[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6638279,"mediaKeyId","2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683","parentId",2571599,"title","Resident raises concerns about candidate residency verification and election records","audioSeconds",215,"startMs",88000,"endMs",303000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683&start=88&end=303","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683/thumbnail_88000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6638279/Ohio/Resident-raises-concerns-about-candidate-residency-verification-and-election-records","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638279-f31fa0cc2a3f1fc3bd8cf5a425649062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150583&Signature=jD1BVAI1XR1ethXOdztrZcbA2jO5~CPxC5EMDrpvjqMBPASSzo7WRo~KKR2yGq4I8JetJKDwh5c4nEZ-4p782oqvgwoM6qm4np3OCwNtYxkUciKwIVLspl3nKdg8WF44FAsaCJB6nHR5F3BQhwFFae963NeqVSBjKyyZ8M6ydT1oSx~~xH0Jzk-TfgJSGI8pSlvrJzNvW~3LhgqF8t9OC4B9cMGmJafnCLSRqLMQmy5FEdjuEgsXp-5WJ~hj6OgEY5ZI8Ah01k-EwVvmxKY7zeOcCo-ZygB-bR5IQoEA67EVLXJQe9N5dHZpAEP2vR5PK7b1CBay8gTPH3jvImN7vQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lima","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","During the public-comment period at the March 10 Lima City Council meeting, Dave Smith of 515 Ashwood Avenue addressed council members about changes to the city code concerning candidate residency and the process for review by election authorities.

\"I first want to thank you for allowing me privilege of the floor to address the changes to the city code concerning residency of candidates,\" Smith said, then summarized his review of the code and the role he says the Allen County Board of Elections and state agencies play in verifying candidate addresses.

Smith referenced Lima City Code Chapter 209 and the Ohio Revised Code when describing the criteria used to verify residency. He said the code references driver's license, voter registration, federal, state and city income tax records and at least two of the following: the person's mailing address, the address where they own or rent, or location of real estate for which the individual claimed a property tax exemption or reduction.

Smith described a specific contest from a recent election in which, he said, at least two candidates likely did not meet residency requirements and one candidate later went to prison. He said the Board of Elections review of one candidate relied on a Pennsylvania driver’s license, that the board did not copy evidence presented at its review and that a court reporter who was asked to make a transcript refused to provide a copy. He said the candidate had a long history of absentee voting and did not have an Ohio driver’s license; the candidate allegedly used only a partial Social Security number for identification.

Smith said he had requested records from the Allen County Board of Elections and had inquired with local and state auditors about whether Ohio income taxes had been paid; he said the auditors would not provide comment and that the Ohio BMV had said the matter was tied to litigation and could not be discussed.

\"I thought you may have some interest in this,\" Smith said as he closed his remarks. The council did not take formal action during the meeting in response to Smith’s remarks; the clerk returned to the agenda after the public comment period concluded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lima - City Council Regular Meeting (trimmed) - Mar 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, resident Dave Smith urged Lima City Council to examine code language on candidate residency and described difficulties obtaining records from the Allen County Board of Elections; he cited instances of a candidate using a Pennsylvania driver’s license and absentee voting and said the Board did not provide copies of evidence.","taxTitle","Lima City Council, Lima, Allen County, Ohio","taxId",69002,"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},6638283,"Parks director reports winter maintenance and youth basketball season drew large participation",344,808000,1152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683&start=808&end=1152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683/thumbnail_808000.jpg","/articles/6638283/Ohio/Parks-director-reports-winter-maintenance-and-youth-basketball-season-drew-large-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638283-e2976283c386f187bb5e99a573f2e8a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150583&Signature=Ixuisaa5rYYqWbJxjtgpxMHEGyW1Np01Z3OVHjSpBPrVOQ7RBbi-uaCfSYjlHFtzfZUMMlIge3~6GkBqYyAIW~EtCeXdrNnp8zBOzQ3dJE0mEeMIKutDmWE9l02V53vwf16hKYO7bc4IA3WHyEK1pS8z9gBbaK5DXrbVzShh9mz9LM5AJjezZGaKeL~ImN1~p0--9vutSc~XLLuHhUxTpsD9VRT248fLJMsbhQU3NmeWk18e9S-8v4cj-Vw-QQ07ObfIWJTCd6HWon8p04ReJwMRXagPLkM0Z4fMca98ERIv4PnnjVoLLfuAvBhn9Pg2yPfAmXqTUymouoCYJsUGcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rick Staley, speaking for the parks and recreation division, gave a winter wrap-up to Lima City Council describing maintenance work, facility repairs and the youth basketball season.

