By J.T. WHITEHOUSE

Staff writer

CANFIELD — Council members heard from Canfield Township Trustee Marie Cartwright at their Wednesday meeting, where she provided a welcome update to a noise problem in the city.

Residents of Talsman Drive in the city have been complaining about trucks using their engine brakes, also known as “jake brakes,” when on the exit ramp from state Route 11 to U.S. 224. The problem is, the exit ramp lies in the township, but is owned and maintained by the state.

The issue first arose when city residents from Talsman requested a sound-reduction wall similar to what was installed on state Route 11 in Austintown. The residents claimed they were told by the Ohio Department of Transportation that the freeway was there before their condominiums were built, so no wall would be installed.

The next best solution was to make jake brakes illegal on the exit ramp. The residents were told they would need the township to pass a resolution to that effect then the state would install the signs and provide the poles. However, the state would not pay the $1,800 to provide the signs, so that brought residents back to the city.

Cartwright said trustees felt they could not provide the signs for city residents. Passing a resolution to declare the section as a no engine brake area would not be a problem.

The city was looking into paying for the signs, but they would be paying for signs to be placed in the township and didn’t think that would be a viable option.

“I spoke with Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti and she told me the county will make the signs at no charge to either entity (city or township),” Cartwright told council members. “Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti is making them now.”

She said the signs will be held until the resolution is passed by trustees. Once that happens, the signs will be given to the state for placement. After that, the issue will be enforcement.

“At the Oct. 14 township meeting, we will pass the resolution,” Cartwright said. “It is great to see entities come together and work together for a common cause.”

Cartwright also praised the efforts of Township Zoning Inspector Traci DeCapua in dealing with the issue and making necessary calls to move a solution along.

Several Talsman residents were in attendance and applauded the efforts in bringing a solution to the surface.

Also Wednesday, business owner Ken Cerimele spoke during the public comments portion about having outside storage at All In One Self Storage, 530 W. Main St. He said the request was made a few years ago and was turned down by the city’s planning and zoning commission. To have outside storage (campers, boats, cars, trucks, etc.) would require a zone change, which was not permitted in the B-1 district.

“I am here to ask for a change from B-1 to M-1 to allow for outside storage,” Cerimele said.

Councilman Bruce Neff said when the vote was taken two years ago by the commission, he was the only vote in favor of outside storage.

“I am pro-active for business,” Neff said. “This should be allowed.”

Speaking in support of Cerimele, police Chief Chuck Colucci said he took a not so great looking property and cleaned it up. A day care center is run out of the front building, which was the former Skylark Restaurant.

“Ken maintains that property,” Colucci said. “It will never look as it did.”

Councilman Chuck Tieche asked Cerimele what separation he has for the residence on Woodland Run. Cerimele said he has a fence and tall trees, claiming he can only see one second story window from the lot.

Cerimele was told by City Manager David D’Apolito the proper step is to again go through Planning and Zoning as a starting point.

In other business, council:

• Set trick or treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

• Heard from D’Apolito that leaf pickup is set to begin Oct. 13 and wrap up Dec. 1.

• Authorized D’Apolito to apply for and and accept a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Agreement for the design of a water service improvement project in the area of C.H.Campbell Elementary. D’Apolito said the project would create a loop and would ensure the school and fire fighting efforts would continue to have water during a waterline break.