[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6303946,"mediaKeyId","2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d","parentId",2469722,"title","Ironton council debates use of hotel tax for forgivable business loans and $61,000 for Christmas decorations; motion moves forward","audioSeconds",1635,"startMs",3618000,"endMs",5253000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d&start=3618&end=5253","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d/thumbnail_3618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303946/Ohio/Ironton-council-debates-use-of-hotel-tax-for-forgivable-business-loans-and-61000-for-Christmas-decorations-motion-moves-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303946-bc4854f709b431464ca31f95d8735ae6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657266&Signature=P5A0cOHYYV5xnQMfHU5IrZxPCw0sanf-zzbK3TYk-d3NB-WE3Xgc5ognWPs2jFYjZOpg51VqhpJ5RA62BcVTDqk6B6dJTwfdqUW5INJ-ZDcsG80Yx-m0T8irF7q-wpCNj8KpjW2gXLl5DAI5JiT2kioTW0jNF7ZHWHlc2EeROsc1u3XjwV4sRLP5smqVhL7R23boyrKZKA1g2etdNQuOQxEuN47x80s3crfOZsQndAxAmrOa08~o~17OPorbjHfm2BzuqjNraGzZ9BD6cj4Gm5H-jN05v1vsoqLZQR9c1VGe-bl4OTgW841wM9uuRACjM7u6xX24IHwVcQQ~VJS9VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Ironton, OH","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","Councilmembers debated an economic-development funding line and a $61,000 proposed allocation for municipal Christmas decorations during the Feb. 27 meeting.

Councilmember Chris said he opposed a $50,000 forgivable loan being disbursed unilaterally from the mayor’s office and argued larger forgivable awards should be subject to committee or council review; he suggested a revolving loan that required repayment so the fund could be reused. Other councilmembers and the mayor replied that the fund had been designed to be administered by the executive branch and that in the recent funding round the mayor’s office awarded grants averaging about $4,000 to multiple businesses, with some awards up to about $12,000.

On Christmas decorations, staff noted difficulty sourcing a tree and fixtures in recent years and said the $61,000 request was for an artificial tree and durable downtown display items that would be a longer-term investment and might attract winter visitors. Council members differed on whether community-development funds or the economic-development fund were the appropriate source; staff and council noted both funds are primarily supported by the hotel/motel excise tax and that Ohio Revised Code (ORC) language restricts some uses.

At the conclusion of debate councilmember Haney moved to advance the ordinance to adopt the operating budget for fiscal year 2025 (first reading with an emergency declaration noted in the agenda). The motion was seconded and a roll-call of aye votes was recorded; council members later said an amended budget may be presented and that some items will return for further consideration.

Ending: Council agreed to continue oversight and to have staff prepare any necessary amended budget language for a future meeting; members asked for follow-up reports on funded small businesses and a timetable for the decorations investment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Welcome to the Ironton City Coumcil Meeting, Thursday February 27, 2025!","oneSentenceSummary","Council members debated whether a $50,000 forgivable business loan (funded by hotel excise tax) should instead be structured as a repayable loan and discussed a proposed $61,000 allocation for long-term Christmas decorations. Council voted on the budget ordinance motion and recorded aye votes; staff said further amendments will be presented.","taxTitle","Ironton City Council, Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio","taxId",72171,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6303950,"Organizer outlines 'Thunder on the River' motorcycle rally for August, seeks city support and permissions",1287,2216000,3503000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d&start=2216&end=3503","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d/thumbnail_2216000.jpg","/articles/6303950/Ohio/Organizer-outlines-Thunder-on-the-River-motorcycle-rally-for-August-seeks-city-support-and-permissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303950-48f830b22469b484431ab5ef807b88ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657266&Signature=RR7eaKX9rJmB8sgD8YOAT39o23jaMxJRGAdpC4ildC606q612ObMtwxBf9Hcm57nW30o~sXiBNYx6YyiNeMfZqu6N1-EQrMl6H4pfn5q7TQAPkHN~CBLHN-Sut1FrmgAHby1wY8VMHLrV9s9hNgUuBfSJxguhp5lkiUvzY-Q-zZmfYECaveXJnIPPiUMsul3KdBjRsxCi6qSBturGVdDDlYmaLLPIRD8ET9MpfOHpU1cDy~jTcX2JMH2pTWQEPKAAFOC81wnQI5NdXH1N1VR0RBXO1YkNKc7LmRRGLMaYygJH~8b604uQ1I76~obYqrE7Ny1JXLw~iRvyNb7TkoC~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Donnie Roberts, identifying himself as the promoter of “Thunder on the River,” described plans for a multi-day motorcycle rally to the Ironton City Council on Feb. 27 and asked for the city’s logistical support, permits and coordination.

