[{"_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":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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6075166,"mediaKeyId","2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c","parentId",2980002,"title","Debate over sale of 74 Groveland Street focuses on church parking, public process and OCIC option","audioSeconds",243,"startMs",1106000,"endMs",1349000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c&start=1106&end=1349","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c/thumbnail_1106000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075166/Oberlin/Lorain-County/Ohio/Debate-over-sale-of-74-Groveland-Street-focuses-on-church-parking-public-process-and-OCIC-option","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075166-e0a914ae37475682020fca04e8e312b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147465&Signature=T4r9b3rlUeYVeyi1VtO2StA4zycMcfVigOL8ag6iV8NO8vBMUYz-pxR~8KWk4qjZkD8TA9~dU5rw~M0nop4wiLf3g16nRoUNh7LrgjYHCI3l-yRu567SNq2j2AcDU7J3lCherdR39Fo4l010tTirkb5qXTjFm3P3Claa54bryB33yt6OlYRO8aSXJrYpjVX~5kWPT5uMi3t~xKWoYxh6YBnYIkgub7e5nDFxzWAnkj6LGE3bTLfCCEkGya-vw~TB6zRkkAQZ1XnXVtwAjhmLRWInhyHvY91dC1oSqNnKlTFzRHcFj9H0Co6twV0i9gAelAyKNfqYpf9j32H2ymbxUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Oberlin OH ","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","The Oberlin City Council considered Ordinance 25‑07, which would declare real property at 74 Groveland Street surplus and authorize the city manager to sell it by competitive sealed bid, but the council did not approve the ordinance on first reading after extended public comment and discussion of alternatives.

The ordinance, as read into the record by the clerk, authorized sale by competitive sealed bid with a minimum acceptable bid of $20,000; conveyance by quitclaim deed “as is;” advertising requirements and retention of the city’s right to reject any and all bids. The ordinance also directed that notice be posted and the sale be prepared by the city law director.

Pastor Albert Miller and others representing the Oberlin House of the Lord Fellowship said they had requested donation of the parcel in August 2023 to use as church parking and had not received a formal city response. Miller read a letter from Phyllis Sharber Hogan saying the church had not received any reply to its request for donation and urged the council to pursue a cooperative resolution so the church could obtain parking.

Councilmembers discussed options for progressing the issue. English proposed postponing action until after a public hearing or another resolution that considered the interests of all parties; others suggested a meeting of the city manager or administrative staff with the interested parties or routing the matter to the Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation (OCIC) because OCIC’s mission includes land transfers. OCIC representatives in the audience (including Tyrone Wicks, identified in the transcript as OCIC vice chair) said OCIC meetings are public and could provide a forum for broader discussion. Neighbor Edward Dobis urged involvement of the planning commission and OCIC and requested that neighborhood stakeholders be included.

Councilmember McFarland asked about the legal process for transferring property to OCIC; the law director said he would prepare necessary materials for the next meeting if council wanted to pursue that direction. Council discussed that a smaller meeting including several council members could risk creating a quorum issue and that a public hearing would avoid that concern.

When council took the recorded vote on the motion before it (the motion to approve Ordinance 25‑07 on first reading), the roll call recorded no affirmative votes: English—No; Lopez—No; Peterson—No; Walter—No; New—No; McFarland—Nay; Johnson—Nay. The motion to approve on first reading failed. Council directed staff to prepare next steps, and members recommended OCIC and the planning commission as avenues to convene interested parties and work toward a resolution; the law director said he would prepare materials for the next meeting to facilitate whatever route council directs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oberlin OH, Regular City Council Meeting Feb 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Oberlin City Council considered Ordinance 25‑07 to declare 74 Groveland Street surplus and authorize a competitive sealed-bid sale, but the motion to approve the ordinance on first reading failed after public testimony from church representatives and discussion of alternative routes including a public hearing or routing the matter to OCIC.","taxTitle","Oberlin, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",72266,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075171,"Council discusses guidelines for boards and commissions presentations, stresses liaison and staff follow-up",285,569000,854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c&start=569&end=854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c/thumbnail_569000.jpg","/articles/6075171/Oberlin/Lorain-County/Ohio/Council-discusses-guidelines-for-boards-and-commissions-presentations-stresses-liaison-and-staff-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075171-b5c9dba6d8151677623fe675d39764d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147465&Signature=DKgmFQ-R63UDHj9wYQW2bpDcRDaRDJha--hdlQ3~KwAkJ2o2TV8hJ5p26kBaQNzR1l1bEzotlfoSY1bXM-cod8aFwkFytu9AdjgTatA28NScr2-WOsKo8HUXeR9SrhM1MY7oFea6GOl1fEVaPJxmWNvswG3RB2ve6I0rBMdaEpJTW6NFrnwggdtioacfPGNrCLDiKH3fUae3JW6Orl0U7sl2n~sepiG9e6Rgtx9Y6Cr5kEJERckLhHQ3w-E5nuqH-zkXqPoYIHVC9RKvXbNDnRK-3Qch2HN0-5PvGV3pZIwQ8FR88gKHvWGTOcc1rhZAtV2O33K2WdGXonFx8z6aHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members discussed how to standardize presentations from city boards and commissions and how follow-up requests should be handled.

