Washington’s City Council set restrictions on keeping livestock, rezoned a parcel of ground, looked at the make-up of the Park Board, and passed a resolution allocating ARPA grant funds at last night’s meeting. Washington expects to receive an additional $1.4 million in federal grant money from the American Rescue Plan Act in 2022. To receive the funds, the City Council approved a resolution allocating the ARPA funds according to federal and state guidelines. The city received a similar amount in 2021.
The Council also approved an amendment to the City Code that prohibits keeping livestock inside the city limits. Current livestock owners received a waiver so they can continue to keep their current animals, however the animals must be registered. Owners waning to replace current animals must apply to the Animal Control office and meet certain requirements.
The Council also approved a request from Jason Chapman to rezone his property located at CR 150 S, 1471 East, to C-4 (Commercial/Roadside business). Chapman has sold his location in Washington and plans to relocate his business to property he owns south of Washington. The Washington Plan Commission held a public hearing on the proposal and recommended the Council approve the rezoning,
In other business, the Council heard a proposal to realign the membership of the City Park and Recreation Board by bringing the membership guidelines in line with state requirements. A final decision will be made at the next Council meeting.
The Board of Public Works & Safety met after the Council meeting. Mayor David Rhoads reported the city had attempted to secure bids to demolish a derelict house located at 12 East Hefron Street, however, no bids were received. The Board agreed to re-bid the demolition project.
In other business the Board approved a service agreement for finance software for the Utility Department. Utility Office Manager Stacey Anderson told the Board the new service would lower customer credit card fees from 3% to 2.5%.
