Council approves application to OPWC for Sugar Ridge–Bender roundabout funding despite dissent

Council adopted resolution 2026-79 on Aug. 17 to authorize the city engineer to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for funding for the Sugar Ridge and Bender Road Roundabout Project and to allow the mayor to accept funding and execute a contract if awarded. The mayor moved to add the emergency clause so the city could meet OPWC application deadlines.

During debate, one councilmember explained that adopting without an emergency clause would trigger a 30-day enactment window but that adding the clause was necessary to meet OPWC timelines. Two councilmembers — identified in the roll call as Zengali and Swink/Swank in different parts of the transcript — voted no; the resolution carried by a 5–2 vote. One councilmember who voted no said earlier he had opposed the project itself and therefore would not support additional funding to implement it.

The resolution authorizes the city to pursue outside funding for the roundabout; the administration described the measure as an opportunity to obtain additional funds to pay for the project using outside sources. No construction contract was signed at the meeting; the action authorizes application for OPWC funding and, if awarded, acceptance and contracting in future steps.