The Galion City Council appointed Mark Triplett, a lifelong Galion resident, to fill the seat left vacant by Steve Rowan.
Rowan, representative for Galion’s second ward, abruptly resigned on March 4 during a Utilities Committee meeting. His decision followed debate over supplying water to residents on land annexed by the city in 2003.
Council members interviewed Triplett, the sole applicant, during a closed session. “Mr. Triplett brings a new view to the council,” said Dr. Thomas Fellner when they reconvened. Fellner said he believes the appointee will “be an asset to the second ward.”
In a brief statement to the council, Triplett said he looks forward to “working with the city of Galion.” He will fill the seat until the end of the year.
As for the residents in the annexed parcel near the U.S. 30 and State Route 61 interchange, their wait is over. With no traction gained on negotiations over the last two weeks, Michael Richart said he believed the residents should not have to wait any longer.
Despite one final plea from Rowan, who suggested the city “swap” land in Crestline’s jurisdiction south of 30 with the Galion property, council members voted to allow the beleaguered residents to detach from the city.
Council President Carl Watt said the proposal of a land swap had been discussed before but the idea was dropped. Watt said the idea was rejected in the past because Crestline had borrowed money for the project. Watt said he had spoken with Crestline representatives and there was “no interest” in pursuing the idea now.
