Elizabeth Morse

The key discussions and actions focused on the upcoming Public Hearing and New Business regarding Ordinance 26-01, which proposes amendments to Section 82-106 of the Village of Sparta Zoning Ordinance concerning the Keeping of Animals. The proposed revisions detail updated limits on the number of chickens based on lot size, increases in allowed henhouse and pen sizes, and the removal of prohibitions regarding egg sales and breeding. Communications included an update on Bedford Falls. Additionally, the Village Manager provided a report on ongoing village matters.

The Village Council meeting covered several agenda items. The Consent Agenda included approvals for previous minutes from the Village Council, Fire Board, and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) meetings, as well as appointing the Village Manager as the replacement for the public safety committee. New Business included discussions and potential actions regarding the Village Complex Dedication, the adoption of a Recording Policy, Planning Commission Appointments following a resignation, an update to Airport Rules (specifically repealing a section regarding contract revocation), the authorization for a Dump Truck Order/Purchase, and a License Agreement with 171 E. Division Street concerning a sanitary sewer lateral located beneath Village property. The meeting concluded with the payment of January payables totaling $161,446.82.

The agenda for the February 2, 2026 meeting included the selection of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary for the Planning Commission, as mandated annually. Additionally, a discussion was scheduled regarding revisions to the Chicken Permit ordinance. The revisions proposed simplifying limits based on lot size, potentially allowing up to 12 chickens after one year of compliance on larger lots, increasing the maximum size for hen houses and pens, and striking prohibitions on egg sales or breeding. The public hearing portion of the previous December 15, 2025 meeting involved comments from several residents concerning Ordinance 25-04, which amends definitions and permitted uses related to parking areas.

The Village Council meeting addressed several critical items. Public hearings were held regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Millage Rate, 2026-2032 Capital Improvement Plan, and Proposed Changes to Debt Service Fee Schedule for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades. New Business involved passing resolutions to establish the 2026 meeting schedules for the Village Council and Planning Commission, adopting the FY2026 Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and Millage Levy, revising WWTP debt rates, adopting amendments to the FY 2025 Budget, approving an Engineering Proposal for the Balyeat Bridge, and an ordinance amending definitions and permitted uses related to parking areas. The meeting also included a question and answer opportunity regarding Cityhood.

The meeting agenda included addressing Council Vacancies, considering a resolution to appoint members to the Sparta Area Fire Authority, discussing a Draft City Boundary Map, and reviewing the Police Chief Contract Extension. The meeting concluded with a review and payment of December Payables totaling $2,080,810.20 across various funds, including the General Fund and departmental funds.