Garrettsville – A Public Hearing was held September 11, 2013 prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting for Proposed Ordinance 2013-30 that would amend the current zoning codes to allow for a “walkable neighborhood” overlay district in the current R-2 residential zoned district. Dave Harrington of The Reserve at Eagle Creek and Fox Hollow Developments stated that a lot of the people that have considered moving to Garrettsville and have come to the Fox Hollow Development to look are discouraged by of the amount of land that they would have to take care of if they purchased a lot to build on. Currently zoning requires a minimum of a half-acre lot for single-family homes.
Harrington’s solution is to offer an area in the Fox Hollow Development with smaller lots sizes and a homeowners’ association that would be responsible for the yard maintenance, but to do so, zoning rules need to be changed. After little discussion and no opposition, the public hearing closed and the regular council meeting began.
Mayor Rick Patrick opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and then asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the events of 9/11. Minutes of the August village council meeting were approved and revenue, expenditure, cash balance and income reports were presented and reviewed.
First on the agenda, Mayor Rick Patrick presented retired school superintendent Charles Klamer with a plaque recognizing his years of service to the James A. Garfield school district and the Garrettsville community.
The mayor then introduced resident Ed Seigerst. He presented information to council about flooding issues on his property. Seigerst stated that the flooding problem developed after the repaving a few years ago of state route 88. He believes it may be related to a blocked catch basin. Council briefly discussed the topic and promised to further explore the problem to determine if the catch basin exists and what can be done.
Next on the agenda, council passed Ordinance 2013-30. Councilwoman Harrington abstained from the vote. Council also passed Resolution 2013-32 which authorizes the county to collect the village’s tax moneys.
During round table discussion, Council President Steve Hadzinsky updated council on the Village Services Vision Committee. He stated that revenue trends remain consistent and that the village continues to be in “good shape” financially.
Hadzinsky stated that the committee’s objectives have remained the same (Fiscal responsibility, assessing public perception, and ‘marketing’ the village to its residents). He also said that the committee will be providing information to residents through postings on village bulletin boards at the parks and library and at the upcoming business showcase.
Councilman Matson announced that the county has ownership of the collapsing sewer under the hike/bike trail from Windham to South Street. He said Solicitor Stuck will be contacting them about repairs. The mayor informed council that the grindings from the recent ODOT repair work on state route 82 went to the Brosius Rd. park’s parking area. He also stated that he talked with ODOT about the Liberty St. bridge by the maintenance building and they told him the repair work should be completed by Summerfest 2014. The mayor also presented quotes for the replacement of the clock tower roof.
Council adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel.
If you’d like to know more of what is happening in your community, attend a meeting. Please note, there will be a public hearing prior to the next regular Village Council meeting scheduled for October 9, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
