William DiFucci

The Planning Commission meeting discussed and recommended changes to the Planning and Zoning Code of Oberlin, Ohio. Key topics included building facade design, materials, and colors; home occupations in various districts; roof types; beekeeping; electric vehicle charging stations; Planning Commission member voting requirements; City Council member voting requirements; exceptions to accessory structure setback requirements; zoning permits for accessory structures; allowing one-unit residential in downtown areas; fixing typos; indoor entertainment definitions; legal representation at hearings; and accessory dwelling unit definitions.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Month was presented. A proclamation for American National Friendship Day was also presented. New Russia Township presented a contribution towards the 4th of July holiday festivities. Sergeant Vic Ortiz gave a report regarding his recent training at the FBI Academy. The council considered using the Green Acres building as a new location for a Recreation facility. An amendment to the contract with Quality Control Inspection, Inc. for the Lincoln Street Storm Sewer Improvement Project was discussed. The City Manager was authorized to enter into a contract with Century Equipment Company, Inc. for the purchase of a mower for the Oberlin Public Works Department. The City Manager was authorized to execute the First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Clinton Climate Initiative. The council discussed supporting the Creation of a Lorain County Land Reutilization Corporation. Council also agreed to move their Council meetings up to 7:00 p.m. starting in May.

The council discussed funding for community organizations, including the Oberlin Baseball/Softball Federation, MAD Factory, Oberlin Hot Meals, Oberlin Youth Football, Juneteenth Oberlin, Oberlin Underground Railroad Society, and Zion CDC. A flood update was provided, and the council discussed the Oberlin Main Street Bed Tax Committee. The purchase of two 2012 Chevrolet Tahoes for the Oberlin Police Department was discussed. The council also discussed an amendment to the Interconnection Agreement with Bio Energy (Ohio II), LLC, amending sections of the Codified Ordinances to adopt the 2011 Edition of the Ohio Fire Code, adopting regulations for open burning, and approving an agreement for Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Response in Lorain County.

The meeting included discussions and a presentation by the Human Relations Commission regarding a recommendation to prohibit discrimination in housing and employment based on gender identity or expression. A speaker raised concerns about the accuracy of statements recorded in previous meeting minutes. There was also a discussion about a potential collaboration with Oberlin College to build a public parking structure. Council also discussed a resolution supporting the creation of a Lorain County Land Reutilization Corporation. Additionally, the council considered an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding for audible alerts at signalized intersections and approved an agreement with the East College Street Condo Association to manage a community garden.

The meeting included discussions on energy audits for downtown businesses, concerns about flooding on Reserve Avenue, and updates on the Underground Railroad Center Project. The council also considered an ordinance related to the Gasholder Building Renovation. Additionally, public officials were acknowledged, and reports were given by the City Manager and Finance Director, covering topics such as the upcoming retreat, centralized waste water treatment, water safety, and the CDBG loan program interest rate.