Legislative Update #14

City Council met last night, August 3rd, for its regular meeting. 4 pieces of legislation were introduced and 3 were adopted. 

Resolution 3913 authorizing the City of BG to participate in the local park improvement grant program and to file an application and accept grant funding upon grant application approval was introduced. This program is administered by the Wood County Park District. BG Parks and Rec plans to apply for funds for three projects. 

Ordinance 9371 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 adopted after the rules were suspended and it was given second and third readings. This is related to a carry over from 2025.

Ordinance 9372 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to sell vehicle no longer needed for municipal purposes was introduced. The vehicle is a Dodge Grand Canyon previously used by BG Transit. 

Ordinance 9373 amending section 95A.01(C)(2) of the codified ordinances of BG, reallocate income tax funds to provide needed additional funding for street repair was introduced. Last summer, as part of deciding how to fund two new fire stations and renovate the police station, City Council approved changes to how income tax collections are allocated among City funds. At that time, 0.15% was taken from the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement fund and split between the Capital Improvements fund and Street Repair fund. To make up for the loss of funding, water and sewer rates were increased. The change is set to take place in increments over 2026-2028. Ordinance 9373 would add an additional change in 2029, again taking income tax allocations from the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement fund and giving it to the Capital Improvements and Street Repair funds. This would mean water and sewer rates would be increased again. 

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 adopted. This resolution authorizes a funding application to Lake Erie West Regional Council, due in August, for funding for a roundabout at Wooster Street and Wintergarden Road that would also include Pearl Street. 

Ordinance 9367 amending and adopting section 72.39(b)(2) of the codified ordinances of BG, regarding Low-Speed Micromobility Devices was amended by substitution and adopted. The original version of this legislation would have prohibited the use of low-speed micromobility devices on sidewalks. The substituted language adjusted the definition to match the Ohio Revised Code and prohibits motor usage on the sidewalk. E-bike motor usage was already prohibited on sidewalks. 

The next regular meeting of City Council is Monday, August 17th at 7 pm in Council Chamber. 

At that meeting, Resolution 3912 and Ordinances 9368, 9369, 9370 will receive third readings. Resolution 3912 and Ordinances 9368 & 9370 will be tabled until their public hearings September 8th. A refresher on those is below.

Resolution 3912 amending and adopting Chapter 156 of the Codified Ordinances of BG, regarding Access Management Policies and Guidelines. Updates to the Access Management Policies and Guidelines were presented to the Planning Commission on June 3rd. It regulates access points to public roadways. 

Ordinance 9368 amending the zoning district map of the City of BG for approximately 22 acres at the southeast corner of South Dunbridge Rd and Expressway Dr, from Interstate Commercial to Institutional zoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval after a public hearing at its July 1st meeting. At that meeting, the applicant presented a plan for an assisted living facility at the property. 

Ordinance 9369 accepting annexation of approximately 0.84 acres of land located at 1200 Sand Ridge Rd in Plain Township, Wood County, Ohio from Michael Q. McNamara, agent and petitioner. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its July 1st meeting. 

Ordinance 9370 establishing interim zoning of R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning for the approximately 0.84 acres of land located at 1200 Sand Ridge Rd and recently annexed to the City as petitioned by Michael Q. McNamara.