COLUMBIANA Council to OK ordinances to improve electric system

A zoning issue and a sewer project will be discussedApril 30.
COLUMBIANA -- City council has scheduled a special meeting for 8 a.m. April 26 to approve two ordinances for the sale of bonds for improvements to the municipal electric system.
Ordinances approving $200,000 for replacing switch gear and distribution line and transformers at the south substation, and $350,000 for installing a generator could not be approved by an emergency vote.
Five of six council members must be present to pass legislation without readings at two separate meetings as required by city ordinance. At Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Devin Witt and Councilwoman Paula Miner were absent.
Mulling a zoning change
City council has also scheduled a meeting for 7 p.m. April 30. The lawmakers will consider an ordinance to change the zoning of property on East Park Avenue in the Beverly Drive area from R-1, a designation allowing only single-family homes; to R-2, a designation that would allow duplex units and condominiums.
Council tabled the request Tuesday because members said they didn't want to vote on the controversial issue without all members being present.
Residents of the area have said they don't want the zoning changed because they don't want to open the area to apartment complexes and other multifamily units.
During the April 30 meeting, council will also conduct a work session on funding and other aspects of the sewer extension project on Beverly Drive.