Depleted City Council holds brief meeting

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council held a brief meeting on Monday with few members attending.

Joi Mergy and Jon Tomlinson had given notice they wouldn’t be at the meeting, while Kirby Kelly made a late announcement that he couldn’t attend. All three were excused, as was City Law Director John Hatcher.

A special meeting will likely be needed to approve the planned reconstruction of a portion of South Washington Street next year, since legislation was not received for the project — and there weren’t enough Council members to approve it, if it had been received.

Council President Ken Mengerink assigned to the Judiciary and Annexation Committee a request to change a city ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol in Fountain Park by non-profit organizations, while the Finance Committee will meet to discuss any changes that arise for the city tax budget, due to be approved at the next Council meeting.

Mayor Don Farmer commended the Van Wert Economic Development Office for a presentation it provided for Insite Consulting’s mock site visit at the Jobs Ready Site north of the city.

“I couldn’t have been prouder of the presentation Cindy Leis and Caitlin Jones had prepared and put on for the hour-and-a-half presentation,” the mayor said. “It was very professional.”

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming noted that Woodland Avenue, from Krendl Drive to John Brown Road, is closed until a large tree can be removed by a homeowner.

He also issued a reminder to city residents that this year’s Holiday at Home fireworks display will be held at the Van Wert High School-Middle School complex on Ohio 118. Fleming did note that those wanting to view the fireworks must park in the lots at the school complex, and not on the grass.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Van Wert City Council will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.