[{"_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",[32,76,87,99],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6166283,"mediaKeyId","5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93","parentId",5415822,"title","Mayor names Steve Saltzman as safety service director; council approves temporary overlap with outgoing director","audioSeconds",2419,"startMs",4034050,"endMs",6453245,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93&start=4034&end=6453","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93/thumbnail_4034050.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166283/Ohio/Mayor-names-Steve-Saltzman-as-safety-service-director-council-approves-temporary-overlap-with-outgoing-director","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166283-09a141c9500bffddb6f86fe8619452d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770416099&Signature=PMjBf9vLNnb~27Og3GcC4ghEkQyv7JmDGJebXa~3x4Zi8qDbyKaaGwQDE7N407X4G3LGWDK~hT7~LtxJPHGmjctZ5ZAVFpF7x~5eOiRRBo6PveV1aNhriybfFK2dQlCAzBE3HgjPDO-vlHDtzRu3VOcxzfptbagZFTU0Q8ppRsTp8tkPIYFwFDGdNk9LU43i54zEYXw0zzmhPoZsBTRKj09t5FEE9zAKKpfOwdfjjm4r7fcHC5fFafxTzYpux52977XhT2Nva7fxHJePJHYHjPQ7N2ypZhA2qKSE2rt~8Eh~stdRQSt1~e~8gbiecvdvEX6bZ~mvhxtIb3BMKx6NRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of London OH","date","2025-07-18T03:58:08.517Z","article","Mayor Pat Klauser announced Wednesday that Steve Saltzman will be the City of London’s new safety service director and council approved short‑term steps to ensure a transition period.

\"I'm happy to announce that Steve Saltzman will be the new safety service director for the City of London,\" the mayor said. Saltzman’s public biography shared at the meeting notes prior experience as a battalion chief and assistant chief with the Columbus Fire Department and roles in law enforcement and emergency response.

Council adopted an ordinance authorizing a temporary, limited overlap so the incoming director can work with the outgoing director, Rex Castle, from Aug. 4 through Aug. 15. Council suspended the three‑reading rule and passed the measure at the meeting so the new director can begin a structured handoff before Castle’s departure on Aug. 15. The ordinance included a sunset clause for the temporary overlap.

Castle told council he expects only a small leave payout and expressed support for a smooth transition. Council members said the overlap will ease operational continuity for public safety, emergency services and departmental coordination as the city implements ongoing construction and service programs.

The council vote to suspend the three‑reading rule and adopt the ordinance passed with all voting members present recording affirmative votes on the recorded roll call.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","London, Ohio City Council Meeting Videos Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Pat Klauser announced Steve Saltzman as the city’s new safety service director. Council passed an ordinance to create a temporary overlap so Saltzman can shadow outgoing director Rex Castle from Aug. 4–Aug. 15, and suspended the three‑reading rule to expedite the transition.","taxTitle","London City Council, London, Madison County, Ohio","taxId",70685,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166288,"Council considers ending curbside recycling as sanitation fleet problems pile up",0,10724395,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93&start=10724&end=10724","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93/thumbnail_10724395.jpg","/articles/6166288/Ohio/Council-considers-ending-curbside-recycling-as-sanitation-fleet-problems-pile-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166288-39aac6d97180d38c33b2e3017e8f020b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770416099&Signature=LOJ-uD3eAQPJTxO7-U6frrK1g5AFwvaRgKwQMo0kHPeEibgBj~joO-loNjAP-1f4u94lyigg~tDOrQhVyF-jDrGUwxJkcK1SnxpgUzrmMsCKa9Uoa4nmRzXiguFerXqLTDa5s-pm~yypo5LdodGAJesMz-tGnO4XFbu4wZi9lH-~BZTG~BCrR7BjWmHv1Zfw0-J3A4xCeSS9XkbK-zzodcWCWcs8YEBaRmHn-MrIfMCZrU6~XTJJyzb-2C7yfYg9mjVvu4EoYWblEmN3cH2X09NVeNyUReE-8MWsM123eXTxTQjiN0OdmjG5HgsbyHifBnD~wVRmi1IlYstq9crHrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","London City Council discussed a staff proposal to end the city’s curbside recycling program and move to alternative drop‑off options after sanitation staff described frequent truck breakdowns, contaminated recycling loads and staffing shortages.

