
276-6946
Lisa Morris, Fiscal Officer:
Serving term 04/1/12 – 03/31/16
279-9411
Sandy Hodge,
Business Office Secretary
279-9411
Board of Elections:
Animal Control:
Prosecutors Office:
Juvenile Bureau:
525-3100
525-3400
525-3520
525-3355
Reflective House Number Signs
Reflective house number signs (18” x 6”) can be purchased at the Township Business Office. The signs are aluminum with a green
reflective background and white reflective numbers. Signs can be mounted either horizontally or vertically and with numbers on
both sides. The cost is $6.00 per sign, $0.70 per number.