London City Council Hears Opportunity Zone Pitch, Sanitation Bid Accepted

LONDON, Ohio — The London City Council on Thursday heard a presentation on the federal Opportunity Zone program that could steer investment to a downtown census tract, accepted a sole bid for sanitation services and advanced several ordinances, including a natural gas aggregation program that will require a public hearing.

Savannah Andrews, executive director of economic development for Madison County, told council the program, originally approved in 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and made permanent in 2025, offers capital gains tax deferments for long-term investments in designated low-income census tracts. She said London qualifies as a rural tax area under the federal designation, which could attract investors seeking rural opportunities.

Andrews requested a letter of support or resolution from council backing the designation of a downtown census tract. Council members expressed interest and said they would consider drafting a resolution. No formal vote was taken.

“Thank you, Savannah, for cluing us into London’s forthcoming opportunity,” Councilwoman Shannon said during the roundtable portion of the meeting. “That’s really exciting news.”

Mayor Clawser reported that Rumpke was the sole bidder for the city’s sanitation services contract. The bid was accepted at $20.75 per residential trash pickup for a three-year contract with two optional one-year extensions. The administration will coordinate a transition plan with the company.

The first police chief exam was conducted with three candidates, Clawser said. The next phase of testing will be coordinated with civil service.

Council left Resolution 135-26 on second reading, which would authorize advertising for bids on surplus city property including a dump truck with mechanical issues. Members requested a mechanic’s report on the truck’s condition before proceeding.

Ordinance 140-26, which would establish a governmental natural gas aggregation program with opt-out provisions, was left on first reading. The ordinance requires a ballot measure. Council scheduled a public hearing for July 2.

“I don’t think we have the luxury of time on this one,” the mayor said, noting the measure must reach the ballot by August.

Council also introduced Resolution 141-26, sponsored by Greg Eids, which would increase appropriations by $21,000 to upgrade the sound system used for council meetings. The item will go before the finance committee.

During roundtable comments, council members praised city employees for their response to recent heavy rainfall, with the mayor noting the city received between six and eight inches of rain over the past two weeks. Council also recognized London High School student athletes heading to the state track meet at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

The meeting began with an executive session. Council voted unanimously to exit the closed session and return to regular business.

Key moments

Significant

Opportunity Zone Presentation

Savannah Andrews presented on the federal Opportunity Zone program and requested a letter of support from council.

Significant Part 1 · 29:22

Sanitation Bid Announcement

Mayor Clawser announced that Rumpke was the sole bidder for sanitation services at $20.75 per residential pickup.

Significant

Police Chief Exam Update

Three candidates took the first chief's exam; next phase of testing to begin.

Contentious

Dump Truck Disposal Debate

Council questioned the condition of a dump truck with low mileage but mechanical issues; requested a mechanic's review.

Significant Manual Part 1 · 44:13

Natural Gas Aggregation Ordinance

Ordinance introduced to create a natural gas aggregation program; public hearing set for July 2.

Full analysis

Show structured analysis

Meeting Analysis

City of London City Council — 2026-06-04

Meeting Information

Title: London, Ohio City Council Meeting Videos Live Stream

Parish: City of London City Council

Date: 2026-06-04

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 969

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Opportunity Zone Presentation	Savannah Andrews, Executive Director of Economic Development for Madison County, presented on the federal Opportunity Zone program, which provides tax incentives for investment in designated low-income census tracts. She requested a letter of support or resolution from the council to support the designation of a downtown census tract as an Opportunity Zone.	Council expressed interest and discussed drafting a resolution; Andrews will provide details on the appropriate recipient.	No formal vote taken.
Sanitation Bid Acceptance	Mayor Clawser reported that Rumpke was the sole bidder for the city's sanitation services contract. The bid was accepted at $20.75 per residential trash pickup for a three-year contract with two optional years.	Bid accepted; administration will coordinate transition plan with Rumpke.	No formal vote taken; reported as accepted.
Police Chief Exam	The first chief's exam was conducted with three candidates. The next phase of testing will be coordinated with civil service.	Testing process ongoing.	No action required.
Resolution 135-26: Surplus Property Sale	Resolution authorizing advertisement for bids on surplus city property, including a dump truck with mechanical issues. Council requested a mechanic's report on the truck's condition before proceeding.	Left on second reading pending mechanic's review.	No vote; held over.
Ordinance 140-26: Natural Gas Aggregation	Ordinance to establish a governmental natural gas aggregation program with opt-out provisions, requiring a ballot measure. A public hearing was scheduled for July 2.	Left on first reading; public hearing set for July 2.	No vote; held over.

Resolution 141-26: $21,000 appropriation increase for upgrading the council meeting sound system.

Public Concerns: none noted.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Mayor's Report

Welcomed new intern Vivian Drake from MORPC.
Thanked school staff for the year; noted leadership changes at London City Schools.
Police department building interior work ongoing; expected completion end of July.
Sanitation bid opened; Rumpke sole bidder at $20.75 per pickup for three-year contract.
First chief's exam conducted with three candidates.
Enforcing property maintenance codes; contractors mowing on behalf of city.
Three council members attended sidewalk grading training.
Liam Guz resigned from Board of Zoning Appeals; seeking new member.
Listed upcoming summer events including fireworks, parade, movies in the park, and festivals.

City Manager Report

Attended Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District meeting; addressed flooding issues on East High Street and a cave-in on Windsor.
Water infiltration issues being studied; RFQ issued for study firm.
New executive director for water district expected within 30 days.

Savannah Andrews to provide information on the appropriate recipient for the Opportunity Zone resolution.
Mechanic to review the dump truck's condition for council.
Administration to coordinate transition plan with Rumpke for sanitation services.
Council to draft resolution of support for Opportunity Zone designation.
Public hearing for natural gas aggregation ordinance to be held on July 2.