[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6072752,"mediaKeyId","3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12","parentId",3005709,"title","Composting facility presentation: Rockland Soil Ends outlines odor controls, water management and market plans","audioSeconds",1945,"startMs",4160000,"endMs",6105000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12&start=4160&end=6105","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12/thumbnail_4160000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6072752/Ohio/Composting-facility-presentation-Rockland-Soil-Ends-outlines-odor-controls-water-management-and-market-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072752-72fd57bb6715aa5d80d04c17c42b5295/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452840&Signature=HqnOrdPIpQ8g87nG0qu64cyRK1zx9wzjocLMNMjSXucqbizKbT9COWqncG4QQ6C8eM5TIXjfYrZdigHp0--aF2bEMQxgfk-pJDWIJhGCe3KNhmqBvzBw8cU2cKIpw5rDMGqHIjCUCAHM1TKcQUIwdCipXzpA1I5qNXTIvdPSbXeziyo3nqnagnfaBniXYNqZsDkN3IqXNuMrs0dnkw-esCw8p0X-1DfL6EBbzFdw6vLtE9oMx6vbCuMgCvBROA2-tE~1ajMnfdP8aoOmssh25CFosovF8PJEr0~tEe4ihYDX39dmg7hy2tGcZ4WiFtHOk~JZxy94P686ESytQ969ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lorain OH ","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","Representatives of a proposed composting operation, Rockland Soil Ends, presented an informational update to Lorain City Council’s Buildings & Lands subcommittee on June 11 about plans for an organic‑waste processing facility on Walmart/Balm Hart Road.

The presenter described a windrow composting process that mixes food waste, manures and green waste, uses mechanical turners and maintains regulated temperatures to control pathogens and odors. He emphasized site design features intended to limit off‑site impacts, including a paved pad and a three‑stage settling pond to capture and treat runoff from the active compost area; staff and the presenter said proper water management is critical for odor control and regulatory compliance.

Kate Golden of the City of Lorain Engineering Department told the committee the city adopted a composting standard in 2017 (codified ordinance chapter cited by staff) that requires commercial compost facilities to hold the appropriate state licensure and meet surface‑water and nuisance protections. The presenter said the company has applied for Ohio EPA permitting and has designed a surface‑water handling system that routes runoff from the active processing area to the settling facility.

The plan includes an on‑site blending and bagging line (presenter identified Agrinomics as the equipment supplier) to produce retail potting mixes and private‑label bagged product; the presenter said automated bagging and robotic palletizing are part of the buildout and that the operation expects modest employment in the first year (the presenter estimated roughly a dozen employees as the operation scales up). He also noted co‑location interest from another recycling/business partner on the site.

Council members asked about vector control, complaint response and staff/owner responsibilities. The presenter said the operation will be managed to limit vectors (flies, rodents and birds) by controlling inputs, maintaining temperature profiles in the windrows, working under cover where practicable and responding to complaints directly. Kate Golden reiterated that the state licensure and Ohio EPA permitting are primary enforcement tools; if a facility loses permit authorization, it would not be allowed to operate in the city.

No formal committee action was taken; the presentation was informational. Council members and several audience speakers expressed cautious support while asking staff to continue monitoring permitting, odor‑control plans and water‑management measures.

What this means: Rockland Soil Ends plans a regulated compost facility with on‑site controls and a downstream bagging/blending business; the city’s existing ordinance and state Ohio EPA permitting will govern allowed operations and enforcement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lorain OH, City Council & Committee Meeting 04/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Rockland Soil Ends presented plans for an 18‑acre compost facility on Walmart/Balm Hart Road, describing windrow methods, a multi‑stage settling pond and a bagging/blending operation; staff said Ohio EPA permit standards and local ordinance apply.","taxTitle","Lorain City Council, Lorain, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",76365,"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},6072755,"Council committee advances tougher vacant commercial‑property registration with higher fees, bonds",1699,851000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12&start=851&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12/thumbnail_851000.jpg","/articles/6072755/Ohio/Council-committee-advances-tougher-vacant-commercialproperty-registration-with-higher-fees-bonds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072755-1b904c64d94e5e7ba8ead527fd4fa3fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452840&Signature=FkXEp9LiiGv-lgzT5FDemQn9HzWQWcNSOfmN3Iu10n15zhitOsu96glxanSwN9TSP5EoVvw2J7~IGcT2tsQzCJvVRE3TTXEN690kc6vidKsWQsGpQGJDEo92~Loaws7Wb12o67FJbu5LPVyZ3By8XY2oXOZ~RtEjHa3Jo8qZY3MYvbc-zSW-nNWrVa9BzY8LXX8rKxEabqt5xHR6yzZZA7r1yKzD3As~Op5aNcITu3n~8wgPzjJIIqhAHFG6rJWiHk8V-z~i58RLhnRTCAzdLYLYAkGBQyUq485z-t6DR777v0GzCURvGAN8ldAv~uS9HZ5yZKJik1fu1NOqXTBXXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buildings & Lands subcommittee of the Lorain City Council voted June 11 to send to full council a proposed amendment to the city’s vacant commercial property registration code that adds insurance requirements, higher fees and a cash bond for certain buildings.

Ben Cruz, the city’s BHP director, told the committee the proposal would require owners of vacant commercial properties to name the City of Lorain as additional insured on property‑insurance policies so the city would be notified of lapses or changes. The ordinance would raise the annual registration fee from $400 to $1,000 and add a $500 annual increase for each year the building remains vacant. The draft also includes a cash bond requirement — the ordinance text proposes either $10,000 or $15,000 depending on building size — that the city could use to abate nuisances or pay to secure and repair properties when necessary.

