By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Canal Winchester City Council put the brakes on legislation creating a city administrator position, who would be appointed by the mayor as outlined in the city charter.
The ordinance made its way out of a work session before being tabled after its first reading at council on March 20.
Council previously approved tabling a resolution in the work session outlining the mayor’s salary with compensation based on if and when the city administrator’s position is created.
According to a draft description of the administrator’s position, the administrator is responsible for day-to-day city management, including directing and coordinating departments. They are also responsible for multiple city programs and activities in accordance with city codes, ordinances and statutory requirements.
Minimum qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field and five to seven years of relevant experience; or any combination of education, training and work experience providing the required skill sets in order to perform the job as administrator.
The city requires the administrator to be familiar with strategic business planning and operational/organizational analysis; a knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations related to city departments; personnel management; customer service; municipal budgeting and finance and familiarity of community, capital and economic development programs.
The city administrator would directly supervise the law, finance and development directors; construction services administrator; and the technology and human resources coordinators.
Other CW news
•Council also tabled changes to the pay scale for council members, including the president and vice president position for 2024. According to the resolution, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, the compensation for council is $6,790. The president would receive $7,469 and the vice president would receive $7,129.
All positions include opt in/out for single medical/hospital coverage and an option to pay for dental and vision coverage.
•Council started the legislative process approving the 2023 street program after the first reading of a $1.23 million contract with Decker Construction for work on Woodsview Drive. The engineer’s estimate was $1.29 million.
•The first of three readings was also held for a $3.7 million note/bond financing package for the municipal building, McGill Park, and participation in the Ohio Market Access Program for credit enhancement.
•Public Service Director Matt Peoples shared information with the council on plans for the second phase of McGill Park, which includes pickleball courts, additional parking, a walking path along Winchester-Lithopolis Road crossing over the bridge and tying into a future dog park. Cost for the additions is $630,000.
•An agreement was reached with Kent Power to occupy a portion of the unused east side of the municipal building. A resolution authorized the mayor to “enter a lease agreement with the Canal Winchester Industry and Commerce Corporation” who would then lease with Kent Power for a two year term.
“They primarily provide services to electric transmission companies and natural gas pipeline companies,” said Development Director Lucas Haire. “They’ve landed a number of large contracts and need to expand.”
The rent is $15 per square foot for 4,100 square feet, which is approximately $61,000 per year. The company anticipates 20 to 25 office and administrative positions at the site and is responsible for finishing out the space. The city would be left with 3,700 square feet of useable space.
•A resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a development agreement with Violet Township, Fairfield County, the Fairfield County Port Authority, Pickerington Local School District and Excel and declaring an emergency was approved by the council during their regular session.
The city was asked to become party to the agreement, contemplating a development within Violet Township. The township plans to petition for the creation of or become a part of a joint economic development district.
•Canal Winchester is also working with fellow entities to coordinate infrastructure agreements in the U.S. Route 33 and Basil-Western Road.
