By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Madison Township Trustee John Kershner has offered to spearhead a study regarding in-house zoning and code enforcement for the township.
“Many neighboring townships created their own zoning boards,” said Kershner, adding the endeavor tends to be self-funding. “I’m just scratching the surface. I want to see if it’s a fit for us. I’m sure there’s a information out there. Other townships are neutral on the spending side. It may not cost us general fund money if it’s well done.”
Trustee Ed Dildine said at the trustees’ Jan. 20 meeting that, while he was not interested in the concept now, he would like to see more information on the topic.
Township resident Gary McDonald opposed the idea and said the topic has repeatedly surfaced since he moved into his Blacklick Estates home in the 1970s.
“We’ve always used Franklin County and their resources are free,” said McDonald. “I see it as wasteful spending since the county code enforcement officer is free. If it’s free, save the extra money and put it on other departments.”
New fire station
Madison Township Fire Chief Robert Bates reported on his desire to design and construct the township’s new fire station 183 under a speedier design/build process, recently used by Canal Winchester to expedite the construction of their new public service building. He said he talked with other entities that used the process and were happy with the results.
“We would have to retain a design/build architect and then build an RFP (request for proposal) off of that,” Bates said. “If we do the typical design build, the architect (fees) are much higher and staff costs will be much higher. We’ll save money in the amount of time staff puts into this. I think this will flow much better because people are working together. In two to three months, we could get an architect on board doing their work.”
Bates said his department has concepts in mind and are addressing some of the issues connected with building the station, which will house and staff a medic, provide needed storage space and allow for future expansion. The new $3.6 million fire station will be located at 3232 Noe-Bixby Road. Voters approved funding for the fire station last May.
