City Council authorized lease bidding for the South Street Commerce Center during its February 28 meeting. The term of the lease is two years and includes an option to purchase the property at the end of the lease. Tenant will be responsible for paying all utilities and property taxes.

Law Director Thomas Palmer explained the amount of the minimum bid for monthly rent was changed to $10,500 in order to make it a market rate. The third reading passed 5-0. The bid notice will be advertised for five weeks and a bid opening has been scheduled for April 5.

Ord. 2017-7 authorized bidding for cash rent of 70.7 acres of farm land near the Galion Municipal Airport. The term is for three years. The third reading passed 5-0.

Ord. 2017-9 adopted a financial policy manual. It details the city’s accounting practices and internal controls. The third reading passed 5-0.

Ord. 2017-10 authorized an agreement with the Galion YMCA to operate the Heise Pool during the summer season. The YMCA will hire, train, pay and supervise lifeguards and other staff necessary for pool operations and its concession facility. All revenue received by the YMCA for pool passes and daily admissions is applied directly to the fees charged by the YMCA for the operation and management. At the end of the season, the city reimburses the YMCA for any unrecovered costs. The second reading passed 5-0.

Ord. 2017-11 amended rules for the distribution of Freese Funds. The amendment removes the requirement for the City of Galion to provide a 25 percent match for projects. All other applicants (Galion City Schools and local non-profits) would still be required to provide a 25 percent match. The second reading passed 4-1 with Councilwoman Susan Bean dissenting.

Ord. 2017-13 amended 2017 appropriations to transfer $4,000 to the Galion Police Department budget for law enforcement training. Police Chief Brian Saterfield said it is reimbursement money from the state to cover the cost of mandatory training that officers are required to participate in each year. It also appropriated $9,000 for the airport to replace an old computer and the credit card billing system. The first reading passed 5-0.

Res. 2017-6 approved a then and now certificate for $36,449. This covers electric service at the South Street Commerce Center. The first reading passed 5-0.