Columbiana council approves annexation, takes first readings on road widening and fire contract; OKs local events
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Summary
At its Feb. 17 meeting the Columbiana City Council approved two emergency annexation resolutions (clarifying surveyed acreage as 6.279 acres), took first readings on a State Route 14 widening bid authorization and a fire protection contract with Fairfield Township, and approved several local event permits and related fee waivers.
Columbiana’s City Council on Feb. 17 approved emergency annexation resolutions that consent to bringing approximately 6.28 acres into the city and took first readings on ordinances authorizing a State Route 14 road-widening bid and a contract with Fairfield Township for fire protection. Council also approved permits for seasonal community events and waived related banner and two food-truck fees for one event.
The meeting opened with routine minutes and commission reports before council considered event requests. Crystal Samvita Fox, an event organizer, sought council approval for a June 9 “Sunset Dip” and for the city’s larger December event. A motion to group and approve the two events was moved, seconded and carried by roll call. Council later approved a Witches Walk on Main for Oct. 3, agreeing in discussion to waive the banner fee and two food-truck fees for that event.
City Manager Bryce delivered the manager’s report and noted several administrative items, including plans to advertise the 2026 city mowing contract (bids open March 5; an emergency legislation item expected March 17) and work with the city attorney on amended food-truck legislation with a target first reading on March 3.
On ordinance business, council introduced Ordinance 26-0-3327, authorizing the city manager to advertise for bids for construction materials, equipment and labor for the Columbiana State Route 14 Road Widening Project (PID 121969). The measure received a first reading and advanced. Council also gave a first reading to Ordinance 26-0-3328, a contract providing fire protection services between the city and Fairfield Township.
The council then moved to consider two emergency resolutions related to an annexation petition. Mayor read the emergency resolution language “adopted pursuant to section 709.023 of the Ohio Revised Code” describing municipal services to be provided. During discussion councilmembers and staff identified a discrepancy between the acreage stated in the annexation petition (6.275 acres) and the Chamberlain survey (6.279 acres). Mark (council attendee) said, “If the petition is not correct, they will amend it,” and counsel and staff agreed the county survey will control; council approved the annexation while noting the surveyed acreage.
Votes at a glance (Feb. 17, 2026): - Motion to group and approve two event permits (Sunset Dip and companion event): motion carried by roll call (motion seconded; outcome: approved). - Motion to approve Witches Walk (Oct. 3) with waiver of banner fee and two food-truck fees: motion carried by roll call (motion seconded; outcome: approved). - Ordinance 26-0-3327 (first reading) — authorizing advertisement for bids for SR-14 Road Widening (PID 121969): motion carried on first reading. - Ordinance 26-0-3328 (first reading) — contract with Fairfield Township for fire protection: motion carried on first reading. - Resolution 26-R-681 (emergency) — consent to annexation: motion carried; council noted petition listed 6.275 acres while the Chamberlain survey showed 6.279 acres and the council approved while staff/attorney will correct petition as needed. - Resolution 26-R-682 (emergency) — municipal services statement under Ohio Rev. Code §709.023: motion carried (outcome: approved).
What comes next: City staff indicated an emergency legislation item for the mowing contract will return on March 17 and staff will bring the revised food-truck ordinance for a first reading on March 3. Attorney Wenger or petitioners were expected to amend the annexation petition to reflect the surveyed acreage.
Council members and staff did not record divergent formal votes on the ordinance first readings or annexation resolutions; roll calls were taken and the items carried. The meeting adjourned after a council discussion about sidewalk snow removal enforcement and next steps for administrative follow-up.