WEATHERSFIELD Citizens to target problems

A petition drive prompted the group's formation.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
MINERAL RIDGE -- About 45 Weathersfield Township residents are banding together to educate one another about the problems in their neighborhoods and how to address them.
The Weathersfield Township Responsible Citizens Association will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in Summit Assembly of God, Salt Springs Road. Alan Knapp, grants coordinator for Trumbull County Planning Commission, is expected as the guest speaker.
Knapp's talk will cover water grants that may be available to address problems with drinking water in certain township areas.
Pam Mayfield, association vice president, said a petition drive provided the impetus to form the group, which conducted its first meeting last month. The group meets the last Thursday of each month at the church.
Petition on ballot: The residents gathered signatures on petitions to place an issue on the November ballot. The questions deal with the distance required between commercial or industrial property and residential property, Mayfield said. A recent change in the zoning code reduced the distance required.
"We just thought the people should have a choice," she said.
While canvassing, residents discussed the need for a citizens group.
Members, who must be township residents, pay a $10 annual membership fee. That covers mailings, fliers and other expenses, Mayfield said.
Association officers attend township trustees meetings with one officer speaking for the group.
Trustee Fred R. Bobovnyk views the group as another way to channel information from residents to trustees.
"I think it can be a constructive force in the township," he said.
Group leaders: Membership is open to township residents who must complete an application and pay the membership fee. Four officers and a four-member board of directors lead the group. Ryan Tabor is president, Mayfield is vice president and Mary Lou Flere is the treasurer. The secretary slot is vacant. Board of directors members are executive director Luanne Bolles and directors James Stoddard, Jim Sweeney and Jim Squires.