By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
The revised pool rates for 2015 received their third and final passage by Galion City Council Tuesday. While the passage of the ordinance never seemed to be seriously in doubt it did receive a fair amount of discussion.
The portion of this ordinance on the receiving end of this attention is the change of the “Family Pass” to a “Household Pass.” The new language of this describes a household as two adults and up to four children living at the same property. This pass will be $110 for in town residents and $175 for non-residents. Children in excess of four will be an additional $5 per child.
Bob Cerrar addressed his concerns over this provision and called it a “problem with principles.” Contending that the United States was founded as a Christian country, he also expressed his concerns that the city was “bending over backwards” to “accommodate some people that have a relationship that’s not recognized by law.”
His final criticism came for the mode in which the law was put forward. He contended that Shirley Clark, chair of the parks committee, “ran it through” the process to “get away from as much discussion as they could.”
Cerrar was answered from several corners. Tom Fellner repudiated the notion that it had been rushed through. Citing the two committee meetings and three council readings the ordinance underwent, Fellner stated, “I couldn’t disagree more with Mr. Cerrar.”
“I think we gave it some thoughtful consideration and are doing the best for the city.”
Mike Richart chimed in with, “I’d just like to remind everyone that this is for children at a pool.” Richart also pointed that out there are a lot of grandparents raising their grandchildren, and rephrasing the law allows for easily extending a pool pass to these situations.
Susan Beach was the lone dissenting voice from council. She was the sole no vote, and expressed dismay that some alternate ideas were not considered. The ordinance passed as worded 6-1.
Councilman Jon Kleinknecht reported that he has been receiving many questions from the public about the city’s progress toward leaving fiscal emergency. Auditor Brian Treisch fielded the question, stating that the funds are where they need to be or better. Some administrative and operating functions need some work, with a particular focus on improving some of the purchasing procedures. He added that he did not foresee the city leaving fiscal emergency this year, but it is a possibility for next year.
Mayor O’Leary wanted to disavow the community of the notion that the city would shut down the Portland Way business district on a Friday and Saturday night due to the water troubles with the construction project. While some sort of shutdown will need to occur, it will not occur at such an important time for the business district.
O’Leary used this to segue in to a broad update on the 598 project.
“I’ve never seen a contractor perform so poorly,” O’Leary lamented.
Time is running short on this project, and it is now becoming a question of how much can get done before winter. O’Leary is confident that the portion up to the four corners can be done this year, and the bridge should be completed in mid-November, but what will be completed north of the bridge is yet to be seen.
“What they get done will be what we have to live with.” O’Leary said.