SIDNEY — A review of Sidney City Council’s rules, the city’s charter and updates to a chapter of Sidney’s codified ordinances were discussed during council’s workshop session Monday evening.

Law Director Jeffrey Amick recommended no changes are needed for council rules or the city’s charter.

Parks and Recreation Director Duane Gaier led a discussion regarding updates to chapter 925, which covers the parks and beauty areas, within the codified ordinances.

Gaier told council it has been a while since council looked at chapter 925 and there were not a lot of changes needed. However, the following “housecleaning” changes were suggested:

• Within the definitions section: (a) remove the reference to the “North Dixie Drive Beauty Strip;” and (b) change the name the name of the “Sidney Municipal Swimming Pool” to “Sidney Water Park,” and add “Piper Park” to the inventory of parks.

• The section on dogs: add “dog waste responsibilities,” requiring that those in control of a dog in the park be required to remove and dispose of dog waste.

• Under recreational facilities: remove reference to “shuffleboard courts” at Custenborder Fields.

• In the hours section: (a) add “The Sidney Water Park” to the parks hours, closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; and (e) give authority to the “Park Ranger” to order removal of an illegally parked vehicle by towing, in addition to the police department.

• In the penalty section: remove the reference to possession of firearms in a park or beauty area being an illegal activity.

Gaier also recommended adding the name change of baseball field No. 3 at Custenborder Fields to Tim Clayton Field. This item was not on the agenda, as it was added earlier in the day.

There was a brief discussion about dogs running without a leash in the parks during the presentation. Mayor Mike Barhorst asked if the park ranger’s schedule could be adjusted during the summer to help monitor the reported issue in the city’s parks. Gaier said yes, as it is something they are focusing upon. Gaier said the park ranger has only issued warnings so far, but will issue tickets to repeat offenders.

Council member Steve Wagner said dogs running around without leashes appears to becoming more and more prevalent, especially in neighborhoods and on his street. He warned the public that if a dog bites someone, the Shelby County animal warden will be called and become involved so she will have a record of it.

Amick said certain rules come into play when a dog bites someone to determine if the animal is dangerous or not. This includes discovering if the dog had been vaccinated, and that the dog warden must be notified so that process can begin.

Gaier said Sidney Police Department is making more of an effort to patrol Tawawa Park this time of the year to help the park ranger.

Council directed for legislation on the proposed changes to return for further consideration at the Jan. 14 meeting.

There was also a review the upcoming Planning Commission Agenda Agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, and review the prospective City Council Agenda items for the next 30 days. City Manager Mark Cundiff said January’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is canceled, as nothing is on the agenda.

Barhorst told council he received a venue change request for council’s Jan. 14 meeting due to the expected increase of attendees with concerns about the Sunset Development re-zoning request scheduled that night. Council briefly considered the logistics involved to move the meeting but decided to keep the meeting in Council Chambers. However, city staff will look into options for broadcasting the audio outside of the chambers for those who may be in the hallways to better hear.

Cundiff shared the Ohio Building’s roof is expected to be replaced by April 1. Cotterman Roofing was selected to do the work.

Cundiff also announced a verbal approval was given from the state of Ohio for the needed facade improvements at 111 S. Ohio Ave. At the Dec. 10 meeting, Community Development Director Barbara Dulworth told council a beam above the storefront of the building must be replaced to make the building safe. The estimated cost for this project is $15,078, with an additional $6,055 as an alternate to paint the entire storefront rather than just the repaired area. Dulworth said Terry A. Develvis requested a loan from the Downtown Rehab program for 50 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of $12,000. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office must review and approve the construction plans and specifications before any work begins on a project.

Finally, Cundiff told members the Vacant Property Board of Review would hear its first appeal Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Council also went into an executive session to consider the appointment of a public official and employment of a public employee, to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees, the purchase of property for public purposes and for pending or imminent court action. No action was taken when council members emerged from the session.