OH village council discusses possible electric rate increase

By Rachel Smith

Staff Reporter

Mayor Conley began the meeting by introducing State Representative Jeff Wagner. Representative Wagner was present at the meeting because he is helping Pam Winters attempt to keep the Bureau of Motor Vehicles open in Oak Harbor.

Laurene gave a report from the Chamber of Commerce. Currently they are preparing for the upcoming Apple Festival. There will a historical tent located near the log cabin and anyone interested in displaying something can call the chamber. They have received complaints about cigarettes in the streets, but realized there is no place to put them.

Pam Winters discussed with council about the possibility of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles closing in Oak Harbor. The state wants to close the branch due to lack of business. She is encouraging council to contact the names she gave them to register complaints. She believes the state didn't know in their survey that the road had been closed.

In the Village Administrator's report, John Liske reminded everyone about the hearing on August 25th about the rezoning of the Hille property.

He also alerted council for the possibility of an electric rate increase. AEP is proposing a %15 increase each year for three years and AMP Ohio is proposing a %30 increase from 2009-2011. Mr. Wilkins believes we are lucky to have had the lower costs of AMP Ohio for as long as we have.

The business of the meeting began with the second reading of Ordinance No. 5-2008. All members voted yes to pass the ordinance as an emergency measure. All members also voted yes to move the September 1st meeting of council to September 2nd at 7pm.

Council went into work session at 8:07pm.

In the work session council discussed their Funeral Service Leave Policy. There were four options to consider and council was unanimous on choosing #1 and #4. Starting a sidewalk program was given discussion. Council discussed different clauses that would be necessary such as a sidewalk inspector.