Sugarcreek sets public hearing on short-term rental rules; longtime council member, clerk honored

Sugarcreek Village Council recognized council member Mick Fanning at the Dec. 1 meeting. He received a plaque from Mayor Walt Wilson in recognition of 16 years of service to the village.

“Your knowledge of the village and the values you have as a councilman were so important,” Wilson said.

Fanning did not seek reelection.

At a retirement lunch held at Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ for utilities clerk Jan Dodge, Wilson presented her with a clock in recognition of 31 years of service to the village. Wilson said Dodge was an essential part of the village for many years and wanted to recognize her for her years of service.

Council held a third but not final reading of an ordinance adopting amendments to the zoning code to address short-term rentals. Council removed a section of the ordinance that provided for a registration fee. There will be a public hearing, the date to be announced, held on the matter. There are about 30 Airbnb rentals located in the village. They will need to be inspected by the fire department to make sure they are in compliance with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors installed and where extension cords are placed in the wall. The owners also will need to pay a bed tax. Also, the owners must register the property at no charge.

Council also did the following:

—Approved the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado pickup for the street department for $48,773. It was purchased from Ferris Chevrolet in New Philadelphia through the state purchasing program. The new truck will replace the 2007 pickup.

—Heard anyone wanting a brick as a memento from Maple Street can find them behind Village Hall.

—Heard the aerial (ladder) truck has been repaired and returned to the fire department.

Other information

A streets, water and sewer committee meeting will be held Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the Miller Avenue sewer line.

The next meeting will be held Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway St. in Sugarcreek.