The Lima City Council passed a package of ordinances on first reading and approved several administrative actions at its Jan. 13 meeting, while scheduling a public hearing and making one appointment.

The council voted to authorize contracts and other actions included in Ordinances 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725, 825, 925, 1025, 1125, 1225, 1325, 1425 and 1525. Most measures passed unanimously on first reading; Ordinance 1525, a property sale, passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. Councilors moved and seconded individual ordinances from the floor; the clerk called the roll for each measure and recorded votes.

Councilors also authorized the city clerk to tell the Ohio Division of Liquor Control that the council had no objection to a liquor‑permit transfer for G Mart Inc., located at 2295 North Cole Street. Councilor Nipper moved that the communication be "received and filed and authorize the clerk to file with no objections with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control," and the motion carried.

A petition for vacation of an alley in the 1100 block of North Lehigh Street was received and filed. The council directed the law director to prepare necessary legislation, ordered publication of a legal notice and set a public hearing for Feb. 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

Councilors referred the issue of certificate of occupancy requirements for renovated properties to "council of the whole" for further consideration after a motion to place the subject on that agenda passed.

The council appointed Peggy Ehor to the civil service board by voice vote. The meeting record shows that motion carried by voice vote with no roll‑call opposition recorded.

Other routine items — including the consent calendar and communications numbered 2 through 18 — were received, filed and approved as presented.

Votes at a glance
- Consent calendar: received, filed and approved (voice vote).
- Communication No. 1 (liquor permit transfer to G Mart Inc., 2295 N. Cole St.): clerk authorized to notify Ohio Division of Liquor Control of no objection (motion by Councilor Nipper; carried by roll call).
- Petition to vacate alley, 1100 block of North Lehigh Street: received and filed; public hearing set for Feb. 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. (motion by Councilor Jordi; carried by roll call).
- Ordinances 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725, 825, 925, 1025, 1125, 1225, 1325, 1425: each passed on first reading by recorded roll call (majority recorded as 7–0 where noted).
- Ordinance 1525 (sale of property on Hughes Avenue to Dorothy Peterson and Marsha Beasley): passed on first reading; 6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain (Councilor Dixon abstained from the vote and stated a dual relationship with the parties).
- Referral: certificate of occupancy for renovated properties placed into council of the whole (motion carried by roll call).
- Appointment: Peggy Ehor to the civil service board (voice vote; motion carried).

Why it matters: the ordinances authorize contracts and property transactions that move city projects and routine operations forward and set the schedule for a public hearing on a local property vacation petition.

The council adjourned to meet again Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.