Bloom Township · Board of Trustees · Meeting Minutes

BLOOM TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 10-09-26

SPECIAL MEETING, 12pm, with Greenfield Township at 8490 Lithopolis Road NW, Carroll, OH 43112

CALL TO ORDER

CALL TO ORDER: by Bloom Township Chair Jason Smith. Members present were Trustees Carol Moore, Brian Randles, and Jason Smith. Also present were Administrator Anne Cyphert and Fiscal Officer Nicole Jurgensmier. Several interested citizens were also present.

CALL TO ORDER: by Greenfield Township Chair Jennifer Sitterley. Members present were Trustees Dave Cotner, Lonnie Kosch, and Jennifer Sitterley. Also present were Administrator Jeff Williamsen and Fiscal Officer Angel Bichard. Several interested citizens were also present. The pledge of allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence in honor of our military serving around the world.

PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

To hold a Joint Special Meeting between Bloom Township and Greenfield Township for the purpose of discussing the proposed Grid Growth Project; discussion and possible action on a proposal to collaborate with Lithopolis involving Bloom Township providing mowing services with them, and a motion to enter into Executive Session with the public body’s attorney to discuss possible litigation.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Randles, second by Moore for Bloom Township officials to enter into Executive Session under ORC 121.22 for the purpose of discussing possible litigation with an attorney. Motion carried 3-0.

Following the Executive Session, motion by Moore, second by Randles to accept the Letter of Engagement for legal services from Robert Dove of Kegler, Brown, Hill, and Ritter at a cost not to exceed $3,500. Motion carried 3-0.

Both governmental bodies explained their concerns regarding the Grid Growth proposed Projects.

The discussion continued regarding possible other routes. Concerns were mentioned about the lines going through residential areas. The routes proposed are very vague from Grid Growth. Both governmental bodies prefer to see the lines run along US Route 33 instead of through agricultural fields and residential areas. Fairfield County Airport would not be a conducive area due to the height of the towers. Residents and government officials are concerned about the lines running too close to the Bloom-Carroll Local Schools. All of us plan to meet the October 15th deadline to submit formal comments regarding the project. Regulations and specifications need to be established. Low water tables in parts of Bloom Township are a concern as well. Environmental factors involving drinking water and agriculture are a huge concern, in addition to possible serious health issues. Grid Growth stated at its Open House, they are still in the pre-application period, but there are questions regarding their claim. Concerns over data centers using water are concerning. Possible decreased property values are also a concern.

Both governmental bodies encouraged each other to continue to work together to propose different routes that have a lower impact on our Townships.

Carroll Zoning Inspector Dave Bichard informed the Board he is organizing a task force to fight against Grid Growth.

Scott Richardson, 4679 Meadowgrove, Greenfield Township resident: Heather Lakes and his subdivision at Greenfield Estates have issued numerous comments opposing the project. He inquired about the County Commission’s official stance on Grid Growth. He was informed he should ask the County Commissioners directly. Bloom Township is expecting a Commissioner next week at our meeting and invited the public to attend.

Tim Hamilton, 2828 Carroll Southern Road, Greenfield Township: Inquired about getting more support from other people.

Alex Masters, 8698 Otterbein Trail, Bloom Township: Encouraged open dialogue. Prioritize the community as a whole, engage as much as legally possible opposition to this project. He is concerned about what appears to be Grid Growth’s proposed routes. Encouraged organized opposition.

Greenfield Township Trustees: Motion by Kosch, second by Cotner to appoint the Chair of the Trustees, Jennifer Sitterley, to seek proposals from legal counsel to represent them regarding the Grid Growth Projects. Motion carried 3-0.

Following the comments, the chairs adjourned the meeting.