Staley said crews focused on leaf mulching, tree pruning along the river walk, ice management and indoor building maintenance during the off season. Staff also prepared quotes for spring and summer projects and built roughly 30–32 picnic tables for distribution across city parks.

On programming, Staley reported an active youth basketball season: \"we played 13 dates wrapped up the whole tournament which wrapped up February 22,\" and said the league included about 70 teams and approximately 700 youth with more than 130 coaches. He described approximately 300 games and said Saturdays often involved more than 1,000 people when accounting for players, coaches and spectators.

Staley credited cooperation with the city administration, council and staff for staging the program and said the department is preparing for summer activities including playground programs, youth baseball and softball, adult softball and volleyball.

No formal council action was required for the report; Staley invited questions and thanked council for its support.","Rick Staley reported to council on park maintenance, river walk work, new picnic tables and a large youth basketball season involving roughly 70 teams and about 700 youth participants, generating heavy weekend attendance.",{"_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},6638289,"Visit Greater Lima reports 2024 gains, awards destination grants and expands retail storefront",303,489000,792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683&start=489&end=792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683/thumbnail_489000.jpg","/articles/6638289/Ohio/Visit-Greater-Lima-reports-2024-gains-awards-destination-grants-and-expands-retail-storefront","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638289-9261c10d67fccdf6f7a4bbc78ad4d45d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150583&Signature=WUIB2y2zB1hw4xPeopbGTUBA-q9isO7IPSjEJHEd8QgyRLCrnq7yinTTkUvHanp9CIpDkPUPRTfYCIC9Rf5JUALjIBq7w5k~cdWKpWfMKfKsCwhilv9jPeXlqOlyNpoh7jhZVAqE6H1sA1aXJ7I18sCjPCv556nlaKvFJP0l7S2lcu~BojiZW9RQhDc~rBGIrob6os11bv1ltNUbF~5GDKsffAXQxzoQ9chpM~2pYN9UihXVEo8Pd35siU8iMFj-Cq~svn5etVq~pGDTxVjKj3Y6CYNb5wh0mX5HgmvzmaSRKy8u~TiwYbQ4hML9djdW7xDGtNfOBpUuKzKRZHa6eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Betsy Billingsley, representing Visit Greater Lima, presented the organization’s 2024 annual report to Lima City Council, highlighting tourism marketing, grant awards and staffing changes.

Billingsley credited outgoing and long-serving staff — Christine Pleva, who retired in May after 23 years, and Sherry Reeling Brenneman, who retired after 38 years — and introduced new hires and team members including Jessica Logan (sales event coordinator), Jessica Lammers and Tina Kester. She described a new retail storefront branded “Greetings From Lima” that sells apparel and merchandise; proceeds fund Visit Greater Lima’s destination development grants.

On outreach and events, Billingsley said the agency distributed more than 7,000 eclipse glasses to hotels, the fairgrounds and walk-in visitors during last year’s eclipse; remaining glasses were sent to Lima, Peru, which will host an eclipse next year. She reported that hotels performed well during the event and called the logistics “smooth.”

Visit Greater Lima awarded nine destination development grants to local nonprofits in Allen County totaling about $67,000. The group also issued two “first-timer” grants (for the Soar Women’s Convention at In Faith Ministries and the Lima Music Festival) and two retention grants for recurring events including motorcycle races and Max’s Trader Days.

“We distributed over 7,000 glasses to the hotels, the fairgrounds, anybody that walked in,” Billingsley said. She also reported a 119% increase in tracked return on investment across print, digital and social campaigns, crediting the marketing manager and the organization’s targeted advertising in neighboring states.

Billingsley said Visit Greater Lima’s geo-caching trail continued to attract visitors from multiple states and that the organization plans to expand efforts to reach meeting planners and larger conferences. She invited council members to follow up with questions and offered to provide additional numbers in a separate meeting.

