Franklin Council adopts emergency moratorium on bottle clubs and approves financial, staffing and grant measures

FRANKLIN, Ohio — The Franklin City Council on May 1 enacted a series of measures intended to tighten liquor‑control rules, stabilize municipal banking arrangements and fund local improvements.

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2017‑04, an emergency amendment to Chapter 529 of the city code that bans ‘‘bottle clubs’’ and imposes a 60‑day moratorium while a permanent ordinance is prepared. Donnette Fisher, the city law director, told council the moratorium is temporary ‘‘and will expire in 60 days’’ while staff drafts a permanent amendment. Carl Bray moved to adopt the ordinance; Michael Aldridge seconded and the vote was 7–0.

In other actions, the council named four local banks as public depositories for a five‑year term beginning May 1, 2017. Karen Ervin, finance director, said Fifth Third Bank, Huntington National Bank, Peoples Bank and Wesbanco responded to the city’s request and will be asked to execute depository agreements. Ervin said the city will cap operating deposits at $8 million and place interim deposits (up to $11 million) in interest‑bearing accounts, selecting the best rate at the time of investment. Todd Hall moved to adopt Resolution 2017‑23; the motion passed 7–0.

The council also approved a personnel reclassification in the fire department via Resolution 2017‑26. Fire Chief Johnathan Westendorf said the measure increases the number of full‑time firefighters from three to four and reduces the number of lieutenants from three to two; City Manager Sonny Lewis said the change keeps total staffing level constant while lowering officer costs. The measure passed unanimously after a motion by Carl Bray.

Council adopted Resolution 2017‑27, declaring the necessity of a street‑lighting assessment step for 2018. Lewis said the total project is estimated at $155,000 with the city’s share roughly $3,100; the resolution authorizes staff to begin the assessment process and moved forward by unanimous vote.

Finally, Council authorized submission of a NatureWorks grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to reimburse repairs at the community pool. Lewis and staff described a $140,000 project with a city match of $35,000 to replace deteriorated concrete and piping; Lewis said the pool is about three‑quarters complete and "looks really nice — 100% better." Debbie Fouts seconded the motion to apply and the council voted 7–0 to authorize the submission (Resolution 2017‑28).

Why it matters: The emergency ordinance immediately halts the opening of any bottle‑club operations while the city finalizes permanent code language. The banking designations give the finance director flexibility to shop for rates across multiple local institutions. The fire‑department reclassification aims to shift spending from supervisory payroll to entry‑level staffing, and the grant authorization advances a near‑term parks project that affects pool users and adjacent communities.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of April 17, 2017 minutes — motion by Carl Bray, seconded by Todd Hall; vote 7–0. - Ordinance 2017‑04 (Chapter 529 moratorium on bottle clubs) — moved by Carl Bray, seconded by Michael Aldridge; vote 7–0; outcome: adopted (emergency). - Resolution 2017‑23 (designate public depositories, May 1, 2017–May 1, 2022) — moved by Todd Hall, seconded by Paul Ruppert; vote 7–0; outcome: approved. - Resolution 2017‑26 (amend personnel authorizations — fire dept.) — moved by Carl Bray, seconded by Michael Aldridge; vote 7–0; outcome: approved. - Resolution 2017‑27 (street light assessment necessity) — moved by Carl Bray, seconded by Paul Ruppert; vote 7–0; outcome: approved. - Resolution 2017‑28 (authorize NatureWorks grant application for pool repairs) — moved by Todd Hall, seconded by Debbie Fouts; vote 7–0; outcome: approved.

What’s next: The moratorium expires in 60 days unless council adopts a permanent amendment; the public hearings for related ordinances are scheduled for May 15. The finance director will proceed with depository agreements and investment decisions; staff will pursue the NatureWorks grant and continue remaining pool repairs in time for opening. The council adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Sources: Franklin City Council meeting, May 1, 2017 (statements by Donnette Fisher, Karen Ervin, Johnathan Westendorf and Sonny Lewis).