By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
Harold Morrow provided some lively public input for the Galion City Council Tuesday night. Morrow expressed his anger at some recent rumors, and stated that his presence was to, “protect my reputation.”
Morrow is alleging that engineer Lyn McKeever made claims that Morrow had filed a complaint with the EPA over some goings on with the 598 widening project. Morrow, while admitting he had had contact with the EPA office in Bowling Green, flatly denied lodging an official complaint.
He also asserted that he did believe “serious EPA violations” were happening in the project, especially in regard to the way the Hesby Drive portion of the project is being handled. He put forth the rule that either the mayor, or three members of council, could call a special meeting. He asked for such a meeting to be called, so that he could outline the violations he believes are being made in more detail.
Morrow also called for McKeever to be taken off of the city’s wage bill, stating that there is “no ordinance, no contract,” for continuing to pay for his services.
“The city engineer is robbing us blind,” Morrow said.
In legislative news, the city is considering allowing discharging of firearms in the Northeast Galion Annex. This property used to be zoned in the RAR classification, which allowed for the discharge of firearms in this area, primarily for hunting reasons. This was an agreement the city reached, when that area was annexed, to allow the residents there to continue hunting. However, that zoning classification no longer exists, and the city has an ordinance in the works that will bestow the firearms privilege to that area.
However, there has been a development to the landscape that did not exist when this agreement was made originally. That development goes by the name of the new U.S. Route 30. Concerns were raised by Tom Fellner and Mayor Tom O’Leary about allowing this so close to a busy highway. Residents that would discharge firearms in this area would have to comply with all Ohio Department of Natural Resources rules.
It passed a first reading on a 4-2 vote, with Fellner and Kleinknecht voting against.
The fee schedule ordinances that have been in the works for several weeks reached final passage. Commercial building fees have been officially eliminated. The city does not do inspecting work anymore, that now comes from Richland County, and as such has no need for a commercial building fee schedule. The water capacity charges, excepting the tap in fee, have been eliminated. Sanitary sewer capacity charges, including the tap in fee, were eliminated as well.
In the 598 update, O’Leary stated that, “Overall I think it’s moving about as well as can be expected.”
The bridge closure is still scheduled for July 18 or 19, and the Hesby Drive portion should be completed in time to dovetail with that smoothly. Also, the southern part of the project needs to be completed before the bridge can close.
Police Chief Brian Saterfield wanted to inform that community that as of the end of the month Galion will no longer be involved with the Code Red alert system. They are joining with a county wide system, and those wishing to participate need to sign up. It’s a simple process; involving name, phone number, and email address. Anyone needing help with the system is encouraged to contact the police department.
At 5:30 p.m., June 23, there will be a tour of facilities by the council and administration. After this there will be a meet-and-greet at the Municipal Building. Carl Watt encouraged members of the community to attend.