May Declared Mental Health Awareness Month
Councilmember Libni López made a proclamation declaring May Mental Health Awareness Month for the City of Oberlin, emphasizing that many in the community have faced barriers to access mental health care such as the availability and affordability of care, and systemic inequities interwoven in seeking access to any medical treatment. Lopez also brought up the findings of the new Social Equity Plan and Social Equity Survey, stating that 28 percent of respondents to the survey considered mental health a top priority for advancing social equity in Oberlin. The proclamation affirmed continued partnerships with the Rural Response Network and Riveon Mental Health and Recovery.
“We reaffirm that mental health matters, that seeking support is an act of strength,” López said.
The proclamation was presented to Rural Response Network Project Coordinator Debbie Kelley.
Proclamation Made for National Public Works Week
Councilmember Jessa D. New, OC ’01, read a proclamation for National Public Works Week, commending publicly maintained infrastructure and public service professionals in Oberlin, in Ohio, and across the nation. This is the 65th annual Public Works Week. There will be a Public Works open house 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, offering a tour of the water environmental protection facility, the water treatment plant, and the general maintenance service complex. The week was officially proclaimed National Public Works Week. The proclamation was presented to General Maintenance Division Superintendent Dawn Farrow.
Lorain Port and Finance Authority Presents on PACE Financing Program
Lorain Port and Finance Authority Executive Director Tiffany McClelland presented on Property Assessed Clean Energy financing, a program established at the state level to finance upgrades to energy-efficient technologies in homes and businesses. To be eligible for PACE financing, Oberlin must become part of the Lorain Energy Special Improvement District, a project expected to come before the Council in coming sessions.
Green Acres Subcommittee Issues Request for Proposals for the Development of Homes in Green Acres
The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion and issue the request for proposals. Director of Planning and Development Carrie Porter presented a recommendation from the Green Acres subcommittee to issue a request for proposals for the development of 17 single-family lots that have been designated on the Green Acres site, and gave an update on Green Acres development planning. Porter reported that the Planning Commision has officially cleared the way for the development of the Green Acres lots, and that the City is in the process of creating necessary infrastructure to develop the lots and securing necessary permissions from other branches of the City and state government. The subcommittee is recommending a single developer contract model to develop the lots, which they believe will facilitate affordability, allow City involvement in the planning, and create a financial incentive to quickly conclude development.
Council Approves Second Reading of Social Equity Plan
The Council unanimously approved the Oberlin Social Equity Plan on second reading. The plan can be found in full at https://www.oberlinsocialequityplan.com/. The Steering Committee continues to solicit community feedback on the plan until Friday. A third and final reading of the plan will be held at the next Council meeting.
Ordinance to Amend Contract with GPD Group of Akron for Construction Purposes
An ordinance to authorize an amendment to the contract with GPD Group of Akron for $8,200 relating to the construction of traffic lights and other assistance was approved on first reading. Councilmember Ray English moved to waive the requirement for three readings, which was agreed upon unanimously. City Council then unanimously voted the ordinance into immediate effect.
