Orrville council places 2026 appropriations, zoning changes and Wayne Street sidewalk measures on first reading

The Orrville City Council on March 2 placed on first reading a 2026 appropriations resolution and several zoning and sidewalk measures and heard administrative reports, including the Service Department's 2025 annual report.

Resolution 4-26, which would make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for fiscal year 2026 and declares an emergency, was placed on first reading. Finance Director Strimlan told the council the ordinance is on first reading and that a special meeting and workshop next Monday will include the second reading; a third reading is scheduled for March 16. Strimlan said the ordinance would authorize spending after March 31, 2026, and that most changes are in proposed capital projects that will be reviewed at the workshop.

The council also placed Ordinance A-26 and Ordinance B-26 on first reading to reclassify several small parcels from R-4 (Residential) to C-3 (Commercial) to match adjoining property owned by Dravenstott's. The A-26 parcel is on Ella Street (north part of PP #59-01640.000); B-26 covers three lots on Sterling Avenue (Lots 965, 966 and 2377, PP #59-01254.000, #59-01264.000 and #59-01258.000). The minutes state the Planning Commission approved the Ella Street reclassification.

Councilors also placed Resolution 5-26 (establishing policies for Wayne Street sidewalk installation) and Resolution 6-26 (declaring the necessity of constructing sidewalks along the west side of Wayne Street from Homestead Pointe Drive to Oak Street) on first reading. Council members noted plans and specifications for the Wayne Street work are complete and on file, with estimated pricing available for affected property owners; Resolution 5-26 lays out the policies and financial expectations, and Resolution 6-26 enables the city to require installation where necessary.

Administrative reports included a briefing from Mayor Plybon, who said she traveled to Washington, D.C., for the American Public Power Association legislative rally with Utility Director Brediger, Assistant Director Filippi and Utility Board member Rich Corfman and met with Senators Husted and Moreno to discuss city electric-system priorities, municipal-bond treatment and related funding and permitting topics. Plybon also said the city received a Growing Healthy Communities grant that helped fund the 2025 Farmers Market and added playground equipment near the dog park.

Safety-Service Director Wheeler reported that construction continues at Depot Park and announced a trap–neuter–return (TNR) program with the Orrville Veterinary Clinic. The program has three volunteer TNR sessions scheduled (April 10, May 8 and June 12), with a limit of up to eight cats per session; volunteers will be responsible for trapping, drop-off and pick-up at the clinic, and training will be provided.

Utility Director Brediger said roughly a dozen resolutions were considered in Washington and that one item addressed how the EPA reviews compliance and regulations; the minutes indicate part of that discussion placed the city on a limited-use basis but provide no further detail. Superintendent Ryan Immel presented the Service Department 2025 annual report; copies are on the city website and available at the city office.

Procedural business included approval of the Feb. 16 council minutes (motion by Davies, second by Lax) and a motion by Councilor Mace, seconded by Councilor Carr, to adjourn to executive session at 8:14 p.m. to consider the purchase of property; the executive session ended at 8:27 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. The council scheduled its next regular meeting for March 16 at 7:30 p.m., when the Fire Department annual report is expected.

No members of the public spoke at the farmland-in-agricultural-district hearing for an application submitted by Edward Shoup; the public hearing was closed at 7:32 p.m.