DELPHOS — The city’s reservoir will memorialize the U.S. representative who was instrumental in assisting the city in funding the multi-million-dollar project.
Members of Delphos City Council voted Tuesday to name the upground reservoir the Delphos-Gillmor Reservoir in memory of deceased Congressman Paul Gillmor, longtime representative for Ohio’s Fifth District. He died Sept. 5, 2007, after falling in his apartment in Washington, D.C. Gillmor supported many budget amendments that netted the city about $3.1 million for the project. He was present for the ground-breaking ceremony for the reservoir and revisited the site during construction.
“I think perhaps more than any of our area congressional representatives, Paul worked to get us included in legislation to provide the community with help in building the reservoir,” City Council President Bob Ulm said. Ulm received consent from Gillmor’s widow, Karen, to use the congressman’s name on the reservoir.
Signs with the Delphos-Gillmor name will soon be installed at the reservoir.
In other action Tuesday, council members introduced an ordinance outlining the rules of conduct in and around the reservoir. The legislation includes definitions for boat use, fishing and other activities at the site. It will be read for the second time at council’s next meeting.
Council members voted down two ordinances dealing with impact fees for sewer services and water tap-in fees in the city. The new legislation was an attempt to simplify complicated computations previously used by the city. The rates established in the ordinances were significantly higher than current charges.
“The ordinances were absolute poison for economic development,” said First Ward Councilman Rick Hanser. “The issue is not dead but the rates were quite exorbitant. The Utilities Committee will sit down and look at the issue.”
Property owner Edgar Van Autreve has been ordered to demolish a structure located on his lot at North Canal Street. A structural engineer hired by the city to evaluate the building determined it to be “unsafe due to several structural deficiencies,” according to a letter sent from the city to Van Autreve dated May 9. The complete removal of the structure must begin within 10 days and be completed within 30 days. If Van Autreve fails to follow the two stipulations, he will face criminal prosecution.
In other business:
• Council passed an ordinance on third reading amending street bond fees.
• Following a 45-minute executive session called to discuss property acquisition, personnel matters and the union negotiations, council members voted unanimously to not purchase a parcel of land for $60,000 owned by Jill Brinkman located at 24810 Pohlman Road.
• Allen County Sheriff Candidate Steve Hoverman made his presentation to council during its regular meeting. Hoverman said he will use his 30 years of experience to get the department “back to the basics” and regain the community’s trust. If elected, he plans to form a committee comprised of various representatives to develop action plans.
• Councilman Mark Clement said the new baseball field at Stadium Park is expected to be ready by July 4. He added that the Stadium Club will announce development plans in June. Clement added that Parks Superintendent Craig Mansfield is monitoring the condition of a retaining wall behind the liner of the city swimming pool, which is in disrepair.
• Senior Citizens Day will be celebrated at the Senior Citizens Center May 29.
• The Kiwanis will sponsor a dedication celebrating the new playground equipment at Stadium Park at 6 p.m. May 21.
• Delphos residents are invited to participate in the Ohio Fitness Walk May 21. Participants can register at Peak Fitness between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The route starts and ends at Peak Fitness, with walkers traveling to Jefferson High School and taking a lap around the track. Anyone can walk with Mayor Mike Gallmeier at noon. The goal of the statewide program is for participants to walk 100,000 miles collectively.
• The next Ambassador’s Club Meeting is 9 a.m. June 14.