Lebanon council approves annexation of 313.585 acres, OKs final plat; advances soccer field agreements and proclaims Oct. 14 Charlie Kirk Day

The Lebanon City Council on Oct. 14 approved annexation of 313.585 acres from Turtle Creek Township to the city to support a proposed development and adopted a final plat consolidating property at 130 East Main Street, while also advancing first readings of two five‑year field‑use agreements and passing a resolution proclaiming Oct. 14, 2025, as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.

Council action on the annexation — Ordinance 2025‑099 — accepted the Schwartz property into the city and was approved by roll call with one abstention. Mayor Messer said council has debated density and growth and urged context for the public, noting council’s effort to “control the growth in Lebanon” while balancing property owners’ rights. The council also approved Ordinance 2025‑097, a final plat consolidating parcels at 130 East Main Street, and declared an emergency to effect the sale and lot reconfiguration.

Why it matters: the annexation and the plat change reshape land available for development north of the city and on a downtown lot, respectively. Council members said the Schwartz annexation is intended to support a proposed radar development approved by Warren County and aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan recommendations for the Miller Road corridor. The measures will affect future land‑use discussions, infrastructure planning and talks with the school district.

Most important actions and outcomes

- Annexation — Ordinance 2025‑099: Approved. The ordinance accepts the annexation of 313.585 acres (the “Schwartz property”) from Turtle Creek Township into the city to support the proposed radar development, as memorialized in the existing annexation agreement with Turtle Creek Township. Roll call: six yes, one abstain (Missus Eggers abstained). The council discussed future conversations with developers on density and school impacts.

- Final plat — Ordinance 2025‑097: Approved and declared an emergency. The council approved the final plat consolidating property located at 130 East Main Street (a reconfiguration tied to a small previously approved land transaction). Roll call was unanimous in favor.

- Soccer field agreements — Ordinances 2025‑095 and 2025‑096: Advanced to first reading. Both are five‑year field‑use agreements establishing annual fees and conditions: 2025‑095 (field use agreement with LYSA/East Soccer Park Association) and 2025‑096 (Cincinnati United Soccer). Motions for first reading were made and seconded; no final adoption vote occurred at this meeting.

- Resolution 2025‑098 (Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance): Adopted. The council passed a proclamation designating Oct. 14, 2025, in honor of Charlie Kirk and moved separately to direct city administration to investigate the feasibility and cost of creating a summarized plaque version of the proclamation; that direction was approved by motion and roll call vote.

Supporting details and council discussion

Annexation and land‑use context: City staff described the annexation area as part of the Miller Road corridor between Broadway and Drake Road, noting the city’s comprehensive plan shows non‑residential development along Miller Road with suburban and transitional rural residential uses northward. Staff also said the school district installed a sewer main through the subject property in the early 2000s to serve Lebanon High School; the property owner requested annexation into the city. Council members emphasized the amount of pre‑meeting and work‑session review that accompanies large development requests, including discussions about density, building standards and school impacts.

Final plat at 130 East Main Street: The plat consolidates several smaller parcels into a single lot to regularize property lines and support a sale to an adjacent owner. The council said the change responds to a property owner request and follows planning commission recommendation.

Soccer field agreements: The two ordinances presented the same basic structure — five‑year use agreements setting annual fees and field‑use conditions for organized youth soccer groups. Council took the initial procedural step of voting to read the ordinances for the first time; no fee amounts or contract language were finalized in the meeting record.

Resolution and plaque direction: Resolution 2025‑098 proclaims Oct. 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and the resolution text included multiple ‘‘whereas’’ clauses describing Kirk’s role with Turning Point USA. After adoption, council members moved and approved a motion directing city administration to study producing a summarized plaque version of the proclamation and report back on feasibility and cost.

Other council business and reports

City staff reported recent grant awards totaling approximately $2.4 million for local transportation and trail projects: roughly $974,000 for US‑40 signal work, about $457,000 for Deerfield Road paving (an 80/20 split grant requiring a 20% local match), and about $969,000 for a Miller Road/North Broadway/Drake Road multi‑use trail. Council members praised staff grant work and noted larger regional projects (including a South Lebanon bridge environmental review) moving forward. Members also discussed the success and economic benefits of recent festivals in downtown Lebanon.

Next steps and follow‑ups

- City administration was directed to report back on the feasibility and cost to produce a summarized plaque for Resolution 2025‑098. - The soccer field use ordinances will return for additional readings and final votes at a subsequent meeting. - Annexation and any subsequent development proposals will proceed through planning, developer discussions and coordination with the school district and county agencies.

The council adjourned into an executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) to consider the purchase or sale of property where premature public disclosure could give a competitive or bargaining advantage.