(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
COUNCIL … Members of Wauseon’s City Council move to approve some of the matters brought before them during the October 21st meeting. One of those matters involved the changing of a zoning classification for the Wauseon Plaza located on North Shoop Avenue.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 21st. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Council first moved to approve minutes from the previous meeting held on October 7th, as well as minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting from October 17th.
Department head reports followed next with Fire Chief Phil Kessler speaking first. Donuts and cider will be available for everyone at the fire station following Trick-Or-Treat at 7:30 p.m. It was also stated that this month has been busy with fire prevention month.
Police Chief Kevin Chittenden spoke next and stated the department had been busy finishing up union contracts and the budget. Trunk-Or-Treat will be held downtown on Fulton Street on October 31st and will begin at 5:00 p.m.
Trick-Or-Treat will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will last until 7:30 p.m. During that time areas will become packed with pedestrians so drivers are reminded to slow down. A drug takeback will be held on Saturday, October 26th. A 24/7 drop-off box is in the station as well.
Public Service Director Keith Torbet proceeded to speak next and informed council of two additional water breaks. This now makes 22 for the year compared to 12 last year. The current season is also not the worst season for water main breaks which leaves the door open for more.
The current thinking of why breaks have been happening more often this year is due to the extremely dry ground and the vibrations from cars driving over top of the pipes. An additional issue has been the opening and closing of fire hydrants.
It was then stated that Fulton Street was coming along nicely and that repaving efforts should begin soon. Plans are also still on schedule to have parts of Fulton Street fully repaved next year around the months of August and September.
Lastly, no information had been heard as of the meeting regarding the hybrid beacon going in on Shoop Avenue.
The installation of the beacon was put on hold due to needing parts for the installation. Law Director Tom McWatters III then informed council that a public hearing for a zoning reclassification will be held, with council needing to decide whether or not to approve the request.
The hearing then began at 5:10 p.m. with council hearing from John Howey of C.O. Management Services. Mr. Howey was present to ask council to change the zoning for the Wauseon Plaza location on North Shoop Avenue from a B2 classification to a B4.
Councilor Heising asked why the classification had been changed previously from a B4 to a B2 to which Mr. Howey stated he did not know.
He also stated that Finance Director Giguere explained the differences to him and that he has better knowledge of it now. The changing of this site’s classification will help with bringing in future tenets, with three new locations just being rented that day.
Council then moved to approve the change and exited the hearing at 5:13 p.m. A question regarding the site’s parking lot was then asked by Mayor Huner.
This question revolved around the lots grade and how there is an area that floods very easily. Mr. Howey explained that this is considered a retention area and that it is intentional.
One of the two exits that sit at that location could be closed after looking into it, but one is needed for the semi deliveries. Next, council moved to approve the following items.
The first reading of Ordinance 2024-5 amending Codified Ordinance Chapter 1117 Establishment of Districts and Maps and amending The Official Zoning Map; and declaring an emergency.
The second reading of Resolution 2024-29 authorizing the City of Wauseon, Wauseon Fire Department to enter into a clinical affiliation agreement with Rhodes State College.
The third reading of Ordinance 2024-4 amending the Codified Ordinances of The City of Wauseon to include new section 191.21.
Council also moved to approve a motion to authorize the mayor or her designee to execute an agreement with Lexipol for grant writing services, and a motion to authorize the mayor or her designee to execute an addendum to the Client Services Agreement with Medicount Management, Inc.
Lastly, council moved to approve the bill list as presented before entering into executive session at 5:24 p.m. With no action to attend to following this session, the meeting was adjourned.