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LISBON -- The mayoral race between Mayor Peter Wilson and Councilwoman Dawn Thomas became part of the village council meeting Tuesday when Wilson asked Thomas again to have a debate.
Apparently she had already said no, he asked her to reconsider and she said no again.
"I think people have a right to know where we stand on issues," Wilson said after the meeting.
Thomas, who serves as council president, said she had already said no to a debate, which she said was his idea personally. No organization had approached her about a debate.
"I would question the appropriateness of him asking at council," she said.
According to Thomas, she posted her platform on social media on Saturday and did a live talk while she walked.
Wilson said they're both busy people and he asked her at council to reconsider her answer of no to a debate.
"I don't think it was inappropriate," he said.
During recognition of guests from the floor, Lisbon resident Patricia Kronenberg, who was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the last council meeting, questioned the quick passage of an ordinance to eliminate or alter some historic design standards.
Many changes were made to the ordinance followed by the Architectural and Historic Board of Review, taking the board's power away regarding signage in downtown businesses.
"This was rushed through so quickly I don't have an understanding why," Kronenberg said, adding it appeared to be rushed through because of one sign.
The rules came under fire recently by the owner of The Lincoln Social Hall, whose sign application was rejected by the AHBR over the font used. Kronenberg noted that council went through due process. The appeal board was formed and agreed with the AHBR decision, then council stepped in and allowed the sign. She questioned why.
The meeting kicked off with a presentation by Joe Lawhorn, a professional cyclist and U.S. Marine previously from Chillicothe who recently moved to the Lisbon area and wants to hold a bike race in the village. A two-time world champion who's well-known in the cycling world, Lawhorn said he wants to make Lisbon a cycling-friendly place and a destination for cyclists from all over.
He praised the terrain in the area and the climbs cyclists would have to do, saying the county and Lisbon area is an untapped resource. Plans call for having the 100-mile race in the spring, starting in downtown Lisbon and ending in Lisbon, going out into the countryside.
He said he already has some sponsors and cyclists wanting to come here -- all he needs from the community is for council to allow it.
"There is no cost from your end," he said.
Lawhorn touted the economic benefits that would occur for local businesses, especially restaurants and hotels, because racers don't come alone, they bring their families and they eat.
Councilman Tom Darcy said his son is a cyclist and has raced in Colorado a few times.
In other business, Lisbon Assembly of God Pastor Donna Shuman invited residents and council to join Lisbon students for a student-led prayer session at 7 a.m. today at the flag pole at the high school, dubbed See You at the Pole.
Wilson reported at least four survey companies have shown interest in submitting letters of interest to do the survey work for the Pritchard Avenue bridge project. The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. Oct. 2.
He also gave an update on the Grant Street bridge project. The county offered just-acquired property for the right-of-way near the bridge for free, but asked for something in return, asking for a trade of land by the canoe launch. He said the county will do the survey.
Council agreed to discuss possible changes to public speaking rules during council meetings during a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. A personnel meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, with the Committee of the Whole meeting to follow.
In other matters, council agreed to allow high school art students to paint snow plows, discussed the risers and manholes for Lincoln Way, promoted part-time police officer Samantha Wolfe of Salem to full-time patrolman, and approved $1,343 with Brothers Mechanical Repair to replace front wheel bearings, two U-joints and the left front brake caliper on the street department's 3/4-ton pickup.
Quotes for cutting trees at Willow Grove Park and for using a crack sealer on three streets were tabled.
Lisbon Police Chief Mike Abraham extended his thanks to Lisbon residents Wendell and Ruth Cole for their donation to purchase a vest for K-9 Otis. Fire Chief Mark Hall thanked everyone for supporting the pancake breakfast held during the Johnny Appleseed Festival. The village also received a thank you letter from the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce for being a sponsor of the festival.
The next council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10.