Shelby City Council was in for a busy evening when they met this past Monday to discuss a number of important legislative matters. Council business included speed changes on city roadways, the purchase of furniture for the new justice center, a proposed income tax increase, and approval of an agreement with American Municipal Power.
Ordinance number 30 passed, which would establish a speed change on Mickey Road. “We’ve looked at statutory laws in the state of Ohio, and inside the city limits are 35 miles per hour within the corporation limits and 25 miles per hour in all other portions of the municipal corporation, except those on thru-highways,” said Project Coordinator Joseph Gies.
With the passage of this ordinance, it was determined that the speed limit on Mickey Road between Martin Drive and South Gamble Street will be 35 miles per hour. “The reason we want to get this passed as quickly as possible is because it could present some difficulties with arrests and accidents,” said Councilman Steven Schag. “If there were an accident and speed was a consideration, someone could bring that into play for a potential lawsuit,” said Gies.
Mayor Marilyn John was authorized to take part in a state cooperative purchasing plan in regards to purchasing furniture at the justice center that is currently under construction. The total cost of the furniture is estimated at around $112,661.83.
Resolution number 23, in which the Richland County Board of Elections will hold an election on November 5, 2013, also passed. The resolution in question is a two-tenths percent income tax with the purpose to maintain road and sidewalk repairs and improvements. This resolution would be put in place for a total of five years, starting on January 1, 2014 and carrying on until December 31, 2018.
Council passed resolution number 24, allowing the mayor permission to enter a three year agreement with the Efficiency Smart Program provided by American Municipal Power. The agreement would begin on January 1, 2014 and would last until December 31, 2016.
Along with passing resolution number 24, council also passed resolution number 25 allowing the mayor to enter bids and a contract for a 500 kilowatt generator project in Shelby. “The reason for the on-site generator is because the Ohio EPA has requested an on-site back-up generator more on-site. If the transmission lines were damaged from high winds or storms, it is encouraged that there be an actual back-up generator on the site within the city,” said Director of Utilities John Ensman.
Christina Thompson,Community and Economic Development Coordinator, made note of the Shelby Cruise-In that will take place on August 17. On August 15, Hursh Drug Shelby, Inc. will hold a grand opening for their new store location in Shelby on 153 Mansfield Avenue Suite A.
