Dave Schmitt of DS Developers made a presentation of plans for the property at 4215 N. McCord Rd. between Regis Park and Victoria Court to begin the public hearing prior to Sylvania City Council’s Oct. 17 meeting. More than 20 Sylvania residents also attended the meeting. Several voiced opposition opinions while one couple spoke in favor of the project. After reviewing all comments, Sylvania City Council President Mark Frye made the motion to refer the issue to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for further review and consideration, scheduled for 6:45 pm on Nov. 7.
City of Sylvania Economic Development Director Bill Sanford addressed the Committee of the Whole meeting and reported that the Sylvania School Board passed a resolution to support the 30-year Tax Increment Financing proposal that is under consideration. Council President Frye recommended scheduling a public meeting for residents to learn about the economic development tool and share opinions on the subject. That public meeting has been scheduled prior to the Nov. 21 regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Sylvania Prevention Alliance Executive Director Connie White addressed council and highlighted her organization’s 37-year track record. She cited its ongoing efforts to focus on helping parents and children with all issues affecting families and encouraging healthy lifestyles. She requested council’s continuing financial support.
Imagination Station CEO Lori Hauser also addressed city council members offering an overview of her organization. She asked for council members’ individual endorsement and support for the Imagination Station levy renewal on the Nov. 8 ballot.
City of Sylvania’s Service Director Kevin Aller’s request that council approve several ordinances for right-of-way acquisitions or temporary construction easements for the Monroe Street/Silica Drive Improvement and Bridge replacement project was approved. Those include an ordinance authorizing the purchase of the JamiLynn Fox Allstate Insurance Agency sign, which is in the right-of-way and requires removal and ordinances authorizing both permanent and temporary acquisitions of property from the Sylvania School Board for parcels on the north and south sides of Monroe Street for $42,800. In addition, Aller asked that a resolution be approved for eminent domain procedures to be implemented if it becomes necessary to acquire a temporary construction easement from the Emro Marketing Company, owners of the Speedway Gas Station.
In other business, Aller’s request for a resolution allowing the city of Sylvania to participate in the ODOT Municipal Bridge Inspection Program was passed. He also asked council for authorization for the Clerk of Council to advertise for bids for four school zone flasher replacements for Highland, McCord, St. Joseph’s, and the Islamic schools. According to Aller, the new signals are wireless and will be more flexible and efficient.
City Council passed a resolution to authorize a donation of $830 to the River Road Garden Club to help with the purchase of a Gold Star and Blue Star Memorial to be placed in front of the Municipal Building. Nancy Cole of the club had proposed that the memorials be erected in the city of Sylvania and had requested the funds to help pay for the memorials at the Oct. 3 council meeting.
As ordered by Judge Jack Zouhary of the United States District Court, members of council also passed the ordinance issuing a special use permit for Tarpon Towers of Florida and Verizon Wireless to build a cell tower behind Sylvania Northview High School. City Council had opposed the issue in an earlier vote.
Council approved the liquor permit transfer from Tankoos Investments LLC, dba Sundown Cantina, to MyWay Cantina LLC dba MyWay Cantina 1st FL & Patio, 5676 Mayberry Square.
The next Sylvania City Council meeting will be held on Nov. 7 at 7:30 pm.