Celina City Council Approves Sugar Street Improvements, Miller Woods Funding and Other Projects

CELINA, OHIO — Celina City Council approved several ordinances during its Monday, October 26 meeting, including authorization to seek bids for a major Sugar Street reconstruction project, funding for improvements at Miller Woods, changes to the city's employee health benefits administration and a donation to the Celina Police Department.

Council also received updates on plans for a new fire station, improvements at city parks and the completion of payments for the city's granular activated carbon (GAC) water treatment facility.

Sugar Street Reconstruction Project Moving Forward

Council unanimously approved legislation authorizing Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock to accept bids for the first phase of the Sugar Street improvements project.

The engineer's estimate for the first phase is approximately $3.25 million.

Mayor Jeff Hazel explained that the project will involve significant infrastructure improvements, including replacing a major water line running from the city's water treatment plant to the water tower on Summit Street.

The existing 20-inch water main will be replaced with a 12-inch line. Hazel explained that improvements to the city's water distribution system over the years have eliminated the need for the larger pipe.

The first phase, scheduled for 2027, will include reconstruction of South Sugar Street from Logan Street southward, along with water and sewer improvements.

The second phase, planned for 2028, will address the remaining portion of Sugar Street north of Logan Street.

Hazel estimated the entire 2-year project could cost between $6 million and $7 million.

Council member Thomas Sanford raised questions about the removal and replacement of trees during construction. City officials explained that property owners will be offered replacement trees when trees must be removed from the public right-of-way, although utility locations may prevent planting in the same locations.

Council member Eric Clausen also asked about maintaining access to homes during construction.

Officials said contractors generally maintain local access, although driveway access could be temporarily interrupted for 3 to 4 days during concrete curb installation.

Residents will typically receive advance notice of planned water interruptions through door hangers.

The city hopes to obtain competitive bids by beginning the process before contractors finalize their schedules for next year.

Miller Woods Project Receives $157,000 Funding Authorization

Council also unanimously approved establishing a special fund to transfer $157,000 to the Mercer County Commissioners for improvements to Miller Woods.

The approximately 15.69-acre wooded property is located near Westview Park and the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

The city previously received the property through a donation associated with the Snyder family. However, restrictions on the property limited what improvements and maintenance activities could be performed.

The Mercer County Commissioners purchased the property from the city for its appraised value of $157,000 as part of efforts to obtain funding through the Clean Ohio Fund Green Space Conservation Program.

The county has since received grant approval.

Under the arrangement discussed during Monday's meeting, the city will return the $157,000 in sale proceeds to help finance environmental restoration and recreational improvements.

The project includes removing invasive species and establishing a recreational trail connection between Westview Park and the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Council members expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to make the wooded area more accessible to residents and visitors.

Council member Joe Wolfe said the project would provide a valuable connection between the park and fairgrounds, while Clausen said the improvements should make the property more inviting for the public.

City Approves New Health Benefits Administrator

Council voted 6-0 to authorize City Auditor Brooke Shinn to negotiate an agreement with Unified Group Services to administer the city's employee health benefits program.

The company would replace Medical Mutual as the city's third-party health benefits administrator beginning in 2027.

Shinn explained that Unified Group Services would provide additional oversight of medical claims, including reviewing and auditing claims of $6,000 or more.

The city operates a self-insured health benefits program, making careful review of medical expenses important to controlling costs.

Shinn said the company could also help develop employee wellness programs intended to improve health and potentially reduce future expenses.

Council members discussed additional customer service benefits, including access to assistance with insurance claims.

The administrative costs are expected to be comparable to the current arrangement, with funding subject to the city's 2027 operating budget.

Donation Accepted for Celina Police Department

Council unanimously approved an ordinance appropriating a $1,244.11 donation from the Rod and Barb Carpenter Family Fund to the Celina Police Department.

The donation will be used for a subscription-based service intended to enhance the department's investigative capabilities.

Mayor Hazel praised Rod and Barb Carpenter for their continued generosity and support of local organizations.

He noted that the family has previously helped provide training opportunities for police officers and supported other community initiatives.

Hazel said the latest donation would give officers another investigative tool as technology continues to play a larger role in law enforcement.

Rotary Pickleball Tournament Gets Council Approval

Council also approved a lease agreement allowing the Celina Rotary Club to use a portion of Eastview Park for a pickleball tournament.

The agreement authorizes the use of park facilities for the event, which is expected to include food vendors and beer sales.

The lease calls for an annual payment of $1 plus applicable facility rental fees.

City officials clarified that there is currently no rental fee established for the park's 8 pickleball courts.

The ordinance allows the city to enter into agreements with Rotary for the tournament from year to year.

Council members expressed support for the event and praised Rotary for its contributions to community improvement projects.

New Fire Station Planning Continues

During public comments, resident Heather Schmidt asked city officials about the status of plans for a new fire station and whether information was available on the city's website.

Mayor Hazel explained that the city has been reviewing qualifications from engineering and architectural firms interested in designing the facility.

The process initially involved approximately 11 firms, which were narrowed to 4 finalists.

A committee subsequently interviewed the finalists.

Hazel said legislation to engage an engineering or architectural firm for the design phase is expected to be presented at the next council meeting.

Officials said Celina Fire Chief Brian Davis has participated in the selection process.

Additional City Updates

Mayor Hazel reported that concrete pads have been completed at 2 new shelter houses in Bryson Park. Electrical infrastructure has also been installed.

At Westview Park, all components for a new playground have arrived, and crews are preparing the site for installation.

Hazel also discussed sidewalk construction along U.S. Route 127 near the city's water treatment plant.

The city plans to revisit discussions with the Ohio Department of Transportation about potentially extending pedestrian access farther south to improve connections with the existing recreational trail system.

Officials also announced that the additional charge associated with financing the city's granular activated carbon water treatment facility has ended.

Hazel explained that the facility has been paid off and the charge, which was originally established with a provision to end once the debt was satisfied, has been removed from utility bills.

Council also advanced to a third reading legislation concerning an agreement with the Mercer County Commissioners for indigent defense services in Celina Municipal Court during 2027.

Following regular business, council entered executive session to discuss personnel matters involving possible employment, dismissal or discipline of a public employee or official, along with pending or imminent litigation.