Issues on Health and Safety
July 6th 2007The township Trustees have been made aware of three critical areas of concern related to township road "right of ways." They were made aware through the Township's insurance carrier, Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and citizen input at various public meetings.
The following areas are causing severe potential liability issues for the township and they must be addressed. The failure of the trustees to take action on these issues may be financially detrimental to the township and may cause insurance cancellation or premium increases.
The township is responsible for the roads and right of way adjacent to the roads. Anything placed in the road or right of way is under the control of the Township Trustees. The Trustees are responsible by law for anything put in the right of way and are required to remove anything which is not permitted by law. The three areas of concern are:
1.) Signs in the Township Right of Way. The placing of signs of all sizes, regardless of the reason for the sign or type of sign, in the road right of way, is illegal. This includes signs that advertise a business, a realtor or political sign, signs fastened to utility poles, etc. The only signs that are permitted in the right of ways are authorized road signs. If you own or have placed any sign, permanent or temporary, in the right of way, it must be removed. The Trustees cannot permit, by law, any of these signs in the right of way. Trustees are required to remove and dispose of any sign located in the right of way that is not permitted by law. To find out what the right of way distance is on a road call one of the Township Trustees.
2.) Hazardous Mailbox Posts. Although mailbox posts for the mounting of a box to receive the US mail is permitted in the, right of way, the type of posts and mounts are limited to a 4-inch x 4-inch wooden post anchored in the ground without concrete. The reason for a 4 x 4 wooden post is to provide a sturdy mount for the mailbox so it breaks off or is pushed over if struck by a vehicle that may stray off the roadway. Various other structures are both illegal and unsafe and cause a hazard to the motorist and liability to the township. The reason for this is to cause less damage if a vehicle strikes the post and to prevent injury or death. If you have a mailbox post made of material stronger than a 4-inch x 4-inch wooden post, it is required that it be removed.
3.) Plantings in Township Right of Way. The right of way (side ditch) areas adjacent to the roadways are to maintain proper drainage of water away from the roadways to protect the integrity of the roads for a longer life both long term and number of years between repavings. Some of the "right of ways" in the township have been encroached upon by the property owner next to the right of way. It is important to know how much right of way is located on various roads so you can stay back as to not enter the road right of way. Always be aware of sight distance at intersections, receivers where silt can cause problems from run off from farm fields.
The Township Trustees are required by law to keep their roads and right of ways safe. We would appreciate your assistance in abiding by these laws. If you have any questions concerning something you own setting in the township right of ways, please call one of the Trustees for assistance with answering your questions or removing the object. Thank you for working with us to make Franklin Township a safer community.
Leaves and Brush The Trustees have contacted a private waste hauler to pick up yard waste in separate bags. The vast amount of leaves and brush that accumulates in the area can cause both air pollution issues when burned as well as water quality issues when dumped in waterways.CELINA OH 45822-8874.
