Special Use Permit approved
Sylvania City Council voted to approve a special use permit for Crossview Community Church at the June 2 meeting following a public hearing in which no opposition was expressed. The special use permit will allow the church to occupy a former restaurant space in the shopping plaza at 5834 Monroe St.
Citizen concerns
Sylvania resident Paul Hamel made a presentation to council outlining his concerns regarding a utility pole at the intersection of Little and Centennial roads. Sylvania Service Director Joe Shaw pointed out the challenges the intersection presents, including the placement of the utility pole. The city has improvements scheduled for this intersection in the five-year capital improvement with engineering beginning in 2026 and construction scheduled for 2029. For now, Mayor Mark Frye suggested a letter be sent to the utility pole owner requesting a dialogue be initiated to address the issue of the pole.
Nusiance abatements and
assessments
In other business, Council passed an ordinance amending Chapter 555 regarding weeds to provide an alternative method for the city to recover expenses incurred related to contracted vegetation maintenance. The only method prior to the change was through the Lucas County Auditor’s Office and placing the expense on the tax duplicate. The amendment allows for the charges to be placed on the tax duplicate or the monthly sewer, water, and refuse collection bill. Also, City Council referred an ordinance amending Chapter 1329 regarding nuisance abatement to the Zoning and Annexation Committee and scheduled a meeting for Monday, June 23 at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers. The proposed amendment would provide for substantial changes on the procedure and enforcement related to nuisance properties in the city.
Council also passed ordinances regarding Shaw’s requests for tree maintenance, open ditch maintenance, and street lighting. Assessments will be made on abutting homeowners based on front footage for tree and and street light ordinances. The ditches and drains assessment is based on residential lot size for single family homes as well as impervious surface area for any other non-single family residential lot or commercial property.
Invasive species control continues
Council approved Shaw’s request to extend the contract with The Nature Conservancy for two years for $20,000 to complete the invasive species control practices in Harroun Park. According to Shaw, the contract began in 2019 and has been renewed twice. The work done has resulted in more open space with scattered trees and wildflowers, which complies with an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency invasive species reduction requirement of the River Trail grant.
Council also passed ordinances regarding Shaw’s requests for tree maintenance, open ditch maintenance, and street lighting. Assessments will be made on abutting homeowners based on front footage for tree and and street light ordinances. The ditches and drains assessment is based on residential lot size for single family homes as well as impervious surface area for any other non-single family residential lot or commercial property.