Xenia council approves property sales, traffic-code updates, budget appropriations and remediation contracts; introduces backflow amendment

The Xenia City Council on Aug. 28 approved a package of routine and project-specific measures, including the sale of six tax-foreclosed properties, updates to the city traffic code to align with recent state law changes, emergency appropriations tied to a county grant and an interfund loan reimbursement, and contracts to clean and assess contamination at 249 Sycamore Street. Council also introduced an amendment to the city code on sewer backflow prevention that targets installations to locations identified in the Ohio Plumbing Code.

The actions, taken during a regularly scheduled council meeting at Xenia City Hall, included formal votes on ordinances and resolutions and several contract approvals to advance redevelopment and public-works projects. Council members emphasized that some measures were procedural and required by outside grant or state requirements; others were tied to multiagency remediation and downtown redevelopment efforts.

The sales approved by the council cover six city-acquired parcels that were obtained through tax foreclosure and held for the city’s home preservation program. City Manager Ryan Baker said the program’s goal is to return properties to owner-occupants who will pay property taxes and maintain the lots. “The real goal is to get these properties back in the hands of individuals that will be utilizing the properties, paying the taxes, and providing a positive influence back on the community,” Baker said.

Council voted to update the municipal traffic code so it is concurrent with state law. Danette, the city’s law director, told council the change follows a comprehensive update to keep local code aligned with amendments that took effect earlier this year, including provisions that arose from House Bill 96. “If it’s an issue that’s…