GALION — City Council amended 2017 appropriations during its March 28 meeting in order to accommodate the purchase of a replacement boom mower. Ord. 2017-18 appropriated $80,000 in the Storm Water Fund, with the remaining cost covered by existing appropriations in the Water Fund. The boom mower is used for maintenance of numerous roadside ditches and the reservoirs.
Council member Gail Baldinger said the current mower is at least 20 years old and is in bad need of replacement. Council member Tom Fellner added that the old mower is a potential safety issue for employees using it.
The city will use state purchasing to replace the equipment. The total cost is estimated at $130,000. Council passed this item as an emergency.
Also, council received a notice from the Division of Liquor Control. Fox Winery, 227 Harding Way East, applied for a liquor permit in order to allow alcohol to be served. The winery is currently limited to retail sales. Council did not request a public hearing.
Council also considered Ord. 2017-14, which approved several proposed projects using Freese grant funding: $139,137 for tennis court repairs, $60,000 to install a restroom at Amann Reservoir for $60,000, and $5,250 for starting block upgrades at the Galion YMCA pool. An additional project was added during the meeting: $12,750 to the Galion Historical Society to install public restrooms at Historic Grace Church.
The second reading passed 6-1 with Council member Shirley Clark dissenting.
Council also unanimously passed a second reading for Ord. 2017-15 to update rental fees for the following city-owned facilities:
- East Park Cabin – remove the deposit requirement and keep the fee at $55.
- Amann Shelter – set the fee at $55.
- Splash Park – regular hours of operation are 12-5 p.m. Rentals will be available from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 5-7 p.m. The fee will be $100 for two hours.
Ord. 2017-16 amended 2017 appropriations for several items: $8,300 for the annual fireworks show, $1,783 for Depot construction, and two transfers within the Health Department in the amounts of $8,894 and $360 for fund adjustments. This item passed unanimously as an emergency.
Ord. 2017-17 created Fund 414 for Tax Increment Financing. Fellner explained TIF funds were used for the roadway and utility installation for the Sleep Inn hotel. As the hotel submits payments to the city, the money will be put into the new account. This item passed unanimously as an emergency.
Res. 2017-7 approved a then and now certificate in the amount of $3,684 to pay a bill from Columbia Gas.
