After Debate, Council Okays Zoning Changes

Archbold Village Council approved changes in the village zoning laws, including the controversial section about trees, bushes, and shrubs used for live screening.

Brad Grime, councilman, had expressed concern over the wording of the zoning law in connection with screening. Originally, the ordinance limited live screening to six feet.

Councilmen changed the ordinance at the Nov. 7 meeting, removing the height restriction, but calling for live screening to be maintained. The village zoning inspector is responsible for judging whether screening is maintained, and those who object to the inspector's ruling can appeal.

Grime said he approved of the new wording.

"It gives someone who could have a potential problem an avenue to follow, and it gives the zoning inspector the authority," he said.

In addition to the wording, at the Nov. 7 meeting, Grime objected to the way village officials set about changing the ordinances, saying the questions should have gone to the ordinance and resolution committee.

The proposed changes were discussed in a joint meeting of the zoning board of appeals and Archbold Planning Commission.

Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said village officials were following precedent.

Changed

The five portions of the zoning ordinance changes involved:

•Changing the rules for fencing, allowing six-foot fences and live screening of any height.

•Regulating the use of outdoor wood-burning stoves or furnaces.

•Allowing the village to clean up litter or trash from properties and bill the property owners.

•Changing earlier zoning regulations in regard to churches. The new zoning law makes churches a special use in a residential zoning area, but an allowed use in a special, or S-1 zoned area.

•Exempting inflatable swimming pools from the village fencing requirements.

The new zoning regulations take effect in 30 days, starting from Monday.

Transfer

Council approved the transfer of $200,000 from the village income tax fund to the street maintenance fund. Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, said the money is for ongoing operations.

Council also approved the final change order for the last Woodland Park contract. The change order increased the cost by $2,118.97, bringing the final total price to $855,473.20.

Kevin Morton, councilman and Park Board liaison, said more trees have been planted in the park, and work is underway on additional landscaping.

Howell said the change represents adjustments in the fi- nal quantities of construction materials.

Council also reviewed two letters. One, from Ohio Gas, announced the cost of natural gas rose 1.9 cents per 100 cubic feet.

The second was from Time Warner, announcing that rates for cable television, high-speed Internet service, and local phone service will increase.

The final action to annex about three acres of property into the village limits was approved.

The move adds property to a home at 416 West Lutz Road. The home is owned by a trust, administered by Karen Conners and Sara Emmons.

Council also approved the police and fire reports.

Signs

Kenny Cowell, councilman, said he received a complaint about temporary signs on sidewalks.

The matter was referred to Carma Grime, zoning inspector.

Ed Leininger, councilman, was absent; Kevin Eicher, councilman-elect, attended the meeting.

Next council meeting is 7 pm, Monday, Dec. 17, in council chambers. - David Pugh