LONDON, Ohio – The London City Council on Thursday approved reappointments to the Mid Ohio Water and Sewer District board and heard a failed motion to rescind $500,000 in street funding amid criticism of recent repair work.
Council voted unanimously to reappoint Tia St. and Mark Landis to the water district board for terms running March 28, 2026 through March 28, 2028. Mayor Patrick Closman described St. as a local developer and London High School graduate who has attended numerous district meetings.
Councilman Eids raised concerns about the district’s communication during a discolored water event on Feb. 2 and the lack of a resident notification system. He also flagged delays on the East Side Trunk project, noting that previously granted easements did not transfer to a new property owner, potentially requiring eminent domain proceedings.
“Had I not read the minutes myself, I would not be aware of the delay in the project and the proposed price increase,” Eids said.
Councilman Saltzman said both reappointed board members have indicated availability for April meetings, pending scheduling with district Director Tom Taylor.
The most contentious moment came when Councilman Boyd moved to rescind the $500,000 street repair appropriation approved Feb. 19. Boyd criticized the quality of work on Tolen Street, where $90,000 was spent, and Midway Street.
“I’d rather have no roads done this year than the ones we got,” Boyd said.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
Council held second readings on a resolution to appropriate $275,000 for a new dump truck for the street department, with the 2008 model to be sold at auction. The matter was referred to the public service committee.
A third reading was held on an ordinance to vacate an alley on West High Street between tracts 02992 and 00122. A public hearing is scheduled for March 19.
Council introduced resolutions to transfer $1,464.98 from a closed 2014 COPS FAST grant to the general fund and to raise the city’s capital asset threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 to reduce auditor paperwork. An ordinance updating personnel strength numbers, removing dispatcher positions now handled by the sheriff’s department and adding clerk positions, was also introduced.
Eids suggested council consider legislation to prohibit data centers, citing recent actions by West Jefferson and Urbana.
Committee meetings were scheduled for the following week.