J. Dean Meyer

The Shade Tree Commission discussed the budget, citizen concerns regarding damaged tree roots, and the tree plan for Developers Ordinance 945.07. They also discussed Arbor Day and coordinated with local schools for tree planting. The commission considered the third-year option for the Tree Pruning and Removal Contract with Tawa Tree Service and scheduled the Annual Tree Inspection. They approved the purchase of Tree City USA Flags and discussed a park tree donation, considering species diversification and the use of water bags for memorial trees. Additionally, information was shared about the Tree City USA Awards Ceremony.

The council meeting addressed various issues, including sidewalk repairs on Agner Street, on-street parking concerns on Eleventh Street, and tree trimming needs on Old Orchard Drive. A discussion was held regarding handicap parking near Warren Printing, and the traffic sensors at the intersection of Hickory & Main Street were requested to be assessed. A public hearing was conducted for the 2024 budget, followed by the adoption of Resolution No. 7993, which adopts the 2024 budget for the Village of Ottawa, Ohio. The council also discussed the fire contract with Ottawa Township, demolition timelines for structures, and property maintenance issues at specific addresses. Additionally, resolutions were passed concerning salary distribution, a community reinvestment area agreement, participation in a safety intervention grant program, insurance requirements with the Ottawa Glandorf Rotary Club, acceptance of a combination plat, and the authorization of payments for expenditures.

The council meeting included updates on the alley improvement project by GO Ottawa, a request for a road closure on Walnut Street for spring cleanup, and reports from the Planning Commission, Park Board, and Community Reinvestment Agreement Housing Council. A concern was raised about parking on Agner Street, and the Municipal Director reported on topsoil being added to Titanburger Field. The council authorized support for Go Ottawa's ArtSTART grant application, advertising for bids for the sewer pipe lining project, and a payment plan for Elicia Wobler. Several ordinances and resolutions were adopted, including appropriations for the village, amendments to codified ordinances, acceptance of a survey plat, authorization for the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer to sign an amendment to an offer to purchase, and authorizations for various easements. The police cruiser condition was discussed, and the Fire Chief commented on the water rescue training program. An executive session was held regarding economic development.

The Park Board discussed several topics including the Rotary's project to renovate the mulch path in Memorial Park, potential damage to memorial bricks during pool repairs, and the purchase of a lock for the watering system in Our Lord's Park. The Kiwanis received authorization to decorate Our Lord's Park for Christmas. The board also discussed the placement of park benches in Waterworks Park, the relocation of the batting cage in Memorial Park, and improvements in Memorial Park, including the planting of bushes. RFPs were authorized for engineering the concrete around Memorial Pool. Concerns were raised about parking during the District Cross Country meet. The board also discussed repairs to picnic tables and painting of restrooms, the caboose project, and the concession stand. The possibility of a splash pad in Memorial Park was discussed, and proposals will be sought. The board reviewed and approved bills.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key issues. A request for a double-sided LED billboard was denied due to lack of information from the applicant. A variance was approved for the construction of a six-foot solid privacy fence, following consideration of the recorded encroachment easement and lack of objections from neighbors. A stormwater plan for Trilogy Real Estate, Putnam II LLC was approved. Open discussion included review of building permit ordinance language, consideration of stronger language to prohibit RVs in mobile home parks, and an update on a dispute referred to the Village Council.