By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The citizens group that successfully lobbied against the proposed Pedestrian Residential zoning surrounding downtown has more notions on how to protect and improve neighborhoods in Bowling Green.
Steve Ricard, a representative of BG Strong, presented the organization’s suggestions to City Council Tuesday evening.
First, the group would like the city to cancel its agreement with the Wood County Health Department for external house inspections, and use that money to beef up the city’s code enforcement efforts.
Second, Ricard asked that City Council require the enforcement of fines for landlords who fail to register their rental housing units and fail to submit self-inspection reports to the city. Those funds could then be used for community development projects or as loans to assist with property repairs.
Ricard suggested that a committee be formed of city staff, council members and citizens to determine how the money from fines could best be put to use.
And third, BG Strong is continuing to advocate for different rules for short-term rentals. Other college towns have recognized the need to separate short-term rentals to make sure they are in compliance with the city code.
Ricard wrapped up by thanking City Council members for their commitment to improving Bowling Green neighborhoods.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting:
- Utilities Director Brian O’Connell reported that three linemen from Bowling Green’s electric division traveled to Florida to help restore power to areas after the most recent hurricane. The linemen joined other municipal electric crews from the area to respond. They are expected to return to Bowling Green on Friday, O’Connell said.
- Council heard the first reading of a resolution, written by council member Bill Herald, showing support for Bowling Green City School District and the upcoming bond issue for a new high school on the November ballot.
- Mayor Mike Aspacher introduced BGSU women’s soccer coach Jimmy Walker as a guest at the meeting. During Walker’s four years at BGSU, the team has achieved on the field and in the classroom, the mayor noted. Walker invited the community to show up and support the soccer team on Sunday at 1 p.m., when they face Notre Dame. This will be the first time a No. 1 seeded team comes to BGSU, he said. “It’s going to be a tough one,” he added.
