| Council hears citizens on Court Street; Then Pass 5 Ordinances |
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| Written by Lauri Allen | |
| Wednesday, 14 May 2008 | |
City Engineer Tim Notestine addresses citizens.
Several citizens voiced their opinions on the matter. Bellefontaine City Engineer Tim Notestine explained to the public that the city received a grant to restore Court Street. (Audio interview included.) The grant will be used to repair and restore the 117-year-old landmark. It would also be used for a maintenance program to protect it. The last time the street had any major maintenance done was in 1991. Court Street was opened to traffic in 1998. An average of 400 cars use the street every day. Councilman David Henry said that when the street was opened in 1998, it was an administrative decision. Henry said at that time, the council and the street committee had no objections. Former Mayor Gail Hamilton said the decision was made based on a survey of the business owners downtown. David Wagner, VP of the Logan County Historical Society said, "It's our position that this is a unique asset." "When it is gone, it's gone." Law Director Howard Traul said he would like to see the street kept open. Traul reminded council what the street was like when it closed. Traul said there were picnic tables that became a hangout for kids. He also said there was trash and vandalism. Traul feels that the street can be preserved by proper maintenance from the city. John Lawrence, owner of the Opera Block Co., has owned the building for 10 years. The building has sentimental value for him. His father had a law office on the second floor of the building back in the late 40's. He remembers running up the steps to see his father, but he fears closing the street could be the end for the Victorian structure. Listen to John Lawrence talk about street closing Jason Duff, a downtown building owner on South Main, asked the city to consider better parking for downtown visitors before closing Court Street. Susan Froebe from the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership said that they plan to install an arch over the street, catch basin for water run-off, and educational markers for students and tourists. The hearing lasted about an hour and most residents were in favor of the street staying open. Council did not take any action, but if you have an opinion about the future of Court Street you should contact Street Committee chairperson Mark Fissel. Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session after the Court Street hearing. Five ordinances were adopted, four of the five were up for second reading. The Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church Annexation and the Brueshaber Annexation were adopted. A street ordinance authorizing the application to the state of Ohio for the Tier II Downtown Building and Streetscape Revitalization Community Development Block Grant was also adopted. An ordinance for the city to purchase a skid loader from Southeastern Equipment passed. Also an ordinance to enter into contract with Tekcollect went through. Tekcollect will be contracted to help the city collect money from citizens that owe the city for public services. The city says about $500,000 in debt needs to be collected. Up for first reading was an ordinance allowing the Service-Safety Director and Police Chief to conduct a public auction for the disposal of miscellaneous unclaimed bicycles and personal property recovered by the police department. Councilman Mark Fissel told the council that the street committee is looking into paving projects for this summer. They are also looking ahead to 2009 and 2010. On May 21st at 1p.m., the Rules Committee will meet in the council room to discuss council rules and Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership building guidelines. This meeting is open to the public. The city swore-in new firefighter David Wisner Tuesday. His first day on the job is Wednesday. The next Bellefontaine City Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 27th at 7:30 p.m. |
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