Columbiana council approves emergency resolutions, multiple contracts and a $3.8 million transfer

The Columbiana City Council voted through a package of emergency resolutions and ordinances on March 19 approving multiple contract actions and budget transfers intended to keep capital projects on schedule.

The council approved Resolution 24-R-641 (emergency) authorizing the city manager to execute a CRA agreement with LNB Holdings LLC and Resolution 24-R-642 authorizing a CRA agreement with Arifas Real Estate LLC. The body also approved Resolution 24-R-643, an emergency resolution approving Columbiana County’s 911 final plan revision (code 128O8A).

On the ordinance side, the council read and approved multiple emergency ordinances authorizing the city manager to enter into contracts: Ordinance 24-O-3230 for lakefront sanitary sewer and lift-station work with Express Underground Inc.; 24-O-3231 authorizing a contract for the Duquesne Street sidewalk project; 24-O-3232 to contract with House and Baird Inc. for engineering on the Crestview/Fairfield waterline; 24-O-3233 to contract with Lindy Paving for the Fairfield School Road/Lisbon Street project (PID 114039); and 24-O-3234 to purchase asphalt from Tri State Tri County Asphalt Materials Inc.

Council also approved second-reading legislation including appropriation and transfer ordinances and passed an ordinance transferring $3,800,000 from the income tax fund ($1,900,000 to the general fund and $1,900,000 to the capital improvement fund) to cover current expenses and capital needs.

Clerks conducted roll-call votes for each emergency item; the council’s recorded responses were affirmative and motions carried on the items as presented. Where specific amendments or objections were raised, council members discussed procurement history, contractor experience and safety concerns; no motions were tabled. Manager Lance and staff said emergency designation was requested to meet construction schedules and ODOT deadlines.

The council directed staff to complete contract documents and return any required reports to council once signed; several items were scheduled for final legislation or contract execution at the April 2 meeting if conditions were met.