By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Galion’s laws on alcohol consumption were on tap for Galion City Council’s Tuesday night meeting. However, a lengthy discussion on the matter left council at opposite ends of the bar from each other.
After a prolonged discussion on an ordinance allowing alcohol consumption in outdoor trade areas, as well as during certain community events, Galion City Council narrowly passed the first reading of the measure with a 4-3 vote.
Prior to the vote, Chris Stone, owner of the Eighteen – O – Three Taproom, said that by passing the law it would open opportunities, not just for the businesses in Galion, including allowing more business opportunities for nonprofit organizations.
“This is a small piece to a large puzzle that allows Galion to be put on a map to open opportunity, for not just my business, but businesses in the city,” Stone said.
Newest council member Bill Comerford noted that the state has clauses in measures like these to pay wages to police officers for security, having diagrams of areas in which alcohol is consumed. There is also a requirement for $1 million in liability insurance for the event.
Council member Susan Bean took opposition to the measure noting that there is no mention on the limit of alcoholic drinks a person could have at a single time, no mention of liability insurance numbers. It is Bean’s position that a coverage of $1 million in liability insurance isn’t large enough to cover the costs of someone getting injured and suggested that a $5 million liability would be more logical.
Comerford noted that the reasons that the items weren’t mentioned within the ordinance legislation is that they already are state law.
After explanations of the different types of liquor licenses, Bean made a motion to separate the ordinance and send it back to committee. However, without a second the motion died.
When asked for his opinion, Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield stated that he was fine with the ordinance.
“I am okay with the ordinance,” Saterfield said. “It is easy to follow. I understand both sides.”
Former council member Roberta Wade sided with Bean on the issue.
“The legislation should be split up,” Wade said. “I think it is deceptive to voters and they should have a say in it. With the drug issues that the city is facing, the city should promote an anti-drug, anti-smoking, anti-alcohol stance.”
Council member Gail Baldinger noted that the ordinance wouldn’t give free reign for people to drink any place in public.
“It doesn’t open up for anyone to drink beer in parks,” Baldinger said. “It has to be approved by the city and the state so we don’t have alcohol running rampant in the park.”
Candi Bar Coffee and Candy Cafe` owner Beth Cramblett spoke in approval for the measure.
“I think the permanent structure is a great idea,” Cramblett said. “Four feet of sidewalk is plenty. I have table and chairs that I have to drag in each night. If this measure is approved my business will be fine, if someone wants to purchase a sandwich and go next door for a beer I have no issue with it. I think it promotes businesses.”
The ordinance has two more readings before it could be passed into law.
During the public participation portion of the agenda Wade accused Galion City Council of breaking Sunshine laws in their handling of executive sessions. Wade noted that council could not vote in executive sessions and broke Sunshine laws by voting for the newest council member while in executive session. Wade also accused council of holding meetings without 24-hour notice to the press.
Galion City Law Director Thomas Palmer noted that Wade was incorrect on both counts as nothing was voted on during the executive session as he had attended the meeting, and made sure no Sunshine laws were broken. Palmer also shot down the accusation of not enough time was given to the public for the meeting as a notice was given on the Planning Commission that was held Tuesday morning.
Council unanimously rejected the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan. While the plan was already approved by the Crawford County Solid Waste Management District, Galion rejected the plan as a protest.
“I have concern that we have no representation on the board as well as not having as many trailers for recycling as other places in the county,” Council President Carl Watt said. “After Crestline voted for this contract the operator raised rates.”
“This is not a lost cause,” Mayor Tom O’Leary said. “It says we looked at this, and despite not being represented, it was passed and could result in increases in trash collecting and recycling rates.”
Galion approved amending council rules to split a few of the committees up in order for each council member to be head chair of a committee. The seven committees will be Finance Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, Law Ordinances, Zoning and Permits Committee, Economic Development and Airport Committee, Police Fire and Health Committee, Utilities Committee, and Streets, Alleys, Trees, and Bridges Committee.
Council approved applying for a Nature Works Grant. If approved the grant monies would be used for the renovations of the South Park bathrooms.
Communications Director Matt Echelberry gave his first report to council Tuesday night. Echelberry provided numbers on web traffic to the city as well as public information requests.