Council Approves 2025 Budget on First Reading
Council approved a motion to appropriate a budget nearing $51 million for the City of Oberlin for the fiscal year of 2025. Council waived the rule requiring three readings prior to approval. Councilmember Joe Waltzer felt that the Oberlin public should be able to view the materials, while Oberlin Interim City Manager and Law Director Jon Clark emphasized that the City had recently held public discussions to go over the budget. However, Council Vice President Michael McFarlin clarified that the Council could appropriate the funds but then have the City Manager hold off on allocation of several budgetary funds until the Council has a chance to discuss in March 2025. City Council President Eboni Johnson, OC ’97, also noted that the City Council had several opportunities to amend the budget in the next year.
City Plans Parking Policy Ahead of Walkin’ In a Winter Oberlin Parade
Council approved a measure that granted the Interim City Manager the power to designate certain streets and roads as tow-away zones. Council moved to waive the rule requiring three readings. Interim City Manager Jon Clark explained that he wanted to avoid having to shut down multiple roads early in the morning ahead of the annual Walkin’ in a Winter Oberlin Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. After being asked by Councilmember Ray English, Clark clarified that the City would be hiring two tow trucks for the Winter Parade event on Saturday. Clark also emphasized that the City would not charge anyone whose vehicle was towed, nor would the City tow any vehicle out of town.
Clark clarified that regular traffic will be permitted on West College Street until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The parking on the south side of West College Street will be open until 2 p.m. There will be no parking on North College Street, but the street will be open. After 2 p.m., parking on West College Street between Professor Street and Main Street will be prohibited. Clark emphasized that downtown merchants should contact the Police Department if they need to be provided with an exception for any reason.
Council Appoints Reps. to Board of Trustees of Lorain County Joint Ambulance District
Council waived the three-readings requirement to approve Councilmembers Kristin Peterson and Michael McFarlin as representative and alternate representative respectively to the Board of Trustees of Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District. McFarlin and Peterson recused themselves from this discussion of this ordinance since, if appointed, they are eligible for a small compensation.
Electric Manager Provides Update on Electrical Department
Oberlin Electrical Director Drew Skolnicki announced that the Department is in the middle of building a third circuit for the Butternut substations, which provide energy to Oberlin College. Skolnicki predicted that the department will be able to finish any remaining construction prior to April and May, months that usually see higher energy surges. While noting that the power plant was in proper order, Skolnicki emphasized that the department would take advantage of the off season to provide for maintenance repairs.
Composting Director Provides Update on Composting Program
Bob Schanz, director of organics recycling for Barnes Composting, discussed the overall progress of Oberlin’s five-year Climate Action Plan. Sustainability Coordinator Linda Arbogast said the City is in its third year of a five-year contract to run community and commercial composting with Barnes Composting. Currently there are 551 household participants, 13 residents with residential collection, and 13 Oberlin commercial participants. The program has reduced 27.27 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to over 3,000 gallons of gas consumed. Schanz also mentioned that Barnes Composting had looked into the viability of turning Oberlin’s Class IV facility into a Class II facility, which would allow the facility to accept food waste. Currently, Oberlin residents can drop off food waste at the Oberlin IGA parking lot, Oberlin Community Services, Prospect School, and Spring Street Extension.