No vote was required for the report; the presentation was entered into the meeting record.","Visit Greater Lima presented its 2024 annual report, citing tourism marketing campaigns, distribution of eclipse glasses, nine destination development grants totaling roughly $67,000 and the launch of an online/in-office storefront to support destination development grants.",{"_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},6638293,"Lima City Council advances broad slate of ordinances, contracts and appointments on first reading",1015,1339000,2354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683&start=1339&end=2354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683/thumbnail_1339000.jpg","/articles/6638293/Ohio/Lima-City-Council-advances-broad-slate-of-ordinances-contracts-and-appointments-on-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638293-4d0a122beeada34554bda2a0e4c4b582/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150583&Signature=RYKJsS2I091MpCzR4t5Pp9HRCaOeHmPY6JQ8egEfai~vk5qAN0eem4GUFUQi15p-LlXGJ8qAlZCRGb3YZmnyUTL~1CxdWo3It5Wx6QE57QayClYWbC-iv6IxGiVW6AXdllfuW5zGxefvtI1rDSQprL0FJgDg3-n63vjKT~m8KZvK2U9zzPYh5uRj6Z4cEyrU9d1394Yr5g0P64cTyyZG-kcAf59biTNBc1vfF96l-kBa67CsHzZdjtAugWZFkAK05qvm~QUqWMK1vfw35AnlnkK-5Hfk4zyPG0h-PZHFb7uw81pT24zK4L6K3KSNmNkvcV6bkheMeHJPDJoCQHS8tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lima City Council on March 10 moved a large group of ordinances through their first reading and handled several communications from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, along with board and commission appointments.

The council approved ordinances authorizing contracts for copiers, utilities and water treatment projects, vehicle bids, amendments to existing contracts, budget adjustments and multiple board appointments. Most ordinances passed on first reading by roll call votes of 8-0. One ordinance, 72-25, recorded an abstention by Councilor Wilkerson during roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from other council members.

Communications from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control were also addressed. Communication 1 (a liquor permit for Winning Spots Sports Lounge LLC, 692 South Main Street) was moved to second reading and the law director was authorized to request a 30-day extension from the Division of Liquor Control to determine if there will be an objection. Communication 2 (a liquor permit application for Veterans Memorial Civic Center, 128 East Spring Street) was filed with no objection and the clerk was authorized to notify the state liquor board.

A vocal-voice resolution recognizing the Lima Sharks for winning a state basketball championship also passed by voice vote during miscellaneous business.

The following is a concise list of ordinances and actions reported during the meeting (all results are first-reading outcomes unless otherwise noted):

- Ordinance 56-25: Amendment to the 2025 annual budget — passed first reading (roll call: 8-0).
- Ordinance 57-25: Lease and maintenance of seven copiers with Perry ProTech Inc. and Konica Minolta — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 58-25: Contract for sports facilities management (Lima Aquatic Center) — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 59-25: Transfer of up to six WatchGuard body-worn cameras to Fort Jennings Police Department — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 60-25: Contract with CDM Smith Inc. for utilities department — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 61-25: Contract with Harper Industries LLC for the water treatment plant — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 62-25: Amendment to contract with Altera Inc. as authorized under Ordinance 31-25 — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 63-25: Advertise for bids and contract for a truck for field services (Utilities) — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 64-25: Amend contract with New Lima Housing for the Future Inc. (as authorized under prior ordinance) — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 65-25: (description not specified in the transcript) — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 66-25: Temporarily extend hours of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area established by Ordinance 83-21 — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 67-25: Confirm appointment of Doug Daley to the Board of Adjustment — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 68-25: Confirm appointment of Grant Sullivan to the Board of Adjustment — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 69-25: Confirm appointment of Michael Lee to the Board of Adjustment — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 70-25: Confirm appointment of Daisy Jones to the Board of Adjustment — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 71-25: Confirm appointment of Bailey Joseph to the Board of Adjustment — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 72-25: Confirm appointment of Alicia Anderson to the City review role (text in transcript: \"city of Lima, Texas and every view council\") — roll call recorded an abstention by Councilor Wilkerson; other councilors recorded aye votes.
- Ordinance 73-25: Confirm appointment of Sally Wendell to the Design Review Board — passed first reading (8-0).
- Ordinance 74-25: Confirm appointment of Evelyn Smith to the Urban Forest Council — passed first reading (8-0).

