Geneva-on-the-Lake council adopts emergency ordinances, approves $1.956M sewer contract and creates port authority

Geneva-on-the-Lake — At its Aug. 12, 2024 regular meeting the Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake Village Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that included emergency declarations, the creation of a municipal port authority and a $1,956,969 contract award for the village sanitary sewer main trunkline.

The council read Ordinance No. 2024-52 and unanimously approved awarding the sanitary sewer trunkline project to Rudzik Excavating, Inc. of Struthers, Ohio for a firm, fixed price of $1,956,969.00. Council also declared an emergency to expedite contract execution and related work.

Council members voted unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 2024-51 authorizing the mayor and/or village administrator to execute an engineering agreement with Glaus, Pyle, Schomer, Burns and DeHaven, Inc. for the Shadowbrook culvert repairs and replacement project; that ordinance also carried an emergency declaration.

The body approved Ordinance No. 2024-49 to create the Village of Geneva-on-The-Lake port authority under Ohio Revised Code section 4582.22 and related provisions (O.R.C. 4582.01–4582.20). Solicitor Cris Newcomb pointed out and clarified a typographical citation issue earlier in the meeting, noting that an ordinance text incorrectly cited Ordinance 2024-37 and "should actually cite Ordinance 2024-38 in letter A." The council corrected the citation procedure during the meeting.

The council approved several other measures under emergency declaration, including Ordinance No. 2024-47 (street cleaning, snow and ice removal assessments), Ordinance No. 2024-48 (street lighting assessments), Ordinance No. 2024-53 (a 48-month equipment finance agreement with Andover Bank for mowing equipment), and Ordinance No. 2024-54 (amendments to 2024 appropriations). Motions to waive the three-reading rule and to act on the ordinances passed by recorded roll calls.

During discussion of the equipment finance agreement, Council Member Don Woodward asked whether there would be penalties for early payoff. Village Administrator Jeremy Shaffer said the finance agreement paperwork "hasn't come that far yet, and he does not have an answer at this time." The council nevertheless approved the finance agreement and declared it an emergency.

Under new business, Council moved that the village not request a hearing from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a liquor license application from Swiss Oak Inc. at 5475 and 5457 Lake Road; the motion passed with one abstention (Don Woodward) and five affirmative votes. The council also announced upcoming meetings on Aug. 19 and Sept. 9.

The meeting opened at 7:56 p.m. and adjourned at 8:08 p.m. following a motion by Gary Himes and unanimous roll call. Minutes were transcribed by Corey Snow and Jessi Spurlock.