At-a-glance: Council approves TAP grant application, waives liquor-license hearing and approves minutes

The Wooster City Council took three formal actions on Nov. 3: it approved the submission of an Ohio Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application, waived a hearing for a proposed liquor-license transfer, and approved minutes from the prior meeting.

Resolution 2025-65 (TAP application) Miss Hamilton read Resolution 2025-65, which authorizes the director of administration to apply to ODOT’s TAP program for funds to construct 1.25 miles of shared-use paths along Venture Boulevard and to connect Clear Creek Park and Walton Woods to existing paths. The estimated project cost is $900,000; TAP would cover up to 80% of eligible costs. Council moved to suspend the rules and place the measure on third reading, then voted by roll call to adopt the resolution. The clerk recorded unanimous 'Yes' votes from the members present: Miss Wharton, Mister Abernathy, Mister Jose, Miss Kanapik, Mister Gaffey, Mister Myers and Mister Malta. (01:24:50–01:28:00)

Liquor-license hearing waived The clerk reported an application to transfer a D-5 and D-6 liquor license to Asian Fusion Buffet LLC at 3729 Burbank Road. After brief clarifying remarks about license classes, a councilmember moved to waive the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (aye). (00:25:16–00:26:13)

Approval of minutes A motion by Mister Abernathy, seconded by Miss Konapik, approved the minutes from the council’s prior meeting by voice vote. (00:09:49–00:10:04)

Why this matters: The TAP resolution advances a city application for state funding that, if awarded, would pay for a major pedestrian/bicycle connection that staff says will provide walkable access between neighborhoods and parks and leverage Ohio Turnpike revenues as a local match; the liquor-license waiver advances a straightforward administrative transfer and required procedural step.