It may well have been the shortest Galion City Council meeting this year – or even in the past several years. Less than 20 minutes after it began, last night’s Council meeting was over. Before it was through, however, a handful of items were discussed and decided.

Council considered and passed two items of legislation unanimously:

• An ordinance reappropriating funds within the CHIP Grant Fund. As explained by City Manager Gene Toy, this was a “housekeeping” move recommended by the State of Ohio for clean and clear administration of CHIP monies. As these funds come from two sources – CGBG and HOPE – it is recommended that Galion’s budget have separate line items for each, instead of lumping them together. The move will in no way affect the amount of monies received or spent.
• An ordinance repealing a previously-passed ordinance concerning the granting of an additional water tap near the Oak Glade Subdivision off of Biddle Road. As explained by Toy, City Law Director Reese Mills and Councilman Dr. Thomas Fellner, the City had supported granting an additional tap should the subdivision group approve the request of a neighboring property owner. After the group officially declined the request, however, repeal was necessary so that the approval of another applicant could not take place without Council review. As Fellner noted, the City had “…moved ahead in the spirit of good will,” but that it now needed to repeal the tap issuance.

In City Manager comments, Toy noted the following:

• The Atwood Manor demolition continues; it is taking somewhat longer than expected, with the contractor now on site for some 19 days.
• Issue One paving of Payne Avenue and the streets in the Timberlane subdivision should begin in approximately two weeks.
• Galion’s annual “Trick or Treat” has been set for Sunday, October 31 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m..
• The Sawvel and Associates study of Galion’s electrical system continues, with significant portions already completed. Possible future rate adjustments await the results of that study.

In other business, City Councilwoman Shirley Clark brought up the question of why residents in Cedargate Apartments are being charged $5 for storm sewers, even though their electric and water charges are included in their rent. City Finance Director Audrey Brodzinski and Toy noted that this was a separate utility, and as such it may not be included in the residents’ leases; at the same time, however, they noted that it was strange that the charge, which likely was related to runoff from common parking areas, was not being paid by the owner. The matter will be investigated.

Related posts:

1. City Council Has “Routine” Meeting
2. City Council Meeting – Houses and Swimming Pools
3. Landlords Pack Meeting
4. Other Council Business
5. Council Looks at Farmers Markets, Road Paving