Several residents came forward during the Aug. 27 Galion City Council meeting to complain about trash accumulation in the Clay Street Trailer Park.
All three residents complained of growing piles of trash, increased pest sightings, and concerns about the people currently occupying the trailer park. One resident particularly complained of large pieces of furniture being dumped on the property and the grass growing to the height of the fence. Others mentioned concerns about fire hazards, depreciating property value, and the presence of opossum and groundhogs on their property.
The same residents stated they had approached the city several times about the worsening conditions of the trailer park, but they had not seen the issue resolved.
Safety Service Director Nikki Ward explained that while the city is working to find a solution, ownership of the property is in question. Since the property owner owes back taxes and there are liens on the property, the city’s power to intervene is restricted. Ward also explained that some of the current park residents have lived there for 25 years, and the city wants to ensure that their rights are respected.
Ward added the City of Galion has been working with both county and state level officials to determine what legal course of action it can take. “This is not an easy solution,” she said.
Law Director Thomas Palmer assured the citizens that this issue is one city officials discuss almost daily.
“It is an extremely high priority for the city,” he said. He added the property went to a sheriff sale and did not sell, leaving property ownership in a state of limbo. Palmer told the residents that he had spoken to the county prosecutor that morning about Galion’s legal options.
Resident Michelle Harmon told the council that “something needs to be done,” and “We’ve been contacting you guys since last summer.” She suggested the council was not acting with appropriate urgency because it did not fully understand how severe the problem has become.
“The whole trailer park all together is disgusting,” she said. Harmon added she knows someone who is interested in purchasing the property. She also questioned whether or not any park residents had truly been living in the Clay Street Park for 25 years.
A third resident questioned the safety of new people moving onto the trailer park property. He claimed to see new individuals and families moving onto the property with regularity.
Palmer again assured the residents this issue is at the top of his list and called it an “unbelievably convoluted situation.” He added this is an administrative issue and that future questions should be directed to himself or Ward.
In other council business, members held a second reading of Ordinance 2024-68, which would increase the power cost adjustment (PCA) rate in Galion.
Council member Mike Richart explained the PCA must go up due to rising costs across the country. He added that while he did not think anyone on council preferred to raise rates, it was necessary.
Both he and council member Brian Palmer stated the current plan of gradually increasing the rates would be less shocking to residents. Richart added that if the council incrementally increases rates, there is some chance national costs could go down in the next several months – though this did not seem to be a strong possibility.
The council held the ordinance for a third reading.
Hannah Bryan is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer. She can be reached at [email protected].
