MOUNT VERNON — In action Monday, City Council granted a variance to Steve and Terri Leighty to park their travel trailer at their residence.
At a public hearing held prior to the legislative session, Terri Leighty said she has spoken with her neighbors who are homeowners, as well as a couple of the neighbors who are renters. None opposed the parking of the trailer on the north side of the Leighty residence at 405 N. Mulberry St.
Councilwoman Rebecca Jordan said the trailer does not present a hindrance and doesn’t block traffic, and therefore is in favor of granting the variance. At the hearing, no one spoke in opposition to the variance.
Several council members stated their belief that the issue was an administrative one, rather than legislative. Several also said that granting the variance would set a precedent for other homeowners to also request a variance.
“[Code enforcement officer] Larry Fogle has asked at least 20 people to move their trailers in a similar location, and they have complied,” said Councilman Burt Hanson, who cast the lone dissenting vote. “I am concerned that some of those people will return and ask for a variance. To me, we are a legislative body; this should be being handled administratively.
“I think council is opening the door for a lot of other people to come and ask for a variance.”
Council members agreed that in order to comply with the ordinance the way it is now written, council must vote on the variance, but they also agreed the ordinance should be reviewed. Jordan will request it be discussed at the next Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.
William Ostermiller appeared before council in its legislative session to request repayment for damage sustained to his vehicle when he hit a hole on Eastgate Drive. He also pointed out a 4-inch pothole on Franklin Street.
“These are problems that the city street department knew about,” said Ostermiller. “All I’m asking from the city, from its insurance company, is to fix my car.”
The repair estimate is in the range of $400 to $500. Safety-service director Dave Glass requested Ostermiller to provide a written report to Glass’ office so a claim can be turned in to the insurance company.
In other action, council read a proclamation honoring the 15-year-old Babe Ruth All Star Team. It also approved resolutions allowing Glass to bid for supplies and equipment for 2009; for Auditor Terry Scott to make fund transfers and supplemental appropriations, and pay bills; and setting the annual millage at 3.2 mills for property tax; this is the same as it’s been for 20 years.
Council gave a second reading to an ordinance declaring High Street not a through street between Park and Stevens streets, and, after giving a second reading to an ordinance allowing the assistant city law director position be job shared, waived the third reading and approved the ordinance.
In council member comments, Jordan said she’d received a phone call from a man who believed he lived “on the wrong side of the tracks,” and that his concerns were not being heard. He was referring to attention being paid to speeders on East High Street, when he said on West Vine Street a similar situation is occurring. Other council members said they have received comments from the man on a number of issues over the years, and were aware of his concerns.
Councilman Bruce Hawkins noted a fundraiser at Parkside Restaurant which would benefit Central Ohio Technical College’s capital campaign. Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, patrons dining at Parkside can present a Certificate of Support; owner Jeff Boucher will then donate 10 percent of the bill to the campaign. Another fundraiser, a spaghetti dinner, is set for Sept. 29, also at Parkside.
Safety-Service Director Dave Glass said city officials, along with a couple of investors who are interested in the concept of an assisted living facility, met with John Bechtel, owner of the middle school property on North Mulberry Street. Glass said it appears Bechtel is complying with the city’s request to make specific repairs to the building; the deadline for complying was Monday. Glass said city officials will visit the property today to see what progress has been made.
Councilman Chuck Dice said he’s received several favorable comments abut the water fountain and pad installed at Arch Park. He requested Glass to pass on those comments to the appropriate city workers.
The city’s Trick-or-Treat Night has been set for Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
