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In a series of Marietta City Council committees Thursday, legislators reviewed an administrator's resignation, proposed permanent improvement projects and city responses to complaint-driven practices within zoning and blight.
Safety-Service Director Steve Wetz announced that Assistant Safety-Service Director/Human Resources Director Jeff Skinner has tendered his resignation to the mayor effective April 30.
In the Employee Relations Committee, the resignation prompted discussion concerning residency, education and experience requirements of the role.
Upon review of statutory city requirements with the state of Ohio, and signatory needs for city contracts and other administrative functions, council is expected to see legislation brought forward for consideration next week.
Donation planning was also highlighted multiple times in committees Thursday, with proposals for a placard and tree donation in memory of the late Andy Thompson, an Eagle Scout project slated for Harmar Hill at Gold Star Park and a Marietta College donor to purchase right of way along Butler Street between Fourth and Seventh streets.
Council also discussed in relation to the Marietta College section of the Butler Street Corridor additional pedestrian improvements planned in tandem with an Ohio Department of Transportation project.
In the Planning, Zoning, Annexation and Housing Committee, legislators continued discussion of fine schedules and discretion concerning blight but agreed to further review a separation of responsibilities from orders for correction and imposition of fines for noncompliance.
The committee was also briefed by the safety-service director that the continued strife surrounding 1099 Colegate Drive has increased an urgency for outside review of city zoning laws. Wetz asked council to consider authorizing publication of a request for qualifications for firms/legal counsel and request for proposals, entertaining offers from qualified firms, reviewing zoning laws with administrators and contracting to amend the city's zoning laws.
Members of the committee determined the request needed further review in committee next week.
Marietta City Council also saw the reviews of hotel-motel bed tax efforts in the city's expanded pilot program with the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Marietta Main Street and the Southeast Ohio Port Authority this week. Further review is planned in a future edition of The Marietta Times.
Janelle Patterson may be reached at jpatterson@mariettatimes.com.