President John Nixon passed the gavel Monday evening to Sixth Ward Council Member Jamie Dixon, who will soon take the seat as council president.
Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
LIMA — The Lima City Council met for its final meeting of the year on Monday evening. The council addressed the landlord registry, selected a contract for the Better Together Program’s demolition and approved two new art programs.
On Nov. 20, the registry was placed on a second reading. According to the ordinance, the goal is to create a list of landlords to ensure communication and aid in regulating the properties. After a 7-1 vote, the council decided to place the landlord registry on third reading as amended. The members did vote to change some language, including how the registry defines an uninhabitable property for residents to live in. The council also discussed how many properties (from one landlord) would be inspected if one complaint was filed.
“We want to get these properties up to safety,” Third Ward council member Carla Thompson said. “After explaining this to some landlords, they were okay with that. We explained if someone does come to inspect your place they just want to make sure there is sewage or that the front door locks. We also want to make sure the toilet flushes and the roof does not leak.”
An ordinance was also approved for the mayor to enter into a contract with Ben’s Construction, Inc. for the Better Together Demolition. According to the communication letter, the city plans to demolish properties on its current demolition list. The city has also allocated $1.5 million toward the plan and utilized $435,000.
The Lima Presents program and the Lima Creates program were officially approved by the city council on Monday evening. The grants afford artists a chance to expand their capacity to create. The program was announced on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the mayor’s press conference.
The council also approved several new board appointments. Becky Pescosolido and Christine Shearer were appointed to the Historic Preservation Board. Lelah Johnson and Mike Flynn were appointed to the Design Review Board. Rob Nelson was appointed to the Regional Planning Commission. Kim Parks and Janis Sunderhausn were appointed to the Board of Building Appeals.
Council approved resolutions to honor the retirements of Phil Thomas and President John Nixon. Sixth Ward Council Member Jamie Dixon will step up as the next president of the Lima City Council.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
