[{"_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",6272898,"mediaKeyId","3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6","parentId",3008247,"title","Votes at a glance: Norwalk council approves CHIP partnership, emergency payment, special counsel and ODOT salt contract","audioSeconds",607,"startMs",1474000,"endMs",2081000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6&start=1474&end=2081","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6/thumbnail_1474000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272898/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Norwalk-council-approves-CHIP-partnership-emergency-payment-special-counsel-and-ODOT-salt-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272898-c99f895c3e58091cd60814991bfaac92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770916475&Signature=Umwv~fG3Z4FvLpmVufhJ0-mc~XStf10Us7uTERn4RCE-aYZxPgQM0HjIb6aTRlpq08C6GXlGOKdVOUYWy1Ljp6UeQptwJ0FtSDtdMGUkC4RNW0Wbq5PB7TIDLGQDaw8k4y2SHG-HWIP1CpXweDJkojkVZrmTszpCdkI-0HKVOU6HLf1rdUtAY826FUdJp6~2CygO7jp-H0lX5O8-OxAoz3mMxKNUXyrtTOHDMUdivfzsHXCEkEOSatEVPp2zcnligabDcT~9Qm2CfWobm0oRJUDwDD7Ig0pKrGenTDH8bd8YiOaaPRooVvZYrae88cdjPlnBgHJ26M-0MwLKsHaPzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Norwalk OH","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Norwalk City Council passed several ordinances and resolutions during its April 15 meeting. The council approved five items in new business, each by roll‑call vote.

Highlights

- Resolution 205‑030: Authorized the mayor to enter a partnership agreement with the City of Willard and Huron County to apply for the Ohio Department of Development’s Program Year 2025 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) grant, if awarded. The council amended a drafting error in the resolution’s second whereas clause (changing “Ohio Development” to “Ohio Department”) before passage. The resolution passed on a roll‑call vote.

- Ordinance 25‑031: Declared an emergency and authorized the finance director to pay $5,999.35 to a corporation (listed in the ordinance) for fire engine repairs to preserve the city’s credit standing with suppliers; council suspended rules requiring two readings and adopted the emergency ordinance in the same meeting.

- Resolution 25‑032a: Approved the appointment of attorney Leslie Murray as special counsel in national opioid litigation pursuant to Section 5.03 of the city charter. Council noted Murray’s fees would be covered from opioid litigation settlement funds.

- Resolution 25‑033a: Approved the appointment of the law firm Bricker & Graydon (referred to in the transcript as Bricker Gradin/Bricker Graydon) as special counsel to represent the city in a public contract bid protest; council explained costs will be paid from project funds related to the wastewater treatment plant improvement project.

- Resolution 25‑035: Authorized participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation annual winter road‑salt bid program (sodium chloride) for 2025–2026.

Each item passed on a roll‑call vote during the meeting. Where funding sources were discussed, council members were told that attorney fees for the opioid matter would come from settlement funds and that legal costs for the bid protest would be charged to the related project account.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Norwalk OH, City Council Meeting 04/16/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 15 meeting the Norwalk City Council passed five measures: a county CHIP partnership resolution, an emergency ordinance authorizing a $5,999.35 payment for fire engine repairs, appointments of two special counsel items, and participation in ODOT’s winter road‑salt contract.","taxTitle","Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio","taxId",59452,"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},6272902,"Norwalk public works gives timeline for Spring Street paving and reports water‑main work complete",155,227000,382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6&start=227&end=382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6/thumbnail_227000.jpg","/articles/6272902/Ohio/Norwalk-public-works-gives-timeline-for-Spring-Street-paving-and-reports-watermain-work-complete","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272902-3df6308cc4a28d37976e107a4cc1bc5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770916475&Signature=fdcVHrf25GSqa75ajXwA-wm0uCxEzCVt-dNQXvTz4kdKd7JXRetqzaS3ZUdUBpY3Rgcz3ioX2hWFQvAwVxdjh79lQmb5aYXEJ6AQcB0WbdsOpQd9SLsWox7JLoXX4JyNAivjET04hip0y9Efwkc76Xk1adMkBm-pfbwOBhSuHh7U7PAGjsIoBQAyxhIRndNmA-G6AmbH8tS9Ex~f7qGqZhGidPMdZbs8ByPytt2wdo~JSQyqbD114XdNav1C9UkMzyzjveYL7OVNSUfTcvoTSd3MkRnRyJV4kaoPf7A0kzenND23L-qLGDmfH8Q1NIhchzpgxVxXgQnsMsaPegMDYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk’s Public Works Director told council on April 15 that contractor 7L (with Underground Utilities as asphalt subcontractor) began trench repairs on Buskey Avenue and would start full‑depth pavement repair on Spring Street from Whittlesey to Grand the following day.