Most items were moved with a simple motion and second and then approved by roll call; where additional discussion occurred it was noted in the meeting minutes and will appear in future agenda materials if substantive contract terms require follow-up or final approval on later readings.","At its March 10 meeting the Lima City Council approved a series of first-reading ordinances authorizing contracts, transfers and appointments and took procedural action on liquor permit communications; most measures passed unanimously on first reading.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6638298,"Council advances contract to hire private operator for new Lima Aquatic Center",325,1409000,1734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683&start=1409&end=1734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2571599-90592eaec3d9a9e56e78f39556380683/thumbnail_1409000.jpg","/articles/6638298/Ohio/Council-advances-contract-to-hire-private-operator-for-new-Lima-Aquatic-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638298-bc4c16184829a468daa5b61821cc2d6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150583&Signature=irq3v-VQSsnThNowaYSXB3T9tJe4iYbWUQaNmwCG3JWfF9S~2-2I3-5NWVyqp7NHEcR6vPbBcYMzYywOn-fnlivJ8S6~qR2mU98oSXMb4-6QOTJcOxHzE-nyLk0~5N1rgjzeE8vOwvJZG-5rTf8iDsyp0yd-bvK5qN7hZ7o03HnIIPLxV5JjhopY3tR12bzUHZM3A3PhJkI1o5NKSr9DSzaUTN4Vifd8OPjK1LwsE3ACErNhlAUdBorH5-A-MW-ML87SVu-ercDFwc3PUS4lPeYtdrR~9KwLGzih7D7L9bd-~bX7UKukXSRMd2nIJbrNtObERIIJLanhozdQ5022Aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lima City Council on March 10 passed on its first reading Ordinance 58-25, authorizing the mayor to enter a contract with Sports Facilities Management LLC to operate the new Lima Aquatic Center.

The measure drew extended questioning from council members during a presentation by Eric McCafferty of Sports Facilities Companies, who described how the company staffs and operates similar venues. The discussion focused on local hiring, how the company integrates with the community and who will set admission fees.

“Typically, we do a national search for that, but also it’s up to you guys at the end of the day who that person is,” said Eric McCafferty, introducing the company’s proposed management structure and saying a general manager would be on site. McCafferty said the company expects to recruit most day-to-day, part-time staff from the local area and provide routine training and advancement opportunities: “the vast majority of that, and then routine training programs to help them grow and flourish.”

Councilor Carla Thompson pressed about admission prices, noting the council and administration have emphasized affordability. “Has that been determined yet?” Thompson asked. McCafferty replied, “We have not finalized … but again, we work on your guys’ behalf. So we’re gonna establish those rates together. It’s collaborative.”

The ordinance passed its first reading on an 8-0 vote. The clerk completed a roll call after the presentation; Councilors Jones, Glenn, Nipper, Dixon, Gordon, Wilkerson, Thompson and Jordan recorded aye votes.

The company said it is based in Clearwater, Florida, and currently operates venues nationwide; McCafferty noted the organization runs about 78 facilities and that local staff and grassroots outreach would be central to programming and recruitment. He also described internal career paths for staff who take on larger roles within the company.

Next steps in the process, as described during the meeting, are completion of contract language by the law director and final approvals required for the contract to take effect. The clerk’s roll call and the first-reading vote mean the ordinance moves toward subsequent readings and contract finalization.","Lima City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a contract with Sports Facilities Management LLC to operate the new Lima Aquatic Center; council members pressed the company on local hiring, community outreach and admission pricing, which the company said would be set collaboratively.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident raises concerns about candidate residency verification and election records

Parks director reports winter maintenance and youth basketball season drew large participation

Visit Greater Lima reports 2024 gains, awards destination grants and expands retail storefront

Lima City Council advances broad slate of ordinances, contracts and appointments on first reading

Council advances contract to hire private operator for new Lima Aquatic Center