Water rates to rise in Sugarcreek starting Jan. 1

Sugarcreek Mayor Walt Wilson gave an update on plans to renovate the fire station located on North Broadway Street during the Dec. 15 village council meeting.

“There has been a setback with the renovation of the fire station," Wilson said. "We are not permitted to join two buildings together, so nothing will be done on the project until spring."

Council agreed to seek materials for the project from the lowest bidder and ask if the company will keep the materials until spring so the village can purchase some materials this year and the remainder in 2026 to keep costs down.

Council also approved Wilson seeking a grant to demolish an apartment building at 227 N. Broadway St. He said the owner agrees with demolishing the building that is in disarray. Far Sight Management from the Dover area will survey for asbestos and lead at the property at a cost of an estimated $2,500.

Council also did the following:

—Heard Wilson thank council member Nate Wagler for contributing so much to the village during his term on council. Wagler did not seek reelection. Wagler said it was great working with everyone, and he gained much experience about the village.

—Agreed an individual can take a photo of the Cuckoo Clock and transfer it to a T-shirt to sell. Council agreed it would be too much of a hassle to legally stop the process.

—Heard water rates will increase 3% on Jan. 1, and those using the minimum rate will only increase 82 cents per month.

—Approved the fire department selling items through Govdeals.com auction; however, an ordinance will be prepared for the Jan. 5 meeting to legally sell equipment. The fire department has surplus fire equipment it no longer needs and wants to sell. Any funds generated will go back to the fire department.

—Heard the fire department will sell a brush truck and use a utility truck as a brush truck. There will be one vehicle instead of two. The ladder truck has been repaired and is back in service.

—Held the fifth reading of an ordinance amending the zoning code of the village to address short-term rentals such as Airbnbs. Solicitor Doug Frautschy said a public hearing must be held before the ordinance can be adopted.

—Held the first reading of an ordinance providing for the zoning of unzoned parcels of land annexed into the village. This is in reference to Skyline Meadows School, located off Ohio 93. A public hearing will be set to zone the area S-1, which is special and applies to all schools.

—Reminded residents that when there are two or more inches of snowfall, vehicles should be removed from the streets so employees can plow the streets.

Other information

A streets, water and sewer committee meeting will be held Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will be held Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway St. in Sugarcreek.