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COLUMBIANA -- A local business has backed itself into quite the conundrum, a spokeswoman revealed during Tuesday's city council meeting.
Amanda Tkacik-Shenton, co-owner of L&M Greenhouse in Fairfield Township, explained that the business had placed a down payment on a large manufactured building to erect on a parcel within Fairfield Township, where workers could reside during their employment.
The city currently offers city water and electric to the business, which is located at 43091 Columbiana-Waterford Road; however, the city discontinued allowing new utility service for non-city properties in 1991.
While annexation into the city could be a viable option, it would not solve the issue, City Manager Lance Willard explained.
"Even if they annex in, we don't allow the type of construction. It appears that these types of housing units are governed by the Ohio Revised Code 3733.42 (labor camp rules) and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-33-01," he continued. "A plan review is required, and it appears to be governed by the Ohio Department of Health."
Tkacik-Shenton had come to council in the hopes of sharing information about the business' future plans and seeking variances around the water and sewer moratoriums for extending service to non-city properties.
City officials recommended L&M contact Fairfield Township zoning inspector Bob Durbin to make sure they meet the township's zoning requirements since they are in the township.
Mayor Rick Noel also presented a proclamation to William McIntosh, who was one of the original Charter Commission members and couldn't be found for the earlier recognition during the city's Light Up Night.
In other action, council:
-- Approved a request by Crystal Siembida Boggs regarding road closures for the Just A Jog 5K Race on Saturday, Jan. 19 that will start and end at Columbiana High School.
-- Approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing the dates and times or regularly scheduled council, board and commission meetings for 2025.
-- Agreed to transfer $22,000 from the general fund, placing $7,000 in the park fund and $15,000 in the police pension fund for payment of current expenses as they may arise.
-- Reappointed Ted Souder and John Yenges to the Volunteer Firefighters' Dependents Fund Board for 2025.