Public Works said the Spring Street work will be full‑depth pavement replacement — seven and a half inches — and after excavation 7L is scheduled to return the following Tuesday to start the surface course. “I’m anticipating all the paving on the project, weather permitting, to be done by the end of next week,” the director said.

The director also said the water‑main project is complete and only restoration work remains. Zoning staff reported neighborhood code enforcement updates, a cleanup at 11 Jefferson, a complaint pending at 212 Whittlesey Ave., and a permitted 24‑by‑24 addition for Westcott’s Shaved Ice that will also house a relocated Ivy clothing store.

Zoning staff announced the Arb or Day celebration set for April 25 at the reservoir shelter No. 1; the tree board will honor Norwalk Kiwanis with a scarlet oak planting. Staff also said general services marked five West Main locations for new street trees and that planting is scheduled by the end of the month, weather permitting. The zoning officer reminded residents to keep grass clippings out of streets because they can create motorcycle hazards and clog storm drains.

Why it matters: The paving schedule affects local traffic and business access; water‑main restoration and tree‑planting affect neighborhood appearance and stormwater management. Council members asked follow‑up questions about schedules and tree feedback, and staff said additional discussion on murals and downtown beautification will return at the next work session.

","Public Works reported start of full‑depth Spring Street paving (7.5 inches), said water‑main installation is finished with restoration remaining, and Zoning reported tree‑planting and an Arbor Day celebration.",{"_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},6272906,"Norwalk official: Precast Molds expansion will require natural gas infrastructure upgrades",90,412000,502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6&start=412&end=502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6/thumbnail_412000.jpg","/articles/6272906/Ohio/Norwalk-official-Precast-Molds-expansion-will-require-natural-gas-infrastructure-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272906-f2acea725e877c067b395dee68be4000/orig.mp4?Expires=1770916475&Signature=Oyokx0WluGm4QsVfpr0bz4t5VOd0e9q9o9tfgEJIhQgoK3JJMGVSW7~y9x4drBDWA1ZTSL7Q0uG6AN5FY50pPceeT69gqAdFqUDsNxjyuFtW5~BmK36AwTC7REFBV5CntbxjD6geySdWqajs9-HiUUx88YlluH~4Nt3qVVj0PwC3s9RqT5fEJODHzJLT1qRqwj8254BALJGf86Kuvnkizo2pXHZAorxFsyt3qeNIilV55opKzZmsaBdUSzaKrAdSiD4VzakuFzNA8HfcDfMBN-t8bkLhbPzsGOy0lybNsvyBZCnhuqMVqSZ27oHQhG8lrillO-l09WtEnV2hgKVGtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Zoning staff told the Norwalk City Council on April 15 that North Precast Molds has broken ground on an approximately 70,000‑square‑foot addition that will accommodate additional production and warehousing, but that the project faces natural gas distribution and upstream supply constraints.

The zoning officer read points provided by Sarah Ross of the Huron County Growth Partnership noting the addition will allow expanded production of a patented wastewater treatment system and that combined employment at the Norwalk site and a nearby Norweco facility is about 90 full‑time positions. The report said initial plans to serve the expansion with simple distribution upgrades shifted after discussions with Columbia Gas and TC Energy when the city discovered both distribution and upstream supply limitations.

“The expansion will allow for additional warehousing with intentions to house additional production of their patented wastewater treatment system,” the zoning officer read. “To eventually realize production and future phases of this growth, a public improvement natural gas infrastructure will be required.”

City staff said the administration, Huron County Growth Partnership, Team NEO and JobsOhio are coordinating due diligence and potential solutions. The zoning officer told council that once further analysis is complete, the administration will propose a public‑improvement approach later this year.

Why it matters: The expansion promises local job growth and industrial investment but cannot proceed to full production without addressing gas capacity. The problem affects future industrial, commercial and residential development, the officer said.

Council response: The zoning officer directed council members to contact Huron County Growth Partnership with questions and said the administration will return with a public‑improvement proposal after completing due diligence with the gas suppliers and regional economic partners.

