[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6690879,"mediaKeyId","2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a","parentId",2255825,"title","Amherst Council adopts tree‑trimming, road rehab and personnel ordinances; city budget moved to second reading","audioSeconds",665,"startMs",180000,"endMs",845000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a&start=180&end=845","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a/thumbnail_180000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6690879/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Amherst-Council-adopts-treetrimming-road-rehab-and-personnel-ordinances-city-budget-moved-to-second-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690879-7e7566935f751bfdf3b52d682f30e3ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442831&Signature=PlNAQpfdADz3xtAvDhGSoAjCI4~oCma0n~nas7WZ6ac33uIqzyAruWBaInBIFCU4if9KhNIvc7C71T-sbXw2MFUcCpUlE6nEVe9sC7T~DpFHZldfXtBwNL2jW-j99tGSP42OEMAX0R5lE-W578G-jzJ7dIkdoUp92JH-wTopWbPzeV60HSXSYdLYdiaz~tL7D0YaN08ye6eUmzbrJTeT3kmr2WIaZogjm3Rxxaex-ceHcSrklXsbXKUyXfduTNtjVTuu~2U3wZhaBChWN15BqWoWRJyjE3zz-gOBbyELhnJzOYiLiC~JHBDnnCewFLLjEzFQKsEAwSmNh8~FQ8OJfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Amherst","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Amherst City Council on Feb. 10, 2025 unanimously adopted several ordinances to authorize contracting for city services and to adjust personnel terms, while moving the city’s annual appropriations ordinance to a second reading.

The council voted 7‑0 to: authorize solicitation of bids for 2025 tree trimming work at a cost not to exceed $95,000 (Ordinance O25‑01); authorize an increase in appropriations to pay Bramhall Engineering and Surveying Company for additional professional services (Ordinance O25‑02); authorize solicitation of bids and the mayor’s execution of a contract for the 2025 road rehabilitation program and to engage Ramhall Engineering and Surveying Company for professional services (Ordinance O25‑03); and adopt an ordinance establishing wage rates, benefits and other conditions of employment that converts an existing director position from part‑time to full‑time (Ordinance O25‑04). Each of those ordinances was adopted on first reading after the council suspended the three‑reading rule.

The council also addressed the city’s annual budget ordinance (read as item 6(c)), adding an emergency clause and moving that ordinance to a second reading rather than adopting it that night. The clerk read the ordinance described in the record as “to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Amherst ... during the fiscal year ending 12/31/2025.” Councilmembers stressed the need to pass the appropriations ordinance in time for March deadlines.

On the personnel item (Ordinance O25‑04), Councilmember Winarski asked whether the position would be filled by appointment or by an open posting. Councilmember Dembinski clarified that the change was to the current director’s position and that the role would be filled by appointment and represents a conversion of an existing part‑time post to full‑time rather than the creation of an additional position.

All votes on the adopted ordinances were recorded as 7 in favor, 0 opposed. The clerk assigned ordinance numbers and confirmed the adopted measures as O25‑01 through O25‑04 for the respective items.

Why it matters: the adopted ordinances authorize immediate contracting for tree trimming and road rehabilitation, appropriate funds for additional engineering work, and alter staffing for a city director post — actions that affect city maintenance, capital projects and personnel costs in 2025. The appropriations ordinance, which dictates the city’s overall 2025 spending plan, was not adopted and will return for final action at the next reading.

What’s next: The budget ordinance was carried to the second reading with an emergency clause; the record shows council direction to complete the appropriation process by March to meet timing needs.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Amherst - Regular Meeting - Feb 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Amherst City Council on Feb. 10, 2025 unanimously adopted several ordinances to authorize contracting for city services and to adjust personnel terms, while moving the city’s annual appropriations ordinance to a second reading.","taxTitle","Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",72391,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690870,"Mayor: Railroad bridge project underway; South Main Street work will cause detours and months‑long disruptions",121,1315000,1436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a&start=1315&end=1436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a/thumbnail_1315000.jpg","/articles/6690870/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Mayor-Railroad-bridge-project-underway-South-Main-Street-work-will-cause-detours-and-monthslong-disruptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690870-11908726ad86e77fed0acbe394012a54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442831&Signature=FxgOJnsirvJtm1PfBqclD48-mksHpJL56AbvgKFrskgxKvdBq6IISqe2kaFdu7qwdS69imZ2zS3k7h-Dzv6j246D7Mk9TE~sKCegOhKF9hz2K1G-A3uSskjWDYI2vCfYI9gi9kBNvXyoyCHLCCD-up96uujbFd0TOA73A7T08jDYag~t2jWbiwjjZwzYXDkgdTf9Jq0IBjpnWM2JG3eliSvZCRKNStTyHOhyegUtYDC4dHsEf5FhZWR31b1pDoKhVm~IIihWyXkExbpaxgRdtB5zoT5Y5kmfi-NECggYOCMoLVBNLscE-dMZFD9YQGBBNBxer1bf0n~CNH9d9wshuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Costello told the Amherst City Council on Feb. 10 that construction has begun on the railroad bridge project affecting South Main Street and adjacent streets, and that the work will involve utility moves, detours and a multiyear schedule.

