The Washington C.H. City Council met in their newly-renovated Chamber on April 12. What had started as a small ceiling patch job turned into a structural renovation, causing council members to hold two of their meetings in the basement of the police department.

All three council committees, Service, Safety and Recreation, Finance and Personnel, and Economic Strategies and Cooperation, had their minutes approved.

Placed on first reading was a resolution to submit an application for a Nature Works grant. Also, placed on first reading was a resolution to award a contract to Cox Paving for the 2017 resurfacing program.

An ordinance to apply to the State of Ohio to establish a Community Entertainment District within the City of Washington C.H., known as the Downtown Historical Entertainment District, was placed on first reading. This ordinance is part of the ongoing efforts to bring economic revitalization to the downtown area.

City manager Joseph Denen also reported on a letter to be sent to the state regarding the shuffling of monies away from local drug rehabilitation efforts to state-run programs. “Our local programs are working,” said Denen. “Moving these programs away from local areas will only make it more difficult to service those who need it most.”

Also placed on first reading was an amended ordinance regarding limitations upon the number of dogs kept within the City of Washington Court House and defining operation of kennels.

Two residents were present who wished to address council on two of the above issues. A resident who lives on Gibbs Avenue came to discuss issues with the lack of pavement in front of her home. Ron Sockman, city service director, was asked to view the situation.

Also present was a local dog groomer who was concerned about the verbiage in Ordinance No. 13-2017 regarding the number of dogs at any one residence.

For a full review of these resolutions and ordinances, the public may stop at the City Administration Building, 105 N. Main St. All city council meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. If you wish to address council, you must sign in prior to the opening of the meeting. All meetings are held in council chambers on the second floor.