Roberts said he expects 20,000 to 40,000 attendees for an event he scheduled for Aug. 20–24 (as stated in the meeting) and emphasized vendor participation, a free-entry music stage, bike games, a bike show, mini-bike races and an affordable vendor fee structure; he said all proceeds will benefit two charities, including Folds of Honor.

Roberts said he is not requesting city money and plans to obtain a $1,000,000 insurance policy; he requested permission to use Molton's Field for bike games and discussed camping locations, including the old American Legion site. He said he is arranging security through private firms and off-duty officers and is in talks with county and local police for details.

Council members expressed support and offered to connect Roberts with county tourism and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and to help coordinate recruitment of local services; council suggested he follow up with city staff on logistics and permitting.

Ending: Roberts said he would continue planning with city staff, provide vendor lists (about 60 vendors already applied) and return with details; council members encouraged him to coordinate with law enforcement and local tourism officials.","Donnie Roberts presented plans for a multi-day motorcycle rally in August with vendors, camping, bike games and charitable proceeds; he said he is not seeking city funding but requested logistical support and permission to use public property.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6303955,"Thurden Center outlines 2025 arts, senior services and plan to renovate Bartram's Warehouse",399,981000,1380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d&start=981&end=1380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d/thumbnail_981000.jpg","/articles/6303955/Ohio/Thurden-Center-outlines-2025-arts-senior-services-and-plan-to-renovate-Bartrams-Warehouse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303955-8f0aaa6948900874ac4ea83057d7aafa/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657266&Signature=dfY-ZPw9OuDN1HmAMVTTrwtdV11JxQ1X4zuPQ6uLEdgUJHgls2p9boGPMQLYPMZ0~qborJ7O7vf9ytkSHB1qb5RN0lQmETUvy0KsC0QNFngrEOfxkFM5u~F7zv7xgdYPuitZCLncYbGHEVi6k9SRjxGc8EdNGv-PJwcgFmf3TBxNVs6Mz3lwC3C90WsJn1M~hcPLpHdbBBIjLaXSA7JtJw8c2vD5tebqso3e7ONkX8Kzrz2~gHbmhHWC2mBJsC2Wrx~qSKwplEL~sBaajqoKdecMH2mQRLe-IMdAk9uHtHW0eJkVFlHQC8CdgeR85cr21YQomPlC9-NxBtinJhyYmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amanda Cleary told the Ironton City Council on Feb. 27 that Thurden Center, a grassroots nonprofit founded in February 2019, is using arts programming and partnerships to support neighborhood revitalization in Ironton and the surrounding Appalachian River Region.

Cleary said Thurden Center provided 2,381 meals in 2024 through partnerships and a collaborative kitchen, hosted 40 community art opportunities and several community events including a riverfront mural installation and a Summer Solstice Music and Arts Festival. The group operates an Ironton Senior Center out of Park Avenue Apartments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and said it is seeking grants and partnerships to make senior lunches free (currently $4 per meal).

Cleary said Thurden Center purchased the Bartram's Warehouse on Eighth and Railroad Street last fall and plans to convert the building into a community center with art classrooms, remote-work space, an industrial kitchen, a small-business incubator and a potential emergency response staging area; she said the building requires extensive renovations and that immediate needs such as gutters and roof work will be prioritized.