Cruz said the changes aim to give the city more enforcement “teeth” against owners who allow downtown and corridor properties to fall into disrepair. He identified Broadway (the downtown corridor) and East 20th Street between the tracks and Grove Avenue as priority areas where the city plans to focus enforcement if the ordinance is approved.

Committee members asked how the insurance notification would trigger enforcement; Cruz said a lapse in insurance would invalidate the registration and the city could then pursue housing‑court enforcement for noncompliance. Members also raised operational questions about inspector capacity; the city’s building official said housing inspectors are organized and that the department completed property sweeps in the corridors to be targeted. Staff said the department has three full‑time housing inspectors and building inspectors handle code and construction inspections, and described procedures for locality cleanups: right‑of‑way trash gets a 72‑hour notice and public properties will pick up items if routed to them by the building department; the county’s clean‑and‑lien program supplements the city’s work for abatement and recovery.

The draft contains several other compliance details discussed at the meeting: a requirement for a knock/key box and exterior lighting, polycarbonate coverings for doors and windows within 15 feet of the exterior, and deadlines for timely reapplication (applications are due within 30 days of the preceding registration’s expiration; late applications would be subject to penalties). Committee members noted some provisions echo language in the 2021 ordinance that originally authorized registration, and staff said some caps (the earlier ordinance allowed fees up to $1,000 and an annual cap in some language of $1,200) were already present in prior code.

Business and neighborhood groups who testified supported tougher enforcement. Samantha Flores of Main Street Lorain said Main Street can help compile contact lists of property owners and assist with targeted corridor cleanup and owner outreach. The mayor and other speakers said Lorain County Public Health and community volunteers have helped recent cleanups.

After discussion the subcommittee voted to send the ordinance to full council for consideration; the committee vote was taken by voice and the motion was approved to forward the item to council for a final decision.

What this means: If council approves the ordinance, property owners of vacant commercial buildings would face higher registration fees, new insurance and bonding requirements and clearer enforcement paths that could include housing‑court action and use of bond funds to abate problems.","A Buildings & Lands subcommittee voted to send to council an ordinance that would raise registration fees, require the city be named additional insured, and require cash bonds for vacant commercial buildings in targeted corridors.",{"_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},6072757,"City auditor reports first-quarter budget roughly on track; cautions on encumbrances and future revenue",367,424000,791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12&start=424&end=791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005709-a4d062d5c4c0a138667764ec2af51c12/thumbnail_424000.jpg","/articles/6072757/Ohio/City-auditor-reports-first-quarter-budget-roughly-on-track-cautions-on-encumbrances-and-future-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072757-89f4d39740006ee26a15f2551d5e81d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452840&Signature=diY10pujnWI7j07GjnKw3JqRMV6VlAqHfCYC3fU8FjOyqtCCnxjWth1~pE-Q2dSsVRapvs3rcsTbRnYcE7xPoSuPUeK00nupKx-3fsFvD7gDBY-Fa4pUe5YzvjtIGkRjl29qdqi6GtK0psfzWzpa9OiHTdt04mh4e8E0qMRMOBktcUum9lgaaH9GrchPcWACaEVY95V75jYZmqILgTQv-sug2iN5QgfwyNKeOtvWuCtJ~VvRO0AWZfiYmpVShCIrmzIvxtV0M8QcR2v3yfRfzdu-CwCF6NkHpzFZ2-9s1GGpq1GShPwoE7pPWzgveoMlduveetSPenYBVjWoMV2KRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city auditor told the Lorain City Council finance committee on June 11 that first-quarter revenues are generally in line with estimates but cautioned that encumbrances and ongoing structural revenue constraints require continued monitoring.

The auditor said the general fund had taken in $11,592,156 through March and that most revenue lines were “just about where we believe they would be.” He said the headline figures can be misleading because encumbered amounts — funds committed but not yet spent — are included in the percent‑spent calculations. “If there’s, like, an off number that puts a high percentage that you found in there, doesn’t necessarily mean that money’s been spent just yet if it is in the encumbered,” he said.

The auditor told the committee that interest and income tax receipts were near his projections for the quarter. He noted one-time timing effects in property tax receipts: a roughly $1 million property tax payment received in the period represented multiple months of collections, which when annualized brings revenues closer to budgeted expectations.

Committee members asked for details on particular lines. The auditor said contractual services look high on a percent‑used basis because about $1,500,000 is encumbered — obligations the city has committed to pay over time — and that these encumbrances do not indicate those funds have already been spent. He also said the city holds roughly $700,000 in the hospitalization trust fund that is used for employee health costs and that a prior borrowing related to hospitalization expenses will conclude this year.

The auditor reported the administration and bond counsel are evaluating possible short-term borrowing for capital projects and expects to present a financing plan if market conditions are favorable. He told council staff he has been modeling debt and project timing with underwriters and bond counsel and that a note or bond issuance is being contemplated for later in the summer.

Committee members and the auditor discussed the limits of local control over some revenue lines; one council member asked whether the recent state budget enacted in Columbus would affect city revenues, and the auditor said he had no specific adjustments to report at that time.

The committee did not take any formal votes on the financial briefing; members were invited to contact the auditor or administration for follow‑up questions.

What this means: revenues through March track close to estimates, but several items that increase the percent‑spent (notably encumbrances) and a continuing gap between recurring revenues and recurring costs mean the city expects to remain attentive to midyear budget performance and may rely on planned capital financing to fund projects.","City Auditor reported general fund revenues near estimates through March but warned encumbrances and structural revenue shortfalls mean the city must monitor spending and potential borrowing later this year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Composting facility presentation: Rockland Soil Ends outlines odor controls, water management and market plans

Council committee advances tougher vacant commercial‑property registration with higher fees, bonds

City auditor reports first-quarter budget roughly on track; cautions on encumbrances and future revenue