By Eamon Baird
PIQUA—The Piqua Commission passed an ordinance amending the number of flags allowed on residential properties at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
The ordinance modifies language under section 4.7.5.D of the Piqua Development Code. The previous language, written in June of 2023, stated a maximum of two flags permitted on residential properties. The amended language states no limit to the number of flags allowed on residential properties and a maximum of three flags permitted for non-residential lots.
The ordinance was introduced at the last commission meeting on Wednesday, Aug 21, and Commissioner Paul Simmons motioned to waive the third reading of the ordinance, which Commissioner Tom Hohman seconded.
The motion passed 4-1, with Commissioner Jim Vetter voting no.
When asked why he voted no Vetter stated that he wasn’t against the ordinance but felt it didn’t qualify as an emergency, which needed to be passed without the standard three readings
As part of the consent agenda, the commissioners approved a resolution recognizing Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. as “Trick or Treat/Beggars Night.”
In new business, the commissioners approved a resolution awarding a contract to Skylift Inc., for the purchase of a 2024 44-foot mini derrick for $245,000 with a $25,000 trade-in value.
Ed Krieger, power system director said this will replace a 15-year-old derrick purchased in 2009, adding the derrick will perform electric line maintenance, replace poles, and transformers, and rebuild lines in areas that are very difficult to access.
“We’ve been using this 2009 unit for the last 15 years,” Krieger said. “The new unit that we are purchasing offers a greater lifting capacity and it has many enhanced features over the 2009 unit.”
Mayor Kris Lee thanked Krieger for his professionalism.
“You always do a good job of researching, taking care of the equipment, and then bringing it to us clearly,” Lee said. “We appreciate what you do.”
In other business, the commission authorized the following resolutions:
A five-year lease extension of the Ash Street water tower space to New Cingular Wireless PCS LLC. The current lease will expire on Nov. 14, 2025, this extension agreement will continue until November of 2030, with optional renewals to continue until 2050.
A purchase order to Graybar for the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system at Fort Piqua Plaza for $139,377.91. The original operating system was installed in 2008 and has reached its life expectancy.
Multiple commissioners recognized the work of Chief Rick Byron and the Piqua Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
“I want to thank Chief Byron for letting myself, my daughters, and Commissioner Hohman tag along with some of the guys,” Commissioner Frank DeBrosse said. “To all the neighborhoods, especially the Caldwell Historical District, you guys know how to throw quite a party down there.”
“We had a good time. All the parties that I got to go to were great and the Piqua Caldwell District, the food was great,” Lee added.
Lee also advised drivers to take caution with schools in the area starting up.
“Please watch for the kids out there,” Lee said. “Drive the speed limit and watch out for kids early in the morning and even after school obey the speed limit zones.”
