By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 21. The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving on to attend to the following items.
Council began by approving the minutes from the previous meeting before moving on to a range of legislation. Members passed Ordinance 2025-13 under emergency measures to approve updates to the village’s codified ordinances.
Council also passed Ordinance 2025-14, which establishes a new state grant fund through the Ohio Department of Development’s Housing Technical Assistance Program. An advance of $78,000 from the general fund to the new account was approved.
Council then authorized Mayor Mossing to sign an agreement with Mannik & Smith for $9,500 to assist with the Municipal Bridge Program and apply for a grant related to the Garnsey Avenue bridge. The funding transfer to support the agreement was also approved.
In old business, the council heard a suggestion about installing a disc golf course in the park. The project is estimated to cost around $4,000, with a potential $1,000 grant available. Council plans to gauge community interest through Facebook and the village newsletter.
The idea of moving future movie nights to late summer or early fall was discussed to allow for earlier start times. Council also reviewed how nuisance abatement costs might be recovered through the County Auditor’s office.
In new business, the council approved a five-year agreement with Metamora State Bank for the deposit of public funds. Members also approved an agreement with John Crockett to oversee this year’s co-ed softball league.
A motion was passed to allow Carl Pope to remove the village’s old recycling center buildings, provided he signs a liability waiver. The motion passed by majority vote with two members opposed.
Council also discussed the possibility of selling leftover chicken halves from Party in the Park to the local boosters group.
Sidewalk repairs were also a key point of discussion. Council hopes to group several properties together to reduce costs for residents, with a target start in spring 2026.
Initial focus will be on the south side of East Main Street. The zoning office will help identify specific obstacles, such as stone fill or tree roots that may affect the work. A letter will be sent to residents with more information.
The zoning report included updates on multiple properties. A new application is still needed for 423 E. Main, while a permit for 16372 State Route 64 remains pending due to incomplete paperwork. At 252 Maple Street, a variance application has been picked up. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:03 p.m.