Dave Burris

The Service Committee meeting included discussion on two primary items. The first item involved an ordinance for annexing approximately 0.9 acres of territory in Newark Township to the City of Newark, Ohio, which was moved to the full Council. The second item provided project updates from the Water Administrator, focusing on the 16 North Sewer Separation Project, Phase One. Key discussions regarding this project included the requirement for tree removal before April 1 due to the Indiana bat season, a plan for tree replacement, and the necessity of disconnecting private downspouts from the sanitary sewer system, all at the City's expense. There was also a decision to asphalt seven brick streets after construction, while retaining brick paving in intersections for historic aesthetics. Traffic control plans, including detours on Mount Vernon Road, were noted. Furthermore, the final notices for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program were discussed, indicating that after a fourth attempt to contact residents, future service line issues will become the homeowner's responsibility per Ohio EPA guidelines.

The Street Committee discussed Ordinance No. 26-10, which concerns the vacation of a portion of a sixteen (16) foot wide alley located between Seroco Avenue and Daniel Avenue, east of Forry Street, as shown on the plat of the Wehrle Addition. The City Engineer reported that all pertinent city departments reviewed the request from adjacent property owners and raised no objections. A motion to send the ordinance to the full Council was passed.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included receiving and filing reports from various committees and city officials, such as income tax revenue reports and notification regarding the Auditor receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. A public hearing addressed two ordinances that successfully passed, changing zoning classifications for properties at 165 South 3rd Street (from LB to TFR) and 200 Day Avenue (from RH to HB, subject to buffering). Citizen comments focused on the upcoming municipal income tax increase proposal, the need for curfew enforcement, and environmental concerns regarding trash pollution into the river. Ordinances passed on second reading included vacating an alley. Resolutions were adopted appropriating monies, authorizing acceptance of bids for the Granville Road Sanitary Sewer Relocation, and adopting an emergency resolution for the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Agreement for the 16 North Separation Project Phase 1. Several other ordinances and resolutions were held for a future date. Council members also promoted community events, including a scholarship program at Central Ohio Technical College and a local theater production.

The Finance Committee addressed two resolutions for appropriations. The first resolution involved appropriating funds for current municipal expenses, specifically $2,735,953.24 from the CSO/Sewer Projects Fund to cover a final change order for the 4th Street Sewer Separation Project and construction management services for the 16 North Sewer Separation Project Phase 1, utilizing loan funding. The second resolution appropriated $10,000.00 from the General Fund, representing a grant from the Licking County Foundation to support the HOME Court initiative for administrative costs and participant needs, such as creating cruiser cards for officers. Both resolutions were recommended to the full Council.

The Personnel Committee meeting addressed a proposed ordinance (Ordinance No. 26-09) regarding restructuring positions within the City of Newark Municipal Court. Key discussions centered on abolishing one Court Security Bailiff position classification and the Assistant Jury Commissioner position classification, while creating one Bailiff position classification and one Magistrate Administrative Assistant position classification. Significant debate occurred regarding whether to leave the Small Claims Administrator position unfunded or to abolish it entirely. The committee ultimately voted to amend the recommendation to abolish the Small Claims Administrator position before sending the matter to the full Council. The committee also entered into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter, taking no action upon returning.