Council moves forward on measures

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council took the first steps on legislation dealing with trash and parking issues during its regular meeting Monday evening in Council Chambers.

The six City Council members present (Councilman At-Large Joi Mergy was on business and couldn’t attend) voted unanimously to prepare and introduce an ordinance that would provide citations for those who put their trash out too early. Violations would be minor misdemeanors, with a maximum fine of $150 for a first offense.

With the amendment to the legislation, Council made it easier for disabled and elderly residents to put their trash out while it is still light, changing the earliest time trash can be placed at the curb from 9 at night to 2 in the afternoon.

Some people had complained that the later time would make it hard for some city residents — especially the elderly and those physically disabled — to get their trash out in time for pick-up.

The trash initiative was spearheaded by Fourth Ward councilman-elect Pete Weir, who said he saw during his travels around the city that lots of trash bags were torn open by animals and inclement weather, scattering trash and creating an eyesore and health hazard.

Council’s Health-Safety-Service Committee had met with local trash haulers to get their input on the issue before finalizing Monday’s legislation. The legislation was not prepared as emergency legislation, nor were rules requiring three readings of a measure suspended, meaning the trash ordinance won’t likely be approved until City Council’s meeting on October 10.

Following passage, the ordinance must wait at least 30 days before taking effect.

Also Monday, Council voted to prepare three ordinances that limit parking to one side of three city streets. If the measures are adopted, parking would be limited to the east side of North Walnut Street, from the railroad tracks to Brooks Avenue; to the west side on Burt Street, from Main Street to Bonnewitz; and to the north side of Congress Street, from Shannon to High.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming said the parking limitations were needed because of the narrowness of the streets, which creates problems for emergency vehicles and snow removal when parking is allowed on both sides.

Council also dealt with some financial-related legislation, approving measures accepting tax rates as presented, setting health insurance contribution levels for both city employees and city government — and repealing another ordinance to allow the new insurance contribution rates — and authorizing supplemental appropriations.

Prior to dealing with financial measures, Council learned from City Auditor Martha Balyeat that a pattern established a couple of years ago, in which revenues are lower than the previous year but expenses are even lower, is continuing, allowing the city to balance its budget.

The auditor did say that, while the city General Fund took in $369,650 more than it spent so far this year, she also felt that amount was a little too small for comfort.

Balyeat reported that income tax revenues were up a bit over last year — which is a positive — but cuts in state funding, coupled with miniscule returns on investments, are to blame for overall revenue declines.

Council also considered a request from the Cooper Farms Cooked Meats plant on U.S. 127 north of town to increase the acreage in the fire protection zone served by the Van Wert Fire Department.

Cooper’s had earlier inked a contract with the city for fire protection, but wanted the area increased so fire protection could be provided to wind turbines the company is erecting on its property.