Council Approves Terms of Services for Annexed Land
Council voted unanimously to approve the details of the services the City of Oberlin will provide when the City annexes 2.2561 acres located in New Russia Township. Kendal at Oberlin submitted the petition for annexation. Under the Ohio Revised Code, the ordinance specifies that the City of Oberlin will extend essential services, including water, sewer, and public safety, to the annexed land. The final steps in the annexation process will involve coordination with the New Russia Township, and state officials formalizing the agreement.
Council Votes to Purchase Land for Development
Effective immediately, the Council authorized an agreement with 95 South Main Street, LLC, to purchase 0.064 acres of land on the north side of East Vine Street. The acquisition is part of the City’s broader efforts to support community development and enhance public infrastructure. Specific plans for the use of the land will be discussed in future Council sessions.
Council Votes to Purchase New Truck
The Public Works Department declared a real and present emergency for which the Council authorized the immediate purchase of a 2025 Ford F550 equipped with a flex hook-lift system. The emergency declaration was prompted by the urgent need to replace aging equipment critical to maintaining essential City services, such as waste collection and road maintenance. City officials emphasized that delays in acquiring the new vehicle could disrupt operations and increase repair costs. The purchase will go into immediate effect to address the department’s pressing needs.
Council Agrees to 2024 Energy Supply Agreement
Council voted unanimously to authorize the execution of a fixed-volume energy supply schedule with American Municipal Power, Inc. for the calendar year 2025. The agreement pertains to the power needs of the EDL facility which fluctuate greatly throughout the year. Electric Director Drew Skolnicki said that the agreement would not affect the City as all costs would be passed to EDL. Council moved to waive the rule requiring three readings for this amendment.
Oberlin Continues Partnership With POWER
Council voted to extend an agreement with Providing Oberlin With Efficiency Responsibly for an additional year. The ordinance allocates $112,669 of funds from the City’s Sustainable Reserve Fund toward the program, a three percent increase since 2024. Brent Smith, a spokesperson for POWER, gave a presentation on its initiatives, including comprehensive home repairs and weatherization. Smith said these programs aim to reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs for participants, and advance Oberlin’s sustainability goals. The extension of this partnership is expected to help more residents adopt energy-efficient technologies, lowering overall energy costs and reducing Oberlin’s carbon footprint.
Council Votes to Purchase Land on East Vine Street To Allow Bridge Renovation
Council authorized an agreement with Odevco Limited Liability Company to purchase 0.074 acres of land on the south side of East Vine Street. Council moved to waive the rule requiring three readings and set the ordinance to go into immediate effect. The acquisition will allow for the replacement and expansion of the East Vine Street Bridge and better access to maintaining the Main Street bridge down the road. The newly acquired land could potentially be leveraged for public infrastructure improvements, such as green spaces or community facilities.
Council Votes to Transfer Unused Municipal Land
Council authorized the transfer of 0.045 acres of municipal land currently owned by the City. The ordinance, set to go into immediate effect, allows for the reallocation of the land to facilitate its productive use. Council members highlighted that the parcel no longer served any essential municipal function and that the transfer aligns with efforts to optimize the City’s land resources.
