[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6313259,"mediaKeyId","2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc","parentId",2388544,"title","Council adopts temporary appropriations and confirms BZA appointment; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4898000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc&start=4898&end=4898","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc/thumbnail_4898000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6313259/Ohio/Council-adopts-temporary-appropriations-and-confirms-BZA-appointment-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313259-bf5a1db4d22bf51bca82ccf31649b5d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1774839195&Signature=R0kxbaE-ddhd~aePwV6OYR1UYaoNY~OmD28t3vwuBqd39lUZjAy5XNnjIngBajDjEdG1NrlPfBlm1HlPjY0QvoeOoHRCGieTaDCeIuW~C-HnYzaDZtsNZA2Iji4a1XsKrrNfIpzQNPbVOjFWTdwMt~T43fkH7fVnYvFiCiiRBxVL0JzzKtVmNv5gK2HQu10es-3H3qS-vUI7fQ-3zpCJRrMZ2SGZcbJ5Y51F7sJ2q6shDkSwZa6pfaP2tvHJ0TncqymEiui8M3edrHR7nwJwiV9ngpM5Ygq7VXMPuNSLmcJR~Kgrf1UpIS0kCfvBXjRAGhSvYuVcKt80pkrsUsGKJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village Council of Baltimore OH","date","2025-02-25T15:31:31Z","article","At its meeting, Baltimore Village council took two formal actions: it adopted a permanent appropriations ordinance on an emergency basis to allow immediate payment of obligations and it approved the mayor's appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

What the council approved
- Ordinance 2025-06 (Permanent annual appropriations for 02/2025, declared an emergency): Council adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote. The vote as recorded in the meeting transcript was in the affirmative for the members present; councilors cited the need to move appropriations to allow departments such as streets and water to continue operations and to pay bills. The motion was moved and seconded and then approved by roll call.

- Appointment to Board of Zoning Appeals: The mayor nominated Andy Rice to fill a vacancy on the BZA. Council took the nomination, a motion was made and the council approved the appointment by roll call. Andy Rice was described in discussion as having construction experience and living on Mill Street.

Votes and procedural notes
The transcript records roll-call voting for the appropriations ordinance and the appointment; speakers recorded “Yes” for the members present and both measures were approved. The meeting minutes show the council explicitly discussed the appropriations vote as necessary to address departmental spending needs.

Ending
No further ordinances were adopted at third reading and other ordinance items remain in committee or on first reading. The village will continue budget work and the appropriations action was described as an emergency measure to carry operations until further budget deliberation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 VOB Committee & Council Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Baltimore Village council voted to adopt a permanent appropriations ordinance on an emergency basis and approved a mayoral appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals; both items were approved by roll call.","taxTitle","Baltimore Village, Fairfield County, Ohio","taxId",75795,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313265,"Council debates developer green-space requirement or opt‑out fee to fund parks",424,748000,1172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc&start=748&end=1172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc/thumbnail_748000.jpg","/articles/6313265/Ohio/Council-debates-developer-green-space-requirement-or-optout-fee-to-fund-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313265-5436525d8b42175c7d63d6ca63fa9eb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1774839195&Signature=bQcA3s~Q~smTMyO4BAybziFZEwxwBUbqvD~HKMQ-HNP3Rf0whgOQqH-W4OeDEYbvBPNUXyhTF1InGN2REDHlpZ3H6fKVmTh3-6iclOA2MRZggqnF07y-3XvsPTRu5Adq3jL9cJKBL0eIXHcHL9c16SMUsRGcU4STR13GOLu5-KaK2MsMba7SsJqcSnujUneDd3aq8wehBrnwbsJeif3FLzyTQN3XU5nttz3Je6m5OIpAWOdLrwMqpZSQ08mCuTsIgNY2DZ5dTIPNsD4CP0Kv9nCPbr7BjW2N8Wu6Oo56lLERjmO4WQjoWpHW1K3bUwh7Tp2xVbmge22dgk3uEtl57g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Baltimore Village councilors discussed whether to require a minimum amount of green space in new developments or allow developers to opt out by paying a fee earmarked for parks, with staff and council asking how such a fund would be maintained and whether current ordinances already impose green‑space requirements.

Why it matters: Requiring green space or collecting an opt‑out fee could create a sustainable revenue source for parks maintenance and capital projects, but councilors noted the village must ensure any new fund is structured so it does not create an unfunded mandate for the general fund.

Discussion highlights
A council member proposed an ordinance that would require developers to set aside green space above a certain acreage or, alternatively, pay a one‑time fee to a parks fund that could be used for park improvements. The same councilor suggested the fee be proportional to development size so it aligns with the burden placed on village services.

