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Residents ask about private water hydrants and truck-parking rules after text amendment
Summary
Public commenters raised questions about private Western Water hydrants that the township cannot test and a recent zoning text amendment that prevents future truck-parking approvals while grandfathering existing lawful uses; staff and police described enforcement limits and interagency coordination.
During the meeting’s public comment period residents asked township officials to clarify hydrant testing procedures and the practical effect of a recent zoning text amendment on commercial truck parking.
Brad Turner of 1391 Huntwick Lane thanked staff for addressing signage and asked specifically about hydrant testing and whether the township periodically checks hydrants. Staff replied that many hydrants in the area are owned and maintained by Western Water, a private utility, and the township is not permitted to test or maintain those hydrants. "Western Water doesn't allow us to touch their hydrants," an official said, adding that Western Water typically notifies the township when a hydrant is out of service and conducts its own repairs.
Will Camp of 1373 Miami Bluffs asked whether a recent text amendment approved earlier prevents additional truck-parking uses or only new approvals. Staff explained the amendment does not remove existing lawful operations; uses that were permitted before the text amendment remain grandfathered, but the amendment prevents future approvals for that use in the rezoned area. The board noted that some parcels lacked zoning permits and staff are working with operators to bring them into compliance.
Officials described enforcement limits: local officers may stop commercial vehicles for traffic violations, but the township does not make stops solely to check commercial registration numbers; the sheriff’s commercial motor vehicle unit and state patrol are used for CMV inspections. Staff also said any weight- or bridge-limit questions would be handled by the county engineer.
Trustees said coordinated checks by local police, the county sheriff and state inspectors will occur periodically to monitor compliance. No formal action on the zoning matter was taken at this meeting; staff indicated the issue may return if an operator seeks a variance or if compliance matters require further action.
The public comment portion of the meeting closed at 6:12 p.m.
