Aurora city Council & COW - 7/17/2023

Aurora, Ohio, City Council and Committee of the Whole
​July 17, 2023

Committee of the Whole (COW): The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm by John Kudley with all other council members present:  Reva Barner, Brad Duguay, Peter French, Sara Grdina Gilmore, Harold Hatridge, George Horvat, Dennis Kovach and Scott Wolf. There were 10 City Officials and Employees present and 12 people in the gallery.

June 26, 2023 minutes were adopted with Duguay, Kudley and Wolf abstaining.

Finance Director Timothy Clymer reported that fund balances remain in a healthy position with $39,901,886 unencumbered in all funds, and $18,716,769 unencumbered in the General Fund.

There were 3 Ordinance proposed for Action that evening on 1st Reading:

• An Ordinance to appoint Shaun Lutz as the assistant Fire Chief. He has been part time in Aurora for many years. There is also a new hire as Tech II and promotion of a service department employee. 
• A  Contract with Ronyak Paving for roadway improvements on W. Pioneer Trail from Bissell to Rt 82. This will be a total reconstruction, no sidewalks. J. Kudley abstained from voting on this.
• A Resolution to install signage on S. Bissell Rd in honor of Manny Barenholtz, a long time resident of Walden and described as a vital part of the City of Aurora.

There was 1 Ordinance proposed for first reading that will go to second reading.

• An Ordinance granting a 15 year 50%  CRA tax abatement to Sunshine Squared LLC located at 239 E. Garfield Rd for Good Nature Therapy that provides outdoor based therapy with a Sensory Garden among other amenities.

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.

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City Council (CC):  Council President G. Horvat called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge to the Flag of the United States of America. All Council members were present as noted in COW Report.

Minutes from the June 26, 2023 meeting were adopted. with Duguay, Kudley and Wolf abstaining 

There was a 16 minute Executive Session to discuss the Acquisition of Real Property.

 Mayor’s Report: Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin thanked Parks and Rec Department, Service Department and Safety Forces for their work to make the 4th of July celebration a success. There will be a new Historical Marker, the 7th for the City, for the James Converse/Hopson Hurd Store. This building was recently purchased by the City and the City is accepting proposals to lease this historic building. Upcoming events mentioned were the upcoming National Night Out/Truck and Tractor Night for August 1; Food Truck Wednesdays July 26, August 9 and 23; Summer Concert and Movie Series. The Mayor swore in 3 Firefighters and new Police Officer, met with Portage Parks, taped the monthly Community Focus and attended many after-hours events.
 
Law Director Dean DePiero requested that the Ordinance to purchase Geauga Lake be postponed while details continue to be worked out

Citizens Comments: Economic Development Director Holly Harris Bane introduced Rebecca Waud, the owner of Good Nature Therapy Services who then spoke about her upcoming business venture in Aurora. Former Mayor Jim Fisher thanked Council for its recognition of Manny Barenholtz- one of the “building blocks of Aurora”.

Council Remarks: None

Ordinances on 3rd  Reading:

• An Ordinance granting a Conditional Zoning Certificate to the Church in Aurora for Evergreen Preschool which is located in the R-3: Residential District was adopted.
  

• Ordinance 2023-104 for the Purchase of 40 acres of land and 53.63 acres of Geauga Lake with a Trail Lake Loop easement from ICP was postponed.
  

Ordinance on 2nd reading:

• An Ordinance granting a 100%, 15 year tax abatement to MJ Property Group LLC for Aurora Premium Self Storage, LLC was adopted with rules suspended and S. Wolf voting No.
  

The 2 Ordinances and 1 Resolution proposed at the COW for action that evening were adopted with rules suspended. See Committee of the Whole report for details.

The Ordinance for a Tax Abatement went to 2nd Reading.

Miscellaneous: None

Citizens Comments: April Secura, President of LWV NPC spoke about Issue 1 and urging a No Vote on August 8, citing a number of reasons why this bill should be defeated.

Council Members and Committee Remarks: John Kudley spoke about the purchase of the Geauga Lake property, assuring the residents of the Geauga Lake area and the GLIA that he is committed to protecting the rights of the GLIA.

 The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.

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