Councilmember New said boards asked for simple guidelines on presentation length and materials so expectations are clear. She raised the question of what happens when a board presentation includes an “ask for counsel,” such as Open Space’s wayfinding research, and how follow-up should be managed.

Council members and staff proposed several options. One was to refer administration-related questions to the city manager so the manager could direct departments and report back. Another option was for council liaisons to return to their boards and carry communications back and forth. Councilmember McPherson noted boards can also submit written recommendations without being on the docket.

Some council members emphasized the need for clearer communication rather than a new formal process; Peterson said that if a board wants action, it should route a formal recommendation through leadership before the agenda-setting meeting. New said the Open Space chair was uncertain what should happen next after a presentation, and she asked whether a short liaison conversation with staff (for example, with Ms. Anderson) could create consistent expectations.

A member of the public, Edward Dobis, suggested the planning commission and OCIC could be involved in some matters; he urged inclusive, neighborhood-focused solutions and asked that meetings be scheduled so neighbors can participate.

Council and staff did not adopt a formal new policy at the meeting. Several members said existing channels are sufficient in most cases; the council agreed to continue the conversation and to consider creating short guidance for boards and commissions about presentation logistics and follow-up options.","Council members debated how boards and commissions should present to council and how follow‑up should be handled; options included liaison follow‑up, routing to the city manager, or using the Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation (OCIC) for land matters.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075176,"Council declines to request hearing on transfer of Lupita’s liquor permits to La Senorita LLC",92,293000,385000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c&start=293&end=385","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6075176/Oberlin/Lorain-County/Ohio/Council-declines-to-request-hearing-on-transfer-of-Lupitas-liquor-permits-to-La-Senorita-LLC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075176-6b7f1896c784db2dbc0afff5dbae00cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147465&Signature=V4xbeHQkh3fDYE-PYHbZBbOsb8vYvNziT6dadUAioGmfslwFZcdXu9iEzs386J~TiniDwh61OsDVTEpUDFB3K1Tu6vyXm9dIdJOHtIPdwqF3t4c4xpBvGrT9fARdEGInTFa4rNfq-iqF6bgB-XSW8KG5Agl7Fj3xf9ceSi3ko5uAsTE17vjg2xBgT94q00FAO6G3jJE5zzrQGRaoL36TwbIl7H4zvTDJU48q59qijpqGu9TTE6jx78YtPVjkqHPFS9fOcJ~gaK8spdaVOot6LuH1hm3f4-xE371~CbKLmvhFsMB5m8biNTO1VZoc7VWVWd~oPjCmAR5uesvzL1YQxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oberlin City Council voted Tuesday to not request a hearing on an application to transfer a D-5 and D-6 liquor permit from Lupita’s Inc., d/b/a Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant, to La Senorita LLC.

The matter arose under agenda item D. Mr. Clark explained the application as “a transfer of an existing license at the same location,” saying the current holder was Lupita’s Inc. and the proposed holder La Senorita LLC. He described the permits as a D-5 and D-6, “which allows for on-site consumption of liquor and beer and wine, and for carryout, beer until 2 a.m., and the D-6 allows that on Sundays.”

