Sydney – Sydney City Council was introduced to the new Police Sergeant, heard an update on the street tax, adopted and introduced the ordinance and resolution, and discussed the rental registration program at its October 24th meeting.
The city council has adopted an ordinance to assess the cost of weeding or trash and junk removal completed by the city for a property after it has been canceled by the property owner. The outstanding invoices issued to the property owners include weeding for 46 properties totaling $13,693.97 and junk removal for 31 properties totaling $9,630.16.
Parks Commissioner Duane Geyer introduced an ordinance to the council to rename Plum Ridge Park Janays Park in honor of Mary Janays, a member of the Recreation Commission since November 20, 1972. did. She has served on the Board, has been involved in major changes and improvements in the Parks and Recreation sector, and has witnessed the appointment of her nine Mayors of Sydney and his eleven Mayors. The Recreation Committee approved the changes at its October 3 meeting. The ordinance will be discussed further at the November 14th meeting.
Two resolutions were adopted at the meeting. The first resolution authorized city administrators to contract with various townships for fire protection and ambulance services. Fire Chief Chad Hollinger discussed increasing contact volumes by 10% with three townships after it was discussed at a council meeting on Sept. 26, but two townships were able to accommodate the increase. However, one township was not possible.
A second resolution authorized city administrators to acquire land on Campbell Road. The property will be used for the new No. 2 Fire Station. Hollinger said it’s a good location for the station because it’s near the city’s complex and service center.
The Council also approved a summary financial report for September 2022.
Public Works Director John Crusey released an update on the street tax. The update includes projects slated for 2023 to he 2027, including fair road phases 1 and 2, which will be resurfaced in 2025 and he 2026, and number 4 Includes reconstruction of the city, Russell Road and Campbell Road. The Spruce Street bridge will begin construction in his 2024, and the Chestnut Street bridge is also under consideration. These projects cost $14.9 million for road work, $2.4 million for additional road work, $0.7 million for traffic lights, and $6.6 million for bridge work. The city expects less than $10.2 million from grants and the American Rescue Planning Act (ARPA), and will need $14.4 million in additional funding for these projects over the next five years.
Sydney Vacant Home Inspector Kyle Havener led the discussion on the rental registration programme. A similar discussion took place at the board meeting on August 22nd.
Havenar explained key features of the program in a slideshow presentation, including agent requirements if the property owner does not live within 50 miles of the property. interior and exterior inspection requirements; property owner self-certification options; Distribute a checklist outlining the minimum standards. third-party inspection; inspection results and registration in the information packet posted on the rental. Certain properties are excluded from the program, such as bed and breakfasts, hotels and mobile home parks. The proposed annual registration fee is $75 for 1-3 units, $100 for 4-10 units, $150 for 11-50 units, and $250 for 50+ units, with an inspection fee of $50 per unit. . Havenar said staff hope he will have the program ready by January 1, 2023.
City Council members Jenny VanMatre and Mike Verhorst expressed concern that property owners could conduct their own inspections because their living standards may be low, and Mayor Mardy Milligan and City Councilman Scott Roddy liked the idea of self-certification, but Milligan questioned the agent requirement for real estate owners living more than 50 miles away. Havenar said there are certain parameters for property owners to conduct self-inspections and privileges can be revoked. Roddy asked if staff had looked to see if other cities had similar programs, and Hebner provided a list of seven or eight cities with similar programs at the last meeting. He said the current plan was based on that of another Ohio city. Deputy Mayor Steve Wagner asked why mobile home parks are exempt and expressed concern about potential living conditions for people in rental mobile homes, Havener said mobile home parks are being inspected by the state. Therefore, the city has no jurisdiction.
Interim Police Chief Bill Shoemaker introduced to the council new Sergeant Robert Hurd, who was present with his wife and children. Shoemaker said Hurd was promoted after Sergeant. James “Tony” Cunningham recently retired after 28 years of service. Hurd has been with the Sydney Police Department since July 2015, where he is a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field He Officer and Fitness He Specialist. He is also on the Honor Guard and Tactical Response Team. He is known for his dedication to defensive tactics, including teaching martial arts in the staff’s cardio room and teaching women’s self-defense classes.
“Sergeant Hurd was the department’s leader before his promotion and we expect him to continue to perform well and remain a valuable asset to the police and the people of Sydney,” said Shoemaker.
The Council also decided to cancel the 2nd regular meeting in December, which was scheduled for December 26th as usual, and the workshop meeting on Monday, December 5th will also be cancelled.
At the end of the meeting, Milligan said there will be an after hours event for Express Employment Professionals and Shear Luxe on October 27 from 5-7pm. From 6:00 pm to 10:00 am on April 15, 2023, the Fire Department has responded to his 3,308 calls so far this year, which is more than 11 calls per day for him. and commended the staff for answering a recent important call. He mentioned the retirement party for Lt. Greg Francis on October 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
New police sergeant. Interim Police Chief Bill Robert Hurd (left) shakes hands with Shoemaker after being introduced to Sydney City Council at a meeting on 24 October.
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