Preliminary approval for bonds for fire hall accepted

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — During its Monday night meeting, Worthington City Council accepted a preliminary approval for bonds to help pay for the new Worthington Fire Hall.

Council would have the option to issue the bonds to cover the project in the future, but isn’t mandated to do so, Carolyn Drude from Ehlers & Associates said. She noted the bonds, not to exceed $4,500,000, are taxable, but said interest rates are the lowest they have been since the 1960s.

In other news, Council approved:

l A resolution to authorize fines for breaking the watering ban, which was established by Worthington Public Utilities this month. The fines are conclusive with those for disorderly conduct and public nuisance offenses. First offense fines are $90, second offenses are $160 and further violations will be handled by court ticket.

l The Worthington Hotel Group’s request for an additional $25,000 for pre-opening activities associated with the Worthington Event Center. Council also approved rental rates for the new center, expected to open next spring.

l The rental rate for Mark Thier to store about 30 boat lifts near the Sunset Park gravel parking area for the winter season. In the event other parties wish to store units, Council set the rental rate at $500 a season for up to 30 units.

l The position description for a new Director of Public Works. Worthington Mayor Alan Oberloh raised concerns about qualified candidates being pushed out if they didn’t have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). After input from Jim Laffrenzen, who is retiring this year from the position, Council changed the requirement to possess a CDL from 45 days after hire to 90 days after hire.

l The date to canvass ballots from the Nov. 6 General Election at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 9. Since Oberloh is on the ballot, member Lyle Ten Haken was declared the Mayor Designee.

l David Dieter’s quote to lease the Bio-Science Park hay land for $6,500 annually for five years.

l The 2013 Worthington Area YMCA contract to manage the City’s 2013 summer youth recreation programs. The total cost is $43,688, up three percent from last year.

l The first reading of a proposed ordinance to annex property in Lorain Township. Council retracted its action taken on Oct 8 because the City doesn’t have the authority to change the boundaries of the land annexation without restarting the whole process. To prevent any delay in business, Council approved the original annexation boundary brought forth by Ridley USA.

l The petition for improvement of property to be platted as Morning View Second Addition. The petition is for the extension of the municipal sewer and water systems.

l The first reading of an ordinance to vacate a platted easement in the Morning View First Addition. The easement is not currently being used, but will be needed for future developments.

Daily Globe Reporter Kayla Strayer may be reached at 376-7322.

Tags: city council, news, preliminary, approval, bonds, fire, hall, accepted