Costello said the initial work includes utility relocations and installation of a large crane to set components, and that a new temporary track will be added as part of sequencing. The mayor said the project is expected to raise clearance by about \"8‑18 inches,\" which he said is sufficient to allow trucks to pass under the rebuilt structure.

He warned that the construction will generate traffic inconveniences through the summer and beyond, that contractors have placed a construction trailer near the tracks, and that the city’s engineers and utility staff are coordinating with the contractor and railroad. Residents with concerns were asked to contact the mayor’s office so the city can relay issues to the construction company or railroad.

Why it matters: the bridge work affects vehicle routing, downtown access and possibly local businesses while it is underway; changes to vertical clearance are intended to improve long‑term truck access under the bridge.

What’s next: The mayor said work will continue as weather permits and that the city will try to keep roads open as much as possible; no schedule for lane closures or specific detours was adopted during the council meeting.","Mayor Costello reported that construction on the railroad bridge work has begun and will include utility relocations, detours and a multi‑year schedule; the project should raise clearance roughly 8–18 inches to improve truck access.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690875,"Amherst council confirms appointment, reappointments to Design Review Board",93,877000,970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a&start=877&end=970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255825-6ee7aaa01ab18fd8dafa8c216c51481a/thumbnail_877000.jpg","/articles/6690875/Amherst/Lorain-County/Ohio/Amherst-council-confirms-appointment-reappointments-to-Design-Review-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690875-9a73c0057d90686f4da6028f93edb197/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442831&Signature=cCCE0n0sNmopiHhYofsK8xE9Z~Mpw5EXbBGPeWaSZvlmaGiAbXVNJuBBAD~TueOp7ZrJLLkq9kCKHU6cPnMFgywzpzECRlqpxEz5hBrGsm2aNKIkM7FIN3S7zfBpiSuYx~g0wYAkU5gM0fjrozbjX36h6e4vNJVSQcPwf5PhmN93sS7QNAEKcEA1t~cBVWVzp014vbCzIc6ikrTGTi~usrrVgmX-tmov6tqjKJLiER87SYw-7QIDwNE~Vh5dRuVts8fTcXYiEn-zlGCUHU3AG6eiCxjkEWuCm2-Vv~W6hez4gA-YwC-~HC7nD5gIVsxN7HvAYbLeeihR2LOB5Xl7XA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Amherst City Council on Feb. 10, 2025 accepted the council president’s appointment of Becky Harmich to the Design Review Board and confirmed mayoral reappointments of Jim York and Matt Neihorn.

Councilmember Dembinski moved to accept the appointment of Becky Harmich; the motion was seconded and the council voted 7‑0 to approve. The clerk recorded the vote as unanimous in favor. The president congratulated Harmich and thanked York and Neihorn for agreeing to serve again after the mayor’s letter of Jan. 22, 2025 recommending the reappointments pursuant to Amherst codified ordinances, chapter 13.50, section 13.50.03(a).

According to the mayor’s letter read into the record, Jim York’s and Matt Neihorn’s terms will end Jan. 31, 2028. Councilmembers noted the Design Review Board’s role in preserving downtown character and facilitating grant eligibility for historical and downtown projects.

Why it matters: The Design Review Board reviews downtown design and historic preservation issues, which can affect downtown appearance, local planning and eligibility for grant programs.

What’s next: Newly confirmed and reappointed board members will serve through the terms stated in the mayor’s letter; the council did not discuss any changes to board rules or responsibilities at this meeting.","The City Council accepted President’s appointment of Becky Harmich to the Design Review Board and approved mayoral reappointments of Jim York and Matt Neihorn, all by unanimous 7‑0 votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Amherst Council adopts tree‑trimming, road rehab and personnel ordinances; city budget moved to second reading

Mayor: Railroad bridge project underway; South Main Street work will cause detours and months‑long disruptions

Amherst council confirms appointment, reappointments to Design Review Board