Two New Members Appointed to Springfield Township Planning Commission
During the October 8, 2026, Springfield Township Board of Trustees meeting, two new members, Jack Rooney and Brian Koistinen, were appointed to the Planning Commission, filling vacancies left by Mark Yovich and Jason Price.
Both appointments come at an important time, as the Planning Commission continues to oversee significant land-use matters, including the pending Levy/Burroughs Materials Corporation special land use application for mining on Ormond Road and zoning ordinance changes addressing data centers.
-> Click to View Jack Rooney & Brian Koistinen Resumes & Appointment Documents
Jack Rooney
Jack Rooney, who currently serves on the Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals, is very young, ambitious resident with a background in agriculture through his work in local farming. During the meeting, Board members described Rooney as eager to learn the planning process.
During the Board’s consideration of the appointments, residents were given an opportunity to ask the candidates questions. Oko Environmental questioned Rooney about his connection to the proposed mining property on Ormond Road. Rooney hesitated and did not provide a direct answer beyond stating that he works for a farmer who leases land from Levy on the property involved in the proposed mining operation.
Having an employment relationship connected to a property owner does not automatically mean an individual cannot remain objective or serve fairly on the Planning Commission. However, openly disclosing such relationships is particularly important when that property is the subject of an active application before the Commission.
Transparency allows residents to understand potential conflicts of interest and provides an opportunity for those relationships to be properly evaluated.
Brian Koistinen
Brian Koistinen was also appointed to the Planning Commission. Koistinen is from South Dakota and his professional background includes business management, technical sales, and strategic planning. Currently,
While his résumé outlines his professional experience, it does not explain what motivated him to apply for the Planning Commission or what his priorities might be regarding Township land use.
During the meeting, Koistinen appeared to be familiar with several Township Board members. However, the nature of those relationships and whether they played any role in his appointment are not known.
Good Luck
Good luck to our two newest Planning Commission tributes. Here’s hoping they show up, ask thoughtful and meaningful questions, engage with residents on important land-use issues, and keep the interests of the community, the Township’s rural character, and its natural resources at the forefront of their decisions, especially when faced with large-scale development proposals.
