Jody Carney

This Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Madison County, Ohio, provides a roadmap for sustained actions to reduce or eliminate risks from natural and man-made hazards across its participating jurisdictions. Key objectives include updating the previous plan, building a safer future through enhanced resiliency and cooperation, identifying and prioritizing hazards, assisting with effective planning and budgeting, and educating citizens on preparedness. The plan integrates robust risk assessments, capability evaluations, and mitigation strategies to protect the health, safety, quality of life, environment, and economy of the diverse communities.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting included updates regarding communication items. Specifically, it was noted that the Village is updating its design standards for street design and stormwater control, requiring the removal of existing related code sections once new design guides are adopted. The BZA approved a Variance request for a setback at the Village property adjacent to the sewer treatment plant, where a new pole barn structure will be constructed. Progress on the Jackson Street dog park was also mentioned. Council's activities included hosting an open house for Bicentennial Park concepts. The primary new business involved the approval of two final plat applications, PZ-25-6 and PZ-25-7, for Maren Reserve Sub-Area C, Phases 3 and 4, respectively.

Key discussions included the swearing in of a new Board of Zoning Appeals member. The Planning and Zoning representative noted there were no official filings for the next meeting but confirmed the lack of current restrictions on Airbnbs/short term rentals within the Village. Public comment addressed inquiries regarding the permissibility of Airbnbs, zoning for the new dog park, and the rationale behind a recently installed and removed crosswalk in the Uptown area. The primary New Business item was Variance Application VAR-25-7, concerning a request by the Village of Plain City to reduce the side yard setback requirement from 20 feet to 5 feet for the proposed construction of a 40'x80' pole barn structure at the Public Works garage location on Central Ave. The Board conducted a public hearing and deliberations on the Findings of Fact for VAR-25-7, ultimately voting 3-0 to approve both the Findings of Fact and the Variance Application.

The Council Regular Meeting agenda included several discussion items such as Electric Aggregation, a Note Ordinance, and Summer Intern Presentations. A public hearing was scheduled for ZC-24-5 concerning the amendment of Codified Ordinances related to Public Sites and Open Spaces. Unfinished business focused heavily on second readings for ordinances and resolutions, primarily related to the creation of four Maren Reserve Tax Increment Financing Incentive Districts, authorizing agreements for Pre-Annexation and Economic Development Plan approval for Maren Reserve, and awarding contracts for the Heritage Trail Trailhead Project and the Depot Project reconstruction. New business involved first readings of ordinances related to zoning amendments and issuing general obligation notes, as well as a resolution approving comprehensive amendments to the Pastime Park Campground Rules Policy and defining services for a proposed annexation. The agenda also included two executive sessions, one to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and another to consider confidential information related to an economic development assistance applicant.

The meeting convened as a joint session of the Council and the Personnel and Finance, CIP Committee to discuss the proposed 2026 budget, followed by a Council work session on the Parks Master Plan Request for Proposal (RFP). Discussions on the 2026 budget covered budget completion, alignment with Council goals, allocation of income tax revenue, staffing projections including a new Maintenance Technician and Code Compliance position, and employee wage and health insurance considerations. Capital improvement plans for 2026, such as the reconstruction of Shepper Avenue and Converse Avenue, the creation of a stormwater utility fund, and the continuation of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program, were reviewed. The Committee formally recommended the approval of the 2026 budget to the Council. The subsequent work session focused on the Parks Master Plan RFP, which will target the renovation of Pastime Park and the redevelopment of the recently acquired property, 'TBD Park'. Key scope items include site surveys, conceptual plans, and cost estimates, with an expected finalization by the end of 2026. Discussion centered on Council involvement, the formation of an advisory subcommittee involving stakeholders like PCABA and JASA, and the desire to prioritize athletic facilities for resident use. Council agreed to prefer opening the RFP in December 2025.