Several councilors and staff cautioned about maintenance obligations. Staff explained that some village operations, like the pool, are treated as enterprise funds and must be self‑supporting; parks and special‑purpose funds may require general‑fund support if they cannot sustain themselves. One speaker noted that the village must verify whether existing development requirements already mandate green space in certain circumstances before drafting additional ordinance language.

Direction and next steps
Councilors agreed to have staff check the existing ordinance and return a proposal to the rules committee. One councilor said, “we can try to figure out what that would be” for a proportional fee and asked staff to send research to rules and to council before the next meeting. Staff signaled the need to determine whether a dedicated special‑revenue fund or an enterprise model would be appropriate based on projected revenue and maintenance costs.

Ending
No ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting; staff will research current code requirements, draft options for proportional fee or green‑space thresholds and forward the draft to the rules committee for consideration.","Councilors discussed an idea to require new developments to provide green space or pay a fee to a parks fund, considered enforcement and maintenance questions, and directed staff to research existing ordinances and forward the proposal to the rules committee.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313270,"Public hearing held on proposed Old Canal towpath trail; grant application eyed",1303,2793000,4096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc&start=2793&end=4096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc/thumbnail_2793000.jpg","/articles/6313270/Ohio/Public-hearing-held-on-proposed-Old-Canal-towpath-trail-grant-application-eyed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313270-3642c543c989e5c889b4d9f5bbafe1a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1774839195&Signature=KDzYpg1gFheDh8uyZIQyHQuOPLyTm3iHb3inolgOpxR8P4Rq7dS5WC2fWtfC2qZRQIpDkvCMs5mUD7szVqTnpXrSAfi8PVkpCcI1~CdfB2iMG2uICJT9WAMV123DqV8m-wMzpJ31ebfU2BYicIGOLk2zLHkJ2WtmXr551OO74M3NtFshby9sqb1bQ4WFXNuO-jCT90qlJYfCw7z0~5sIA~JLxYjlSF9Vi0y4iaW3bfn2DS7BpneWNLDMiz2LtRo0EIsUfVmohPAhSc0VAUvq7LceqwuxgD9-gyEFl0~R-eZ7FqxxSkTIYAIT-iSx9uXnFutiv6gwGbqRl8q-PlYFag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Baltimore Village held a public hearing on a proposed walking and biking trail along the Old Canal towpath and collected comments as staff prepares a grant application.

Village Administrator Brian Bibler outlined a multi‑phase vision to develop an approximately two-mile canal towpath into a paved trail connecting the center of town (opposite the police station) south past Bibler/Bivore Lock and Smack Park to Leonard Road. Bibler said the village has identified phase 1—roughly a mile in length— as an initial target for upcoming Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) grants and that the village would later pursue bridge connections and extensions as additional phases.

Why it matters: The project would create a local walking and bicycling connection, could tie into county active‑transportation plans and would rely on state grant funding to cover construction; residents asked about safety, hunting near private property, maintenance and long‑term upkeep.

Project details presented
Staff described phase 1 as a 5-to-6-foot-wide asphalt trail roughly one mile long with wayfinding signage and a small trailhead and parking area at the bottom of Basil Street with approximately five spaces, including one accessible space. Future phases described in the presentation included a pedestrian bridge to connect to Smack Park and an extension to Leonard Road.

Funding and schedule
Bibler listed two ODNR funding programs being considered (the Recreational Trails Program and the Clean Ohio Trail Fund) and said one grant can award up to about $500,000 and the other up to about $150,000. He said the current grant application round is due in March (staff referenced a mid‑March submission date) and that, if funded, construction would most likely occur in 2026; review decisions for the grant cycle were described as unlikely before October.

Public comments and concerns
Residents at the hearing offered both support and caution. One resident asked how the village would keep pedestrians and bicyclists from trespassing on private property and expressed worry about hunters and stray bullets near properties adjoining the towpath. The resident asked whether fencing or other barriers were planned. Bibler said the hearing was informational and that staff would record and consider those concerns while preparing the application.

Other commenters praised similar trails in nearby counties and said such paths are generally well used and maintained; Dan Rochon, who spoke at the hearing, suggested incorporating historical signage about the canal along the route. Staff confirmed letters of support are part of the grant packet and that the village’s countywide active‑transportation study alignment strengthens the application.

Next steps
Bibler said the village will prepare a resolution for the next council meeting authorizing staff to submit an ODNR grant application. He asked for public input and suggested the village publish questions and a short online survey to widen community feedback ahead of the March application deadline.

