Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels, left, reviews the minutes from a previous meeting Thursday. A resolution stating Vessels' personal opinions do not reflect the views of council was rejected in a 4-3 vote. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Injection wells, year-end budget actions and public safety staffing highlighted Thursday’s Marietta City Council meeting, where members advanced several appropriations and heard an update on a recent expert report outlining risks associated with a proposed Class II injection well.

Council President Susan Vessels shared new material filed in Buckeye Environmental Network’s mandamus case in the 10th District Court of Appeals involving the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the proposed American Rock Salt Class II injection wells.

Vessels said Exhibit F of the filing includes a study by hydrologist Catherine Helen Clark, who concluded that the proposed wells “pose a real threat to underground sources of drinking water, especially the water supply for the city of Marietta.” She said the study notes that “high flow rates coupled with the low permeability of the Clinton Formation” could lead to geomechanical failure that may allow injected brine to migrate beyond the injection well site.

Vessels also announced that a newly formed community group, Washington County for Safe Drinking Water, will host a public forum from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Washington State College of Ohio’s Graham Auditorium featuring nationally known speakers, including journalist Justin Noble and researchers Ted Auch and John Stolz.

Council later rejected Resolution 85, which stated that the personal views and actions of Vessels do not necessarily reflect those of individual council members or the body as a whole, on a 4-3 vote. Council members Erin O’Neill, Harley Noland, Bill Gossett and Mike Scales voted no, and Bret Allphin, Jon Grimm and Ben Rutherford voted yes.

The resolution was introduced in relation to comments Vessels made in October questioning the viability of a downtown development project.

During discussion, Gossett said he supported allowing the resolution to come forward but emphasized the importance of “forgiveness” and “restoring things” as a new council approaches.

O’Neill said Vessels should “be held accountable only to the voters and the constituents who put her in her office.”

Council approved three ordinances following motions to suspend second and third readings. Ordinance 262, to hire a temporary full-time dispatcher to cover staffing needs during an upcoming retirement and accrued leave period, passed unanimously. Ordinance 263, transferring $25,000 into the Court Capital Improvement Fund, also passed unanimously. Ordinance 264, allocating $40,000 within the general fund for planning and development contractual services, was similarly approved.

A fourth measure, Ordinance 265, to budget a $10,000 match in pursuit of a $140,000 broadband-related grant, had its second reading suspended but was not adopted. Scales, council’s Finance Committee chairman, said the additional time would allow members to receive a full briefing at Monday’s committee meeting.

“I want every member of council to understand exactly who, what, when and how on this particular item,” he said.

Scales also announced a Dec. 15 finance work session at 5:30 p.m. to review active and potential lawsuits and continue budget discussions.

Council heard several department updates from Mayor Josh Schlicher, including news that the city used significant salt supplies during the recent snowfall and expects another 400 tons to arrive soon. Leaf pickup remains ahead of last year’s pace.

Development Director Geoff Schenkel reported preparations for an upcoming update on the levee project and an initiative in partnership with GoPacks. He also noted that the Community Development Block Grant planning season is approaching, calling it an important year as the city develops both its annual action plan and five-year consolidated plan.

Fourth Ward Councilman-elect Ron Wesel addressed council, thanking voters and expressing gratitude to outgoing members. He said he aims to serve “with integrity and transparency” and emphasized collaboration as the incoming council prepares to begin its term Jan. 1.

Safety Service Director Steve Wetz said a firefighter was injured responding to a house fire on Wednesday in the 700 block of Fifth Street when struck by equipment. Another firefighter previously injured in a fall from a ladder on Tupper Street remains off duty until February.

“Keep those guys in your prayers,” he said.

Council will reconvene for its next regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Armory.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com