By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It’s won’t be a glamorous job, but somebody’s got to review the nuts and bolts of the Bowling Green City Charter.
Mayor Dick Edwards reported to City Council Monday evening that he would like the city government to tackle a City Charter review in 2018. The last time the charter was reviewed was 2001.
“Too many years have passed by,” Edwards said, noting the job should be completed every 10 years or so.
The mayor said he will work on coming up with a timeline and potential people to work on the process. He already has in mind a couple Bowling Green State University faculty members, who have expertise in the area of city government.
Above all, the City Charter review must be “citizen driven” and have sizeable participation by city residents, Edwards said.
Council president Mike Aspacher said he is looking forward to a charter review.
“I certainly am glad this is going to be a priority for us in 2018,” Aspacher said.
In other business, City Council approved the rezoning of three parcels at the southwest corner of Manville and Clough streets, from planned institutional zoning to single-family residential. The zoning change will allow for three Habitat for Humanity homes to be constructed on the site.
“I’m very excited it’s going to Habitat for Humanity,” council member Bruce Jeffers said.
“I look forward to families moving into that area of town,” council member Sandy Rowland added.
Also at the meeting, council approved the utilities director entering an agreement for the installation and maintenance of a wildlife habitat restoration area on Carter Road, surrounding the city’s solar field.
In other business on Monday:
- Council heard that a new restaurant, Ninja Hibachi Sushi Steakhouse will be opening at 1616 E. Wooster St. Because of the large square footage and amount of seating, the restaurant received a liquor license. City Attorney Mike Marsh explained the state has no limit to the number of liquor licenses available to restaurants that meet the large seating and square footage requirements.
- Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Earlene Kilpatrick talked about the decision to cancel the annual Holiday Parade on Saturday due to rain. “I am not the parade killer,” she said. “This was a very difficult decision.” She also explained the reason the parade was not rescheduled due to the difficulty of committing 93 units, six marching bands, 70 volunteers and city crews to a second date. “I just hope people understand we did not do this lightly.”
- Edwards talked about the recognition from Ohio Magazine selecting Bowling Green as one of the “Best of Ohio Hometowns.” Ohio Magazine Editor Jim Vickers presented the award to city officials on Saturday.
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said the next city budget meeting is planned for Nov. 29, at 5 p.m.
- Aspacher reported changes in City Council meeting dates due to upcoming holidays. The next meeting will be Dec. 4, followed by another on Dec. 28. The first January meeting will be on Jan. 16.
