Kelly sworn in as new councilman at-large

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Former Van Wert City Council member Kirby Kelly was sworn in Wednesday evening to replace former councilman at-large Brent Crone, who resigned his position, effective the end of April. Kelly had represented the Third Ward on City Council during a two-year term that began in 2010, but left Council after making an unsuccessful mayoral bid in late 2011. Coincidentally, Kelly was also edged by Crone last year in a bid for the Republican nomination for an at-large City Council seat.

Crone’s term runs until the end of 2015.

In a relatively brief meeting, City Council authorized Mayor Don Farmer to sign an agreement to participate with the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners in a Community Development Block Grant program, while also preparing several supplemental appropriations to be approved June 9.

Council also approved legislation allowing Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming to seek bids and enter into contracts for the city’s annual street painting program.

Council’s Finance Committee also agreed on uses for a financial windfall that came from several sources, including unexpected inheritance tax receipts and a settlement in an Atrazine class action lawsuit.

A total of $185,000 is to be earmarked for specific uses, including $100,000 for economic development, $50,000 for the city parks department for Franklin Park development, $20,000 for new flooring and paint for the first- and second-floor hallways in the Van Wert Municipal Building, and $15,000 for technology updates in Council Chambers to return to live broadcasts of City Council meetings.

The remainder of the money would be unappropriated, but could be used to help pay for any renovations needed to renovate the current Van Wert Municipal Court building after the court transfers to the former First Financial Bank building on East Main Street.

Fleming also told Council during his report that the concession stand at Smiley Park is now completed, while also noting the city’s plans to chip and seal a portion of Leeson Avenue as part of a joint street project with the county commissioners that would extend to Tile Factory Road.

Judiciary and Annexation Committee Chair Stan Agler also noted that there was no opposition to granting liquor licenses to Ruler Foods and Wassenberg Art Center, while no opposition was also seen during a public hearing for a zoning change from R-2 to B-1 for 245 W. Third St. A bait and tackle shop is planned for that location.

Council then approved preparing legislation to grant that zoning change.