Council members were told the police chief supplied a memo indicating “there’s no basis for an objection.” Clark said the city’s revised code permits objection and a hearing only when specific requirements such as criminal activity or public nuisance are present; he said none of those conditions applied. The council then moved not to request a hearing.

Two council members announced recusals at the start of the item because of a potential conflict of interest; the record does not name those members in the recusal remarks. After the vote the recused members rejoined the meeting.

On the motion not to request a hearing, the roll call recorded affirmative votes. McFarland seconded the motion; the clerk called Aye from McFarland, English, Lopez, Peterson and Johnson during the roll call.

The council took no further action on the license transfer at the meeting; the transcript records no objections from police or other staff and no conditions attached to the council’s decision.

The transfer application will proceed per the standard licensing process unless a party files a timely appeal or requests a hearing under the revised code.","The Oberlin City Council voted to not request a hearing on an application to transfer D-5 and D-6 liquor permits from Lupita’s Inc., d/b/a Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant, to La Senorita LLC; two council members recused themselves for a potential conflict.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075161,"Council approves liability insurance renewal and appoints Maren Fowler as finance director",379,2269000,2648000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c&start=2269&end=2648","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980002-53602fc66377e398f0c7acd63545b44c/thumbnail_2269000.jpg","/articles/6075161/Oberlin/Lorain-County/Ohio/Council-approves-liability-insurance-renewal-and-appoints-Maren-Fowler-as-finance-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075161-34592581f502a6414bdf105d41e5f707/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147465&Signature=OulYk~zLBxKCPeWUWCgjxXjFdJqFgtcjoZug1-EUkeQYZB5b4hv2QPwZh4588MuthYKqZrPr-z6-7AGF10nLYTo8LrbO9tBuGzbBsFQXVnpQiU9i9JC1Z-~B~5i6iOfNeeL475cjMwyehUdGIIvPXrb53xZ1ZdFZeBcsv88hoenWXThQ5fkggmaqlOrJMw-o8G7IfPWcf3xge3E9vemEO~qqs3vGdGZQKGU380-oPNsouIKbIj2bCjohCGwri49W~IVTZbLToXVHJXNnOt768yzNDkdRwJRNc-4U4TJCTYTb0kXnfH2Wcz2oOkd90~JtGohGbZvuVuTxBf71QdevAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oberlin City Council unanimously approved two items on Tuesday: acceptance of an insurance renewal proposal from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio (through USI Insurance Services LLC) and the appointment of Maren (Maren) Fowler as finance director, both on motions to go into immediate effect.

On Ordinance 25‑08, the council accepted renewal insurance coverage from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio. City staff reported a roughly 13 percent increase in total premium over the prior year after accounting for the loss of a loyalty discount. The coverage and premiums as stated in the ordinance included a $10,000,000 liability limit and a $1,000,000 cyber limit (premium figure referenced as $226,682 for certain coverages); property and equipment breakdown blanket coverage figures were read into the record with a premium of $298,990 and blanket limits stated in the ordinance text. City staff said some of the cost would come from the general fund and some from enterprise funds and that a budget adjustment might be required in March depending on how items are reallocated.

Councilmember English moved to waive the three‑reading rule for the ordinance; the motion passed on recorded aye votes. Council then moved that the ordinance go into immediate effect to ensure coverage prior to the policy expiration on Feb. 15, 2025; that motion also passed by recorded aye votes.

The council also approved Ordinance 25‑09 to appoint Maren Fowler as finance director effective Feb. 3, 2025, with employment compensation and benefits set out in an attached exhibit. Councilmembers said Fowler’s experience as interim finance director made her a suitable permanent appointee. The council waived three readings by roll call and then voted to give the ordinance immediate effect; both motions passed by recorded aye votes. Fowler briefly addressed the council and thanked members for the appointment.

Both ordinances were passed without recorded opposition during the meeting.","Council accepted a renewal proposal from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio for liability, property and equipment coverage and appointed Maren Fowler as finance director, both effective immediately after waiving three-readings rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Debate over sale of 74 Groveland Street focuses on church parking, public process and OCIC option

Council discusses guidelines for boards and commissions presentations, stresses liaison and staff follow-up

Council declines to request hearing on transfer of Lupita’s liquor permits to La Senorita LLC

Council approves liability insurance renewal and appoints Maren Fowler as finance director