SIDNEY — The Ricsten/Purvis Family got approval to rezone portions of six parcels north of Russell Road and west of St. Marys Avenue from a single-family residential district to a general industrial district at Monday evening’s City Council meeting.
Council unanimously passed the ordinance. Currently the property is used for agricultural purposes and there is “no identified use” as to what it will be used for in the future.
During the call for any citizen comments, Jason Levering, owner of Lev’s Brewhouse, on South Ohio Street, stood to speak and bring several topics to council’s attention. Levering voiced his concern of an on-going soliciting problem in front of his and other businesses downtown. He feels it is very “demoting” for downtown and that something to needs to happen because people are becoming uncomfortable coming downtown. He gave an example of a lady who was approached at an ATM asking for money. His hope is to get downtown “back to where it should be.”
The next topic Levering raised was his desire to add a small, removable, blocked off patio area with tables for people to enjoy sitting outside while having a drink during the warm weather. He has already approached the liquor department, but knows he needs the city’s approval before moving forward.
The third issue was hope for approval to have a food truck out front of his business once a weekend. Levering said his business is too small to add a kitchen, and thinks this idea would help stimulate more business for him and downtown.
Council showed interest in Levering’s concerns. Barhorst said they “will make sure those (issues) get guided to the right place.”
In other business, there were two ordinances introduced Monday. The first was to levy a special assessment for the cost of street lighting to the residents of Sidney. It was the third step in the process to move it forward in becoming certified to be submitted to the county auditor to be placed on property taxes. This ordinance, if adopted at the next meeting on June 13, will keep rates “as is” for the next two years. The rate of standard lighting is $0.31, and it is $1.11 for decorative street lighting.
The next ordinance was the second reading of an ordinance that would amend and adjust the Shelby Public Transit System rates. The proposed contract rates would change from $56.23 to $58 per hour; $21.22 to $22 per trip; and $4.51 to $4.75 per mile. The rates for the general public would not change. It will come before Council again on June 13.
Several resolutions were also adopted:
• A repeal of a resolution adopted in October for permission given to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to microsurface state Route 47 from Eastwood Trail east to beyond the Port Haven subdivision. ODOT’s revised route no longer includes this portion of road and so the City’s consent is no longer necessary.
• The reappointment of Gregg Anderson and a first appointment of Sean Saddler to a three-year term on the Airport Advisory Board.
• The reappointment of Rick Sims to a five-year term to the Shelby Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Authorization for City Manager Mark Cundiff to enter into an agreement to participate in the ODOT winter contract for the purchase of road Salt. Sidney requested 800 tons. The requirement is 720 tons, with the ability to purchase up to 880 tons. The city currently has 1,200 tons left over.
Council then discussed the parking pass issue originally submitted by Assistant County Prosecutor William R. Zimmerman Jr. on April 25 requesting parking privileges for the prosecutor’s office during grand jury dates. Law Director Jeffery Amick was directed to draw up legislation to accommodate the request for the meeting on June 13.
Further, there was discussion for designating an alley directly north and parallel to West Bennett Street as one-way, from a two-way, as a petition was received from the property owners of West Bennett Street and owners of between the corner of Garfield Avenue and Wapakoneta Avenue. Howeverm there was some question and concern of how service trucks will effectively be able to deliver to businesses. Council directed Gary Clough, assistant city manager/public works director to see what the commercial property owners say and with residential property owners further about the issue before discussion continues.
Also decided, was the cancellation of the July 5 workshop meeting, as no business is before council on that day, and it follows the holiday of July 4.
Council members Janet Born and Steve Wagner inquired of Clough if and when any mosquito spraying would take place. Clough said although they do have traps out and they will be fogging again when the “counts get high enough.”
Finally, Cundiff reminded the public that city offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observation of Memorial Day, and also that trash collection will be delayed a day due to the holiday.