","City zoning staff said Norwalk Precast Molds has begun a 70,000 sq ft expansion but limited local natural gas distribution and upstream supply issues mean public gas improvements will be needed before full production can start.",{"_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},6272910,"NOPEC warns Norwalk council of higher electric costs after PJM capacity auction spike",577,585000,1162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6&start=585&end=1162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3008247-5b0ea6d9e6c3575a2d087448fc77cbf6/thumbnail_585000.jpg","/articles/6272910/Ohio/NOPEC-warns-Norwalk-council-of-higher-electric-costs-after-PJM-capacity-auction-spike","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272910-f1bfb5abfd9cf844ca8a075a6c59c611/orig.mp4?Expires=1770916475&Signature=kKDS3ub7wh4AHUetcKpOkvhuketTwe0~eDqKsSIH9jdVT6-f2ttIofJYuKpen56IKgvx6zqTKkKj275WcAmSaieBjzNCVUIV2HYZSUoLl5cZt2uI38x8V7-Rw56P8mJhNOgBdPpV3BGMmtAiVMKZNrFfeTDStKBpbHhKgWc2P50Jx7p7oBuU-SAFKU1t-T6zLAE-kSW42qFWmodWyZzVKUMLTEkrd0NxToyqhOOWkwG08bB~gVDPFOPeqRN02VmLs16GQGrJSwR7X03U94MwDxsQYz1CW89xsTXscX5Bpyh-sz8RLply-qtj6pRvGAoGJntTcKmZFypV4vXJ6breoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chuck Heiper, chief executive officer of NOPEC, told the Norwalk City Council on April 15 that a recent PJM interconnection capacity auction raised the base price for future capacity about 800%, a spike that NOPEC expects will push typical electric bills up roughly 15 to 20 percent.

Heiper said the rise follows a pause in auctions during the pandemic and other regulatory disputes, and that the grid operator PJM — which coordinates power across 13 states including Ohio — ran an auction last fall that set the new higher base price. “The base price for future capacity went up 800%,” Heiper said. “We think that’s likely to occur for the next 2 or 3 years.” He added: “The news is not good. We’re all gonna pay a little more.”

The presentation included context about what “capacity” means — the grid’s ability to meet peak demand — and NOPEC recommended steps local officials and residents can take to limit exposure. Heiper said PJM and federal regulators have taken actions intended to stabilize future cycles, and he noted a resignation at PJM’s top level and litigation filed by several states seeking refunds tied to the auction results. Heiper said NOPEC has discussed joining litigation with Ohio’s attorney general.

NOPEC representatives also discussed consumer-facing outreach. Council members said some residents had received opt‑out mailings for natural gas aggregation. Heiper said mailings began the prior Monday by meter-read cycle and that NOPEC would report opt‑out rates to the city once data are compiled. “About 72 to 80% of people in the community tend to stay now,” Heiper said of natural gas aggregation retention rates across NOPEC communities; he said he could provide exact numbers in eight to nine weeks.

Kyla (Kyla Presto), NOPEC relationship manager for the area, and Heiper answered council questions about the role of data centers and large customers in demand forecasting; Heiper said data centers can materially increase local demand and that the state legislature is considering bills that could change how such customers are served. Heiper opposed placing long‑term grid assets on the rate base for all customers and said NOPEC would advocate against passing those costs to regular customers.

Why it matters: Norwalk electricity and natural gas aggregation are arranged through regional procurement and local opt‑out rules. A sustained increase in capacity costs across PJM would raise municipal residents’ utility bills and could have budget implications for municipal accounts that pay energy costs.

Council response and next steps: Council members asked for follow-up data on opt‑out rates for both gas and electric aggregation; Heiper said NOPEC will provide those figures and additional materials for the city’s website. NOPEC also gave the council a community one‑page summary listing local grant balances and participation numbers.

Documentation: NOPEC left a printed community summary and a handout titled “Why Ohio’s electric rates are rising” for the council. NOPEC said it will provide opt‑out and participation figures to the mayor and council in the coming weeks.

","NOPEC representatives told the Norwalk City Council that a recent PJM capacity auction raised base prices roughly 800%, a change they said could drive 15–20% increases in customer electric bills over the next 2–3 years and encouraged residents to review opt‑out mailings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Norwalk council approves CHIP partnership, emergency payment, special counsel and ODOT salt contract

Norwalk public works gives timeline for Spring Street paving and reports water‑main work complete

Norwalk official: Precast Molds expansion will require natural gas infrastructure upgrades

NOPEC warns Norwalk council of higher electric costs after PJM capacity auction spike