WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OHIO — Washington City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening with approval of the minutes of the previous meeting, and the minutes of the Service, Safety and Recreation Committee. The status of the city finances is good, according to finance director Ron Sockman.
In the city manager report, Joe Denen said that the 25 mph painted speed limits signs on East Temple and North Fayette streets are working well. Larger number stencils will be ordered to make the numbers larger and even more visible. There has been an increase in traffic control in the area.
During the local resident time for comments, Shawn Remington spoke to council regarding what he considers to be an outdated city ordinance regarding the 45 days prior to elections placement of political signs in yards. He said that the Supreme Court had made some decisions since that ordinance was enacted in the city and it restricts free speech. He said that there are already political yard signs in place and people are disregarding the city ordinance now, prior to the 45 day restriction. He asked council to “repeal that restriction since a lot of people are violating it anyway.”
City Attorney Mark Pitstick said there were safety issues regarding some signs, such as a few being a distraction to driving, and it must be a balancing act for compliance, and a compelling interest for safety. Remington said there should be no restrictions for sign content. Denen said there would still have to be a size restriction and a restriction on the placing of signs in a city right-of-way or city easement, but council thought it was a good idea to study and re-evaluate the old ordinance.
In legislative matters, the ordinance for amending the flood plain regulations and repealing ordinance 5-2015 was placed on third reading and then it was moved for passage and approved.
The ordinance amending the codified ordinance for the building maintenance code for the Downtown Historical Business District was placed on second reading.
The ordinance prohibiting the parking of motor vehicles on front lawns was placed on second reading. A question was asked regarding enforcement, and Pitstick said that a minor misdemeanor M1 would be a $150 fine, and multiple violations bringing the violation to an M4 would be a $250 fine, but no one would be arrested and jailed for this violation. After this clarification, the ordinance’s second reading was approved.
A resolution authorizing the city manager to accept the agreement with Ross County for an additional person to assist in the building department was placed on second reading, then a motion for passage was approved and accepted.
A resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with the Fayette County Commissioners for providing public defender services to the city was placed on second reading, moved for passage and approved.
An ordinance providing supplemental appropriations for current expenses of the city for the remainder of 2024 was placed on first reading.
A resolution authorizing the purchase and delivery of a tax-exempt lease/purchase agreement for an emergency vehicle, a 2024 Spartan Gladiator-Star pumper tanker for the fire department, was placed on first reading. The cost is $1,183,000 and loan terms 10 years.
A resolution authorizing the city manager and finance director to execute financing arrangements for the purchase of a Vactor combination sewer and vacuum truck for the service department was placed on first reading. The contract shall not exceed $564,160 for said purchase and loan terms are five years.
In council comments prior to adjournment, Jim Blair said he was pleased with the proactive strides made regarding the pickleball courts. Steve Shiltz commended the city workers who had to work in this week’s extreme heat outdoors. Sylvia Call was pleased with the momentum regarding the Small Nation visit and upcoming revitalization report. Dale Lynch also commended the city workers efforts to work in the high temperatures of the week.
The meeting was adjourned and the next council meeting will be on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m in council chambers.
