By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green parks and recreation officials want help from citizens this year. First, they want citizen input on a master plan update, and then they want citizen votes on a levy in November.
Kristin Otley, director of the parks and recreation department, told city council earlier this week that the parks are on the third year of a three-year levy. That means the city will be working to put a levy on the November ballot. The levy amount has not been determined, but Otley explained the department’s levy amount has not changed in 16 years.
The parks and programming, however, have changed greatly, she added.
“There is a lot more acreage and facilities, and things to take care of,” Otley said.
Otley also informed council that the parks and recreation department will be working to update its master plan this year. The plan will cover the next five years. Five or six community focus group meetings will be scheduled to get public input on the parks and programming.
Also at Tuesday’s council meeting, Planning Director Heather Sayler reported that zoning permits have remained steady in the city, with 364 in 2014, and 370 in 2015. A small increase was seen in single family housing starts, with 19 in 2014 and 26 in 2015.
Sayler announced the Wood County Health District inspectors will start the housing survey in the city in early spring.
Council also heard about an annexation request for 31 acres at the northeast corner of Haskins and Newton roads, across from the city’s community center. A request has been submitted to change the zoning for the property to institutional to allow for an assisted living facility to be built. According to the request, submitted by HCF Realty of Bowling Green, the new facility would consolidate existing buildings at 1021 and 850 West Poe Road.
In other business, Utilities Director Brian O’Connell reported that Bowling Green will be ready to supply water to the village of Waterville by July or August.
Also at the meeting, Tom Clemons, director of the Wood County Alcohol, Drugs and Mental Health Services Board, presented plaques for Police Chief Tony Hetrick, along with officers Noel Crawford, Jeremy Lauer and Ray Baer for their efforts handling a person with mental health issues. The officers treated the person with respect, and kept a situation from becoming violent, Clemons said.
Clemons also presented a plaque to Fire Chief Tom Sanderson for his efforts in helping to resolve issues for a person struggling with mental health problems.
