[{"_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",6474518,"mediaKeyId","5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af","parentId",5811766,"title","Votes at a glance: Lima City Council adopts sidewalk, budget and multiple ordinances; several items moved to second reading","audioSeconds",1180,"startMs",230000,"endMs",1410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af&start=230&end=1410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af/thumbnail_230000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474518/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Lima-City-Council-adopts-sidewalk-budget-and-multiple-ordinances-several-items-moved-to-second-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474518-8f2b91969ed3f2f6667c19f82ca9769f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158288&Signature=VE8ioyNK33GAK6ormqGLKkOhxmtXGP7x24HV8MoTO8djmjQt3Md~9dcYCSLOaWWzyuhcsqIpf4HL9fEt5dFEs7S6Q4dSbp18Y4a0SWZ-TYB6R9oHIB-lCMPti61cOwj4GZBffMePNQARM1VwvTP6qzFxFryyU1m9ibMfdhcD5XCaqruv8ckizt1wmGZSU3Y6ZyB1NHGMH4OEa4RXzmwUn6rD2ZTxpDY3Ygj825BMM9W6uK1qYLOS3-ODpfuMTK8aKMysA0c6y~MbkSkbz9kJXi-Vt9QxW4Yv5s2VpBSnrWG6Jq4hMISTgs5uhdPn3YU1iQNA2g7-q-KVp9Zd3~yrCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lima","date","2025-09-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Lima City Council approved a slate of resolutions and ordinances on first reading and handled several administrative actions at its meeting.

Key outcomes (votes at a glance):

- Resolution 10-25 (memorial for the late Reverend Austin Lewis Jr.): adopted on first reading by a 6–0 vote. The resolution memorialized Lewis’s pastoral service and extended condolences to his family and congregation. Council debate included multiple personal remembrances from council members and congregation representatives.

- Resolution 11-25 (declaring necessity to construct designated sidewalks and requiring abutting property owners to construct them): adopted on first reading by a 6–0 vote.

- Ordinance 1-93-25 (accepting amounts and rates determined by the budget commission; authorizing tax levies and certifying to the county auditor): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 1-94-25 (authorize the mayor to contract with Neo Water Treatment LLC to purchase Neo Water FX 300 for the wastewater treatment plant): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 1-95-25 (advertise for bids and contract for removal of biosolids at the wastewater treatment plant): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 1-96-25 (authorize CRA tax exemption agreement with Noxus Ohio LLC for a new Shawnee Clark gas station): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 1-97-25 (authorize the mayor to enter contract with KZF Design Inc for the Lima Fire Department): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 1-98-25 (accept and administer funds from the Mental Health Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) for specialty docket funds for Lima Municipal Court): moved to second reading with a 5–yes, 1‑abstention tally (Councilor Glenn abstained); not adopted on first reading.

- Ordinance 1-99-25 (accept and administer MHRSB funds for addiction treatment program (ATP) and administrative funds for Lima Municipal Court): moved to second reading with a 5–yes, 1‑abstention tally (Councilor Glenn abstained); not adopted on first reading.

- Ordinance 200-25 (authorize agreement with AIM eCycling to dispose of computers and miscellaneous equipment for Lima Municipal Court): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 201-25 (establish a six-month moratorium on processing applications etc. related to any type of shared living facility): passed on first reading, 6–0.

- Ordinance 202-25 (proposed change clarifying eligibility for certain health care-related benefits for part-time employees): introduction motion withdrawn; council then voted to place the ordinance into the Human Resources committee for further discussion (referral approved by voice vote).

Other administrative actions:

- Communication from Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding a liquor permit transfer (Fighter B’s LLC to JB US Ventures LLC, 801 E. Kibbe St.): council authorized the clerk to notify the Division of Liquor Control that the city has no objection.

- Consent calendar amendment: council amended special meeting minutes of 09/15/2025 to correct roll call on Ordinance 1-91-25 (correction to reflect a 6–2 vote with Thompson and Jordan recorded as voting no). The amended consent calendar was then approved.

Ending — Several items will return for second reading or committee work; council scheduled its next meeting for October 6 at 7 p.m.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lima - Lima City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the Lima City Council approved a memorial resolution, enacted a sidewalk declaration and approved multiple ordinances on first reading, moved two MHRSB funding ordinances to second reading with one abstention, and referred a proposed part-time benefits ordinance to committee.","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},6474523,"Lima council sends proposed part-time council health benefit ordinance to committee after heated debate",692,3690000,4382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af&start=3690&end=4382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af/thumbnail_3690000.jpg","/articles/6474523/Ohio/Lima-council-sends-proposed-part-time-council-health-benefit-ordinance-to-committee-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474523-f217f375b960bd959dfc2d438be8b4a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158288&Signature=HWVD9ph7Xr0IkUZtlMEVTNybWxm1tzXnLGhBua~L32LPKzTvFZLfB5LsukCjI17ye2c2WhpFlAm~MTEutI0O6GahBOdJ4GePoKw~xi4wiGToLqeZXxSgMW9lhOWDCjbwBXC3fORz-i7gnGThR7uQrBMT6g3BXb-12tluJZNaVuBFRI5EiQxlSZDoGA6XT-Fh-TYfPm0HQ3QEaeUcVYLp51zmVhic~PnhE77Rn5EPSxO~jPah1Ayki4rv~y70YWuISeeVs9-Cp3Hb1gzabGhKJfm6az9tbi3y47-53O-PsqVH51UA21UszwemsRMfVsXLJFjA1aVD7nOyUtS1QlAf1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lima City Council voted to send Ordinance 202-25, a proposed change that would make certain part-time elected officials eligible for city medical insurance, to the Human Resources committee for further consideration after more than an hour of debate.

