By Ken Francis, Staff Writer
The Clearwater Township Board Monday adopted an ordinance that will regulate how and where new driveways in the township right of way should be built.
In March, Supervisor Bill Langenbacher brought up the issue. He said other townships have adopted such an ordinance to set guidelines.
Langenbacher said without an ordinance, contractors or property owners could install a six-inch plastic corrugated pipe for a culvert, which is undersized. They could also put a driveway too close to another driveway or in an area that could be a safety hazard.
The board continued to discuss the issue in April, when Langenbacher presented a draft ordinance from another township, and again in May, when the board went over the language of the draft ordinance.
Monday, the board made some final revisions after a discussion about an escrow to cover any potential costs to the township, such as installing a culvert or repairing damage to the roadway. Supervisor Scott Miller said he felt collecting a $400 escrow wasn’t necessary.
“What is the term of this $400 - as soon as it’s upon completion, then they get it back after it’s been inspected?” he asked. “Do they get the money back right away? What is the term? It really doesn’t say.”
Langenbacher said the board could change it. He said it was another township’s ordinance they were using as an example.
Maintenance Supervisor Mike Ludenia said he never heard of another township collecting the escrow.
Township Clerk Jean Just said she also questioned whether it was necessary. She sad it might cause accounting problems.
“I really have a hard time if we’re going to collect $400 and have it sitting here, and then turn around and give it back to them,” she said.
Miller said he would like to eliminate the part of the ordinance requiring an escrow.
“If it becomes a problem we can add it later,” he said.
Under the ordinance, a permit is required before any construction on a driveway can take place. There is a $50 permit fee to cover the township’s cost for administration and inspection. Work can begin after the application is approved by the township.
Cleanup Day
Clerk Just said cleanup day numbers were up, with 171 people taking part in the event.
The township collected 92 appliances, 66 tires, nine tractor tires, 117 pieces of electronics and 72 mattresses, box springs and stuffed furniture items. In total there were seven dumpsters (two for furniture) and 19.47 tons of scrap metal were collected.
Total expenses for processing the material was $5,808. The township collected $2,356 in fees, leaving the overall cost at $3,452.
