By 1812Blockhouse
This week’s Shelby City Council meeting brought forward a mix of infrastructure updates, passionate public concerns, and legislative action. From a local property owner’s plea to address deteriorating alleyways, to an intense discussion over proposed budget cuts to the fire department, the evening was marked by both community advocacy and strategic planning.
Property Owner Requests Paving of Neglected Alley
During public comment, Chad Young raised a longstanding issue regarding the condition of a city-owned alley adjacent to 93 West Main Street and 14 Church Street, which are owned by his company. Young reported investing over $245,000 into the property since 2021 but expressed some frustration with the lack of response from the city’s street department.
Despite repeated calls and efforts to self-fill potholes, Young said the alley remains in poor condition and unplowed during winter. He asked Council for guidance on how to move forward. Council members acknowledged the concern, with one noting that not all alleys are used equally and that some serve almost as streets.
Council discussed the need for a formal system to categorize alleys by usage and condition. One member suggested the Streets Committee develop objective criteria—similar to how streets are graded—to determine which alleys should receive attention.
Bridge Inspections and Waterline Transfer Reviewed
Councilman Martin presented updates from the Streets Committee, covering two major infrastructure items:
- Bridge Inspections: Ten bridges in the city were recently reviewed under the Ohio Revised Code requirements. Each bridge received ratings based on condition, erosion, deck integrity, and sufficiency.
- Waterline Realignment: The city is preparing to assume control over a section of 10-inch cast iron waterline on Curtis Drive (in the Central Ohio Industrial Park), previously maintained by the park. The shift in ownership stems from a recent property sale and aims to support continued water service to buildings in the area.
Safety Committee Report: New Cruisers and Health Monitoring
Councilmember Roberts highlighted several items from the Safety Committee:
- Three long-delayed 2023 police cruisers are now in service.
- COVID-19 case numbers remain low, with most cases located in nursing homes.
- The Healthy Shelby Coalition—comprised of 18 local organizations—continues to focus on community wellness.
- Shelby Fire Department participated in recent job fairs and emergency response training.
Historic Preservation Commission Shares Progress and Goals
Representatives from the Shelby Historic Preservation Commission presented their 2024 report. Highlights included:
- Finalization and publication of local design guidelines.
- Community outreach meetings to educate historic building owners on preservation, funding, and maintenance.
- Local landmark designations for the Girl Scout House and Seltzer Park Gates.
- Future initiatives including brochures, educational materials, and support for the revitalization of Oakland Cemetery.
The Commission continues seeking a new member with experience in architecture, planning, or historic preservation.
The Smoke Stack Debate: Demolish or Repurpose?
Council revisited the ongoing debate over the future of the city’s 190-foot smoke stack. While previous estimates for demolition were around $125,000, recent quotes now exceed $500,000.
Options include:
- Demolition: Considered risky due to ever-increasing costs and concerns about future liability.
- Repurposing: Supported by some council members as a historic and iconic structure that could become a city landmark with lighting and decorative features.
The conversation is expected to continue in the Streets Committee.
Fire Department Budget Concerns Spark Urgent Plea
One of the most emotionally charged moments of the night came during discussion of Ordinance 8-2025, which covers the city’s appropriations for 2025.
Fire Chief Thompson passionately addressed Council, raising serious concerns about a proposed $200,000 cut to the department’s wage budget. He outlined how:
- The department has worked to reduce overtime and improve efficiency.
- Shelby has absorbed EMS responsibilities previously handled by a private company, increasing workload.
- Personnel cuts would severely impact service levels, particularly for double runs and emergency responses.
- Mutual aid response times from nearby communities are 15–20 minutes away.
Chief Thompson called for the budget to at least match last year’s amount, emphasizing the life-or-death implications of understaffing.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Proclaimed
Mayor Steven L. Schag issued a proclamation designating March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. He urged citizens to support inclusion and independence for all individuals in Shelby. Several council members shared personal stories of volunteering with the Richland Newhope Center and expressed strong support.
Ordinances and Legislation Approved
Council passed several ordinances, including:
- Ordinance 2-2025: Solar Energy System Regulations
- Ordinance 3-2025: Traffic Impact Study Requirements
- Ordinance 6-2025: Exterior Property Maintenance Standards
- Ordinance 8-2025: 2025 Appropriations Budget (despite fire department concerns)
Also passed: Resolution 8-2025, allowing the city to accept property from the Community Improvement Corporation for future use, possibly including redevelopment of the Main Street fire station.
Executive Session Closes the Evening
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss property acquisition and sale. Council members, the mayor, and select staff entered closed-door discussions at 7:52 PM.
Be sure to turn on the sound!