Councilor Thompson initially moved to pass the ordinance on first reading and Councilor Gordon seconded the motion. The administration, represented on the floor by the mayor, opposed the measure. The mayor said the city is self-insured, is operating under a hiring freeze, and cannot predict costs that would result from extending full medical coverage to part-time officials. She cautioned that a single catastrophic claim could impose immediate, substantial liabilities on the city’s self-insured fund.

“Because we are self insured, these are not fixed premium costs,” the mayor said, explaining that claims are directly tied to costs and that the city is preparing a 2026 budget under uncertain state and federal conditions. Several council members echoed concerns about the fiscal risk and perceptions of elected officials voting to give themselves benefits.

Councilor Wilkerson said he would vote no, adding, “I have a tough time when elected officials can vote for their own pay raise, vote for their own benefits without going through the public.” Councilor Glenn spoke in favor of the proposal, saying councilors work many hours and characterizing the benefit as “a small token” the council had requested.

After discussion, Councilor Thompson withdrew her motion to pass the ordinance on first reading. Councilor Gordon then moved — and the council approved — a motion to place the ordinance into the Human Resources committee so members can continue deliberations and receive additional information. The referral passed without a roll-call vote recorded in the transcript readings of the final motion.

Ending — The council did not adopt Ordinance 202-25 at the meeting; instead it referred the proposal to the Human Resources committee for further study and negotiation.","Councilor Thompson introduced an ordinance to extend city medical insurance to part-time elected officials; the mayor opposed it citing self-insurance budget risk; Councilor Thompson withdrew the motion and the council voted to place the measure in the Human Resources committee for further consideration.",{"_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},6474527,"Ohio Consumers' Counsel warns AEP Ohio rate increases could raise Lima bills; urges residents to attend PUCO hearings",686,1946000,2632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af&start=1946&end=2632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811766-9b58d756e990f320ed6b897834c250af/thumbnail_1946000.jpg","/articles/6474527/Ohio/Ohio-Consumers-Counsel-warns-AEP-Ohio-rate-increases-could-raise-Lima-bills-urges-residents-to-attend-PUCO-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474527-836494820b707b43e9b49ced71b0f0f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158288&Signature=YakA1RdYZTBzW6P47Q0PxKrxoNoaiW00z3DJw9g7h7MRgDDwy6B7gZK1F2VasYoxnCsQvqfJWOuInz4q0mRn3Czk5HAIgV5mbTMrWLjlbtoYH22RJkke-ZQRJjkj4VRzuB7SHHcZN4Ivy0nGhwMikYx~lmHm7vMbA3y9JYlwrzkPHBobTduf4OCbPGFNesgeZnL-5YN3J2VoxibK~MZr~~GIyvkY4rx6GXnYsIUUa0H4C673vRcUfKQia9QjE80mvDllx6jHwCJe23~VBmrKBiF6NCOMYUxBUde8V20L48spCpsk-54WUgHYpEdIdtrQ7FTcZvdfJUG7fhVWSrdhVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Angela O’Brien, deputy consumers’ counsel for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, told the Lima City Council during its meeting that AEP Ohio’s pending application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) could raise electric bills for local residents. O’Brien said AEP Ohio’s requested change to electric distribution rates would amount to about $4 a month for an average customer — roughly $50 a year — and that other components of electric bills (supply and transmission) are rising as well.

O’Brien said the Consumers’ Counsel has intervened in PUCO case number 25392 and is analyzing AEP’s filing. “When you put them all together it amounts to a drastic increase in your electric utility bills,” she said. She described three drivers of higher bills: rising capacity costs set through PJM auctions, increasing transmission costs tied to system upgrades, and utility investments that can push up customers’ bills.

The Consumers’ Counsel urged residents to participate in the PUCO process. O’Brien said PUCO staff typically issues a staff report about five months after a filing and that the council should expect an order in the case around January 2026 based on typical timelines. She said PUCO will schedule local public hearings in AEP service areas and OCC had filed a motion seeking at least one virtual local public hearing so people who cannot travel can still provide testimony or comments.

Councilors asked how residents can influence outcomes. O’Brien said filing comments to the PUCO docket (referencing case 25392), attending local public hearings, and contacting state legislators are practical steps. She said OCC staff can help draft resolutions or provide outreach materials and was distributing an OCC consumer alert at the meeting.

Councilor Glenn and Councilor Wilkerson pressed O’Brien on why customers bear increases while AEP reports strong profits. O’Brien said Ohio law permits investor-owned utilities to earn a reasonable return but that OCC argues consumers should not be responsible for “gold-plated” investments that exceed what is necessary for reliable service. She noted OCC has legal teams — attorneys, accountants and engineers — that review utility requests and challenge unreasonable costs at the PUCO.

O’Brien also described secondary resources OCC posts online, including information on utility assistance programs and aggregation options. She encouraged residents to scan the OCC QR code provided at the meeting or visit occ.ohio.gov for case documents and instructions on filing comments.

The council did not take a formal vote tied to the presentation. O’Brien left contact information and outreach materials and said OCC would notify the public when PUCO local hearing dates are set.

Ending — The Consumers’ Counsel emphasized that public participation in the PUCO process matters, and council members urged residents to use the available channels — local hearings, the PUCO docket, and outreach materials — to register concerns about rate impacts.","Angela O'Brien of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel told the Lima City Council that AEP Ohio has filed a distribution-rate case (PUCO case 25392) that could add about $4 a month to the typical household's distribution bill and that local public hearings and comments to the PUCO will be key opportunities for residents to weigh in.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Lima City Council adopts sidewalk, budget and multiple ordinances; several items moved to second reading

Lima council sends proposed part-time council health benefit ordinance to committee after heated debate

Ohio Consumers' Counsel warns AEP Ohio rate increases could raise Lima bills; urges residents to attend PUCO hearings