WATERVILLE – Waterville plans to sell 110 acres of city-owned land to the highest bidder.
During the March 23 Waterville City Council meeting, Municipal Administrator Jon Gochenour explained that the city has owned two parcels of land – at 6730 Anthony Wayne Trail and 6824 Anthony Wayne Trail – for decades. The 56 acres at 6730 has street access to both the AW Trail and Choctaw Drive off Dutch Road. The 54 acres at 6824 AW Trail is landlocked between Bridgehampton and Waterville Meadows subdivisions.
Over the years, the city has considered using the property for light industrial, but after residents of those subdivisions opposed a zoning change to allow industrial, the city reconsidered.
“In our most recent comprehensive plan, that was revised to recreation and residential,” Gochenour noted, adding that any project planned for the land would require rezoning from its current A-Agricultural – a process that would involve council approval and a public hearing.
The Lucas County Auditor’s valuations of $304,250 for 6730 and $178,810 for 6824 are valued lower because of the land having an agricultural zoning designation. Gochenour said the appraisal value is at $15,000 an acre – or $1,650,000 for the two parcels.
Normally, if a government entity were to try to sell property, it might not get market value. So council held a first reading on an an ordinance to transfer the two properties to the Waterville Community Improvement Corporation (WCIC), which can then market it.
“This will allow the property to be sold at its highest market value rather than through a public bidding process which historically has not met the appraised value of the property,” Gochenour said.
The sale of the properties will net in portions going to the city and the WCIC, which invests funds back into the community, such as downtown businesses and infrastructure.
A second reading will be held on Monday, April 13 and a third and final reading on Monday, April 27.
During the meeting, council also heard about Public Works Department employee Gabe Fawcett and listened to members of the Save The Bridge Association provide an update on efforts to hold off demolition of the 118-year-old Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge.
Saluting the Flag
As a technician with the Public Works Department, one of Fawcett’s duties is to lower the flags to half-staff when ordered by the governor. On Sunday, March 15, Fawcett was alone and had finished lowering the flag in front of City Hall.
“He marched a few steps away from the pole, executed an about face, and rendered a salute before continuing on with his work. There was no ceremony, no audience and no one there to see it – just a quiet moment of respect and professionalism,” said Waterville Police Lt. Austin Gunn, who happened to look out the window at that moment.
So Gunn searched the security camera footage to capture the moment and share it with council.
Fawcett, who is a member of the Ohio Military Reserve, didn’t realize he was on camera as he thought about the three Ohio Air National Guard members killed in a March 12 crash in Iraq during Ohio Operation Epic Fury. Those members included Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons of the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus.
“It was a simple act, but a powerful one. It speaks volumes about the pride and respect that [Fawcett] has for our country and community. Moments like this often go unnoticed, but they reflect the character and values we are fortunate to have in the people who serve our city in every capacity,” Gunn said in an email to council. “Acts like this are a great reminder that professionalism and respect for tradition still run strong throughout our workforce.
Save The Bridge Association
While Mayor Tim Pedro awaits a call from Gov. Mike DeWine to see if he will grant another one-year pause on demolition of the historic Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge, members of the Save The Bridge Association (STBA) have been busy gathering support and information.
After city council members asked for more details in earlier meetings about the cost to renovate, stabilize and insure the property – which is owned by the state – Janice Braida and Dave Weber of STBA returned with some more details.
Braida said she spoke to two local insurance agents, Rex Childers and Jake McVicker, who both believe that the bridge could be insured reasonably if safety measures are put into place. Childers, a Waterville resident, plans to present more information later.
No injuries have occurred as a result of fallen debris from the bridge, but Waterville could post warning signs like those on the Wood County side, and then cordon off the bridge with 3,000 feet of high-strength rope and buoys that would “funnel” kayakers under the most stable arch, Weber said. He asked council to approve $16,000 in materials and permission to install it with volunteers or by hiring a company.
Braida has sent letters to Gov. DeWine and has support from U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo), who asked the National Park Service to expand the American Battlefield Protection Program’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants to formally include land associated with the Northwest Indian War (1785-1795). That would encompass the Roche de Boeuf limestone outcropping – on which the bridge rests – which was used by Native Americans as a meeting place.
Kaptur noted that the bridge faces demolition but could be repurposed into a pedestrian and bike bridge to link communities and preserve history, she noted. Kaptur supports a one-year pause to investigate options.
STBA has gathered 600 signatures on its online petition to save the bridge, and has installed posters around town to encourage support for their efforts. She asked each council member to voice whether they support saving the 118-year-old structure, which the Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking bids for demolition this summer.
“It’s good when we can save historic landmarks,” said Council Member Nick Sargent. “There are a lot of question marks. We need some of that tangible, concrete commitments on the insurance and fixed bid type costs.”
Todd Borowski said he supports saving the beautiful landmark, but wants to ensure its safety.
“I support the pause, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” added Council Member Scott Jahns.
Pedro said council would not move forward with a vote on the $16,000 to cordon off the area until he heard more from DeWine.
During the meeting, council also:
-Heard that the Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 28 at Conrad Park, with activities, free donuts, vendors and the Easter Bunny at 10 a.m. and timed-by-age egg hunts from 11 a.m. to noon.
-Learned that phase one of the new city website is finished, with additional refinements expected over the coming months.
-Heard that the Waterville Police will collect over-the-counter and prescription drugs as part of the National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the alley behind City Hall, 25 N. Second St.
-Asked Gochenour to contact a company installing fiberoptic lines to refrain from entering residents’ back yards without permission.
