By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

The potential hotel at the intersection of Ohio 598 and Brandt Road in Galion took another step forward Tuesday night. Galion City Council passed an authorization of intent pertaining to bonds at their council meeting.

Prior to being passed with emergency the ordinance had discussion on what powers the ordinance would grant the city’s auditor. Law Director Thomas Palmer explained that it would be for the establishment of a TIFF to advance funds for the potential hotel project.

City Council member Susan Bean took into question of the project as she hadn’t seen estimates or a map for the project.

Mayor Tom O’Leary noted that the estimate and maps had come in from Lyn Makeever last week, and that any further questions would be answered after the meeting in his office.

Prior to signing the bonds for the project, Auditor Brian Treisch will have to have council’s approval.

During the citizens addressing council portion of the meeting Crawford County Board of Commissioners Candidates Terry Gribble and Jeff Sheerer introduced themselves to council members. Gribble is running for the seat which is currently occupied by Steve Reinhard, while Sheerer is running in opposition to Doug Weisenauer.

City Council approved the third reading of the investment committee’s motion to move $3 million from the city’s Star Ohio account to its PNC bank account. The monies would be used as liquid assets for the city’s downtown hotel renovation and waste water treatment plant projects.

Third readings for the Design Review Appointments for Uptowne, Historic, and Harding Way West were approved with a 5-0 vote. Council member Shirley Clark abstained from the vote due to being on all three review boards.

An ordinance that would rezone outlots 663, 667, 669, and 674 in the vicinity of Hesby Drive from Historical Residential and Single Family Residential to General Commercial zones had its first reading Monday night.

Palmer noted that currently the land is vacant but is being rezoned with the hopes to bring in more business to the city.