Recap of August 20 public meeting

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Tuesday, August 20 meeting of the Village of Ada Council included two extended discussions: one indicates that meetings with residents of N. Gilbert St. have resulted in an agreement on a 25-foot no-parking area opposite the EMS garage; the other resulted from comments by resident Kevin Wagner on his efforts to change a Village water billing ordinance and a zoning ordinance regarding establishments serving alcohol near churches and schools.

N. GILBERT ST. PARKING
In the Streets and Alleys committee report, council member Linda Mason and Village Administrator Amanda Sears provided information on an August 12 meeting with N. Gilbert St. residents regarding the need to provide more room for ambulances to back into the new EMS garage.

The Village is drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that a 25-foot no parking zone will be established and that it will not pursue the larger 75-foot zone with signs option. An alternative idea to widen a portion of the road by removing the tree lawn would have required the removal of a resident’s shade tree and was rejected.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kevin Wagner has made several recent appearances before Council and returned to update them on ways he would like to change village ordinances. He said was working to get a ballot petition accepted that would let Ada residents vote on flat rate water billing in November. During his comments on water rates, Wagner questioned whether “kickbacks” could explain Village policy. Mayor Dave Retterer reprimanded Wagner for speculating on wrongdoing without knowledge of any specifics.

Wagner also brought up an Ada zoning ordinance limiting liquor establishments near schools and churches, which he characterized as antiquated. Village legal counsel Jane Napier explained a recent variance granted and suggested that Wagner needed an attorney to pursue changing ordinances, which he denied.

Council candidates Lucas Rowe and Xander Wells were also present.

WATER METER REPLACEMENTS
In her report to council, Village Administrator Amanda Sears provided an update on water meter replacements. She noted that only a handful of meters were yet to be replaced and that a Cleveland company had made an offer to purchase the old meters for $21.5K. Council gave permission to accept this price.

Sears also reported that a cracked cast iron sewer line in the Municipal Building was creating a bad smell and requires repair. Sears is working on 2026 budget plans including paving the municipal parking lot and making improvements to the Amburgey Building.

LEGAL COUNSEL
Jane Napier expanded on information about Village zoning regulations and the ability of Ada property owners to appeal decisions via the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is made up of appointed members. Napier said that repeal of a zoning ordinance would have to be sent to the Hardin County Zoning Commission.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.