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Council holds public hearing on proposed DORA, sets hours and blackout dates; final vote delayed by 30‑day rule
Summary
City Manager Daryl Hennessy presented revisions to the proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (Ordinance 2026.20): hours narrowed to 12 p.m.–9 p.m. daily and additional blackout dates added. Council closed the hearing but cannot adopt the ordinance at the next meeting because state law requires a 30‑day waiting period.
City Manager Daryl Hennessy presented a revised application for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) during a public hearing at the July 1 City of Sunbury council meeting, saying the proposal adjusts operation hours and lists specific blackout dates.
"It shows at 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week," Hennessy told council, and added that the deputy police chief indicated the department "will provide the support they need to make this work." He said Memorial Day market and Labor Day market were added to the blackout list in addition to existing blackout days such as Christmas on the Square, Independence Day and the Sunbury Sizzle and Sound.
The DORA ordinance is filed as Ordinance 2026.20 and references Ohio Revised Code section 4301.82. During public comment, Jason Horby, who identified himself and his district, thanked council for the extended hours and asked whether the council could vote on the measure at the next meeting to "salvage summer." Horby said the extended hours would "help us out a tremendous amount."
Council members closed the public hearing after the testimony, but staff and council stressed a statutory waiting period. Mayor St. John and City Manager Hennessy reminded the council that state law requires waiting at least 30 days after publication before final action. Hennessy said, "the law says you have to wait 30 days after the date of the initial publication, not sooner than 30," so the item cannot be legally adopted at the next meeting even if there are no opponents.
Council discussed enforcement and administration during first reading but did not take final action. Hennessy said staff is working with the chamber on minor image adjustments for the packet and will include any final edits at the next meeting packet. He also noted that police indicated they will provide enforcement support.
Next steps: the ordinance remains at first reading; council staff will post required public notice and provide any revised exhibits before the next meeting. A final vote will be scheduled only after the 30‑day statutory period mandated by Ohio Revised Code section 4301.82 has elapsed.
