LIVE ARCHBOLD APP … Council members Kevin Eicher, Karla Ball, and Vaughn Bentz hear Parks and Rec Director Jen Kidder sharing information about the new Live Archbold mobile device app. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT, STAFF)
By: Amy Wendt
On Monday, March 6, 2023, Archbold Village Council met for a regular meeting with all members present.
Included in the full agenda was the final reading on Resolution 2023-09 Declaring a Moratorium on the Acceptance of Applications Relating to the Establishment or Expansion of Small Box Discount Stores Indefinitely.
Approval of the legislation does not prohibit future “small box discount stores” or “dollar stores” from establishing a business location in Archbold however, it does give the Village Council the authority to review and approve such requests.
Following the reading, councilors Chad Kern and Vaughn Bentz weighed in with their apprehension to support the resolution.
Councilor Chad Kern commented, “I think it just opens up a can of worms for other types of businesses. If we start saying ‘we do not want (certain) businesses here,’ what is that saying for everybody who wants to put a business here?”
Council member Vaughn Bentz offered his views, “I’ve never been quite on board with it. It’s very restrictive, very defined.”
“My other question is ‘is this the right tool, a resolution?’ We have zoning options; we have annexation options…”
Following a lengthy discussion, the resolution was voted on and passed with council members Brad Short, Kevin Eicher, Karla Ball, and Kevin Morton voting “yes” while Kern and Bentz voted “no.”
In other business, Jen Kidder, Director of Parks & Recreation was on hand to discuss the new mobile app Live Archbold that was unveiled last week.
The mobile app allows Archbold residents to receive important notifications from various village departments, check calendars and make payments.
The app would also enable department heads and village officials to make important announcements such as railroad closures and emergency notifications.
DOWNLOAD THE APP … Download the Live Archbold app by scanning this QR code. You may also search “Live Archbold” in Apple App Store for iPhone or in Google Play App Store for Android.
During the meeting, Council also approved:
-Council Minutes of February 20, 2023.
-Bills & Payroll in the amount of $270,417.45 and February 2023 Financials.
-Resolution 2023-12 transferring Funds from Special Assessment Fund #5 & #9-00 to the General Fund following a suspension of the rules.
-Resolution 2023-13 authorizing the village administrator and finance director to advertise for bids for Village Hall Renovation Project following a suspension of the rules.
-Resolution 2023-14 authorizing the village administrator to advertise for bids for South Defiance Street Waterline Project, Contract 2-2023 following a suspension of the rules.
-Resolution 2023-07 to approve entering into a Community Garden Lease with the Archbold Community Garden Group and authorizing the village administrator to execute and oversee the lease agreement.
Abby Pennington and Timo Acker were present and briefed council on questions brought up during the community garden public Q&A session held on February 23.
Pennington shared that the group is currently working on ideas for water collection and parking considerations.
It was also clarified by Pennington that all future events the community garden holds will be coordinated with Kidder from Parks and Rec to eliminate any potential scheduling conflicts.
Councilor Morton inquired if the community garden had any specific needs for the project and if there was a way for the public to offer support.
Pennington shared that a “wish list” registry has been started at Lugbill Supply Center that includes items currently being accepted for donation to the project.
Following the passage of legislation, council reviewed Income Tax Receipts for February 2023, Police Department Calls for Service for February 2023, Fire & EMS Department Call Response for February 2023, and the Street Department Labor & Fleet Report for February 2023.
The next Archbold Village Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5:30 pm.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
