Carrollton council rejects rezoning, reviews speed limit

Carrollton Village Council held its meeting Aug. 25, where it discussed zoning and new speed limits.

Tom Konst of the Regional Planning Commission addressed Carrollton Village Council regarding a rezoning request submitted by Jim and Marsha Long. The request sought to change three lots located at the corner of 12th Street and Derringer from B-1 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-2 (General Business District).

Konst explained that the commission had extensive discussion on the matter, with both pro and con arguments presented. After deliberation, the Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the rezoning request. He said while the commission recommends denial, the final decision ultimately rests with Carrollton Village Council.

Council voted 4-2 to go along with the commission’s recommendation not to change it.

Konst commented the village zoning code is outdated, and Village Administrator Mark Wells said the village will be working on that soon. It has businesses listed, such as a dressmaker, for example, which is outdated.

In an unrelated matter, Police Chief Tim Timberlake said the police handled 322 calls. Those included 16 incidents, five OVI arrests, one report of possession of underage alcohol, two threats, one harassment, one theft, one assault, one fraud case, one attempted suicide and five crashes, none involving injuries.

Timberlake addressed council regarding the recent change in the speed limit. He noted that while some residents were initially unhappy with the adjustment, overall, the change has gone very well. He said he spoke with the official in charge of the school resource officers, who confirmed that there have been no traffic issues since the speed limit was lowered. The change has also been helpful in managing school bus traffic, as buses are able to exit without difficulty.

When asked if any tickets had been issued in that area since the change, he confirmed none had been written, contrary to rumors suggesting otherwise.

“There have not been any tickets issued, contrary to popular belief,” said Timberlake. “Just because somebody is pulled over by an officer with lights on doesn’t mean there is a ticket being issued.”

The village has been receiving compliments about the new speed limit on 12th Street, as well as new signs on Lawrence Drive.

In other business, Carrollton Village Council:

—HEARD the deep potholes on South Lisbon Street have been dug out and repaired. Councilman Chris Barto thanked the street department and ODOT for their collaboration and work on the potholes.

—HEARD Wells confirm street paving is still scheduled for the first two weeks of September, according to the paver’s schedule.

—PAID village bills totaling $59,561.36; $74,044.92 in vendor payments; and $5,840.85 without prior certification.