Rick Byron

The City of Piqua's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan aims to align citizen desires with local leadership and government efforts. It focuses on building an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative community. The plan identifies four strategic outcome areas: Unified Community, Responsive Services, Thriving Economy, and Reliable Infrastructure. These areas are supported by various initiatives and projects designed to enhance the quality of life for the Piqua community.

The Planning Commission meeting involved several resolutions. Resolution PC 33-23 concerned a replat of inlot 7478 into two lots with a right-of-way dedication. Resolution PC 34-23 addressed vacating a portion of a platted easement at 118 Lakewood Place. Resolution PC 35-23 dealt with a special use permit for inside self-storage units. Resolution PC 36-23, which required two hearings, was for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition and a new home. Resolution PC 37-23 requested a special use permit for an aesthetician business. Finally, Resolution PC 38-23 involved a replat of part of Inlots 7517 and 9107 along Homer Drive into two lots with a right-of-way dedication. Other business included discussion of combining the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting addressed several resolutions. Resolution BZA-2-24 approved a variance for a driveway up to the property line. Resolution BZA-3-24 approved variances related to a drive aisle, parking lots, and bicycle parking for a new development project. Resolution BZA-4-24 approved a variance for a mural, subject to further Planning Commission approval for content.

The committee discussed the feedback from breakout sessions held at the Piqua Public Library, with members expressing preference for private meetings due to reduced background noise. The process of compiling the final report was discussed, focusing on the timeline, presentation format (including sections on how it all started, timeline of events, and future recommendations), and the importance of timely completion. The committee agreed to meet with Hampshire's and allow for private meetings with individual members. Questions were sent out to gather information, with a follow-up planned after several weeks. The availability of meeting agendas and minutes was also discussed, noting their location on the city website from 2022 onwards.

The golf course reported increased revenue and rounds played compared to the previous year. Discussion included upcoming marketing efforts for year-round memberships, upcoming events, and the need for additional volunteers. The golf superintendent discussed plans for managing the course during hot weather, and future plans including equipment upgrades, tree removal, erosion control, and creek bed clearing.