On September 9 the Delaware County Commissioners met to discuss a packed agenda, ranging from updates on key infrastructure projects to a proclamation supporting voting rights for individuals with disabilities. With presentations from ODOT and local officials, the session highlighted the county’s continued development and the challenges faced by townships regarding annexation.
ODOT’s Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
One of the focal points of the meeting was a detailed update from Tony Turowski, Deputy Director of ODOT District 6. Tony, a local resident and graduate of Buckeye Valley, laid out a comprehensive overview of ongoing and future infrastructure projects affecting Delaware County. These projects are designed to support the growing population and improve safety throughout the region.
- Snow and Ice Readiness: Although warm weather persists, ODOT is already preparing for the winter season, ensuring that Delaware County is staffed and ready for snow and ice removal. Tony noted that events for readiness will take place later this month.
- The Point Interchange Project: Major updates are expected in the next few days. This project, located near US 36/37 and I-71, is set to undergo significant changes, including the installation of steel beams for a temporary railroad bridge. Traffic will soon be redirected to the south side of the roadway, as work shifts to rebuild the westbound lanes. The demolition of the old railroad bridge is scheduled to follow once the new rail lines are completed.
- US 36/37 Overpass and Safety Enhancements: Work continues on rebuilding the overpass carrying US 36/37 over I-71. The project is nearing completion, with the bridge deck scheduled to be poured in the next two weeks. This will be followed by resurfacing from Fourwinds Drive to Wilson Road, which should be wrapped up by the end of the year.
- Safety Projects on Galena Road: New turn lanes have been added on US 36 and Galena Road, enhancing safety in the area. Work on South Galena Road is expected to finish shortly, with final surfacing and signal installation taking place this fall.
- Roundabouts to Improve Safety: ODOT has successfully completed a roundabout at State Route 605 and Fancher Road earlier this year, and temporary lighting has been installed until permanent poles are delivered. Additionally, new roundabouts are planned for State Route 315 and Hyatts Road, with construction expected to begin next June. ODOT aims to minimize disruption by coordinating construction around the school season.
Tony also mentioned that the 23 Connect Corridor project, aimed at improving safety along the US 23 corridor, has received significant public input, with final comments due by September 16. He emphasized the importance of the project, which seeks to reduce crashes and improve traffic flow along the busy route between Waldo and Worthington.
“We’ve had nine fatalities along the corridor in the past three years,” the Director said. “This is a critical project for public safety.”
Disability Voting Rights Week Proclamation
The Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution designating September 9-13, 2024, as Disability Voting Rights Week in Delaware County. Representatives from the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD), Disability Rights Ohio, the Delaware County District Library, and the League of Women Voters were on hand to speak about the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to voting.
Courtney Hines, Outreach Advocate at the DCBDD, shared her personal story about the challenges she has faced as a voter with a developmental disability. “As a person with a developmental disability, I’ve had issues being able to vote. I think it’s important for our community to be as inclusive and accessible as possible,” Courtney said.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about voting rights for individuals with disabilities and ensuring that they are not disenfranchised. The Delaware County Board of Elections also highlighted the efforts they make to ensure accessible polling locations and assistance on Election Day, such as deploying bipartisan teams to help voters in nursing homes or those confined to their homes.
“Every election, we go out and inspect all polling locations for accessibility,” said a member of the Board of Elections team. “We check things like the width of doorways and ramps to make sure they are compliant.”
The Commissioners praised the initiative, and Commissioner Barb Lewis added, “We are committed to having fair and inclusive elections, ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to vote.”
Annexation Petition Sparks Debate
The most contentious issue on the agenda involved a petition for the expedited annexation of approximately 239 acres of land near US 42 from Concord Township and Delaware Township into the City of Delaware. The land in question includes seven parcels, with four located in Delaware Township and three in Concord Township.
Paul Brake, the City of Delaware’s new City Manager, along with legal counsel advocated for the annexation, stating that it aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and utility service area. Breyer assured the Commissioners that the city will address any potential road maintenance problems associated with State Route 42, an issue raised in Concord Township’s formal objection. The Delaware City Council is expected to adopt the necessary resolution during their meeting later that evening.
However, representatives from Concord Township voiced strong opposition to the annexation. Trustee Joe Garrett argued that the petition did not comply with state law, as the required information on road maintenance and utility services was not provided at the time of submission.
“We believe the code is very clear,” Garrett said. “The information should be provided upfront, not after the fact.”
Garrett also raised concerns about residents in annexed areas voting in township elections despite being part of the City of Delaware. He suggested that this could lead to residents voting against township services, such as fire levies, which they would no longer rely on.
Commissioners acknowledged the township’s concerns but emphasized that their decision must be based on state law, which limits their review to specific conditions.
County General Counsel Eric Hostetler noted that while the city’s provision of services, particularly fire and police, is conditional upon the extension of utility lines, the law does not require the city to provide these services unconditionally. Regarding road maintenance, Hostetler recommended delaying the decision until after the City of Delaware finalizes its agreement, ensuring it meets the statutory requirements.
Commissioner Gary Merrell suggested postponing the vote until the next meeting, scheduled for September 16 at the Delaware County Fair, allowing time for the city to adopt the necessary resolution.
Additional Resolutions
In other business, the Commissioners passed several resolutions, including:
- Confirming revised assessments for a sanitary sewer project, certifyng the assessments to the county auditor.
- Approving supplemental appropriations for the Orange Village Center Project, providing funding for maintenance services.
- Accepting roads, establishing stop conditions, and releasing maintenance bonds for multiple subdivisions in Berlin Township.
