Council approves purchase of 2.29-acre parcel behind treatment plant to secure future expansion
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Summary
Ashland City Council approved Ordinance 6-25 to buy a triangular 2.29-acre parcel behind the water/wastewater facilities, citing future plant expansion and control of access.
The Ashland City Council on Feb. 4 voted to authorize the mayor to purchase a roughly 2.29-acre parcel located behind the city's water/wastewater facility along U.S. 250, approving Ordinance 6-25 and suspending rules for immediate readings.
Mayor Dennis Miller told council a property owner approached the city about selling the triangular parcel, which sits adjacent to the city's lime fields and is accessed via the city's drive through its treatment facility. He said the owner initially asked $50,000; council materials and the mayor's remarks indicate the parties negotiated to a lower figure to reach agreement.
"We do believe we need [the land] because as we look to the future, if we were to expand or rebuild the plant, it would only make sense that we would have this land," Miller said. He added that the lot has limited general use because of its shape and access but would be of value to the city if expansion or new construction is needed.
Council members asked about access, drainage and whether any structures existed on the parcel; staff said there is no house but a shed that likely would be removed. The mayor said the parcel has frontage on U.S. 250 but that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) control of U.S. 250 would likely prevent direct access from that highway at the site.
Council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading, to suspend the rules for three separate readings on three separate days, and to adopt Ordinance 6-25. The vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: City officials said acquiring the parcel preserves options for long-term utility planning and prevents a private buyer from purchasing the land and increasing traffic through the city's treatment facility property.
Next steps: City staff will finalize the purchase paperwork and record the title. The mayor said the council did not go into executive session because the sale progressed quickly and staff expedited materials to appear on the agenda.
