Sylvania City Council President Mary Westphal reported on a public meeting held before the Sept. 7 council meeting concerning a proposed car wash, convenience store and fueling station at the vacant Rite Aid building at Erie Street and Centennial Road.
Eight residents spoke during the meeting, expressing concerns about the proposed development. Westphal thanked the residents who filled the council chambers for taking the time to attend and share their opinions.
No residents spoke in favor of the proposal.
The matter will be discussed at a future Zoning Committee meeting, with the date and time to be determined.
In other business, council members agreed to detach property at 5238 W. Alexis Road at the request of Andrew Michalias, representing Alina’s LLC.
The vacant lot is located within the city of Sylvania and is contiguous with Alina’s residential property at 5252 W. Alexis Road, which is in Sylvania Township. Once the properties share identical jurisdictional boundaries, the petitioner will be able to construct a detached garage for the residence.
At the request of Sylvania Service Director Joe Shaw, a Zoning Committee meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 5:30 pm to discuss proposed amendments to the Sylvania Codified Ordinances regarding the installation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations.
The Township Fire Department personnel have requested that Sylvania City Council and Sylvania Township trustees adopt similar language regarding the stations.
Sylvania Police Chief Danilynn Miller and Sgt. Brad Clay presented information to council about the department’s need for a new breath-testing device. Council accepted a $14,994.25 proposal from Intoximeters Inc. for the purchase of an Intox DMT.
Council also authorized the mayor and finance director to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Clark, Schaeffer, Hackett & Co., selected by the state of Ohio auditor’s office, to perform the city’s audit through Dec. 31, 2030.
Council members also approved several requests from Service Director Joe Shaw.
A $5,516 change order to the city’s agreement with Bowser-Morner will provide supplemental professional geotechnical engineering services for the Sylvania Avenue Pumping Station. According to Shaw, the additional work could help save construction costs by further understanding seasonal ground water conditions and bedrock depth at the new wet well.
Shaw also was authorized to submit applications for Ohio Public Works Commission grants for the Sylvania Avenue Pumping Station and the Brint Road/Main Street/Holland-Sylvania Road roundabout.
At Shaw’s request, T&J Excavating & Tree Removal Clearing LLC will remove vegetation from Schreiber Ditch for $28,850 and J. Cunningham Ditch for $14,200 as a part of the Tenmile Creek Ditch Petition.
Council also approved right-of-way acquisitions associated with the Erie Street/Monroe Street roundabout.
An agreement with property owners Kyle and Alicia Keever, totaling $80,130, covers property at the northeast corner of the Erie Street and San Reno Drive intersection. The agreement also includes partial driveway removal on the San Reno side of the property, a temporary construction easement for grading and driveway reconstruction.
Council members also agreed to acquire a simple title appropiation of 0.006 acres at the corner of Old Post Road and Monroe Street for the roundabout project at the appraised value of $2,995.
Shaw said the city and property owners James and Ann Magers have not reached an agreement on the property over several months of negotiations. The appropriation is necessary to maintain the project schedule and for the City to certify control of the right-of-way for construction to the Ohio Department of Transportation by Dec. 4.