Eaton City Council approves CRA for Eaton Senior Lofts, authorizes property sales and buys two parcels

Eaton City Council on Jan. 19 approved a Community Reinvestment Area agreement for a planned senior housing project, adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of excess city property in 2026, and after an executive session authorized the purchase of two parcels for $45,000.

Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26-01, which establishes procedures to sell excess property across city divisions for 2026. Council then approved Resolution 26-02, authorizing the City Manager to enter a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with Eaton Senior Lofts; that vote passed 4-0-1 with Vice Mayor Dave Kirsch recorded as abstaining.

In executive-session business held under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(2), council discussed acquisition of real property and after returning to open session approved the purchase of two parcels for a combined $45,000. The motion to purchase was moved by Councilman Brad Moore and seconded by Vice Mayor Dave Kirsch and passed on a 5-0 vote.

Council also approved the Clerk's Journal entries and accepted the December 2025 Financial Report by unanimous vote.

During the City Manager’s report, City Manager Brad Collins noted that Eaton received a $49,900 Ohio EPA Salt Reduction Grant, which funded a new salt spreader with a brine applicator now in service for the Public Maintenance Division. Public Works Superintendent Chris Denlinger provided an update on the UV Filtration Replacement Project and outlined projects planned for 2026. Parks Coordinator Casey Wooddell completed certification as a Certified Playground Inspector through the National Park and Recreation Association. The report also noted that Dunkin is scheduled to open Jan. 20, 2026, and that the Omni Fiber lawsuit was dismissed following passage of Ordinance 25-17 effective Jan. 1, 2026. Eaton Police hosted an awards and staff training day naming Officer Derek Pheanis 2025 Officer of the Year. Fire/EMS reported ongoing interviews and recent remote gas monitoring training; Public Maintenance continues recruitment for two open positions.

No public comments were recorded. The council adjourned after approval of the items on the agenda. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.