Tipp City Council approves Plaza purchase, land consulting, recreation contract and HazMat participation

Tipp City Council on Dec. 2 approved a series of ordinances and resolutions to advance downtown redevelopment plans and to fund city services and intergovernmental emergency response.

At the meeting, council adopted Ordinance 36-24 to amend 2024 appropriations to cover unanticipated expenses including tax refunds, vehicle and facility maintenance, EMS billing and engineering services. City staff introduced the ordinance as an administrative adjustment to address expenses that were not included in the adopted budget.

Council then approved Resolution 46-24 authorizing the city manager to enter into an assumption and purchase agreement with Woodard Development for parcels G15019537 and G15019539, commonly known as the Plaza Properties. “This resolution authorizes the city manager to enter into an agreement with Woodard Development, for the purchase of the Plaza property,” staff said during the presentation. Council members praised the work that led to the recommendation and emphasized the city will hold the property, honor existing leases during a hold period, and begin modest aesthetic and landscaping improvements while a longer-term plan is developed.

Council also approved Resolution 47-24 to contract with Ascent Real Estate Advisors for property maintenance and listing-agent services for the same Plaza parcels, and Resolution 48-24 to engage Woodard Development on a consulting agreement for due diligence and negotiation related to roughly 60 acres being evaluated for future commercial and residential development. Staff said detailed timelines and plans will be released later via press release and at future council meetings.

The council voted to adopt Resolution 49-24, a one-year contract with Tipp Monroe Community Services for recreational programming in 2025 not to exceed $17,700. The council discussed in-kind support the city provides — including building maintenance and utilities — and the contract passed with one abstention.

Council also approved Resolution 50-24 to continue financial participation in the Miami County Hazardous Materials cooperative under a memorandum of understanding among Miami County and nearby municipalities. Staff said Tipp City’s share is 13% of the annual cost, $3,250, and that the agreement covers two years.

Separately, council granted the Tipp City Area Arts Council permission to permanently install public art in Canal Lock Park after a brief presentation and discussion about vandalism, lighting and signage. Council members said they expect details from the arts council and the artist as the project moves forward.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 36-24 (2024 appropriations amendment): Adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Resolution 46-24 (Plaza property purchase — Woodard Development): Adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Resolution 47-24 (Property management/listing agent — Ascent Real Estate Advisors): Adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Resolution 48-24 (Consulting agreement — Woodard Development, ~60 acres): Adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Resolution 49-24 (Tipp Monroe Community Services contract, up to $17,700): Adopted (roll call; 1 abstain). - Resolution 50-24 (Miami County HAZMAT participation, Tipp City share $3,250): Adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Motion to allow permanent public art in Canal Lock Park: Adopted (roll call, unanimous).

What happens next: Staff said the city will finalize purchase and management agreements, honor existing leases on the Plaza parcels during a hold period, and post public updates and press releases when development plans and timelines are available. The resolution and contract documents approved at the meeting direct staff to complete the negotiated agreements and return to council with further details as needed.