Council met Monday evening to approve a resolution against issue one and Mayor Sharetta Smith gave a review of Quarter two.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — In just a couple of weeks, Ohioans will vote on what they believe it takes to amend the state Constitution.
Lima councilors introduced a resolution Monday in opposition to Issue 1, which will raise the threshold for future constitutional amendments to pass from a simple majority of 50% plus one to a 60% supermajority if approved by voters in a special election on Aug. 8.
“For over a century, Ohioans enjoyed the constitutional right to amend the Ohio Constitution by a simple majority vote of the people,” Third Ward Council member Carla Thompson said. “This is something that’s been our method. It’s really the closest thing you have to democratic voting or democratic rules. We are the voice of the people with a simple majority.”
Council President John Nixon and 7th Ward councilor Jon Neeper opposed the resolution, which failed on its first reading Monday by a vote of 5-2 with Second Ward councilor Tony Wilkerson absent.
Resolutions require a two-thirds majority of the Lima council to pass on first and second reading.
The resolution, introduced by Wilkerson at the previous council meeting, will return before council on Aug. 7, one day before Ohioans will decide Issue 1.
“The Constitution, like our charter, like the U.S. Constitution is the framework for the government to operate,” Nixon said. “It should be amended carefully and thoughtfully, not for light and transient causes.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith provided a midyear review for the year. Smith gave an update on each department in the city and noted a 10% increase in income tax revenue.
“What I report here today is not just the work of the mayor’s office but the work of all seven departments and city employees who work toward the goal of making Lima, Ohio a great place to live and work,” Smith said.
In other business, the council passed an ordinance to change 1608 W. Spring St. from a class I residential to a class III residential. The parcel was formerly used for Roosevelt Elementary School. The property is being remodeled to become an apartment complex.
“This was a critical step in the process of getting that project to move forward,” Fourth Ward Council member Peggy Ehora said. “They already started the process of renovating the building but they needed it to be rezoned to occupy it. It is exciting.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
