By Paula Scott
At the March 7 meeting of the Ada Council, all councilors were present. In addition to the Kenton Times and Ada Icon, Ray Finnegan of Aspen Energy was present.
The council reviewed 4 claims registers with Fiscal Officer Patty Navin, learning that PUCO is now charging utility operators an annual registration fee that is part of legislation ensuring that anyone excavating or operating underground facilities follows safe digging practices.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Moving Mr. Finnegan ahead in the agenda, Mayor Dave Retterer opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Finnegan presented information on electricity aggregation opportunities for the Village. Gas and electrical aggregation is being adopted by some area communities, including villages and unincorporated areas. To make this change, aggregation must be passed by local ballot. Additional information on this and other items is in the attached packet.
RESOLUTIONS
Council approved Village Administrator Jamie Hall’s recommendation to accept a farm lease with Christoper James. Hall noted that the application came with a good price, good references and that the applicant farms for a living.
ORDINANCES
There were five ordinances given their first reading:
Grandview Boulevard and Oak Street improvements - With Councilors Mason and Beck abstaining, council approved the reading of Ordinance 15-2023 to proceed with improvements on Grandview Boulevard and Oak Street, which will involve assessments to the residents on those streets.
Backflow policy expansion - Council unanimously approved the reading of Ordinance 16-2023 which amends the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Ada, Ohio to create an enforceable policy for backflow prevention on properties that have Village water and a second water source.
Vacating areas adjacent to the Wilson Football Factory - Council unanimously approved three ordinances vacating an alley, a portion of Liberty St. and a portion of right of way. The three ordinances help facilitate expansion of the Wilson football factory.
NEW BUSINESS
AHS senior banners on Main - Council approved a request from Ada High School student Dale Hoyt, allowing senior banners to be placed on light poles on Main St.
Ada Enterprise Zone - Councilor Bob Simmons reported on the March 3 Ada Enterprise Zone meeting, which included progress reports from several businesses:
- Harvest Pride Tortillas & Chips is looking to sell the plant and equipment. The committee agreed to allow the last year of the company’s tax abatement.
- Automotive supplier ATI reported that business is good and supply issues are improving. The company has 132 full time employees and 17 part time; ATI is in the final year of its agreement.
- Associated Plastics has an agreement through 2027. The company has 68 full time employees, including 21 new jobs.
- Wilson’s Sporting Goods has a $15M expansion project requiring approval by Ada Schools and Apollo Career Center. The facility has 106 hourly employees and 42 salaried associates. The business is requesting $55K in annual tax abatement for 15 years.
COMMITTEES
Personnel - Council approved Bob Simmons’ recommendation to move Michael Gibbs to Lead Plant Operator. He has obtained a Class II Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator License.
Water - Sean Beck presented two water bill adjustments; both leaks inside the foundation.
ADMINISTRATION
Finance - Fiscal Officer Patty Navin presented a request from the Ada-Liberty joint ambulance district for approval of its document retention policy. With the recommendation of Legal Council Jane Napier, council approved the policy.
Navin noted that the Village will begin interviews for pool staff, is ordering equipment and looking for a concessions supplier.
Police Department - With Chief Alec Cooper away for “new chief’s training,” former chief Michael Harnishfeger reported on department activity. He listed disorderly conduct, assault, vandalism, theft, domestic violence and internet crimes against children as incidents responded to by the department since the last meeting. He also noted that four individuals were arrested following a fight. Also an arrest was made on a warrant from another part of the state.
New speed warning signs have been installed on North and South Main St. At the time of the meeting, they were in “stealth mode” to collect baseline data on driver behavior.
Administration - Jamie Hall provided the following reports:
Regional planning representation - The Regional Planning Commission requested a village representative; council approved Mayor Retterer’s nomination of Jason Campbell.
Proposed information board at Depot Park - Hall presented a proposed Eagle Scout project to erect a covered information board in the railroad park. He noted that the information and board would be maintained by the Village. Under the supervision of his grandfather, a local contractor, the scout would complete the project during the summer. Hall would apply to the Community Foundation for $600 in materials and has a backup donor. With Mason abstaining, Council approved the proposal.
Neighborhood Revitalization grant application - Hall asked that the March 18 Neighborhood Revitalization grant meeting also be a special council meeting. The event will include initial cost estimates, setting priorities and “whittling down” community assignments. This is the first meeting that isn’t strictly informational. There will be at least one more meeting after March 18.
Chipping services - Chipping has started and is offered on the first Monday of the month. The Village chips limbs and branches placed in the right of way between sidewalk and street. The minimum charge of $20. Hall notes that it is best to call the municipal office
Green waste dropoff - With seasonal yard cleanup becoming more active, the Village green waste site is open for residents to bring garden clean up debris. This service is by appointment only for residents (no commercial cleanup). The Village also has free compost for residents.
Legal Council - Jane Napier reported that she has received notice to negotiate from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and expects to meet with them during the first week of April.
Council adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
The next regular meeting of council is Tuesday, March 21.
