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St. Marys City Council Approves Liquor Permit, Flood Ordinance, and Helmet Law

ST. MARYS — At last night’s St. Marys City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Hurlburt announced several key approvals and updates during petitions and communications.

The council approved the liquor permit renewal for Beer Barrel on Indiana Avenue, with no objections from members or the public.

In third readings, the council passed two ordinances and one resolution:

• Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance: An emergency ordinance updating the city’s special purpose flood damage reduction language to align with FEMA’s revised policies. The update ensures residents in flood-prone areas remain eligible for flood insurance.

• Helmet Ordinance: A new law requiring anyone 17 and under to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, electric bicycle, or low-speed micromobility device. This ordinance will take effect in 30 days.

• Solid Waste Management Resolution: Approval of the Allglace County Solid Waste Management District’s 15-year plan, with former Solid Waste Collection System Superintendent Doug Metz representing St. Marys on the committee. The city will continue to oversee compliance with EPA regulations.

Council also held second readings for two ordinances and a resolution:

• Zoning Fee Ordinance: Proposes increasing certain zoning and subdivision fees to cover city costs.

• Efficiency Smart Program Ordinance: Continues the city’s partnership with Efficiency Smart and American Municipal Power, which has helped local businesses and residents reduce energy costs since 2011.

• Next Generation 911 Resolution: Grants the county engineer authority to assign addresses, improving accuracy for emergency responders under the updated 911 system.

The council moved into executive session to discuss collective bargaining. After returning to regular session, the collective bargaining agreement was approved before the meeting adjourned.