AIRING OF GRIEVANCES … Deacon Dzierzawski (left), president of Epiphany Community Services at 95 North Main Street, addresses the Swanton Village Council along with village staff at the most recent council meeting. Dzierzawski opposed the expansion of the village’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA). The council voted to expand the DORA but excluded Dzierzawski’s property.
By: Jessie Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
The Swanton Village Council voted Tuesday to expand the village’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) over the concerns of at least one business owner.
Deacon Dzierzawski, president of Epiphany Community Services located just north of the railroad tracks on North Main Street, again appeared to speak against the measure.
This time, Dzierzawski also demanded copies of all documentation previously submitted as part of the creation of the DORA. He insinuated the village may not be totally above board in the way they were now expanding the zone.
Mayor Neil Toeppe read a letter from a resident named Tony who claimed to be working on multiple real estate deals in the downtown Swanton area.
“As someone invested in the growth and revitalization of our downtown, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the DORA can have on small businesses and the community,” he wrote.
“Expanding the DORA district would not only enhance the attractiveness of downtown Swanton, but it would also encourage more foot traffic benefiting retail and dining establishments alike.”
Village Solicitor Kent Murphree said there was no specific process for expanding the DORA, only a process for applying for it, so the process would be the same as when it was created.
As he knows the original application was completed and submitted correctly, Murphree said, he was sure the filing for the expansion would similarly be correct.
The council eventually voted unanimously to pass the expansion as planned with the single change that Dzierzawski’s property at 95 N. Main Street be excluded.
The 4-0 vote was missing Patrick Messenger and Dianne Westhoven, both of whom were absent. Westhoven cast the sole dissenting vote during the measure’s second reading.
OTHER BUSINESS
It was clarified to the council that only ordinances require passage on three separate readings and votes or to be passed by emergency, which requires at least 75 percent – five out of the six members in the council’s current makeup – for passage. Resolutions, on the other hand, may be passed with one majority vote.
Village Administrator Shannon Shulters reported she has received several complaints that Republic Services is still picking up trash in town, as well as photographic evidence that Stevens Disposal was providing service in town.
Shulters said she addressed the issue with each company as the village has a contract with Klum Brothers to be the sole provider of refuse collection services in Swanton.
The council approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing the pursuit of an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation “to rehabilitate bridges, resurface pavement and perform related work on State Route 64.” Two more readings – the next to be held at the next regular meeting – are required for final passage.
Fire Chief Cuyler Kepling reported the county will be holding another tabletop emergency preparedness exercise in October involving “a significant crash on the turnpike” to follow up a similar prior event which involved a train derailment.
A third, full-scale event will be held next year, including simulated crashes and the opening of a physical emergency operations center, among other things.
The council approved assessments and liens against properties at 208 East St. Clair Street and 209 West Airport Highway.
Council members approved new street lighting and leaf collection fee ordinances on second reading. The fees remained unchanged from prior levels. A final reading will occur at the next meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Swanton Village Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 10 at 219 Chestnut Street.