Claridon Township Zoning Commission

OCTOBER 22, 2012 SPECIAL MEETING

Chair, Tim Healy called the special meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Zoning Commission members— Tim Healy, Mark Richardson, Kurt Smemo, Max Motil, and Anne Clouser were present. Alternate Zoning member Kenneth Przybyla was present (arrived at 7:20 pm). Claridon Township Zoning Secretary, Deb McDivitt was present to take the minutes.

GUESTS: Dave Brockway, Claridon Township Trustee Mike Farrell, Claridon Township Trustee Bob Weisdack, Geauga County Health Department Jeannine Soltis, Resident

MOTION TO APPROVE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 WITH CHANGES Anne Clouser made a motion, seconded by Kurt Smemo to pass the minutes from September 17, 2012 with changes. ROLL CALL: Anne Clouser—Aye, Max Motil—Aye, Kurt Smemo—Aye.

Tim Healy introduced Bob Weisdack from the Geauga County Health Department. Secretary McDivitt explained that Mr. Weisdack was asked to attend today to discuss septic systems in conservation development areas of Geauga County.

Mrs. Weisdack gave his description of conservation easements including diagrams. He stated that in conservation developments every lot has to be septic approved. He continued to explain that there are two types of sewage systems; on-lot, and off-lot.

Off-lot septic systems are systems that have a miniature treatment package and approval is by the EPA. Every gallon of drainage leaving the property must go through some type of filtration system, most likely an aeration unit according to Mr. Weisdack.

The Zoning Commission had a discussion with Mr. Weisdack on septic pumping and fecal distribution.

Mr. Weisdack stated that with the new regulations from this point forward the off-lot septic systems will no longer be permitted.

Anne Clouser asked what percentage of the properties in Geauga County will be affected by this new regulation. Mr. Weisdack stated that about twenty-five (25) to thirty (30) percent of the lots in Geauga County will become unbuildable.

Mr. Weisdack continued his presentation by explaining on-lot septic systems. These systems are basically trenches with gravel. The trench systems typically pass the point-

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OCTOBER 22, 2012 SPECIAL MEETING of-sale inspection at about a ninety-eight (98) percent pass rate, never lower than ninety- four (94) percent in Geauga County. There are all types of on-lot systems.

Mr. Weisdack had a discussion with the Zoning Commission on soil types and water distribution.

The Zoning Commission had a discussion about different on-lot systems.

Mr. Weisdack explained that because Geauga County has a point-of-sale inspection policy in place this has helped in keeping the current regulations in place. The new systems proposed by the state are the drip systems which run about $25,000 (plus), and the mound systems which run about $30,000 (plus).

Anne Clouser asked Mr. Weisdack how this effects conservation development. Mr. Weisdack replied that conservation development systems will not pass through the Geauga County Health Department. The septic systems would have to go through the EPA and be part of the Township’s 208 plan.

The Zoning Commission had a discussion on gray and black water. They asked Mr. Weisdack if the state has ever addressed gray and black water. Mr. Weisdack stated that there is no statue on mandatory pumping in Geauga County because the county does not have enough drop off points to mandate mandatory pumping.

The Zoning Commission had a discussion on soil maps.

MOTION—ADJOURN A motion was made by Anne Clouser, seconded by Max Motil to adjourn the meeting. ROLL CALL: Tim Healy—Aye, Anne Clouser—Aye, Max Motil—Aye, Kurt Smemo —Aye, Mark Richardson —Aye.

The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted,

______Tim Healy - Chair Date

______Deb McDivitt, Claridon Township Zoning Secretary

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