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Orrville Council authorizes due diligence on roughly 139 acres for economic development
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 8‑26 to allow the city to enter contracts and begin a 90‑day due‑diligence period on about 139.29 acres in Bachland Township and roughly 3.987 acres inside Orrville for economic development; financing will be reported later and council approved an amendment removing stray on‑call pay language.
Orrville City Council on March 16 adopted Resolution 8‑26 authorizing the Board of Control to enter into contracts to purchase approximately 139.29 acres in Bachland Township and about 3.987 acres inside Orrville from L Ren Farms LLC and Renner Development Company for economic development purposes.
Safety Service Director Wheeler told council the resolution permits the city to sign a contract to begin due diligence, and that the contract would be contingent on financing and acceptable due‑diligence results. "We will have 90 days to do due diligence, which will include a Phase I environmental study," Wheeler said. He added the city would have the option to proceed to a Phase II study depending on findings.
Wheeler and other staff said financing details were still being worked out and would be brought to council at a subsequent meeting; bond counsel and the finance office are continuing to assemble the financing package. "The contract is contingent on financing and also contingent on acceptable due diligence response," Wheeler said.
After adoption, Councilman Spears moved to amend section 3 of Resolution 8‑26 to delete carryover language referencing firefighters, EMTs and on‑call pay; the amendment passed on voice vote and was ratified. Council also approved suspending the usual three‑reading rule so staff could begin required surveys and studies promptly.
Council members said giving staff authority to begin environmental and title work now would let the city pursue potential state funding opportunities and prepare a financing package for later approval. Wheeler and planning staff said they would return with firm financing proposals, surveys and any required follow‑up resolutions after due diligence and bonding work is complete.
The resolution authorizes non‑binding contract execution to begin the customary diligence steps; council must later approve final purchase agreements and financing before the city takes ownership.
