Loudonville Village Council meets

Loudonville Village Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 21 in the Village Council Chambers.

Several items of note took place during the meeting.

Design Review Board guidelines

Design Review Board chairman Jamie Black asked council if there were any questions regarding the proposed guidelines prepared and presented by the Design Review Board in accordance with Village Codified Ordinance 1257: Architectural Review District. He reminded council the appointed board members spent approximately three months deciphering Chapter 1257 before hiring OHM, made possible by a grant, to assist them in developing the guidelines and application process.

He said the Design Review Board is working with village solicitor Thom Gilman to review a few items regarding penalties. He said the board recognizes the importance of moving forward with council adoption of the guidelines without delay, noting there have been at least three projects in the downtown district that have occurred or are currently underway that would have been under the Design Review Board guidance.

He said assisting and educating the property owners will be the goal and priority of the board to maintain the integrity of the buildings within the district. He said the Design Review Board will meet when necessary, rather than monthly, to provide for the efficient processing of applications.

Utility aggregation

Mayor Jason Van Sickle advised council that he asked Black to assist the village with research on various energy aggregation options for village residents due to his knowledge and expertise regarding the same. Gilman said he would review the statute to verify the procedures for governmental aggregation programs.

Village Comprehensive Plan

Councilman Bill Huffman said he felt the Village Comprehensive Plan completed in 1993 should be updated. Van Sickle suggested council members review the plan.

Liquor permit transfer

Council considered a notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control providing an opportunity for a hearing regarding the liquor permit transfer from Michael Beans (dba Beano’s Buckeye Ballroom) to Brad Bilancini (dba Beano’s Buckeye Ballroom). There were no objections to the transfer voiced, and a hearing will not be requested.

Confirmation of appointment

Council approved a motion to confirm Van Sickle’s appointment of full-time firefighter/EMT Benton Foxworthy.

Legislation

—Council approved a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor.

—Council approved a resolution declaring the necessity for a renewal levy of a tax exceeding the 10-mill limitation and requesting the county auditor certify to this council certain information pursuant to R.C. 5705.03(B) [R.C. 5705.03, .19(a), .25].