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From a proclamation honoring a former trustee to Flock camera discussions and road improvements, the board tackled a wide range of community issues over two months.
Northfield Center Township trustees met on May 4 and June 1, 2026, addressing infrastructure projects, real estate decisions, public safety updates and community concerns raised by residents.
Township Honors Former Trustee Richard James
At the June meeting, the board opened with a proclamation honoring the family of former Trustee Richard James, who served the township in numerous capacities. James was a township trustee from 1998 to 2001 and a member of both the Northfield Center Township and Northfield Village fire departments. He also worked as a paramedic and was one of the original members of the Summit County Hazmat Team. James served as a fire and EMS instructor at the University of Akron, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center and Euclid Hospital. His wife, Monica, served the township as fiscal officer for 45 years.
Sheriff’s Office Highlights Safety Resources
At the June meeting, a captain from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office addressed the board and the public, emphasizing the importance of calling the Sheriff’s Office for both emergencies and non-emergency situations. The non-emergency line is 330-643-2181, which uses an automated AI system to gather information and dispatch deputies.
The captain also reminded residents that certain fireworks are legal to use on specific dates and that deputies will respond but may not order residents to stop if the activity is lawful.
The township’s Sheriff’s Office reported 632 service calls in April and 666 in May, with nine arrests in April and eight in May.
Flock Camera System Under Consideration
The sheriff’s captain and the board discussed adding a Flock license plate reader camera system to the township’s policing contract. The cameras read license plates and alert deputies when a flagged vehicle is detected. The captain was clear that the system does not use facial recognition.
The City of Green paid approximately $50,000 for its first year of Flock cameras, with ongoing costs around $40,000 annually. Trustees estimated Northfield Center would need roughly half as many cameras as Green, putting the estimated cost closer to $20,000 per year. The board expressed interest in exploring whether neighboring communities such as Boston Heights could share camera infrastructure to reduce costs. No vote was taken, but trustees indicated they want firm pricing figures.
Fire Department and Road Updates
The fire chief reported 32 mutual aid calls during the period, noting that staffing challenges are affecting departments across the region. The department will participate in the township’s open house on June 13 from noon to 3 p.m., along with the Sheriff’s Office and the service department. The event is sponsored by NOPEC and will include a Kona Ice truck.
Director of Services Tim Black reported that catch basin rebuilding is underway on Marwick Road, with Rollingbrook nearly complete. Of the approximately 500 catch basins the township maintains, about 28 require full reconstruction.
The board also approved a resolution authorizing Pavement Tech Inc. to apply an asphalt rejuvenating agent to 13 roads, including Brookfield Lane, Springbrook Drive and Timber Lane Drive, at a cost of $44,937.43 through the Summit County Engineers Regional Pavement Maintenance Project.
Bayberry Road Project Wraps Up
A representative from the Summit County Engineer’s Office updated the board on the Bayberry Road drainage project, which is substantially complete. A change order is pending to cover additional costs related to ditch cleaning and an unexpected underground spring discovered during construction. The project was funded in part by a grant, and trustees discussed whether the change order costs may also be eligible for grant reimbursement. Residents along Bayberry Road were praised for their patience throughout the construction process.
Preliminary plans for the Norwood Lake drainage project were expected to be submitted to the county engineer’s office by June 9. The Doorwork Ditch project plans are expected to be ready for community review in the fall.
Real Estate Decisions on Township Properties
East Aurora Road Vacant Lot
At the May meeting, the board unanimously approved a new exclusive right to sell agreement with a local real estate agent for a vacant parcel on East Aurora Road, listed at $374,999. The listing runs from May 4, 2026 through May 4, 2027, with a 3% listing commission and 2.5% buyer’s commission. The previous real estate agent’s contract had expired more than a year prior.
Trustees discussed what type of business they would like to see on the narrow, 100-foot-wide but 775-foot-deep lot, with a professional office building or small service business noted as preferred options. Any development will need to go through the Joint Economic Development district and will be subject to buffering requirements due to the property’s proximity to residential homes.
Former Fire Station Property
At the June meeting, the board approved a listing agreement with Keller Williams Chervenic Realty for the former fire station property at 60 West Aurora Road at a 6% commission rate, running through December 31, 2026. The board noted the property is split between Northfield Center Township and Sagamore Hills, which complicates development. A letter of intent for the purchase of that property at $350,000 was approved following an executive session.
Zoning and Code Enforcement Topics
RV Parking Questions
A resident appeared at the May meeting concerned about a recently passed zoning resolution that restricts parking recreational vehicles on grass. The resident, who has parked a large motorhome in a gated backyard for 24 years, asked whether a variance was available. The assistant zoning inspector indicated the resident likely falls under an exemption for vehicles being prepared for a trip and said the situation would probably not be an enforcement priority.
Short-Term Rental Oversight
Trustees discussed challenges tracking and regulating short-term rental properties, including Airbnb listings operating without permits. The township issues annual permits valid for 12 months from the date of filing. Officials said properties operating without permits remain difficult to identify, though staff actively monitors rental platforms. Trustees discussed possible ways to tighten regulations and the experiences of other communities, including Sagamore Hills, which requires rentals of more than 30 days.
Cable Company Pedestal Boxes
Discussion continued at both meetings about the proliferation of cable company pedestal boxes in residential right-of-ways, particularly in the Rollingbrook subdivision. The township attorney reported that Ohio Revised Code Section 1332.22, which went into effect in 2007, largely preempts local regulation of cable companies in public right-of-ways. Complaints can be filed with the Ohio Department of Commerce. Tim Black sent notifications to Rollingbrook residents with information on how to file complaints with Windstream and the state.
Town Center Building Progress
Zoning officials provided an update on the Fairnachie building in the township’s town center, noting the current owner has been working to address 40 years of deferred maintenance since purchasing the building in late 2024. He has cleared debris, repaired roofing, rebuilt stairs and a balcony, and waterproofed the basement. Metal siding is expected to be installed by mid-June. If exterior work is not completed by July 4, officials indicated a citation may follow. A mural project for the nearby Ohio Time building remains on hold.
Financial Actions and Other Resolutions
The board took several financial actions across both meetings.
At the May meeting, trustees authorized $420,915.77 in current expenditures and increased the township’s annual contribution to the Nordonia Hills Senior Center from $3,500 to $5,000, effective June 1, 2026. The board also approved a $259,860 debt reduction transfer for the Administrative Fire Department Building and waived the permit fee for the Nordonia Hills Garden Club’s annual plant sale on May 16.
At the June meeting, the board authorized $273,177.86 in current expenditures, accepted the 2026 alternate tax budget, approved a $32,000 landscape maintenance contract with Sharpscapes at 2023 pricing, waived the $500 public hearing fee for a VFW Post 6768 variance application, and approved part-time pay rate adjustments effective June 8.
Community Events and Other Business
The township’s 250th anniversary celebration will be held July 12 at the Gazebo, featuring a professional four-piece vocal group performing a Celebrate America program. The Palmer House will also hold an ice cream social the same day.
Trustees discussed assembling a steering committee of 8 to 12 members to support a zoning and comprehensive plan audit being conducted by planning firm Visions. The committee will include representation from the Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, local business owners, the Historical Society, the Parks Committee and the School District. Members will be recruited through Facebook, email notifications and outreach to township boards.
