CANFIELD — Township trustees had a full house Tuesday, between lengthy complaints about Mill Creek MetroParks’ planned deer hunt and a developer looking for a commitment of water.

The deer topic was first with several speaking about the Mill Creek MetroParks plan to control the deer population on its properties, specifically the farm in Canfield Township and other properties in nearby communities.

“The park is paying to have the deer shot and processed, using our tax dollars,” Mickey Drabison of Youngstown said.

He said park officials were targeting properties at the MetroParks farm, Vickers Nature Preserve and Saw Hill Creek. He added that hunters will be allowed to take one buck and seven doe under their hunting permit.

“They want to kill 3,000 deer, which could take as long as 10 years,” Drabison said.

Also speaking was Pearl Berezo Sinistro of Poland. She said: “Are we human beings or murderers to kill docile animals like this.”

Jerry Serbel, who owns property next to the park in Youngstown, is concerned about being shot if he walks near the park.

All those speaking about the hunt asked Canfield trustees if they would help stop the hunt from happening.

Chairman Brian Governor said there was nothing the township could do — because townships fall under the Ohio Revised Code.

“I would urge everyone to speak to the Mill Creek Park board of directors on this matter,” Governor said.

CANFIELD CROSSING

In other business, attorney Michael Thompson addressed trustees regarding the proposed Canfield Crossing Development. He said the developers he represented want to proceed with the project, but needed a definite agreement to bring water to the property.

“There are three possible routes for water,” Thompson said. “We can come down Turner Road, get it from Palmyra Road, or access it from (another city property to the west).”

He said the first choice would give the development of 45 proposed residences a clear line of water from the township via the ABC Water and Storm Water District.

He said the second and third options could involve annexing into the city to get the water.

“Annexing into the city is not what we want to do,” Thompson said. “The city has a 1 percent income tax, which is unattractive for a development.”

He said what is needed is a commitment to provide the water in a timely manner, namely by July 1, 2024. If there is a solid plan for water from the township, Thompson said they would sign an agreement not to annex.

“We have talked with the Youngstown water district and they don’t care,” he told trustees. “We still prefer to do the project with township water. How can we work with you to make it happen? We don’t want annexation, we really don’t. We want this development to stay in the township.”

“We will not give up land in this township over water,” Trustee Marie Cartwright said. “We will remain a township and will use all the tools that we have to keep it that way.”

Governor said at this point there are too many moving parts to the issue and the township would need legal respresentation.

Thompson also mentioned that Universal Development was willing to put up $300,000 to run the line to its development.

Township Administrator Keith Rogers, who sits on the ABC Water District board, said there is an agreement between Youngstown and ABC to run water lines down Turner Road. Trustee Joe Paloski said pipes will be run soon on the agreement.

Thompson said he would be willing to sit down with the township’s attorney and work out the issues so the developers could move forward.