City Council President Bryan Burgess and City Manager Rob Hillard addressed past successes, such as improvements in city services, public works, social justice, and energy sustainability, as well as challenges and future projects in Oberlin’s State of the City address last Thursday. Burgess also gave the attendees an update on construction of the NEXUS pipeline, which he said will inevitably be built, despite local activists’ best efforts. For several years, the city has engaged in litigation aimed at rerouting the NEXUS pipeline, which in recent months has become the subject of several protests in the community. However, since a federal judge ruled in favor of NEXUS in December, Burgess said construction is ex...

Oberlin City Council did not proceed with an emergency vote on a proposed $100,000 settlement with NEXUS at the council’s regular meeting Monday night. After hearing the public’s opposition to the settlement, the council voted to not accept the offer from NEXUS and wait until further public discussion was possible. The terms of the settlement dictate that the city not engage in any further litigation intended to interfere with construction of the pipeline and grant full easement rights in e...

To the Editors: Kelley Singleton deserves to be reelected to Oberlin City Council. As a registered Oberlin voter and one that attends most council meetings, I have been impressed by Kelley’s efforts to execute his council role representing all residents in a professional and engaged manner. In my opinion, Kelley has steadily given thoughtful consideration to issues presented for discussion and/or review amongst fellow councilmembers and/or fellow residents. Kelley listens attentively, asks pertinent questions, and voices his concerns in an appropriate and calm manner. Kelley is committed to standing up for what is right for all community residents. Kelley addresses concerns realistically with sensible solutions....

To the Editors: I write in support of both Ronnie Rimbert and Bill Jindra’s bids for Oberlin City Council in this next election. Both men have prior service on the council and have proven themselves to be worthy of reelection. First, Mr. Rimbert is a fair, respected, and moral gentleman. He has served in the position of President of Council/Mayor for the City of Oberlin, and his ability to garner peace when conducting meetings before a sometimes hostile audience is remarkable. He has a no-nonsense approach to the business that comes before the council and reaches out to the community to gather input so he can make grounded decisions in sometimes difficult situations. Secondly, Mr. Jindra served in the same position several...