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Beyond the agenda: March 21 Ada Council Meeting

On March 21 the Village of Ada held two public meetings and committee meeting. The first was a public hearing inviting residents to comment on the Wilson Football Factory request to change three parcels at Highland and Liberty from residential to industrial zoning. There was no public comment.

This was followed by the regular meeting of the Ada council; an earlier Icon article reviewed the agenda and provided the 24-page meeting packet.

After excusing councilor Sheila Corressel’s absence, Mayor Dave Retterer led the council through approval of minutes and claims registers, which were approved unanimously.

OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC 
Lindsay Hollar, director of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce was invited to address council. Hollar reported that the chamber had a very good 2022, during her first year as head of the chamber. She summarized happenings at the recent chamber annual meeting and awards and then went on to discuss upcoming plans requiring the assistance of the Village of Ada.

The chamber director asked the village to provide the police chief’s and mayor’s signed support of an F-2 alcohol permit for the August 26, 2023 Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival. She noted that plans include using cups again to minimize bringing in drinks from outside. A motion was made to support the chamber with the application, which passed with unanimous support.

Discussion continued regarding the need to close Central Ave. where several food trucks will be located, which would require bank customers to park and walk to the ATM.

Hollar also requested a road closure on Main St. for the Saturday, September 16, 2023 Harvest & Herb Festival. She noted that there are already some 60 vendor applications made.

CONTINUES

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Dave Reterrer looked forward to ceremonies in Wauseon in April when Ada will be among other Tree Cities recognized. He commended the Ada Tree Commission for its “windshield survey” that identifies trees needing work or removal. He also thanked Michele Brunk for her work on documenting care of the village’s urban forest.

There was no legislation on the agenda. Second readings of several ordinances were passed unanimously, with Councilors Beck and Mason abstaining on the Grandview Boulevard project.

NEW BUSINESS
In new business, Councilor Jeff Oestreich presented an email from Abby Smith with concerns about students crossing at Montford and Main on their way to and from school. He asked Police Chief Alec Cooper  to look into options and discussion ensued including the possible use of signs, flashing lights, crossing guards, pedestrian-held flags and crosswalks. 

It was noted that there are no reports of anyone being hurt at this location. However, pedestrian traffic habits have changed now that students are entering the school from North St. rather than SR 81. It was also noted that there are fewer lights at this point on Main St.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Personnel - Bob Simmons reported that Connie Ziegler is returning as Groundskeeper for 2023. Council approved the proposed dates and wages.

Buildings and Grounds - Jamie Hall reported that the Tree Commission and Forester have identified 7 trees and 15 stumps requiring removal. The bid from Dog’s Tree Care LLC was recommended and approved.

Police Chief’s Report - Alec Cooper reported that since the last council meeting, the department has responded to 100 calls, 10 incident offenses and one vehicle accident. During that period there were two arrests on warrants, and several minor scam and theft reports 

Cooper also reported on data from the new speed signs on Main St. that were initially in stealth mode. Data for two weeks showed an average speed on N. Main of 42 MPH; with the sign activated, speeds were lowered to 39 MPH. The sign at Hayes and Main showed an average of 34 MPH. This sign may be moved to another location. The fastest speeds tracked at these new locations were 78 MPH at N. Main and 52 MPH at S. Main. 

Village Administrator’s Report - Jamie Hall presented documents for the Clint Avenue dedication, which he will present on April 4 as an emergency. A portion of Clint Ave. between Southern View and Northern View was never dedicated to the village. The section is adjacent to the third and fourth lots from Southern View.

The Village’s contract with Rumke for refuse and recycling collection is good through December 2024. Hall is watching prices and seeing other communities charging $20-22/month, compared to Ada’s $18 with fuel adder.

Among notes about village trucks, a grant application for a valve exerciser, Hall noted that he is pricing a video camera to inspect water lines. The camera can be used to determine the condition of lines rather than dig them up for inspection.

The regular meeting adjourned at 7:45 and was followed by a committee meeting of the whole to discuss 2023 paving plans and advertising for bids. Information for this discussion can be found on pages 20-24 of the meeting packet.

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