Ending
No funding was approved at the hearing; the council will consider a resolution authorizing the grant submission at its next meeting. Staff asked residents to provide additional comments via the village website or social media to inform the application.","Village Administrator Brian Bibler presented a multi-phase plan to convert the Old Canal towpath into a walking and biking trail; residents raised safety, hunting and maintenance concerns and staff said an ODNR grant application is planned with a March submission deadline.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6313274,"Council raises alarm over rising unaccounted-for water, seeks operator briefing",130,205000,335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc&start=205&end=335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2388544-d1de3b5d9f348d80badb04e9f3263fbc/thumbnail_205000.jpg","/articles/6313274/Ohio/Council-raises-alarm-over-rising-unaccounted-for-water-seeks-operator-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313274-f19c8b28b01f506f65a12f91f4309d2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1774839195&Signature=H9Ww~WEKBL8~ghbMayv8LfgcvziFjR0DVnZO75~PhWYeG4vcGSJVPPPuTO3J~e1sv3VOPHVLq8LGDnkClraajJapKIEdEN7Ab-u4iMrlv7wtMi7KNxXZHf2tRHr7xsCsFcDvvGHIw3VoaWWC8mEN9~9R1GxjjfxTz0L4FXYk6v66Rw9AYe-cFABFfiXFL6~1Jg5-rrieMGOvjBee~Urad9pcLvfJuzk~4DZ3DAPH9MN2C6psycmaA8yniYDWZsTxu0s4Z2kJBYteuXziOTdFQNKqvWDgvcuxMfVJE~-7~Eh8--JN45G6UbNK~OGcoKQE2a4pl9n4fGnGyILQy-xDcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Baltimore Village councilors discussed growing water loss, repair priorities and financing during their regular meeting, and asked staff to bring the village water operator to the next service meeting to answer detailed questions.

Council members said unaccounted-for water and repair backlogs have grown over several years, and staff reported they are pursuing grants and low-interest loans while negotiating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on infiltration and inflow (I&I) compliance. Village Administrator Brian Bibler said the village is preparing plans and has submitted a most recent recommendation to the EPA as part of an ongoing negotiation process.

Why it matters: A rising gap between water produced and billed can signal leaks, meter failure or other system loss that can drive up operational costs and require major capital investments. Councilors pressed for clearer data and a direct briefing from the operator before the next service meeting.

Council discussion and details
Councilors recounted multi-year increases in billed water-related liabilities: five years ago the figure discussed was about $1,000,000; January 2024 figures were cited around $2,100,000 and January of the current year about $3,500,000, according to remarks during the meeting. A council member said, “we're really moving in the wrong direction here, and I'm really getting more and more alarmed about” (transcript). Staff noted some meters do not report and that meter performance and I&I are major drivers of the disparity between water leaving the plant and water appearing on customer bills.

Staff reported they received an estimate “pretty good” for new wells and related work, and that preliminary pricing for working wells “was the prices for $1,000,000,” according to remarks recorded at the meeting. That estimate is described as preliminary; staff said they would circulate the estimate after consulting the water team.

Wastewater and interagency work
On wastewater, staff said operations continue with routine sampling and reporting to EPA; a memorandum of understanding with a third-party (Greif) remains under legal review at that company. Jimmy Hickle of Greif was identified in the meeting as a contact whose organization’s legal review is ongoing.

Requests and next steps
Councilors asked that Scott, the village water operator named during the meeting, attend the next service committee meeting to present historical production-and-billing data and answer technical questions about identified loss areas. The meeting record notes staff direction to request the operator’s appearance and to continue pursuing grants or loans (including 0% or low-interest possibilities) to fund water-line and treatment-plant work.

Clarifying details from the meeting
- Preliminary estimate for new wells: approximately $1,000,000 (staff described the pricing as “for working wells”).
- Reported billed/liability figures mentioned in council remarks: ~ $1,000,000 (five years ago); ~ $2,100,000 (Jan. 2024); ~ $3,500,000 (Jan. current year). Councilors characterized these as cause for concern.
- Operational issues flagged: nonreporting meters; an identified section with high loss (a small-diameter pipe was singled out in discussion).
- EPA engagement: staff said the village has submitted a most recent plan and is negotiating with EPA on I&I compliance; they described the village as “a lot more in compliance than we have” historically.

Ending
Councilors did not approve any immediate capital spending at the meeting; they directed staff to schedule the water operator for the next service meeting, to circulate the new-well estimate to council, and to continue pursuing grant and loan funding options while the village negotiates with EPA.","Baltimore Village councilors heard that unaccounted-for water has grown over several years, discussed $1 million well estimates and EPA negotiation on I&I compliance, and asked staff to bring the water operator to the next service meeting for detailed answers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts temporary appropriations and confirms BZA appointment; votes at a glance

Council debates developer green-space requirement or opt‑out fee to fund parks

Public hearing held on proposed Old Canal towpath trail; grant application eyed

Council raises alarm over rising unaccounted-for water, seeks operator briefing