Council puts resolution on the table
Wapakoneta City Council members, prior to the third reading of the legislation that would allow the law director to settle a pending threat of litigation between the city and resident Chad Scott, put that measure on hold and tabled the resolution.
Scott, who was present at the meeting Monday night, outlined the history of what is now a financial dispute with the city, providing the information because “some of you guys are coming to the party late.”
The Timber Trail homeowner had, almost two years ago, adjusted the grade on his and his neighbor’s property to allow storm water, which pooled in his yard and surrounded an electrical box after heavy rains, to flow to the street where it could enter the storm sewer. Scott took the action after approaching city officials numerous times and in numerous venues to seek relief from the water issue.
Scott said the way the property was graded, water had to be 1-foot deep before it would start to flow. A 1.4-foot hill stood in the way of the swale that was designed to help drain those properties.
The improvements he made in September 2019 “have helped,” Scott said. He previously presented the city with a bill, and after it made the rounds through the utility committee Scott believed council was on board to reimburse him, which was further reinforced with the introduction of the resolution last month that was tabled Monday.
Council President Steve Henderson, despite repeating “I just run the meetings,” said he couldn’t understand was was taking so long after hearing council might take the action to table the third reading. He disputed Councilor Terry Campbell’s response that the public had only one week to provide input on the issue.
“Ive heard no public input on if we should pay a private bill,” Henderson said. “I think (Scott has) been more than patient.”
Councilor John Sheipline, no stranger to water issues, having dealt with standing water in his Auglaize Street rear yard prior to his appointment to council, asked Scott if he was given permission from the city to take on that work.
Scott said no.
Councilor Ross Kantner made the motion to table the third reading, noting he was one of the
guys coming late to the party.
Brandon Miller cast the only no vote, noting, “We aren’t here to do this; we’ve spent too much time on this.”
Former first-ward councilor Jim Neumeier attended Monday’s meeting, asking for an update on the property at 701 W. Auglaize, which has been an eyesore in the neighborhood for some time. Law Director Grant Neal said he has started proceedings to condemn the property and once the issue goes through the court system the city can address the blight issue by demolishing the structure.
Neumeier also asked for a breakdown of how the city has spent the half-percent income tax voters approved to improve city streets. He disagrees with administration on how those monies were used, based on how the tax issue was presented to voters.
Those helping promote the tax issue said those dollars would be used only to repair streets that wouldn’t get attention because of the priority of
those streets needing full-depth reconstruction. A break-down, Neumeier said, will either confirm the suspicions that some of the money was used in other streets projects, or put his mind at ease the money has been spent the way they told people it would be. Safety Service Director Floyd Gregg promised to have that report in a week.
Councilor Chad Doll had checked in with police Chief Cal Schneider and Chamber of Commerce Director Jackie Martell for a D.O.R.A update; neither reported any issues about the program that allows people to carry a cocktail or beer outside in the designated area.
Mayor Tom Stinebaugh reported the North Street lift station work has begun; pumps are being replaced. The road closure should be open by the end of the month.
He said the Benton Street reconstruction project continues, curbing improvements are also underway, and the north water tower is being repainted.
The city will also install signage directing visitors to the Temple of Tolerance. Stinebaugh said a request from Amy Kentner to help people find the Wood Street attraction was well received by council and he will investigate the best spots to place signs.
Council entered executive session, inviting Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council director Logan O’neill to join them to discuss economic development matters, and pending litigation.
The finance committee will meet Tuesday at 8 p.m. at city hall; council meets again Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.