City sanitation representatives told council that contaminated recycling — materials mixed with nonrecyclable waste — has resulted in frequent loads being rejected and routed to the landfill. A sanitation official described the operation as a \"money pit\" and said the department is often forced to run routes twice when trucks are unavailable or when recycling must be handled separately.

Council heard that disposal costs remain but the larger savings would come from reduced manpower hours, lower wear‑and‑tear and fewer duplicate routes: \"What we're looking at cost savings in is manpower, wear and tear on equipment, and fuel,\" a sanitation speaker said. Staff said the city pays a lower tip fee for clean recycling but estimated that up to half of curbside material is contaminated and ends up in the trash at times.

Sanitation staff also reported difficulties replacing vehicles: a quoted price for a replacement packer truck was about $389,000 with a 12‑month lead time, a timeframe staff said is too long given current failures. Council members asked about privatization, alternative vendors and whether raising user fees could be used to stabilize services.

Council introduced Resolution 159-25 to abolish the city’s recycling program and discussed next steps, including potential third‑party drop‑off containers or private operators who could accept city residents’ recyclables. Staff said they would continue to explore options and that the resolution is expected to go forward for further readings, giving residents the opportunity to comment at subsequent meetings.

On related sanitation items, council also considered raising a monthly curb‑assistance fee (the charge to have sanitation staff retrieve carts from the curb) from the current rate (about $3.09 as reported) to $12 for able‑bodied customers; one councilor proposed a $20 amendment. Council did not finalize changes at this meeting and indicated the proposals would return for additional readings and public comment.","Council heard a staff recommendation to abolish the city’s curbside recycling program because of equipment breakdowns, contamination of recycling loads and staffing constraints; staff proposed drop‑off alternatives and warned the change could be revisited if fleet capacity improves.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166293,"Council hears SOPEC presentation on electric aggregation; motion to delay action fails",4277,1467015,5744960,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93&start=1467&end=5744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93/thumbnail_1467015.jpg","/articles/6166293/Ohio/Council-hears-SOPEC-presentation-on-electric-aggregation-motion-to-delay-action-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166293-19c13bb630b1c95ec84a0c808b8d02b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770416099&Signature=YIKhTOqZRaXzj97eTAb9xPIEX8QG22pWmfnw2CUZz79x0sVFhGbhCG0mp6bi698GFxvo1cyKyA6BPmAdJaH4YclVrRb9Qx8OJs1ME5rhpSs37zSGqZqr5eRyn2ATlyQaQYI1AFqrDF448P-hOSLo9mSicTkY-Rn5bXW2AQfTBtUOuUdLoDO7lRGjG116cahdCwDzBbYyAR01iVgw8LbGe7eF9KTxN0HONFVis~W6U2Z6cSukLPEDjZQot9ddVHNjXSMZWNsSFc9vmyemIVrOs1t2RgageyhXE-ozK1-LbniLR0E6fwDT2Z4he5xmgRbtbujpOBhoFO0C9bWT96gRtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","London City Council held a public hearing on a proposed electric aggregation agreement with the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) and heard a presentation from SOPEC officials about how a regional aggregation program would work.

Phil Lepla, deputy director and general counsel for SOPEC, told council that SOPEC is \"a regional council of governments under chapter 167 of the Ohio revised code\" and that the organization manages aggregation programs and other energy services for member communities. He said SOPEC represents 49 member communities, leverages bulk purchasing with AEP Energy and offers program administration, renewable energy certificates and optional services such as natural gas aggregation and grant writing.

Council members and residents pressed SOPEC and city staff on several points: how prices would be set and compared to other suppliers, the size of SOPEC’s administrative fee, the geographic source of renewable energy certificates (RECs), and the time needed to transition between programs. Phil Lepla said base power is purchased on the open market and that RECs used to provide a 100% renewable default historically come from wind projects in Oklahoma and Texas; he said the RECs are fixed when purchased and that the program offers opt‑out notices and a 21‑day statutory opt‑out window.

Finance committee members and several councilors questioned whether council had explored more than one provider; proponents on the dais said SOPEC’s status as a government entity and its lower admin fee were advantages. Mayor Pat Klauser and staff warned that the city’s existing aggregation contract will expire later in the year and that delaying selection too long could expose residents to market rates.

Council considered a motion to table the SOPEC legislation to October so staff could solicit additional options. The motion to table failed in roll call (two council members voted yes, three voted no, one abstained), and council agreed to leave SOPEC‑related ordinances and the plan of operation on the agenda for further readings rather than voting to finalize membership at this meeting.

