Celina Council advances park lease, annexation and EMS agreement

The Celina City Council has advanced three ordinances during its latest meeting, including a lease agreement for Bryson Park, the annexation of property and an amendment to the city's ambulance EMS agreement with Mercer County.

Bryson Park lease amended

Council approved an amendment to Ordinance 30-26-0, authorizing a lease agreement between the City of Celina and Buckeye Soft Serve LLC for the Bryson Park District.

The amendment adds shelter houses to the ordinance and clarifies that shelter houses 7, 8 and 10 are included in the festival lease agreement.

The amended ordinance passed to third reading on a 7-0 vote.

Councilman Eric Clausen said he supported the program, noting it would make use of the city's parks.

Grieshop Properties annexation advances

Ordinance 31-26-0, accepting a petition for the annexation of approximately 1.5 acres in Jefferson Township to the City of Celina, passed to third reading on a 7-0 vote.

The property is known as the Grieshop Properties Annexation.

Councilman Thomas Sanford said annexation is part of the city's growth and that it is good to have the property brought into the city.

EMS agreement amended

Council approved Ordinance 29-26-0 on third and final reading.

The ordinance amends Ordinance 56-23-0 and authorizes the mayor and safety-service director to enter into an amended Mercer County/City of Celina County Ambulance EMS Agreement.

Councilman Eric Clausen asked whether the amendment was to match the EMS levy funding.

The law director confirmed that the agreement is being amended to reflect the levy. He said the city cannot bill Mercer County for the $300,000 until the ordinance is approved.

The ordinance passed 7-0.

Parks committee to discuss improvements, community center

Mayor Jeff Hazel said a parks committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. September 28.

The committee will discuss various park improvements and the potential for a community center.

New salt storage bin completed

The council was also told that a new salt storage bin has been completed at the city's public works facility.

The bin will hold approximately 1,000 tons of salt, compared with the old bin's capacity of approximately 600 tons.

The new facility includes concrete on both sides and is designed to help the city store salt for winter street maintenance.

Councilman congratulates Bulldogs

Councilman Matt Gray congratulated the Celina Bulldogs on their football season, noting that the team was ranked third in Ohio Division III football.

Executive session

The council voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters involving the employment, dismissal and/or discipline of a public employee, as well as negotiations with public employees concerning compensation or other terms and conditions of employment.

The meeting then moved into executive session.