Jersey Township, Licking County · December 1, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
Trustee Wetzel called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Platte called the roll confirming that Trustees Fry, Wetzel, and Pieper were in attendance.
Trustee Pieper moved to approve the agenda as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
For the application for Text Amendments for Article 4 Administration and Article 5 Amendment to the Zoning Resolution submitted by the Zoning Commission.
Trustee Wetzel moved to open the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Zoning Inspector Witney reviewed the details of the text amendment. The Licking County Planning Commission recommended a non-binding approval with the following two conditions: That consideration is given to other relevant plans and planning documents for the evaluation of conditional use applications in Section 4.19; and that the Township obtain legal review of the proposed resolution/amendments prior to adoption. The Zoning Commission recommended the Board of Trustees adopt with modifications the text amendments. The modification was the condition recommended by the Licking County Planning Commission. The township received a legal opinion from the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office that there were no issues with the text amendment. The Trustees clarified some of the recommendations.
Public Comments - No public comments were provided.
Trustee Wetzel moved to close the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel moved “Resolution to adopt the recommendation of the Jersey Township Zoning Commission regarding an amendment to the Jersey Township Zoning Resolution” as presented in Exhibit A. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel introduced the minutes of the November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting and asked if there were any changes requested. With no changes being requested, Trustee Pieper moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes of the November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting as presented. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via roll call vote as follows: Fry, abstain; Wetzel, yes; and Pieper yes.
Trustee Wetzel asked for Public Comments. The new striping on Caswell Road was discussed. The Licking County Engineer’s Office provided the striping.
Trustee Wetzel asked for the Finance Report. Fiscal Officer Jesenko provided the current fund balances. There were no cemetery deeds. Mr. Jesenko discussed the budget and funds for 2026. He plans to shift some of the road related expenses from the Road & Bridge Fund to the Gasoline Tax fund in Fiscal Year 2026. Trustee Wetzel moved to approve the Finance Report as submitted. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for department reports.
Mr. Platte provided discussed providing a newsletter focused on a 2025 Year In Review that would be distributed in January. He is also working on an Investment Policy and researching the STAROhio investment option for surplus township funds. He will report back to the Board at the next meeting. He shared that he is continuing to talk with representatives of the Licking Heights Local School District about their plans for the old Jersey Elementary site. The Township will be working with the CIC to clean up the old Mead Hotel site. Mr. Platte has spoken with Jim Roberts of Licking Regional Water District regarding a proposal submitted to the District about water and sewer service and area control. Mr. Platte stated that this is yet another example of the JAG cohorts trying to control areas outside of their municipal boundaries and dictate what happens in Jersey Township. Mr. Platte’s understanding is that the District is not interested in even discussing the Granville proposal. Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Jesenko both stated that the Licking Regional Water District has been a good partner with Jersey Township and they appreciate the transparency from the District.
Mr. Witney provided updates on zoning matters in the township.
No report from Monroe Township. Trustee Wetzel discussed the gate at the end of Cobbs Road which needs to be secured. Trustee Wetzel reported that West Licking Fire is business as usual and discussed the union contract negotiations. Trustee Wetzel discussed a change in the Ohio Revised Code regarding retired Fireman who are diagnosed with cancer and the Fire District being required to provide workers’ compensation for four years.
Trustee Wetzel stated that no Unfinished Business existed.
Trustee Wetzel introduced New Business. Mr. Platte reported that the deed for the Old Creamery property should be recorded soon.
Mr. Platte presented a resolution to appoint the members to the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals that will expire on December 31, 2025 and to make appointments to the CIC.
Trustee Wetzel moved “A Resolution Appointing Members to Various Boards and Commission” Ken Pieper to serve a five-year term as a regular member of the Zoning Commission with the term commencing January 1, 2026 ending December 31, 2030; Gus Smithhisler to serve a five-year term as a regular member of the Board of Zoning appeals with the term commencing January 1, 2026 ending December 31, 2030; Bob Pickard to serve a three-year term on the Gateway CIC, with a term commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2028; and Neal Wengatz to serve a three-year term on the Gateway CIC with a term commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2028. Trustee Fry seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Trustee Wetzel asked for any Public Comments. No public comments were provided.
Trustee Wetzel reported the item that has been at the roundabout on Mink Street at Dragon Fly Way that looks like a carpet cleaner has been removed.
Trustee Wetzel moved to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(1) to consider an employee issue. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. The time going into Executive Session was 8:22 p.m. Invited into the executive session were Trustees Fry, Wetzel and Pieper, Fiscal Officer Jesenko, and Mr. Platte.
Trustee Wetzel moved to come out of Executive Session and return to regular session. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion was approved via unanimous roll call vote. The time out of Executive Session was 9:45 p.m.
Trustee Wetzel moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Pieper seconded the motion and the voice vote on the motion was 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Attest:
Dan Wetzel, Chairperson
Jeff Fry, Vice-Chairperson
This page is the full text of the minutes. Signatures appear on the original signed PDF, available for printing.