Council members asked staff to provide clearer, comparable data about administration fees and any other charges and to return with information councillors requested about alternatives, timing and opt‑out mechanics before a final vote.","At a public hearing, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) described its electric aggregation program for London. Council members questioned administrative fees, competitive options and renewable energy credits; a motion to table a decision failed and the council left SOPEC items for further readings.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166298,"Council adopts planning recommendation for 289-unit ‘empty nester’ development at Betty Wilson and Highway 42",4689,369820,5058900,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93&start=369&end=5058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415822-2d5f04a9e5a6053e3d375c14a783fa93/thumbnail_369820.jpg","/articles/6166298/Ohio/Council-adopts-planning-recommendation-for-289-unit-empty-nester-development-at-Betty-Wilson-and-Highway-42","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166298-3593fc600c2ee4883fc99f0a9184141b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770416099&Signature=JszsAX4KDZ4qqBFoptwWseCgdtHfXyFi44naxo1d~YVFKzTpNtZ1pLBapmh546EAHos4LMRm0QyV5in4RtMcLCjUrEnaE5uTslVmkXIFkMwRAWNQGyKmA~NIYZmdJBO~SosLjd52yHRbqHS35gpiSixRBYNljDkn~tF2HxRK1Q-YjI4QhRErbVp0ObwAu69mkf0PL0ANCh5LQ0E7xtjQpElUurZZ8VLlFU9hEaUJs3gebmm-dIOYZgNG9nkwTFkd2TD1UhKmOsdDnwBjeXuG87YQ-0veKIsSWCAo8avNIwYqUpSEUFf3jHoGmlqIiWi~MDY6qETRokxzIzkSpYVNCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","London City Council on Wednesday adopted a planning commission recommendation to allow a 289-unit, age‑targeted residential community and associated commercial frontage on land at the intersection of Betty Wilson Road and Highway 42. The developer presented the project during a public hearing and council approved Resolution 149-25 to move the project forward.

The developer representative identified the product as the builder Kay Havanian’s \"4 Seasons\" model, described as an \"empty nester\" community with house prices expected roughly in the $400,000 to $700,000 range depending on upgrades. The developer said the company will install several million dollars in on‑site amenities before homes are sold; \"They've got, I think $4,000,000 they're putting in the amenities before they get started,\" the speaker said.

The plan calls for about 20 acres of commercial frontage along Highway 42 and the remainder as PUD residential; staff recommended making the entire site a single PUD to provide a consistent transition between commercial uses on the highway and the residential area behind it. Council heard that commercial interest already exists from a bank, a hotel (a Hampton Inn was mentioned), and a tunnel car wash, though no tenant agreements were presented at the hearing.

Traffic, sewer capacity and staging were central concerns in council discussion. The developer said the project sponsor has paid for a traffic‑impact study and is planning one or two roundabouts to help traffic flow, and that construction of homes would be staged so infrastructure investment matches occupied units. The developer also raised uncertainty about regional sewer capacity and the schedule for a planned sewer trunk and wastewater plant, saying Mid Ohio's timetable and easement process remain unclear and calling the agency's leadership a credibility concern.

Council and staff confirmed the project will participate in existing neighborhood/community authority and TIF agreements already approved by council; there was no new tax‑incentive request tied to this rezoning action. The developer told council that model homes and amenities work will precede home occupancy, and projected initial home occupancy beginning in 2027 under the developer’s construction schedule.

Council voted to adopt the planning commission recommendation on the resolution (Resolution 149-25). The motion carried in roll call votes recorded during the meeting.

The decision advances municipal review and allows the developer to proceed with engineering, final platting and required permits; conditions, infrastructure timing and the outcome of the pending traffic and sewer work will determine the precise schedule for site work and home construction.","City council on Wednesday approved a planning commission recommendation to rezone about 109 acres at Betty Wilson Road and Highway 42 to a single planned unit development for a 289-unit age‑targeted community by homebuilder Kay Hovanian, including commercial frontage, a traffic study and TIF/NCA participation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor names Steve Saltzman as safety service director; council approves temporary overlap with outgoing director

Council considers ending curbside recycling as sanitation fleet problems pile up

Council hears SOPEC presentation on electric aggregation; motion to delay action fails

Council adopts planning recommendation for 289-unit ‘empty nester’ development at Betty Wilson and Highway 42