Wellman

The Wellman city council denied Spencer Miller’s request to split his property after reviewing it for a second consecutive meeting.

Miller owns three homes on 313½ Avenue and wanted to sell them individually. The council previously tabled the proposal to seek input from the Planning and Zoning Commission and city attorney.

City administrator Kelly Litwiller said the proposal did not meet subdivision requirements. The home could remain on one parcel as rental properties, but Miller would need to form a condo association to sell them individually.

“The only way that he can do it is keep it all together and sell it as one big parcel with one unit, with three units on it, or he can turn them into a condo association, and then he can sell each one of those as individuals. But he has to do that.”

Water main project

After roughly six months of work, Litwiller reported that the water main project was nearly complete, although some repairs remained.

“They’re coming back to do a couple places yet,” and after a walkthrough, “we’ll get a big punch list so that way they can come back and hopefully take care of all of it.”

Additional cleanup could take place in the spring under the warranty.

Resident’s sewer charge

Jeremiah Cassman requested relief from an unusually high sewer after a garden hose was accidentally left running. He also noted that his children like to play with the hose.

Cassman said he travels frequently for work. He acknowledged the family’s responsibility but asked whether the council could reduce the charge.

Council member Aaron Fleming supported granting relief.

“This happens like once a year or so. I don’t feel like—if it got to the point where we felt like there were a whole bunch of people trying to figure out a way to get free water. Until that happens, I feel pretty good about being a town that cares and can be friendly and waive things every once in a while.”

The council waived approximately $286 in sewer charges for excess usage. Cassman remains responsible for the water bill and sewer charges based on average use.

Memorial project

Mayor Ryan Miller said landscaping delays continued at the memorial project, with more information expected the following day.

“Our landscaping got pushed back because it rained every day for a month. And now they’re on a big project that keeps getting added to, and we’re pushed back.”

The council previously discussed possible completion around Veterans Day.

Other business

Council member Angela Stutzman raised concerns about mini bikes, prompting discussion of electric scooters and e-bikes. Members discussed their visibility and use on streets and sidewalks, including the risk of collisions with vehicles.

The council also tabled a mower quote until its next meeting. Public works employee Josh VanWinkle prefers John Deere, and choosing that brand would make things easier for him because many of their existing parts are compatible.

Next meeting

The next Wellman city council meeting is scheduled for November 2 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.