Several citizens attended the Public Hearing before the Monday, Nov. 21 Sylvania City Council meeting to seek clarification about the proposed Tax Incremental Financing area. That proposed district includes the commercial properties in downtown Sylvania and on Monroe Street to the expressway. Consultant Glenn Grisdale of Reveille was on hand to answer residents’ questions about the proposal.

Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, is a geographically targeted economic development tool. It captures the increase in commercial property taxes over a 30-year period and designates that increase for projects in the designated TIF area.

This subject was moved to the top of the City Council agenda where the proposed ordinance authorizing the creation of the TIF District was approved.

In other business, after a second reading, the 2023 budget was approved. Council president Mark Frye commended the city’s Finance Director Toby Schroyer and his staff for their work on the budget.

The city of Sylvania’s Deputy Service Deputy Joe Shaw asked council to approve several requests. He first asked for approval to accept a bid from FET Construction Services LLC for $125,834 to replace four school zone flashers that are the responsibility of the city. He then requested a change order for phase 2 of a large-diameter sanitary sewer lining project. He suggested that council approve the design proposal by Architecture by Design for the Plummer Pool Bathhouse renovation project. Shaw also asked council to authorize the clerk to advertise for a construction bid for Altara Drive improvements and to re-advertise the Monroe Street and Harroun Road improvement project. Council approved each of his requests.

Councilman Doug Haynam’s request to table the proposed ordinance amending the codified ordinances regarding information on rental or leased property was approved and it will be reviewed by the finance committee early in January.

Economic Development Director Bill Sanford reported that negotiations with Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Co. were successful. His request for authorization to cancel the contract and sever ties with the company was granted. He noted that he is working with SAJRD representatives to establish a relationship with a new vendor for the 2023 fireworks.

Mary Westphal urged council members to suggest possible candidates for the city’s representative to the SAJRD board. Those candidates will be interviewed before the Dec. 5 council meeting.