By 1808Delaware
The City of Delaware’s next regular City Council meeting, set for Monday, October 14, at 7:00 PM, promises to tackle a series of ordinances and resolutions that could shape the city’s future development and infrastructure landscape. With a focus on annexation, public financing, and urban planning, the meeting’s agenda is loaded with impactful decisions for both residents and business owners. Residents can follow the live-streamed meeting under the “Events” section at delawareohio.net.
Key Ordinances Up for Final Approval
Ordinance No. 24-67: Expanding Delaware Northwest New Community Authority
Ordinance No. 24-67 is set for its third reading and, if approved, will authorize the expansion of the Delaware Northwest New Community Authority. This ordinance is a step towards bolstering the city’s New Community Authority (NCA) programs, which are instrumental in promoting community-centered developments. NCAs generally focus on enhancing infrastructure, services, and other amenities within designated areas, facilitating sustainable growth that benefits the broader community.
Ordinance No. 24-69: Creating the Rutherford Acres Tax Increment Financing District
Ordinance No. 24-69 proposes the establishment of the Rutherford Acres Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, a move designed to incentivize development within this designated area. TIF districts play a pivotal role in funding public infrastructure improvements, as they redirect a portion of property tax revenues generated from increased property values back into the area for enhancements. This ordinance specifies that service payments in lieu of taxes will go towards the Delaware City School District and the Delaware Area Career Center, ensuring these educational institutions benefit from the new district’s growth.
Under the ordinance, funds will be directed to a Municipal Public Improvement Tax Increment Equivalent Fund, which will oversee the distribution and utilization of the funds for critical infrastructure projects. This strategic investment aims to support new developments while maintaining strong educational resources and city services.
Ordinance No. 24-73: New Zoning Code for Age-Restricted Retail Sales
Also on its third reading, Ordinance No. 24-73 seeks to introduce Chapter 1157 to the city’s Planning and Zoning Code. This new chapter would focus on the regulation of age-restricted retail sales, clarifying permitted locations and operational guidelines for businesses selling products restricted by age. This ordinance reflects Delaware’s commitment to zoning that balances community growth with thoughtful regulation of age-specific commercial activities, aiming to safeguard both youth and community standards.
Annexation and Emergency Considerations
Ordinance No. 24-76: Annexation of 87 Acres for Development
Ordinance No. 24-76, on its second reading, details the proposed annexation of 87.164 acres from Delaware Township into the City of Delaware. The area in question, including 2.646 acres of Preservation Park District land, is located near Berlin Station Road and Pollack Road. If annexed, the land could pave the way for additional residential and mixed-use developments, aligning with the city’s ongoing expansion efforts to accommodate Delaware’s growing population.
Ordinance No. 24-77: Expanding Delaware South New Community Authority
In another development-focused measure, Ordinance No. 24-77 aims to further the city’s New Community Authority program by expanding the Delaware South New Community District. The ordinance calls for a public hearing to discuss the expansion’s implications and obtain community input on the project. Declared an emergency measure, the ordinance underscores the urgency of advancing this expansion to enhance Delaware’s community infrastructure efficiently and responsively.
Ordinance No. 24-79: Amending Employee Benefits and Leave Policies
Ordinance No. 24-79 is slated for consideration to amend employee benefits and leave policies within the Delaware Municipal Court and Clerk of Court offices. Declared as an emergency, this ordinance aims to update benefit structures, ensuring that court employees receive up-to-date and competitive benefits. This measure reflects Delaware’s efforts to retain skilled employees and promote an effective, motivated workforce within its municipal offices.
Infrastructure and Development Resolutions
Resolution No. 24-65: Police Recruit Training Partnership
Resolution No. 24-65 authorizes a cooperative agreement between the City of Delaware and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office to train new police recruits at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy. This collaboration would help the city streamline its police training process, leveraging local resources to enhance the skill set of Delaware’s incoming law enforcement officers.
Resolution No. 24-67: Cooperative Agreement for 2026 Resurfacing Project
Resolution No. 24-67 proposes a cooperative agreement with Delaware County to apply for funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for the 2026 pavement resurfacing project. This joint application aims to secure state capital and local transportation improvement funds for crucial resurfacing projects, enhancing Delaware’s road infrastructure to better serve its residents and businesses.
Resolution No. 24-63: Development Plan for Donovan Farms
Lastly, Resolution No. 24-63, as amended, involves a development plan for Donovan Farms, spearheaded by Maronda Homes LLC. The plan covers 76.97 acres west of S. Houk Road, intended for residential use within a One-Family Residential District with a Planned Mixed-Use Overlay. This resolution supports Delaware’s ongoing efforts to develop well-planned residential communities that align with city zoning and growth objectives.
