Butch Williamson was honored for his 35 years of service to the Washington Fire Department and given a plaque and proclamation by Washington City Council. Left to right front: City Manager Joe Denen, Butch Williamson, council chairman Dale Lynch. Left to right back: Council members Caleb Johnson, Jim Blair, Steve Shiltz, Ted Hawk, Sylvia Call, and Jim Chrisman.
Gail Allen | R-H photos
Chief Tim Downing (right) of the Washington Fire Department introduced Nic Brannon (left) to council as the new hire for the department and recognized Steve Yeoman (center) for his promotion to lieutenant for the department.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The Washington City Council met on July 24 and honored a retiring firefighter, introduced a new firefighter to the department, and announced a promotion.
After the minutes of the last meeting and the minutes of the service and safety committee were approved, City Manager Joe Denen thanked all those who were involved with the Fayette County Fair and the Junior Fair Board.
Denen then read a proclamation to retiring firefighter Butch Williamson to honor him for his 35 years of service to the Washington Fire Department.
Washington Fire Chief Tim Downing then introduced Nic Brannon to the council members as the newly hired full-time firefighter. Brannon spent 10 years volunteering with the Bloomingburg Fire Department before joining the Washington Fire Department.
Downing also had firefighter Steve Yeoman stand up, and Downing announced that Yeoman had been promoted to lieutenant of the department.
In the rest of the reports, it was noted that Oakland Avenue paving will begin, the painting of the lines on the pickleball court will be completed, and the new well at the YMCA has now been dug down to 400 feet and a pump will be testing the water availability due to the fact that it might not produce as much water as the other two wells are currently producing.
Finance Director Ron Sockman said the status of city funds is good and they are receiving good returns on their investments.
The clerk, Kelley Ford, then reported that they had received notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control in Columbus regarding a request to transfer a D5 liquor license from Ol Redd Wagon Inc., dba Back En Thyme Flower & Gift Shop, to North Shore Primitives & Antiques, LLC, dba North Shore Home Decor & More at 153 S. Hinde St. A vote was then taken as to whether council wanted to call for a hearing on the matter of the transfer, or did council approve of this transfer request. The vote was 6 to 1 against holding a hearing.
The North Shore Primitive building is just inside the boundary of the DORA line, said one council member. DORA is the “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area” in the downtown area.
Because local resident Marilyn O’Flynn was in attendance again regarding her fireworks complaints, council members discussed the fact that at a prior committee meeting, the issue of fireworks, illegal firing from distances under the 150 foot minimum requirement from any building, house, structure, shed, etc., and bottle rockets is under review. It was suggested that a draft ordinance be prepared to alter the city regulation and establish a law that can be enforced by the fire and police departments.
The State Fire Code and the Ohio Revised Code state that individual municipalities can alter the state code for their own area for safety purposes. City Council Chairman Dale Lynch said that “safety and fire hazards are of prime importance to keep our city safe.” Council will take up this matter in the near future.
The matter of sidewalks in the city which are in a state of advanced disrepair was discussed as well as the possibility of finding funds to assist with repair costs to improve the look of the city, especially where children walk, will be considered at a future meeting. The city has been trying to improve the trails and take down blighted houses to beautify the area for all citizens.
Ordinance 29-2024 was placed on second reading regarding the rezoning of 817 S. Fayette St., 821 S. Fayette St., and 903 S. Fayette St., requested by South Side Church of Christ, changing the zoning from R1-C and B1 to Community Facilities for the use of the church.
A resolution was adopted regarding authorizing the city manager to award a contract to Cox Paving for the East Market Street Roadway Improvement Project, Phase One.
A new ordinance was introduced regarding an amendment to the Floodplain Regulations and repealing Ordinance 5-2015 due to minor changes required by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the changes is to promote public health, safety and general welfare and minimize expenditures of public money for costly flood control projects, to summarize the 26 page document.
