Mantua – Prior to last month’s regular meeting council held a public hearing regarding potential Ordinance 2022-29 which would limit the number of household pets permitted in village homes. To begin, resident Lorraine Chism asked Council how the need to limit household pets came to their attention. She remarked that it wasn’t wise to punish all village residents for a limited incident. She was informed that the issue resulted through the Planning Committee, who were alerted to a potential issue after a housefire. At the time of the fire, Councilman Scott Weaver reported that the home contained more than 30 cats. The home isn’t inhabitable, and many of the cats were reported to be loose in the neighborhood.
The resident at the time of the fire, Monica Matzek, shared that she ran a feline rescue (kittencatkrew.org) from the home in question. She explained that at the time of the fire (January/February) she was caring for 34 cats. She noted that every cat she cares for has been spayed or neutered. She noted that although she’s had lots of adoptions, people keep dropping off additional cats. She noted that some people in the community ‘are trying to do the right thing, and they’re being penalized.” She shared plans to construct an animal sanctuary behind the home once funding and proper permits were received.
Chism noted that there are many other more pressing incidents in the village that take precedence over this issue, which doesn’t benefit the safety of others or village property value. Resident Kevin Maloney noted that as the majority of pet owners in the village are responsible, “legislating our way out of an isolated incident isn’t ideal.” He also posed the question of how to enforce the proposed legislation, given the challenge of trying to regulate what’s inside someone’s home. After much discussion, Council unanimously voted down Ordinance 2022-29.
Next, Phil Rath, owner of Compass Packaging & the Chilling Station, as well as a Board Member from DMRC, spoke on the importance of the organization and the valuable role the DMRC plays in the Village. He noted that the group was created in 2007 at the request of Council, and provides roughly $50,000 per year to the community, much of which is used in park improvements and as matching funds for village grants. He requested that village council become engaged in what the DMRC does, either through attending meetings, reading meeting minutes, or reading the DMRC’s annual report. After some discussion, it was agreed that DMRC Secretary Susan Steinberg would email DMRC meeting minutes to council members to aid in keeping them informed of the group’s activities and meeting dates.
Lastly, 75th District House Representative Gail Pavliga attended the meeting, asking for consideration at the August Primary election due to re-districting. She noted there are, “so many great things we can do, without over-reaching the role of government.” Pavliga, a Republican, advanced from the primary election on August 2, and is running for re-election to the Ohio House of Representatives on November 8th.
In other news, representatives from St. Joseph’s parish were present to seek approval to host a Chocolate & Wine Walk in the village on Saturday, September 17th from 2 – 5 pm. The group was instructed on where to find and how to submit Special Events forms. They were given approval pending proper insurance documentation and security contract; the event will be held in village businesses and the green space.
Lastly, Council will hold a public hearing about the potential of changing the zoning on property on Orchard Street northwest of Lime. The properties, which are located near the walking trail, are currently zoned as industrial; legislation is pending to re-classify the properties as residential. Mayor Clark noted that while some currently have residences on them, several more are vacant.
Public comment is encouraged at the next regular Council meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, August 16th at 6:30 pm.
