Township enacts new rules for solicitors

by Laura Bednar

May 13 township trustees meeting

Sagamore Township trustees created a new policy in response to an influx of door-to-door solicitors in the township. Trustee Paul Schweikert said the township cannot outlaw solicitation per state law but can set limits.

Each solicitor must pay a $150 registration fee valid for 90 days. Schweikert said if a resident puts a “no solicitation” sign in their window or door, a solicitor should not knock.

Trustee David DePasquale said the township will also create a registry of “no knock” homes. A solicitor will be given a list of the addresses of homes not to be disturbed. Hours of solicitation are limited to 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Township attorney Jeff Snell said nonprofit groups like churches or school bands selling candy can solicit without having to register.

DePasquale said solicitors should have a clearly visible ID badge. He said the goal is to include a list of registered solicitors on the township website.

To be added to the “no knock” list, contact admin@mysagamorehills.com, jmucha@mysagamorehills.com or visit the township website under the police tab to fill out the request form.

Swearing in

Jay Wahl. Photo by Laura Bednar.

Trustee John Zaccardelli swore in Jay Wahl as the newest member of the township zoning commission, taking the place of Dr. David Koncal, who is leaving his position to move to Dayton.

Grants and expenditures

Trustees and the township fiscal officer are applying for a NatureWorks grant to defray the cost of installing a new playground in Sagamore Hills Park. Trustee John Zaccardelli said the bid for the playground came in at just over $100,000. Location within the park is to be determined.

The police department will purchase a pepperball launcher, a non-lethal form of crowd control. According to DePasquale, Chief David Hayes said it was needed when a youth threatened to hurt himself. Officers will be trained to use it.

The township spent $3,000 for lawnmower lift arms for the park/road department to safely perform maintenance on mowers. Police cruiser repairs cost $2,445 and annual law enforcement manuals and bulletins cost $7,113. The second quarter dues for the township fire and EMS contract were $267,080.

DePasquale said Sagamore will use NOPEC grant money to increase the energy efficiency of township furnaces and air conditioning units, raising efficiency from 86% to 96.7%. The upgrade costs $28,920. Current furnaces and A/C units are 12 years old. ∞