Sherwood Township board sends zoning penalty changes back to planning commission, OKs legal action on problem properties

Sherwood Township’s board voted July 1 to send proposed amendments to zoning penalty language back to the Planning Commission after debate over whether penalties should be civil infractions or retain criminal provisions. Supervisor Toren Stanton moved to return the draft to the Planning Commission; Treasurer Brubaker seconded and the minutes show the motion passed 3-1.

The proposal under consideration would change penalty provisions for zoning violations from criminal penalties to civil remedies such as liens or adding unpaid charges to property tax bills. The Planning Commission presented the amendment and the board discussed whether the township should issue a warning for a first offense rather than impose a fine. Trustee Courliss urged clearer language for residents and suggested removing financial penalties for first-time violations and substituting a warning.

Supervisor Toren Stanton said he was uncomfortable with the amendment as drafted and favored returning it to the Planning Commission to preserve the commission’s role and avoid overreach. The board’s recorded action sends the proposed language back to the Planning Commission for further review; the minutes do not identify which member voted against the motion.

On property complaints, the board authorized legal follow-up after receiving an update that SAFEbuilt has issued final notices on older cases. Supervisor Stanton moved to work with the township attorney to pursue cleanup actions on chronically unmaintained properties, Trustee Courliss seconded, and the minutes record the motion passing unanimously 4-0.

The meeting included routine operational updates: courthouse renovations are beginning with ARPA funds allocated to help cover costs; Frontier continues the local broadband build-out and the library and Sherwood Store are already using the new service; and Commissioner Stoll recommended the township not wait on county timelines for local planning steps.

Public-safety reports noted the sheriff’s 24-hour road-patrol program has been operating three months but the department remains short-staffed due to training; four hires are expected. The sheriff’s report also said body-worn cameras and in-car cameras are in effect, marine patrol logged 151 hours in the last pay period, and a new boat is arriving. The fire department reported five calls in June, including three life-care assists, and said it received a $7,314 grant to purchase stabilizing jacks, which are on order and whose funds are expected after July 1.

Treasurer Brubaker reported a June ending balance of $176,498 and that tax bills have been mailed. Clerk Hannah Smith announced Make-A-Wish will use township facilities as a rest stop on July 27, SAFEbuilt requested a quarterly business review, the township website is receiving final updates, and an August 5 bond election for Colon and Union City Schools was noted.

During public comment resident Dick Morrill asked how inmate housing is funded, stating that other counties pay $40 per day plus medical costs and asking where Sherwood receives reimbursement. The minutes include an incomplete phrase, 'Still making $32,' without clarification; the record does not show a response that resolved the question.

Votes at a glance: minutes approval (motion by Supervisor Toren Stanton, seconded by Clerk Hannah Smith) is recorded as passed 4-0; the attorney engagement on property-maintenance cases (motion by Supervisor Stanton, seconded by Trustee Courliss) passed 4-0; the motion to return the zoning amendments to the Planning Commission (motion by Supervisor Stanton, seconded by Treasurer Brubaker) is recorded as passed 3-1; approval of June bills (motion by Supervisor Stanton, seconded by Trustee Courliss) is recorded as 'All in favor 5-0' in the minutes — a tally that conflicts with earlier attendance reporting and is noted here as a discrepancy; adjournment (motion by Supervisor Stanton, seconded by Clerk Hannah Smith) is recorded 4-0.

The board adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The Planning Commission will receive the suggested revisions and is expected to reconsider the penalty language; the minutes do not set a date for further action on the ordinance.