By Noell Wolfgram Evans
Staff Writer
Chickens, hurricanes, and fall cleaning were just some of the topics tackled by the Jackson Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Sept. 5.
The meeting started by stepping into the past. Last month, the township’s board of zoning appeals had a case come before it that involved whether or not chickens could be raised in a platted subdivision within the township. The zoning board voted at that time to table the issue until further research and review could be done.
At the Sept. 5 meeting, trustees passed legislation, which officially asked the zoning commission and board of zoning appeals to look into the current regulations for raising not just chickens, but also rabbits, ducks, and other small animals on property under five acres. As part of this process, trustees also asked that the public contact the zoning commission with their views on raising these animals within those stated property limits.
Fire Chief Randy Little then shared with those in attendance that a six-person team was called up by the Ohio EMA to assist with water rescues when Hurricane Harvey hit. That request was eventually cancelled, but team members are standing by to help, if needed, with any damage from Hurricane Irma.
In construction news, it was shared with those in attendance that the construction performed for AEP on Zuber Road was completed ahead of schedule. As that work was completed, Decker Construction also completed some necessary berm repair work along Ridpath.
Trustees also announced that on Sept. 30, the township will hold a Fall Clean-UP Day. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. residents can drop off a variety of items to be disposed of including bulk trash, yard waste, construction materials, and tires (with a limit of four per household).
In addition, a mobile shredder will be brought in for document destruction and I-Cycle Electronic will be on hand to dispose of computers and other electronic waste items. Collection of items, other than household hazardous waste, will take place in the parking lot of the Jackson Township Administration Building, 3756 Hoover Road.
Household hazardous waste items, such as paints, batteries, and chemicals, will also be collected on, but these items can be taken to the Grove City Service Department, 3262 Ventura Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hello, My name is Kayla Bennington and I raise chickens. I am very, very disappointed Of even the consideration of banning chickens and other small livestock. If passed this will ruin people’s livelihood and ability to feed their families. I have kept chickens for a little over a year now and they have made a very positive impact on my family, and the community they produce enough eggs to feed my small family as well as many of my neighbors. Also, the tick population on my two acre property has gone down dramatically whereas before I could not walk with my small children without having five or more ticks on me or my children. Many people that own chickens in Jackson township use chickens as a teaching tool for there children teaching responsibility, love and respect for animals. I sincerely hope that you reconsider your stance on urban farmers like myself and many others.