Village of Obetz

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Lord's Prayer, followed by Proclamations and Presentations recognizing K&M Market, the 2025 Holiday Gift Drive Community Partners, and Kirk Excavating and Construction, Inc. Key legislative actions included the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a parcel and approve a preliminary development plan. Third readings and subsequent emergencies involved an ordinance amending the codified ordinances to prohibit parking within three feet of a street in a driveway apron. Emergency ordinances were introduced for changes to 2026 appropriations, approval procedures for the Jermoore Road Riparian Stream Restoration Project, amendments clarifying obstructions on public rights of way, approval of 2026 water, sewer, and refuse service rates, authorization to transfer land to the Big Walnut Area Community Improvement Corporation, and the designation and crediting of unencumbered General Fund balances to stabilization reserve accounts. One ordinance regarding water and sewer rates was tabled. Reports were provided by the Mayor, Council Committee President Pro-Tem, Police Department Chief, Law Director, Community Services Director, and City Administrator. The agenda concluded with sections for Old Business, New Business, Remarks from the Audience, and Adjournment.

The agenda for the council meeting included a swearing-in ceremony for four new members. Key items involved second and third readings of ordinances. Ordinance 70--25, regarding prohibiting parking in driveway aprons within three feet of a street, was on its second reading. Ordinance 65--25, concerning water and sewer rates, was on its third reading. Emergencies involved Ordinance 01--26 to accept the annexation of 163 +/- acres from Hamilton Township and Ordinance 02--26 approving the policy for employees to convert vacation and sick time to cash for OPERS specifications. Ordinance 03--26 addressed changes to the 2026 appropriations. New business items included the election of the Council President Pro-Tem and designation of the Public Records Designee.

The meeting included the swearing in of new police officers, discussions and a public hearing regarding the annexation of land for the Buckstone Bend Subdivision and Enchanted Acres mobile home park, and changes to the 2025 appropriations. The council also discussed the Sheriff's levy in Hamilton Township and its implications for Obetz residents, four-wheelers and dirt bikes out, and capital improvements budget. An executive session was held to discuss economic development.

The council addressed several ordinances, including accepting the annexation of land from Hamilton Township, approving a policy for employees to convert vacation and sick time to cash, authorizing payment to Waste Management of Ohio, approving changes to the 2025 appropriations for city expenses, prohibiting overnight parking on city-owned properties, and extending the moratorium on permits for retail dispensaries, cultivators, or processors of adult-use marijuana. The Mayor reported on upcoming events like Zucchinifest, extended hours at the Obetz Athletic Club, youth sports registration, and a meeting with the new State Representative. The Police Department reported on new hires, a retirement, and calls for service. There was also a discussion about a proposal to fill in the borrow pit with clean fill dirt for a potential golf course. An executive session was held to discuss economic development.

The council meeting involved the approval of the 2017 permanent appropriations budget, which included a 2.5% across-the-board raise for employees and reflected increased income tax receipts due to new businesses. A one-time bonus for all current village employees was authorized. Several ordinances were adopted, including those related to terminating a fiber network study fund, establishing holidays for employees, authorizing an economic development agreement with OhioHealth, correcting a parks and recreation fund error, approving changes to 2016 appropriations, settling a claim for water damage, and authorizing assignments of tax increment financing agreements. Discussion also included the success of the Christmas Kick-Off event and updates on police calls for service, income tax receipts, and upcoming events at the new stadium. The council also addressed concerns about street lighting and went into executive session to discuss confidential information related to economic development.