Legislative Update #12

Yesterday, BG City Council held a regular meeting. Three pieces of legislation were introduced and six were adopted.

Resolution 3911 authorizing an application and a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for congestion mitigation and air quality funds for the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of West Wooster Street and Wintergarden Road was introduced. This resolution authorizes a funding application to Lake Erie West Regional Council, due in August. Recommendations for W. Wooster were presented at the Transportation and Safety Committee meeting held before the Council meeting. The first phase includes a five-leg circular roundabout at Wooster, Wintergarden, and Pearl, pictured here, and a multi-use path on the north side of W. Wooster from Wintergarden to Haskins. The second phase is a three-leg compact roundabout at W. Wooster and Haskins and painted bike lanes along the north and south sides of W. Wooster between Haskins and Church. The funding request is an 80/20 split with our local portion being the 20%. Funding is being sought for the Wintergarden/Wooster roundabout and the multi-use path but the resolution is only for the roundabout. A resolution is not necessary to apply for the multi-use path funding. If funding is awarded, construction would be in 2031-2032.

Ordinance 9366 providing supplemental and/or amending appropriations for the current expenses and other expenditures of the City of BG, during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026 was introduced, given its second and third readings after suspending the rules, and adopted This appropriates funds for sidewalk infrastructure and the safety services bond.

Ordinance 9367 amending and adopting section 72.39(b)(2) of the Codified Ordinances of BG, regarding Low-Speed Micromobility Devices was introduced. Currently, low-speed micromobility devices are permitted on sidewalks everywhere except the central business district of the downtown area. This legislation would prohibit their operation on all sidewalks. Low-speed micromobility devices are defined as being less than 100 lbs, having handlebars, being propelled by an electric motor or gasoline power, with an attainable speed of no more than 20 mph when propelled by the motor. It does not include those used for medical necessities and commonly used in a seated position.

Resolution 3908 adopting the estimate of revenues for the year 2027 was adopted. A revenue estimate, an estimate of debt service fund expenditure, and annual financial statement is required by the County Auditor.

Resolution 3909 declaring it necessary to renew with an increase an existing tax for the purpose of providing funds for parks and recreation purposes and requesting the Wood County Auditor to certify the total current tax valuation of the City and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by that levy, and declaring the necessity of a levy in excess of the maximum rate authorized by law without a vote of the electors of 2.95 mils was adopted. The Parks and Recreation Board recommended renewing the 5 year 2 mil tax levy that funds a large part of the Parks and Recreation Department with an increase of 0.95 mils. There has not been an increase in millage for 10 years. Expenses have increased and are not expected to drop. The estimated cost increase for the owner of a $250,000 home would be about $7 per month. This resolution will be submitted to the County Auditor in order to have the estimated property tax generated by the levy certified.

Resolution 3910 determining to proceed to submit to the electors of the City of BG, Ohio, the question of a renewal with an increase tax in excess of the 10 mil limitation for the purpose of providing 2.95 mils for parks and recreation purposes in the City of BG was adopted. This is what authorizes submission for the ballot.

Ordinance 9360 for cleaning of streets by special assessment was adopted. This annual legislation is passed to levy assessments for street sweeping and snow removal.

Ordinance 9362 amending and adopting changes to Section 30.101(B) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, regarding Historic Preservation Commission was adopted. The current membership rules for the Historic Preservation Commission require 5-7 members who all must be city residents. At least 2 members will live on the east side of Main St and at least 2 members on the west side. One member must own a downtown building or business. All members must have a demonstrated special interest, experience, or knowledge in history, architecture, historic preservation, or related disciplines. At least two members must be preservation related professionals to the extent possible. All of those requirements have made finding Commission members difficult. This ordinance proposes to change the east side west side residency requirement to a strong preference for members from each of the four wards. It also changes the professional experience and special interest to an and/or.

The next meeting of City Council will be July 20th at 7 pm in the Council Chamber of the City Building.

Before the meeting at 6 pm, the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing for Ordinance 9365 amending and adopting changes to Section 150.44(J)(6)(b) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of BG, Ohio, regarding Accessory Uses. It will change the language under Specific Use Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the zoning code. Currently, one of the dwelling units on any lot with an ADU must be occupied for at least 180 days per year by the owner of the lot or structure, or if it has multiple owners or is owned by a corporation, one of those owners or one of the members of the corporation must occupy one of the dwelling units for at least 180 days. The proposed change would require one of the units on a lot with an ADU be the principal residence of an owner. In the case of ownership by corporation, one of the dwelling units would need to be the principal residence of a member of the corporation who has at least 50% ownership in the corporation.

At 6:30 pm, the Finance Committee will meet to receive a quarterly update.