Shelby City Council advances three ordinances in first reading and approves emergency grant and paving measures

The Shelby City Council on the evening meeting advanced three ordinances on first reading and adopted two emergency resolutions, approving a grant application and moving forward with a city paving project estimated at $618,000.

Councilman Rob moved to dispense with the reading of the Feb. 20, 2024 journal; Councilman Roberts seconded and the motion passed by unanimous roll call. Later in the meeting the council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2-2024 to repeal Chapter 290, which had governed the Buildings and Grounds Commission. Councilman Rob said the commission has become unnecessary because no new buildings are planned and suggested future needs could be handled by a temporary task force rather than a standing ordinance. Council members discussed whether a task-force model would remain subject to open-meeting laws and confirmed it would function as an ad hoc committee.

The body then approved first reading of Ordinance No. 3-2024, which establishes a zoning classification for property annexed to the city; Planning Commission recommended R1 zoning for the parcel. Councilman Roberts made the motion and Councilman Martin seconded; the vote was unanimous.

Councilman Martin introduced Ordinance No. 4-2024, enacting a chapter addressing impermissible expenditures. He proposed multiple wording amendments, instructing staff to replace references to “diversity, equity and inclusion” and the acronym “DEI” with the phrasing “discriminatory activities” or abbreviated forms in several subsections. The council approved the wording changes by unanimous consent after discussion that included review by outside legal counsel and HR counsel; the ordinance passed first reading.

The council adopted Resolution No. 8-2024, authorizing the mayor, as director of Public Safety, to apply for a training and equipment grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety for emergency medical supplies. It also adopted Resolution No. 9-2024, which approves plans and specifications and authorizes the mayor as director of Public Service to advertise for bids and enter a contract for the 2024 paving project. The mayor’s office estimated the paving work at about $618,000 and said the city will include schedule provisions to avoid disrupting school bus routes and pedestrian safety (work to begin after key water-line work is completed; contractors will be asked not to work near schools before 8:30 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. while school is in session).

Roll-call votes recorded Councilman Rob, Councilman Roberts, Councilman Cutler, Councilman Martin and the member listed as Mr M as voting in favor of the ordinances and resolutions noted above; each measure passed.

The council received reports from standing committees (economic development, public works and others) and departmental updates, including the finance director’s report on the appropriations process and an update that two new school-resource officers had been selected. The meeting concluded with miscellaneous business and adjournment at 7:38 p.m.