During City Council’s March 27 meeting, second readings were passed for three ordinances related to an infrastructure project at the US 30-State Route 598 interchange. In anticipation of a Valero gas station being constructed at the interchange, the city will install utilities and a small section of roadway there.
Ord. 2018-13 approved an advance from the General Fund to the Street Fund in the amount of $511,290. Financial Supervisor Belinda Miller explained this action will be needed because the infrastructure project will begin before the city can issue debt. The debt repayments will be made to the General Fund over a ten-year period.
Ord. 2018-14 amended the 2018 appropriations to prepare for the infrastructure project:
- Appropriated $92,800 within the Street Fund
- Transferred $511,290 to the Street Fund
- Appropriated $591,290 in Street Fund - Capital Outlay
- Appropriated $74,100 within the Water Fund
- Appropriated $74,100 within the Sewer Fund
- Appropriated $81,510 within the Storm Water Fund
Ord. 2018-15 amended the Financial Recovery Plan to reflect the changes made under the previous ordinances.
Council also passed a first reading for Ord. 2018-18, which approved several Freese grant projects to send to the Egbert M. Freese Foundation for funding approval. The four projects are:
- Restroom at the depot - $70,000
- Multi-use Recreation Trail - $600,000
- Heise Park Basketball Court resurfacing - $28,000
- Heise Park restroom replacement - $85,000
Mayor Tom O’Leary said the cost for the recreation trail is being reduced. By shortening the trail length and getting exact unit costs for some items, the estimate was reduced to $316,000.
“State grants we’ve applied for in the past have funded existing trails. We want to get the trail started, and hopefully state grants can complete it,” Council member Tom Fellner added. He also noted all projects will be funded through Freese grant funds, not tax dollars.
Ord. 2018-16 amended the city’s Investment Policy to reflect changes in Ohio Revised Code. It passed as a first reading.
Ord. 2018-17 enacted section 135.01 of the Codified Ordinances to authorize the withdrawal of city funds. All withdrawals of $5,000 or less may be authorized by the treasurer, and all withdrawals greater than $5,000 must be authorized by both the treasurer and auditor. This process is currently in use. The legislation passed as a final reading.
Ord. 2018-11, an update to the Galion Civil Service rules, was sent back to the Laws and Ordinances Committee for further review.
Upcoming Meetings:
Laws and Ordinances – April 3
Utilities – April 4
Economic Development – April 5
Parks – April 11
Streets and Bridges – April 12
All meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held in Council Chambers, 301 Harding Way East.