Group to pay Sabina election cost

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SABINA — Rather than the village treasury being billed, a group behind a zoning proposal that’s on the ballot will cover the board of elections’ cost.

Thomas Foster told village council Thursday that the group which officially put the initiative-petition issue on the ballot — the Sabina Forward Committee — pledges to pay the bill, recognizing the cost “is a sticking point” with the mayor and some of council.

At the July 23 council session, Mayor Dean Hawk expressed displeasure the village’s general fund would be responsible for an “unnecessary surprise expense” to place the question on the fall ballot.

Foster advised that the group was assured the cost “will be minimal, or very slight, or no big issue.”

Foster appeared before council and listed what he said were points in favor of land-use zoning guidelines, as well as what he called myths circulating about zoning.

Zoning protects property values and its guidelines “can be adapted as needs arise,” he said. And based on the group’s research with the county and townships, Foster said there may be no cost to the village to administer the land-use ordinance.

Resident James Mongold responded that Foster had not listed the biggest myth. The proposed zoning ordinance was not written for Sabina, said Mongold, but instead is a copy-and-paste from another zoning ordinance.

Councilman Michael Walls said the Sabina zoning proposal comes from New Vienna and that New Vienna is working to revamp its own zoning proposal.

An audience member asked what is going on in town to cause a need for zoning.

On another matter, council members voted 5-1 to buy a reconditioned street sweeper. The cost to the village is $39,500. Sabina 2000, a community improvement group, may contribute several thousand dollars toward that sum.

Councilman Bill Lewis opposed the purchase, calling it “ill-advised” at this time and saying the village is “stretched on street funds.”

But Councilman Billy Ray Anders said he already can see that debris is starting to collect on streets without a street sweeper, and Councilman Dan Osborne said it’s important to make an effort to beautify the village to draw people to town.

Hawk said the sweeper, a Pelican brand, also can be used for an agricultural grain spill such as corn kernels. The funds to acquire the sweeper, said the mayor, would be enough to blacktop streets for about four blocks.

In other news:

The vacant Kim’s Diner on routes 22/3 in town has been purchased, the mayor reported. The new operator hopes to open on Sept. 4.

In other local eatery news, the Traditions restaurant on North Howard Street in the downtown has extended its hours to 8 p.m. to offer evening meals, Hawk said. The restaurant’s hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and closed weekends.

The village-owned community pool will remain open through Sunday, Aug. 30, announced the mayor.

Connie Roberts was named a full-time Sabina patrol officer. From Sabina, Roberts has 17 years experience with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. She will receive an hourly wage of $14.

Also Thursday, Donnie R. Wilson was sworn in as an auxiliary officer.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.

In left foreground, Thomas Foster appears before Sabina Village Council and lists what he says are points in favor of land-use zoning guidelines. In the background are residents.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/08/web1_foster_f.jpgIn left foreground, Thomas Foster appears before Sabina Village Council and lists what he says are points in favor of land-use zoning guidelines. In the background are residents.

At left, Sabina Village Councilman Billy Ray Anders supports the purchase of a street sweeper. At right is Sabina Village Councilman Bob Storer, who also voted in favor of the acquisition, as part of a 5-1 majority decision.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/08/web1_billy_ray_f.jpgAt left, Sabina Village Councilman Billy Ray Anders supports the purchase of a street sweeper. At right is Sabina Village Councilman Bob Storer, who also voted in favor of the acquisition, as part of a 5-1 majority decision.

From left, Sabina Mayor Dean Hawk congratulates new full-time Sabina police officer Connie Roberts after swearing her in Thursday evening.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/08/web1_connie_f.jpgFrom left, Sabina Mayor Dean Hawk congratulates new full-time Sabina police officer Connie Roberts after swearing her in Thursday evening.

By Gary Huffenberger

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