DELTA COUNCIL … Delta council members and administration officials discuss agenda items for the evening’s meeting. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Delta Village Council held their meeting on Monday, June 9th. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer following after.
The agenda for the meeting was then approved as amended. Council then moved to hear from members of the public who were present.
Beth Thomas spoke first and asked questions regarding the marijuana initiative on the ballot.
Mrs. Thomas stated that she noticed word differences between certain sentences with some specifically targeting just “medicinal.”
The Law Director then stated that, at this time, there is no reason to include recreational marijuana in the village ordinance due to it being banned in the state and that, if in the future it needs to be addressed, it can be.
Administrator Peebles then gave his report to council. First, Mr. Peebles spoke about the leak at one of the water towers.
A company has been contracted to come and take a look at it. Repairs should be finished by the end of the day on Wednesday according to Mr. Peebles.
A report for the whole tank in general will also be obtained. Currently, to do the repairs, a fourteen-foot pipe will need to be replaced. A final estimate has not yet been obtained but it is looking like the cost will be around $25,000.
Mr. Peebles then shifted the discussion to the parks. Planning will need to be done in order to get a long-term future outlook.
A quote has been received from Peterman and Associates who are able to help with the planning.
Mr. Peebles also stated that he would like to have a survey done up and sent out to village residents to get their input for what they would like to be done with the park, amenities and if they would support a pool.
The annexation petition was discussed next with Mr. Peebles stating that the Pike Township Trustees would like him to attend their next meeting to discuss the annexation.
The insurance renewal has been received which will be looked over to see what changes to the premium there will be. The guard rail on Main Street is sinking again.
Large cracks have been seen and the entire bank is sliding. Mr. Peebles stated that if it is not fixed quickly, there may end up being damage to Airport Highway.
The Finance Director then asked council to approve the bill list which was approved. Next, the Law Director discussed the issue brought up during previous meetings regarding speed limits on certain streets.
The lowest possible speed limit that is able to be put at those locations is 25 mph. The Police Chief then informed council that he had received two beer permits. One for July 8th and 10th and the other one on August 6th. Council then moved to hear matters of legislation with the following agenda items being approved.
The Third Reading for Ordinance 22-05 to amend the annual appropriations ordinance and creating a federal grant – JAG fund.
The Second Reading for Ordinance 22-07 specifying the approval of Delta Village Council for their pending annexation petition filed with the Fulton County Commissioners being designated as the village’s twenty-year growth area.
The Second Reading for Resolution 22-08 indicating the Village of Delta will provide utilities and other services for property seeking to be annexed to the village with the filing of petition for annexation with Fulton County Commissioners.
The First Reading for Ordinance 22-08 to supplement Ordinance 21-13 to make supplemental appropriations for current expenses of the Village of Delta for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2022.
Council then moved on to hear the First Reading for Ordinance 22-09 prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana; processing of medical marijuana; marijuana wholesalers; marijuana retailers and medical retail marijuana dispensaries in the Village of Delta, Fulton County, Ohio.
The question of legal standing was brought up regarding the vote residents participated in. The Law Director stated that the vote was only to get residents opinion on the matter.
Voting then took place with council ending up split with three voting no and three voting yes. The mayor then acted as the deciding vote and voted to pass the measure with the result being three voting no, and four voting yes.
Council member Frank then asked for more discussion on the matter. Discussion was split with council member Dawson stating, “Do they come in to see the council meetings?” referring to those that voted against the marijuana ballot issue.
Other supportive members stated that they voted no due to them wanting to represent all of the community and not some of it.
Council member Tanner and the Mayor stated that the residents voted and the time for discussion on the matter had already passed.
Council then moved to executive session at 5:53 p.m. Following executive session, the meeting was adjourned.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com