The Montpelier Council approved the rezoning of two residential properties to limited commercial during their regular meeting on Monday, August 26. Returning were Maryanne and William Blakely whose property adjoins one of the lots in question. Jim Watkins, Health Commissioner from the Williams County Health Department was on hand to answer any questions that the couple had. Both parties agreed that they wanted to be good neighbors and work together to provide a barrier between part of the rezoned lot and their home. The Blakelys had no objection to the rezoning of the properties, but had expressed a desire to have a fence erected blocking their view of recycling bins that are unsightly. Mrs. Blakely said that they are the first thing she and her husband see when they leave the house. They offered to pay half of the cost of a fence. Watkins said that he could not authorize this on his own, but he invited them to attend the next board meeting of the Health Department. Montpelier resident Laura Gray said that the zoning laws require installation of a “wall, berm or similar type of landscaping.” All parties felt that they could work together to find a solution that pleased all, including property owners to the north of the property who did not want to see a fence erected. As there was no objection, council voted to rezone the properties.
Council voted to approve the agenda, with changes, and approved the minutes of the August 12 special meeting, regular meeting, and the public hearing held on the same date. Council member Ric Echler asked about holes left from tree removals in the village. Supervisor of Administrative Service Kurt Roan said that these will be filled this week. The village has been very busy this summer. He added that the road work on Charlie’s Way was to be completed in the next few days, and that asphalt had been laid in the Pony League ball diamond at the park.
Resolution 1055, a resolution to adopt the Williams County 2013-2018 hazard mitigation plan for the Village of Montpelier, Williams County, Ohio, was approved. Dawn Baldwin was on hand to explain the resolution. This is a resolution that is required by local governments in case of a local disaster. The mitigation plan spells out what to do during those times. FEMA offers mitigation grants for a period of 5 years. Williams County has an active adopted plan. With such a plan in place, if there is ever a disaster and requirements are met, FEMA can help. The Williams County 2013 – 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan has been developed by the Williams County Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the other county departments, and officials and citizens of the Village of Montpelier.
Resolution 1056 was also passed. This is a resolution to amend appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the Village of Montpelier, State of Ohio, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.
Council picked up off the table Ordinance 2158 rezoning certain property in the Village from R-1 Residential to C-1 Limited Commercial. This Ordinance addressed re-zoning of residential lots on 310 Lincoln Street and 307 Fulton Road to commercial property. This would allow the Williams County Health Department to use the property on Fulton Road, site of the old flower nursery, which had been used for commercial purposes but had never been approved for such, to use the lots for additional parking for staff. The property on Lincoln Street is where the Health Department sits, but had never been approved for commercial use. Ten parking spaces will be created, leaving more spaces for Health Department clients in the lot closest to the building.
Council had received a letter from Sandra Gordon of the Montpelier Parks and Recreation requesting “the closing of Henricks Drive/Manor Drive to through traffic on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 6-10 p.m.” This will be near the area of the curve in the road at the cemetery for the purpose of conducting their Voices from the Past event. Five area residents will portray persons from the Civil War era. Council approved her request, but asked that signs be erected saying that the road was closed. The closure will not close off access to any local businesses or the school.
There will be a Large Trash Drop-Off again this fall. Council approved the following dates of Saturday, October 5th, and October 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Further information follows.
Council was pleased to announce that Police Chief Dan McGee’s probationary period had ended and that he was officially moved to a permanent position. Dawn Baldwin praised him, saying that he is a pleasure to work with, as is the entire police department. McGee had been hired on a probationary status as of February 26, 2013.
There was no executive session. Council adjourned the meeting. Regular meetings of the Montpelier Village Council are held every 2nd and 4th Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Police Department meeting room.
Kay Raypholtz may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
