Oberlin City Council convened Monday for a regular meeting. Council President Eboni Johnson, OC ’97, presided over the meeting. All Councilmembers were present.

Council Hears Proposal for Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Along SR58

Public Works Director Jeff Baumann and City Engineer Randall Roberts provided an update on the project to develop a bike and footpath along State Route 58 South connecting West Hamilton Street to Wendy’s. Baumann reviewed the property parcels along the route and their needed permits and zoning easements and took questions from Councilmembers relating to next steps, winter maintenance of the path, and potential speed limit changes. 

Council Votes Unanimously to Establish a Subcommittee on Green Acres Development

Council voted unanimously to establish a subcommittee to make recommendations for the development of 15 acres of land between East Lorain Street and East College Street commonly known as Green Acres. Council’s vote comes after Director of Planning and Development Carrie Porter presented a proposed plan March 18. The proposed plan divides the 15-acre site into parcels for the development of single-family homes, a public park, and space for future development. It is subject to change based on the wishes of Councilmembers. 

Council Votes to Approve Revision of Fee Schedule for Using the Underground  Railroad Center on Second Reading

Council voted unanimously to waive the rule for three readings and to move an ordinance into immediate effect to amend the fee schedule for using the Underground Railroad Center. Recreation Director Ian Yarbor presented a revised fee structure for the use of the Underground Railroad Center, including hour rates and deposits. 

Council Approves an Enterprise Zone Agreement with Ascension Biomedical, LLC and Blaze, LLC 

Council voted unanimously to waive the rule for three readings and to move an ordinance into immediate effect authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Enterprise Zone Agreement for real property tax abatement with Ascension Biomedical, LLC and Blaze, LLC. The enterprise zone tax abatement will be a 75 percent tax abatement for 10 years for a proposed project in Oberlin’s Industrial Park, which will include a building addition and the hiring of 40 full-time, locally-based employees.

Council Unanimously Approves Funding for New Public Works Department Garbage Truck

Council voted unanimously to waive the rule for three readings and move into immediate effect an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Valley Ford Truck, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio for the purchase of a new refuse truck. Jeff Baumann spoke to the need of the Public Works Department to purchase a 2025 Battle Motors LET2-46 Chassis equipped with a Leach 2R-III 25-cubic yard rear load packer body, as all of the City’s current garbage trucks are approaching their 10th year in service. The specific model of truck was recommended due to budget and maintenance capabilities.  

Council Authorizes City Manager to Participate in Ohio Department of  Transportation’s Annual Winter Road Salt Contract 

This ordinance is passed annually, enabling the City to participate in a collective salt purchase through the Ohio Department of Transportation. ODOT will place a large order for salt, which will be distributed to the municipalities participating in the purchase, passing on the savings from a large bulk purchase to the municipalities. 

Council Moves to Update Flood Damage Reduction Ordinances

Council voted unanimously to revisit after a second reading, due to the length of chapter after hearing from Stormwater Coordinator Jennifer Reed and Jeff Baumann. The new chapter will bring Oberlin’s ordinances into compliance with standards set by the National Flood Insurance Program, which is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sections of the chapter dated back to 1987 and were not in compliance with requirements of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Management Program. 

Council Votes to Enter Agreement for Maintenance of City Water Storage Tanks

Council voted unanimously to waive rule for three readings and move an ordinance into immediate effect authorizing the City Manager to enter an agreement with Utility Storage Company, Inc. of Perry, GA for the maintenance and repair of the City’s water tanks, which will include the repainting of both the interior and exterior of the tanks.