By Blythe Alspaugh
TIPP CITY — A motion to make an appointment to the Restoration and Architectural Board was tabled by the Tipp City Council on Monday due to wanting to review the current applicant and their qualifications for the seat.
The motion had received only one application, from Heather Bailey, and there was some confusion among council on what the prerequisites were to being eligible for appointment on the board. According to Code 36.040A, the restoration board should consist of seven members who are residents of the city with some relationship or interest in the district and in historic preservation; non-city residents are eligible for membership if they own property or a business within the district.
Additionally, there were concerns that applications were confusing, as well as a lack of applicants for three vacant positions being due to a lack of advertising. Some council members thought it would be best to table the motion until council has a better understanding of the process in total of eligibility for serving on any board in Tipp City.
“We really have no discussion about what qualifications are required, or what qualifications are really being put forth. It seems to me like it would be a good time to take a look at having a little more of a robust process,” Council Member Robert Schwab said.
The motion was tabled in a 6-1 vote, with Mayor Mike McFarland voting against tabling the motion.
Council also unanimously passed a motion that was added to the agenda at the start of the meeting. The motion, added by McFarland, authorized the police chief and city manager to sign a temporary alcohol permit for the Downtown Tipp City Partnership for a St. Patty’s Day 5k Beer Run to be held March 17.
Kim Bulgin, executive director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, said that the organization needed an F2 permit in order to avoid violating the DORA district boundaries or any business’ liquor licenses during the event. The Partnership has taken care of all alcohol and sales, and the event is a fundraiser for the Partnership. Additionally, the DORA will not be canceled on March 17.
The following items were also approved at Monday’s meeting:
• A resolution authorizing the annexation of a +/- 2.2881 acre tract of land located at 3452 South CR25A into the corporate limits;
• A resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into any agreements or contracts that may be necessary and appropriate to allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to complete a bridge repair project, including a structure over the Great Miami River on State Route 571;
• A motion granting attendance awards to full-time employees who worked the entire calendar year and who used 8 hours or less of sick leave in 2021;
• A motion to appointment Vivian Davis to the Planning Board for an unexpired term expiring Dec. 31, 2022. The motion passed in a 6-1 vote, with Schwab voting against the motion; and
• A motion to not request a public hearing on the issuance of a transfer of a C2 and C2X liquor permit to GS Market LLC from David FoodTown Inc. located at 960 W. Main St.
The next meeting of Tipp City Council will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21.
