SUNBURY — City Council held a public hearing on May 1, where The Sunbury Land Company LLC requested to rezone a property as a Limited Industrial District on 706.2 acres owned by AEP Ohio and others. The property is south of U.S. Route 36/state Route 37 and north of Vans Valley Road. Later that evening, it was given a first reading. The ordinance was passed by council May 29.
In legislation, council approved a resolution “accepting the Sunbury Parkway Master Plan as presented by MS Consultants and directing staff to work toward implementation of the plan,” meeting minutes said.
In a special council meeting held on May 8 at the new Police Station at 32 Sedgewick Ave., members were led “through a training exercise related to traffic stops,” minutes said. “The purpose of the training was to expose participants to an array of issues that officers face when pulling a driver over for a traffic violation. Each participant was asked to participate in a simulated incident designed to mimic real life experiences of officers in Sunbury. The meeting concluded with a quick tour of the new police department building to view the status of ongoing renovations.”
The May 15 meeting began with presenting “the National Public Works Week proclamation to Dale Wampler, supervisor of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Jacob Stockmaster, Services Supervisor for their hard work and dedication to keeping our city moving.” Lt. David Potts of the BST&G Fire District also told council the new station is slated to break ground in the fall.
The Administrator’s Report given at the May 29 meeting included a letter sent to the Ohio Department of Transportation requesting safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. 36/Carter’s Corner and Domigan roads, where a new storage facility will be built cattycorner to St. John Church. This was also discussed on July 31.
Also discussed on May 29 was the opening of a new candy store on the Town Square, assisting scout Carson Wolfe in getting a merit badge, a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, and noting that “Sunbury is one of the fastest-growing areas in central Ohio.”
The June 5 meeting’s Police Report included an update on the department’s drone team and noting that Officer Morgan Laubacher was selected to represent the Sunbury PD on the Delaware Tactical Unit. It was also said that Sunbury Performing Arts will present a performance of Willy Wonka Jr.
A public hearing for the establishment of the Sunbury East New Community Authority (NCA) took place at the outset of the June 18 council meeting. It was approved on July 17. A resolution for setting services provided to 6.4 acres of land in Berlin Township if annexed to Sunbury. They also discussed the new busing map and walking zones for Big Walnut’s upcoming school year.
Newly appointed Pastor Jake Heskett of Sunbury United Methodist Church introduced himself at the July 3 meeting. There were “informal presentations regarding recently annexed Hale/Evans property (in Trenton Township) and a new building for Sure Signs,” minutes said.
In legislation, a resolution setting forth municipal services that will be provided to 60.8 acres in Berkshire Township if annexed was approved, as was an ordinance accepting a petition for annexation of 298.3 acres in Trenton Township.
A public hearing for the expansion of the Sunbury NCA to include Eagle Creek was given on July 17.
Finally, it was noted at the July 31 meeting that occupancy permits were approved for the Ravines at Meadow Ridge, “marking the first time Sunbury residents will be living west of Interstate 71.”
Sunbury City Council consists of Damin Cappel, Cindi Cooper, Molly Drayer, John Grumney, David Martin, Murray Neff, and Joseph St. John. Other staff in attendance were City Administrator Daryl Hennessy, Director of Finance Dana Steffan, Director of Law Dave Brehm, Police Chief Rob Howard, Deputy Chief Shawn Wade and Clerk of Council Amber Swain.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak photographs and reports on stories in eastern Delaware County and surrounding areas. He can be reached at 740-413-0906.
