To the Editor:

One of the great things about Ohio's governmental structure is "Home Rule." A simple concept, in short, designed to bring the people closer to those who govern them. In my case, Townships and their elected Trustees. While multiple things have to be present for Home Rule to work, a key element is proper notice of meetings; especially meetings concerning township zoning amendments, resolution changes, re-districting, etc.

Notice requirements for meetings regarding zoning are unambiguous, clearly stated in the Ohio Revised Code and apply to the Township Trustees, Zoning Commission or Zoning Appeals - regarding any zoning matter. Very simple. Tedious at times, but simple. Trustees can't approve or decline zoning changes at their regular meetings without properly noticing them on the agenda for the benefit of the public they serve.

What happens when your township doesn't provide any notice and just goes about completely amending your Township's Zoning resolution?

These are the texts of the Township Facebook page notices we had access to as residents of Milford Township for the entire year. It also appears no proper notice or more explanatory notices have appeared in this paper for all of 2023.

June 15, 2023 Post: 

Special Meeting, Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. at 4651 Wall Street Centerburg, Ohio 43011 to discuss zoning.

July 25, 2023 Post: 

Public Notice: Last night at the Milford Township meeting, it was reported that the Milford Township Zoning Board of Commission will meet at the Milford Township House on July 31, 2023, at 7 p.m.

Sometime in early August, Milford Township delivered an 87-page, extremely edited and amended zoning resolution document to the Knox County Regional Planning Commission for review, comment and vote.  

It seems to me that's quite a feat to draft out such a document, with the level of changes presented in such a short period of time given the amount of public participation and meetings the Township has had. Please note my sarcasm.

Is it too much to ask that my township make a concerted effort to inform the residents timely and properly about the "goings on" - especially on the topic of zoning? 

It would breed much more respect and confidence with less negative speculation. It would certainly eliminate the word "sneaky." Maybe you could post a draft of your amended zoning resolution on your Facebook page.

Laurence J. Mily, Jr.

Centerburg