By: Shar Dimick
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
At the June 1 meeting, City Council approved a resolution to create an energy special improvement district (ESID) effective in 30 days.
Rupp Unlimited Property Partnership submitted a petition to create the ESID under the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1710. The ESID provides a financing mechanism whereby entities in the district can receive financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements and then pay it back through special assessments on property taxes. The approved resolution also creates the required non-profit corporation to oversee program and authorizes the mayor and president of council to appoint members to sit on its board of directors.
Law Director Thomas McWatters said that the first board of directors meeting for ESID corporation should be in July. He said there would need to be further legislation to determine the amount the Rupp’s would receive under the program as well as a couple other related ordinances. “It’s a lot of work for the creation of the ESID, but I think the benefits will be great to the city,” said McWatters.
Todd Williams from the law office of Shindler, Neff, Holmes, Worline and Mohler out of Toledo, OH was available to answer council questions. McWatters said that Williams is “the resident expert on the framework for setting these up and works with the Port Authority.” He said that Williams will be available to guide and shepherd us through the process.
In department head report highlights:
•Dave Wright, Regional Planning reported that he is working with Amy Murphy at the Wauseon Library to apply for a “Target of Opportunity” grant to help pay for the repairs needed to the buildings foundation and other interior improvements.
•Fire Chief Rick Sluder said that they are having a fundraiser for the fireworks display at Tiny’s Dairy Barn on June 14. People can also make donations via Pay Pal from the Fire Deparment’s website. The fireworks will be held on Friday, July 3.
•Police Chief Keith Torbet reported that the first session of Safety City has begun and that there are still a few openings available in the second session, which begins June 15. He also reminded citizens now that school is out to be careful and look out for children when driving.
•Dennis Richardson, Public Service reported that they are in the process of signing contracts for the Linfoot St. project. The next steps will be to hold a public meeting for those affected and a pre-construction meeting with the hope that construction will begin as early as August. Richardson also reported that they have a drinking water violation and notices will be going out to residents. The second quarter average for trihalomethanes was 86.4 parts per billion and it needs to be under 80 parts per billion.
Trihalomethanes are a by-product of using chlorine to disinfect drinking water and is not new. He said that residents do not need to use an alternate water supply, however if they have specific health concerns they should contact their physician for guidance. He said that the new aeration equipment and Shoop Avenue water tower should help bring the levels back into compliance.
Finally in other council business, council approved:
•The first reading of four ordinance related to the proposed charter changes for placement on the ballot at the next regularly scheduled election and include revisions to qualifications of a council member, adding a method to remove an unqualified council member and eliminating an acting mayor’s ability to vote twice, reference to the director of finance as an elected position and lack of qualifications as a basis for removal of a public official under section 11.01.
•The second reading of a resolution authorizing the mayor to grant a permanent and temporary easement to Rover Pipeline, LLC for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a gas pipeline across the Rails to Trails bike path.
Shar may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com