Cleary described the group's 2025 schedule of events, including Trash Bash (April 26), Community Crosswalk (May), a youth fishing program in June and the Summer Solstice festival; she said the center funds its work through federal, state and local grants, foundation support, partnerships, fundraising and donations and offered 2025 partnership packets to council members.

Ending: Cleary offered to answer council questions and provide printed partnership materials; council members asked a few logistical questions about dates and permitted uses and thanked the nonprofit for its work.","Amanda Cleary, representing the Thurden Center, described 2024 programming, ongoing senior meal service and arts classes, and a 2024 purchase of Bartram's Warehouse that the nonprofit plans to renovate into a community center and small-business incubator.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6303960,"Residents press Ironton officials over alleged overcrowding, sewer and street erosion; city to issue citation",803,1398000,2201000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d&start=1398&end=2201","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469722-4af6b8ca5a2e6442471932bc16bfab2d/thumbnail_1398000.jpg","/articles/6303960/Ohio/Residents-press-Ironton-officials-over-alleged-overcrowding-sewer-and-street-erosion-city-to-issue-citation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303960-71bc5d2a58978e03376be6a6251a58d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773657266&Signature=i5TkOB68fhBMBji-JwZeldr1MOypFOO16Cq0sdpmosg7PRKOMe57H1AAQWW11sSVPQoFkWdwfT1Mj4JcJB~sAs4ABrxIae9mjI30FewYQ~lSldSAI9PMhxyjkZSL9q3Hs1ivfnKSFJTxIlKkJlqywpjvYU~PlsoSCZBPHuTnfqCBS9KaaYG05f7BLe-RatjI30KWPCTyoGRk6MyufCCdDVCN6bK-MgZWUXcgxL22ybsZDjojlJkndF7CeIbqWisWGPPE2O1h9gIN8nKPXWQPDfZnZzGG58Yef-xKVlo0mU6jVcPC44Lb-iMegGJW~0362BCMXGeGAx79ygFUTSvvlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents from a neighborhood near Third Street told the Ironton City Council on Feb. 27 that a nearby rental property appears to exceed zoning occupancy limits and is causing sewer problems that are eroding the street.

Multiple neighbors described long delays in enforcement and asked what penalties apply for zoning and code violations. One resident said prior promises to send a letter had not produced visible repairs and asked how long the city waits before taking stronger action.

Solicitor (identified in the meeting as Matt) told the council that the code enforcement officer must notify property owners in writing of violations and that, if the issue is not corrected, the city would need to seek a court injunction. Mayor Sam (identified by name in the meeting) and staff said they have been communicating with the property owner and their plumber but acknowledged that some matters are now litigated and therefore cannot be discussed in public.

City staff told residents a formal complaint was filed last Friday and said a violation notice would be issued the following day if the city could not confirm timely corrective action. Council members and staff said the timeline for remediation is handled on a case-by-case basis; the city noted that excavation and building permits typically allow work windows (permits referenced as valid for up to one year in the meeting).

Residents asked for clearer, documented timelines and for regular public updates; council members agreed to provide an update at the next regular meeting and reiterated that, where attorneys are involved, some communications are limited.

Ending: Council members recorded on the public record that a violation would be issued imminently and that staff would provide an update at the next council meeting.","Neighbors raised complaints about a house they say exceeds permitted occupancy and is causing sewer-related street erosion. City officials said a formal violation will be issued and that further action may involve attorney-to-attorney communications and potential litigation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ironton council debates use of hotel tax for forgivable business loans and $61,000 for Christmas decorations; motion moves forward

Organizer outlines 'Thunder on the River' motorcycle rally for August, seeks city support and permissions

Thurden Center outlines 2025 arts, senior services and plan to renovate Bartram's Warehouse

Residents press Ironton officials over alleged overcrowding, sewer and street erosion; city to issue citation