By Paula Pyzik Scott

At the February 6 meeting of the Ada Council, several guests appeared to make public comments, council passed new language in a second reading on a marijuana businesses ordinance, an Ada Passenger Depot capacity of 25 was maintained and a 2% utility rate increase was announced.

PUBLIC FORUM
Ada Area Chamber of Commerce director Lindsay Walden Hollar updated the council on plans for the ADA (Ada Distinguished Awards) Night on February 29, noting that while the selection of David Lusk for Citizen of the Year had been announced, that volunteer and business of the year are carefully held secrets. Hardin County commissioner candidates Michael Kassler and Kathy Kelley presented their interest and qualifications for the position. Commissioner Roger Crowe is not running for reelection.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor David Retterer shared a letter that he received from Robert Trebilcock of Yuma, Arizona on the one-year anniversary of his near death experience in Ada. Trebilcock praised Ada police and EMS, who “all brought their A game.” He hopes to return to Ada next year for a reunion with these first responders.

ORDINANCES
During the second reading of Ordinance 32-2024, Council replaced language to create a six month moratorium to prohibit or limit commercial marijuana operations in the village. The ordinance is titled "An Ordinance to Prohibit Adult Use Cannabis Operators and Medical Marijuana Cultivators, Processors, and Retail Dispensaries within the Village of Ada."

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
Village Administrator Jamie Hall presented information on the 25-person occupancy limit for the Ada Passenger Depot that was established in 2002. This is a State of Ohio certificate of occupancy established by the Department of Commerce. Hall believes that to increase allowed occupancy, the village would need to make the entrances and bathrooms handicap accessible, as well as to improve HVAC air exchange rates. Council took no action, and made no requests for further study.

Hall noted that the Depot has two chimneys of special architectural interest that need mortar maintenance and that there are funds for this work.

POLICE REPORT
Police Chief Alec Cooper summarized department activity since the last council meeting, which included 125 calls for service and 14 vehicle accidents. Cooper noted that disorderly conduct has decreased over the past 10-15 years with a corresponding reduction in alcohol related incidents. The department is now expecting an increase in “drug driving,” a.k.a. loss of physical control, with the legalization of adult marijuana use.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION
Village administrator Jamie Hall announced that a 2% utility rate increase will take effect with the March billing cycle. 

Page 36 of the council packet includes these details:

The rates will be increased as follows per HCF (748 gallons): Water increases from $6.84 to $6.98. OMR increases from $9.96 to $10.16. Sewer increases from $7.07 to $7.21. Storm increase from $13.04 to $13.30. The minimum monthly bill will increase from $95.82 to $96.84.

The Village is advertising for bids on curb, catch basins and paving on the $204K E. Highland improvement project to take place this summer.