Noise ordinance, solicitors, junk/rubbish laws discussed

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Compared to recent meetings, Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council was a quiet one, but it was also a lengthy one.

The only real mention of the planned data center, which was the main topic of often times heated discussion at previous meetings, came when Mayor Ken Markward and Councilman At-Large Dewaine Johnson, who chairs council’s Economic Development Committee reminded residents of Thursday night’s QTS data center meeting. It will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. in the school’s Commons Area and will feature a “science fair” style type of setup, where those attending can go from table to table and speak with representatives from different aspects of the project.

Councilman At-Large Hall Block said he sent a draft of a noise ordinance to fellow council members and requested they review it.

“I think this is really important not only as an issue that people in town feel is needed but also while we’re discussing the data center,” Block said. “I feel like we could build people’s confidence if we have a noise ordinance in place. QTS has essentially given us the equivalent of a ‘pinky promise’ that they won’t be too loud and I believe that, but I think we can do things to get some affirmative enforcement and positive enforcement to ensure that noise is not going to be an issue.”

More discussion is expected at the next meeting. Block also expressed interest of passing legislation that would prohibit any wells from being drilled within the city limits. Such legislation will be prepared for the next meeting.

Amending laws regarding door-to-door solicitors was one of the topics of discussion. Among the proposed changes listed by Judiciary and Annexation Chairman and Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless: an increase in price for a solicitor permit from $50 to $100, with the permit remaining valid for one year from the date of issuance instead of by calendar year; city issued ID badges for solicitors; a $100 estimated income tax payment for non-resident solicitors, and an increase fines for violators from $200 to $500. Non-profit and school solicitations would be exempt from all of the amendments.

Mayor Ken Markward said while he had no recommendation on the matter, he said it appears as though council could vote to ban commercial door-to-door solicitors altogether, but Hurless said he’s opposed to that idea.

“Personally I don’t like it but as far as them knocking on my own door, I don’t think we should ban it,” he stated. “As long as they’re following these guidelines of being professional and not harassing or anything like that, I think they should be allowed to do it.”

While no vote was taken, future discussion and action on the proposed amendments is expected.

Second Ward Councilman Greg Roberts, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee, said progress continues on construction of pickeball courts at Smiley Park. Once complete later this year, those courts will occupy the space formerly used by tennis courts.

On its third and final reading, members of Van Wert City Council approved a new 10-year franchise agreement with Ohio Power (AEP). At the end of the meeting, council went into executive session to discuss the sale or lease of property but outside of adjournment, no action was taken.

An hour before the regular meeting, a Council of the Whole meeting was held to discuss the city’s junk and rubbish laws and possible amendments to those laws. Police Chief Doug Weigle was present at the committee meeting, as council members discussed enforcement of the existing ordinances, landlord and tenant responsibilities and more. Action is expected at a future meeting.

The next meeting of Van Wert City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.