Shorthanded City Council changes plans

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The absence of two members led to a stalemate of sorts during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council.

Second Ward Councilman David Stinnett and At-Large Councilman Bill Marshall both missed the meeting, which changed things when it came to approving financial matters. A motion to approve legislation to transfer certain funds, pay certain vendors and green light an expenditure of over $425,000 for sewer work under Eggerss Stadium needed five votes to pass as an emergency ordinance during Monday’s meeting. However, with the two members absent the vote was 4-1, with Fourth Ward Councilman Andrew Davis voting no over his objection to the city paying for the entire sewer project.

It was suggested the sewer portion be removed and revisited later in order to approve the other parts of the measure, but that suggestion was met with a 4-1 vote, with First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler casting the dissenting vote and suggesting the ordinance should be approved as presented.

“You want vendors to not get paid just because they want to exclude one item?” City Auditor Martha Balyeat asked.

“I’ve stated my objection to this in previous meetings as to where I stand on that particular issue and I think it would be in good faith of us to negotiate a fair value with the school district on taking care of that particular project,” Davis said. “They were not interested in doing that and I don’t feel it’s the right spend of taxpayer money to allocate two sets of funds to the same project.”

Agler pointed out the school district isn’t responsible for the sewer line and a discussion ensued about timing of the project and the ramifications if the 100-year-old sewer line failed and had to be dug up after the renovation project was complete.

“It’s never going to be cheaper than it is now,” Agler stated. “It’s got to be done, it’s 100 years old and it’s not holding up any other projects.”

Safety Service Director Jay Fleming noted the sewer fund has a “healthy balance” and can cover the project.

After the discussion, the ordinance was approved on first reading, which only required four votes. It’s scheduled for a second vote at the next council meeting and a third and final reading in November.

In other business, city council agreed to approve a motion allowing city workers to donate up to 40 hours of sick leave time to other city workers in need.

During his report to council, Fleming said the Bonnewitz Avenue project is nearing completion.

“The striping is all done, there’s some berm work to do and a few driveways to be poured this week but other than that, the project looks good,” Fleming said.

He also said he wants to continue an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to do bridge inspections in the city and he said the city should save between $15,000-$20,000 by not having to hire an outside consultant to do the inspections.

Balyeat told council the city’s general fund is in a positive position and she sent out a first draft of the city’s 2023 budget.

At the end of the meeting, council members went into executive session to discuss a salary issue but no action was taken afterward.

Before the regular session, a “Council of the Whole” meeting was held to hear about Downtown Redevelopment Districts. Nate Green from the Columbus-based Montrose Group explained how state law allows municipalities to redirect up to 70 percent of future property tax growth in a 10-acre continuous district that includes a certified historic structure or buildings. The property tax growth would come from the improved buildings in the downtown area as part of the Van Wert Forward project. Van Wert Foundation CEO Seth Baker and Property Manager Hall Block also spoke on the subject and answered questions. More discussion is expected at future meetings.

The next meeting of Van Wert City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 24, in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.